Ripon'S traditional two-day bank holiday meeting on Monday and Tuesday is the penultimate fixture of the season at Yorkshire's garden racecourse.

Monday's programme begins at 2.20, the principal race being the £20,000 Ripon Champion Two-Year-Olds Trophy, Ripon's only listed race of the season.

Contested over six furlongs, the race should attract several speedy, precocious juveniles.

The successful owner will receive a gold challenge trophy, given to Ripon racecourse by the late Jim Joel, one of the leading owner-breeders of the last century whose colours were carried to victory in both the Derby and Grand National.

The Billy Nevett Memorial Handicap Stakes, a race for three-year-old sprinters, commemorates the former top northern jockey who rode three wartime Derby winners.

The Ripon Rowels Handicap Stakes over one mile and the Pateley Bridge Handicap Stakes, for three-year-olds over one mile and a quarter, complete the Monday highlights.

Tuesday's action starts at 2.15, with the afternoon's showcase handicap being the Tote Exacta Stakes over one mile and a quarter.

The Steve Nesbitt Challenge Trophy Nursery Handicap Stakes is a contest for two-year-olds over six furlongs, held in memory of one of the north's most popular and respected trainers, who was based at nearby Newby Hall before moving to Middleham.

Also featured on Tuesday is the Claro Conditions Stakes, while the concluding race is the Weatherbys Bank Handicap Stakes, a contest for stayers over two miles.

The opening race on Tuesday is a contest for maiden two-year-olds over five furlongs supported by regular Ripon sponsors, the Nag's Head at Pickhill.

Both of the course's playgrounds will be in use, while the West Yorkshire Fire Service Band provide the musical entertainment on Monday.