Catterick'S meeting on Thursday provides racegoers with the last opportunity to go racing in Yorkshire before Christmas.

The seven-race programme begins at 12.15, with the feature races being the goracing.co.uk Handicap Chase over the extended three miles, one furlong and the Samaritans Silver and Gold Novices' Hurdle over two miles, three furlongs.

The latter race highlights the work of the Samaritans of Northallerton and the Dales as they embark upon one of their busiest times of the year. The winning connections will receive solid gold watches to represent the maxim that 'silence is golden' and to emphasise that the Samaritans are willing to listen to people with seemingly insurmountable problems every day of the year.

The Join The 2003 Catterick Race Club Today Handicap Chase over two miles draws attention to membership at Catterick for next year, applications for which are now being taken.

For 28 scheduled race days at Catterick in 2003, along with 12 reciprocal fixtures at other racecourses and 11 selected Yorkshire County Cricket Club matches, the cost of membership at the course is £90 (single), £165 (joint) and £175 for a member and guest (transferable), while a reserved car park label can be purchased for £35.

Catterick is also gearing up to celebrate the passing of the old year and the start of the new year with the traditional two-day meeting on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Bookings are now being taken from racegoers wishing to dine in style in the Richmond Suite on either or both days. For £41.50 per person on New Year's Eve and £46.50 per person on New Year's Day, racegoers can enjoy a three-course lunch and coffee, the use of the Richmond Suite with reserved tables, private bar, television screens, Tote betting facility, a day members' badge and complimentary racecard.

Bookings are being made via Catterick's caterers Craven Gilpin & Son on 0113 287 6387.

* Wetherby's traditional two-day Christmas meeting on Boxing Day and Friday, December 27 has been fully sponsored by Sky Bet.

With record prize money of £153,000 for the meeting, the Harrogate-based company is supporting all but two races, including the feature contests on both days - The skybet.com Castleford Chase and The skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

Meanwhile, Wetherby has been voted the best small racecourse in the North for the third successive year by the Racegoers Club.