THE focus will be on big prizes, sparkling diamonds and VIPs as Cartmel Racecourse gears up for the two-day July Barbecue Meeting – one of the highlights of the summer racing calendar.

The racing action kicks off in style this Saturday (July 21) with some fantastic racing, including two high value Class 3 Hurdle races and a total prize value of nearly £80,000 across the seven races.

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The traditionally male-dominated world of racing now boasts significant serious talent from female jockeys since the Jockey Club changed the rules and allowed women to compete in 1972.

And Cartmel is set to be the location for the most valuable female jockeys race in the country this Saturday – the Banks Lyon Jewellers Lady Riders Handicap Hurdle Race, with a total prize fund of £15,000 and a very special prize for the winner.

The prestigious 2017 Cartmel ladies race was won by Emma Sayer and Kenneth Slack trained Beeno.

This year the winning rider of the ladies race will receive a sparkling 18ct white gold yellow diamond pendant worth a cool £5,000 from award winning jeweller, Banks Lyon.

Sponsors of the Lady Riders Handicap Hurdle race, Banks Lyon commented: “Each year we thoroughly look forward to returning to Cartmel Racecourse; it gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with customers, both old and new, as well as enjoying the exciting racing.

“We’ve attended and exhibited at multiple Cartmel Race meets for a number of years, but a big highlight is presenting the Lady Riders Handicap Hurdle prize, which is now in its fourth year.

“It is a pleasure to be able to offer a pendant so unique to a deserving jockey at a racecourse that is close to our hearts and we will be trading, as ever, by the Parade Ring, with lots more beautiful jewellery and watches for all to see.”

As well as the excitement of the Banks Lyon ladies race, the Saturday of the July meeting also features the prestigious Class 3 Handicap Hurdle race with the Cumbria Crystal Trophy which is sponsored by William Hill and carries a race value of £25,000.

Visit www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk for full details and booking.