Ripon hosts the opening meeting of the 2015 ‘Go Racing In Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival’ this Saturday (July 18), a seven-race programme, which is due to start at 2-10 p.m. The Festival – which concludes at Pontefract on Sunday week – aims to showcase all that is best about racing in the county.

A new edition for the festival this year is a stable visit to trainer Richard Guests yard at Ingmanthorpe near Wetherby on Tuesday 21st July. Visitors will be able to see horses on the gallops, visit Richard’s Grand National winning horse Red Marauder along with various demonstrations, followed by a Q & A session. For more information please see the Go Racing In Yorkshire website.

The afternoon’s principal race is The Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap Stakes, a £25,000 contest over one mile and a half, while also featured are The Sky Bet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Festival Handicap Stakes (one mile and a quarter) and The VW Van Centre (West Yorkshire) Handicap Stakes over one mile, along with The Sailun Tyres EBF Maiden Stakes – a contest for two-year-olds over five furlongs – supported by The European Breeders’ Fund & Sailun Tyres, part of Bond International.

The opening race on Saturday is The Dobson Gaskets Selling Stakes over six furlongs, while other highlights are The Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Handicap Stakes (one mile and a half) and The Go Racing in Yorkshire Maiden Handicap Stakes – a contest for sprinters over six furlongs.

Former racehorses now under the care of ‘New Beginnings’, a community interest company – based in Yorkshire – will be in attendance with former Cheltenham Festival winner Mister McGoldrick and will be fundraising on the day and throughout the festival.

Prior to racing, there’s a preview of the afternoon’s racing in the winners’ enclosure and there will be paddock commentaries by former Derby winning jockey Kevin Darley and the SkyBET team before each race. Musical entertainment on Saturday is provided by The Ripon City Band, while Ripon’s permanent giant screen will enable racegoers to see even more of the action. There are bouncy castles and inflatable rides for the children (weather permitting) in the Course Enclosure, along with the Ripon’s two permanent playgrounds.