What’s coming up this season at Ripon Races

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A new year brings with it a new racing season. 

And where better to enjoy everything racing than Ripon Racecourse? From the thrill of watching the horses thunder down the track from the grandstand to sitting with a glass of bubbly listening to the entertainment on the bandstand, Ripon Races has something for everyone.

Also known as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’ thanks to its award-winning lawns and colourful flowerbeds, Ripon Races has been at its Boroughbridge Road location for over 125 years.

It prides itself on being an inclusive family venue, winning the 2024 Racecourse Association Raceday Award for its Gold Medal Family Day in August.

In the words of the RCA, this was:

Below, The Stray Ferret details more about the family days and other notable events happening at Ripon Races in 2025.

Family days

Offering free admission into all enclosures for children under 18 for all race meetings as long as they’re accompanied by an adult, the key dates for the diary are as follows:

Thursday, April 17: Easter Family Day

The Ripon Races season opener falls in line with North Yorkshire schools Easter holidays, so what better way to keep the kids entertained than a trip to the races? There will be lots of free activities for the children, including a bouncy castle, balloon modelling, face painting, glitter tattoos and fire juggling with The Fire Man Dave.

Sunday, May 18: Traditional Family Day

This is about having all the fun at the races. The entertainment includes a bouncy castle, inflatable slide, barrel train rides, balloon modelling, face painting and glitter tattoos, a National Festival Circus and a Punch ‘n’ Judy and Magic show with Professor Dan.

Monday, August 4: Teddy Bear’s Picnic

The school summer holiday is an ideal reason for a trip to the races with the kids. Bring a teddy along and take part in the Ripon Races Cutest Teddy competition with prizes to be won. There will be lots of entertainment and activities, from sand art pictures to Punch and Judy, as well as a soft toy and teddy donation station.

Monday, August 25: Bank Holiday Family Day

The biggest family day of the season, and along with free children’s activities, it boasts a listed race, the EBF Ripon Champion Two-Year Old Trophy. It’s a perfect day out for all the family; why not pack the picnic basket and the blanket and join in for a brilliant bank holiday?

Ladies Day

A key date for the diary is Ladies Day at Ripon Races, and this year it takes place on Thursday, June 19. Dress up in your finest attire for a chance to win some fantastic prizes in association with Grantley Hall, while enjoying an excellent day out.

Compete to win the ‘Best Hat’ competition and the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition. There’s also a Ladies’ Day Marquee Hospitality Package with food and a live band. Click here for more details.

Two feature summer Saturdays

Saturday, July 19

Representing everything that’s great about racing in Yorkshire, the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival celebrates Yorkshire Racing and Ripon hosts the first Saturday of the fortnight. Be quick though, as this event tends to sell out.

Saturday, August 16

The William Hill Great St Wilfrid is Ripon Races’ most valuable race day of the season, and last year had more than £200,000 of prize money on offer, including a total pot of £100,000 for its feature race, ‘The William Hill Great St Wilfrid’.

The prestigious 6f Handicap, which has been sponsored by William Hill for over 30 years, showcases some of the country’s top sprinters. In 2024, the big race was won by Dare To Hope, trained by Richard Fahey; book tickets for this year's prestigious event as again, they tend to go fast.

Evening meetings

With reduced-priced entry of just £20 for Club Enclosure and £14.50 for Paddock Enclosure, Evening Meetings provide excellent value for money, whether you want to enjoy watching the action from the Grandstands or make a more relaxed evening of it with family and friends.

The Evening Meetings take place on the following dates: Friday May 9, Wednesday June 4, Wednesday June 18, Monday July 7 and Tuesday July 29.

They're perfect for an alternative date night out, so why not book tickets?

Find out more

For a full list of racing fixtures and to purchase a season ticket, visit Ripon Races, or call 01765 530 530, email info@ripon-races.co.uk, Ripon Races, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1UG.