As the nation gears up for a week of action at Royal Ascot, Ripon Races are getting into the spirit with their very own ‘Royal Ascot of the North’ at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse.

The North Yorkshire racecourse host two-days of action including their annual Ladies’ Day on the same day as the Berkshire course.

The North Yorkshire course, otherwise known as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’ is set to host their annual two-day Ladies’ Day meeting, with an evening of racing on Wednesday 15th, before they host their Ladies’ Day on Thursday 16th June on the same day as the Berkshire course.

As well as the fantastic action on the track, the Racecourse are getting behind the England Football Team as they play Wales as part of their Euro 2016 group matches. The Racecourse have a dedicated ‘Football zone’ with a big screen showing all the action and build up from the game that kicks off at 2pm.

One of the main highlights of the days off the day is the traditional ‘Best Hat and Best Dressed Competition’, with some absolutely stunning prizes up for grabs. The lucky lady crowned ‘Ripon’s Best Dressed Lady’ will take home a cheque for £1500 and will represent Ripon at Yorkshire’s Grand Final held at Doncaster in October, where she will then have the chance to win the overall prize of a luxury spa weekend, £500 of Fashion Vouchers & Diamond Jewellery worth £2500

Exclusively for the winner of our ‘Best Hat’ competition, one lucky lady will receive a private ‘Millinery Taster Course’ for herself and 3 friends courtesy of Milliner Jenny Roberts.

Turning to the racing, Thursday’s Ladies Day’ theme is also replicated on the track, with one of the highlights of the seven-race programme being The Ladies Derby – a Handicap contest for lady amateur riders – sponsored for the 30th year by Beaumont Robinson – independent financial advisers of Shipley.

Wednesday evening meeting features six races including the ‘Sam Brown Apprentice Handicap Stakes’. This is the only race in British Racing which is only open to Apprentice Jockeys who have never ridden a winner.
James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“Ladies’ Day is such a wonderful day, the competitions are great fun and it’s wonderful to see everyone getting dressed up and in the spirit of ‘Royal Ascot’. We will also be showing the England team against Wales Euro game and hope lots of people can join us for a great fun filled day!”

Whether you want to strut your stuff at the bookies, sip champagne on the summer lawns or simply resurrect that beautiful hat and shoes combo from the wedding you went to last year, Ladies Day provides a great excuse to let your hair down and enjoy a day not to be missed.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers from the course on their social media pages, or by visiting their website.