Ripon host the opening meeting of the 2016 ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival’ this Saturday 16TH July, as Yorkshire gears up for the biggest event of the summer.

The Festival now in its 9th year – which aims to showcase the best of what Yorkshire racing has to offer, concludes at Pontefract on Sunday week, with a day’s racing at each of the Yorkshire Racecourses omitting Wetherby who are currently undertaking building renovations.

With the schools now broken up for the summer, what better way to celebrate and join in the festivities with a family day at the races. With adult entry from just £6 and FREE entry for all accompanied under 18’s, why not pack the picnic and the whole family together for a great summers day out.

‘Festival Freddie’ the Go Racing in Yorkshire mascot will be making an appearance and available for photos with the children from when the gates open at 11.30am. Local artist Darren Bird will also be on course, making a start on his unique piece of art depicting all nine Yorkshire Racecourses, the piece will then be auctioned at the ‘Leger Legends Dinner’ at Doncaster in September.

James Hutchinson, Managing Director and Clerk of the Course said:

“The festival is one of our highlights and busiest days of the season. It’s great that all the Yorkshire courses unite once a year to showcase what Yorkshire has to offer and we are very proud to get the festivities started here at Ripon ”

Emma White, General Manager of Go Racing in Yorkshire said:

“The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival is set to be the best yet. Apart from 8 days of top class racing each course has different spectacular entertainment to offer. And we always kick off in style at Ripon; the atmosphere is always electric at the garden course with a fabulous festival feel!”

Racing at Ripon on Saturday features a seven race card worth a whopping £75,000 in prize money, with the principal race ‘The Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap Stakes’ a contest over a mile and a half offering £25,000 in prize money. The day also features The F.B. Taylor 50th Anniversary Cup, celebrating 50 years in business for the Ripon based cable contractors. The late Barry Taylor, founder of F.B. Taylor was a regular Ripon racegoer and annual badgeholder at the Yorkshire course for many years.

Musical entertainment on Saturday is provided by The Otley Brass band, while Ripon’s permanent giant screen will enable racegoers to see even more of the action along with their extra screen located in their Paddock BBQ area. There are bouncy castles and inflatable rides for the children (weather permitting) in the Course Enclosure, along with the Ripon’s two permanent playgrounds.

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.