IT'S ONE of the most popular days in Cartmel’s racing calendar and this year Barbecue Race day will be even more memorable.

To celebrate this midsummer tradition on Thursday, July 14, Cartmel is offering a special prize for the most stylish barbecue or picnic on course.

Judging will take place before the racing begins at 2.20pm as all barbecues have to be extinguished before the runners go to post, but that will still leave plenty of time for a winner to be found. Jonathan Garratt, Managing Director of the racecourse, says “The winners could be the racegoers with the snazziest chairs, the best dressed guests, the most impressive spread of food or all three.”

And this year it is easier than ever to enjoy a pre-racing feast as Cartmel has teamed up with the award-winning local producer Furness Fish & Game to make a delicious barbecue simple.

For just £20, racegoers can pre-order a barbecue pack consisting of four Aberdeen Angus rump steaks, four award-winning pork sausages, four wild venison burgers and four Thai chicken kebabs to be collected at the racecourse on race day. All they need to do is bring the barbecue!

And it’s not just the meat dishes that race fans can enjoy as the world-famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, which is sold on course as well as at the Cartmel Village Shop just yards from the racecourse entrance, is just as delicious when cooked on a barbecue!

For those wanting to embellish their outdoor dining experience, Cartmel Cheeses, available in Unsworth’s Yard in Cartmel Village, has a rapidly growing reputation with a stock that includes sheep’s cheese made on the Holker Estate.

And to finish a memorable meal, English Lakes Ice Cream has come up with a special flavour for Cartmel Races. Called ‘Gingered Up’ it is just the thing for a hot summer’s day at the races.

As for drinks there are plenty of options. Cartmel Racecourse Hurdler, a real ale brewed for the racecourse at Winster Valley Brewery, is proving popular with racing fans and its smooth taste will go down a treat with the barbecue.

Or, for the more refined taste, Louis Roederer Champagne, the house selection at Cartmel this year, is available from the new champagne bar close to the paddock.

The Furness Fish & Game Barbecue Packs can be ordered on-line, along with advance tickets at www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk, or by calling Furness Fish & Game direct on 01539 559544 or online at www.morecambebayshrimps.com.

For further information contact John Sexton on 01539 533005 or 07760 623106 or Jonathan Garratt on 01539 536340 or 07771 600114