Summer Send-Off at Sandown Park with Family Festival Friday
It will be no ordinary Friday at Sandown Park Racecourse. The final Friday of August is set to sparkle with colour, laughter, and racing drama as the venue stages its popular Family Festival Friday on August 29, 2025 — a lively summer send-off that promises thrills on the track and joy off it.
The Shetland ponies will lead the way at 1:15 pm in the Killik & Co Shetland Grand National, a much-loved curtain raiser that always leaves young and old cheering. For many in the stands, the chance to meet the Shetland stars afterwards is as exciting as the races themselves. Trainers crouching to give their pint-sized jockeys a congratulatory hug, parents rushing to capture the moment on phones — these are the little scenes that give the afternoon its charm.
Racing and revelry hand-in-hand
The first thoroughbred race, the Woburn Partners Nursery Handicap Stakes, is scheduled for 2:15 pm and will cover 5 furlongs and 10 yards, offering a quick, energetic sprint for the young contenders. Shortly after, at 2:45 pm, the Killik & Co Handicap Stakes will follow over the same 5 furlongs and 10 yards, keeping the pace lively.
At 3:15 pm, the Chasemore Farm EBF Maiden Stakes will stretch the runners over seven furlongs, demanding a touch more stamina and strategy. The Hwfa Williams – Founder of Sandown Park Handicap Stakes will then take to the track at 3:50 pm, covering a testing distance of one mile.
The penultimate race, the Franc James Ties Fillies’ Handicap Stakes, is set for 4:25 pm and will also run over one mile, highlighting the day’s developing fillies. Finally, the National Racehorse Week Handicap Stakes will close the card at 4:58 pm, challenging the runners over 1 mile, 1 furlong, and 209 yards for an exciting finale.
Family Festival Friday beyond the rails
But Sandown Park’s Family Festival Friday is about far more than form books and furlongs. A whirl of carnival rides, face painters and carnival games ensures children are as entertained as their parents. There’s even a petting zoo, teaching gentler lessons of empathy and care amid the noise of the fairground.
Paddington himself will make an appearance for a meet-and-greet at the Picnic Enclosure, while music, a bubble party, and a jockey masterclass give the day the feel of a genuine summer festival. Ice cream stalls and sweet stands provide the perfect respite from the heat of late August, with queues forming as readily for cones as they do for photo opportunities.
One last summer party at Sandown
As the gates open at 12:30 pm, Sandown will transform into a carnival of racing and family entertainment. The races may crown their winners, but it’s the laughter of children, the nods of approval from seasoned racegoers, and the sense of community that will linger.
Family Festival Friday at Sandown Park is designed as one last summer party, blending the speed of thoroughbreds with the simple joy of face paint, ponies, and Paddington.
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