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RIPON is renowned as one of the prettiest and friendliest racecourses in the country – and there’s a chance to sample its unique atmosphere completely FREE this Friday.
Free Friday is back at “Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse” with no charge for entry into the Paddock and Course Enclosures for the evening meeting on May 12.
You don’t get much for free these days but Ripon sees Free Friday as the ideal opportunity to showcase why Ripon was voted “Best Small Racecourse in Northern England” for the past two years by the Racegoers Club.
Erin Boswell, marketing manager for the Ripon Race Company Ltd, said: “Free Friday attracted nearly 6,000 racegoers last year so we want to build on that success.”
It might seem too good to be true but there’s sense in Ripon’s madness because many first-time racegoers returned to the track for future meetings after enjoying the experience.
And, whether you are a seasoned racegoer or someone who’s never been to the races before, Ripon has lots to offer, not just on Free Friday but right through the season.
The meeting after Free Friday is Traditional Family Day on Sunday, May 21, with the first race at 2pm, and free entertainment for children, including The National Festival Circus, Punch & Judy, and traditional fairground rides.
It's amazing to think that it all began with the first recorded horse races in the Ripon area taking place in 1664 on Bondgate Green. Several other venues were used to stage meetings before racing began at the current location in Boroughbridge Road in 1900.
I’ve been going to Ripon Races for nearly 50 years and, in my opinion, the course has never looked better, with its magnificent floral displays always making it a pleasure to visit.
Another big plus is the fact that the course design ensures racegoers are close to the action, which adds to the excitement of seeing a dramatic photo-finish.
My wife and I did it in style recently by booking a table in The Club Dining Room, pictured below, and having a lovely meal before racing. The restaurant, which overlooks the paddock, has recently been awarded an exclusive Visit England Excellence Award as part of the Racecourse Association Quality Assessment Scheme. It was the only restaurant out of 60 racecourses in England and Wales to achieve 90 per cent or higher under the “Quality Café/Restaurant” category.
Food, ambience and service all score highly so, if you fancy a real treat, give it a try.
Whether you fancy eating in an award-winning restaurant or having an al fresco picnic in the Course Enclosure, you can’t beat Free Friday at Ripon as a way of experiencing the thrills of horse racing.
All you have to do is turn up on the night. Gates open at 4pm, the first race is at 6pm, and the feature race is the SIS Celebrating 30 Years in Horseracing Handicap Stakes. And don't worry if you're too late for the first race - with live music from a Madness tribute band from 9pm, there's plenty of entertainment to look forward to.
So, why not enjoy a fantastic family evening out at Yorkshire's beautiful Garden Racecourse – completely free. You’re guaranteed to be on a winner before the action even starts!
To find out more about Ripon Racecourse, including fixtures and hospitality packages, click here
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