It’s all about 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 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.

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 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 £5,000 from the award-winning jeweller, Banks Lyon.

Unusual in colour and design, the diamond pendant is a stunning prize indeed, featuring a heart cut yellow diamond connected through a diamond set link to a second fancy yellow diamond. Altogether, the pendant which holds 1.09 carats of yellow diamond and 0.3 carats of white diamonds is bound to put a smile on the winning jockey's face!

Sponsors of the Lady Riders Handicap Hurdle race, Banks Lyon, said: "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 race, Saturday also features the Class 3 Handicap Hurdle race with the Cumbria Crystal Trophy, which is sponsored by William Hill and carries a race value of £25,000.

Entertainment on Saturday kicks off at 10am with the first race at 1.55pm.

If you fancy the VIP treatment, the Platinum Lounge experience is just the ticket. With an introductory price of £50, Platinum Lounge ticket holders can enjoy these exclusive VIP indulgences:

  • Paddock admission
  • Exclusive all day lounge access
  • Louis Roederer Champagne bar
  • Mixology Bro’s cocktail bar
  • DJ until 8pm
  • Garden terrace

Platinum Lounge VIP Experience is also available on Monday, July 23. Check the full range of ticket options here .

Monday is Barbecue Day at Cartmel – you can either bring your own or pre-order a BBQ meat pack in advance from Furness Fish and Game to collect on the day and enjoy before the racing starts at 2.10pm.

If cooking’s not your thing, reserve your seats at the Louis Roederer restaurant for a delicious three-course lunch a la carte plus afternoon tea, free parking and race cards. This package really is a treat at just £125 per person. Call 015395 36340 to book.

The relaxed atmosphere of Barbecue Monday also has the right ingredients to make for a perfect day out with the family. Even dogs are welcome as Cartmel is a dog-friendly venue.

With fairground rides, party tents, VIP experiences and family packages to suit everyone, the two day Cartmel race meeting is set to be the highlight of your summer calendar.

Check out the website at www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk for full details and booking. <script>var hideInlineMPU=1;</script>