Ripon is a flat-type racecourse located in the cathedral town by the same name in the County of North Yorkshire, North East England. It is owned by the Ripon Race Company and races are televised on At The Races
History
Racing in the Ripon regionhas been alive since the 16th Century, but the first recorded meet was recorded in 1664 at the Bondgate Green. There was a historic racing moment in 1723, when the first ever competition exclusive to female riders was staged.
The course shifted to its present Boroughbridge Road location in 1900, where the first race took place on 6th August. The course has undergone tremendous improvement since then, and currently boasts being the area’s sporting flagship. It has won several accolades in its time, most recent being the Racegoers’ Club ‘Best Small Racecourse in Northern England’ in 2016.
The course
The course is right-handed oval, undulating over a length of 1-mile five furlongs. The turns in most parts of the course are fair, allowing racehorses to hit top speeds. The section just before the home stretch however has one sharp bend that calls for an agile turn. The home straight of five furlongs is arguably on the list of the longer ones.
The course is highly rated for family activity, and picked as an ideal place for the budding racegoer.
Road is the best means to access Ripon. The nearest train station is Harrogate and Thirsk, 11 miles away.
Races
The course hosts roughly 17 race days in a calendar year, all flat. The six-furlong William Hill Handicap is a major attraction for participants. This makes for a tough and closely contested race which is many times not easy to call. The competition has seen it draw large numbers of viewers over time. August’s Bank Holiday Monday races are also very popular family events, with the EBF Champion two-year-old Trophy listed race of particular interest.