Ripon hosts the opening meeting of the 2014 ‘Go Racing In Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival’ this Saturday (July 19), a seven-race programme, which is due to start at 2-00 p.m.

The Festival – which concludes at Pontefract on Sunday week – aims to showcase all that is best about racing in the county. To celebrate the opening day of the Festival, racegoers at the main entrances will be greeted by stilt walkers, while ‘Go Racing in Yorkshire’ will be hosting a new interactive ‘Racing Roadshow’ designed to entertain and engage racegoers in finding out more about the equine and human stars of the sport.

There’s also the chance to win a VIP day out at the final day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival at York next month – including a £200 bet with Sky Bet – in a special racecard competition running throughout the Festival.

  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 EBF yorkshire.com Maiden Stakes – a contest for two-year-olds over five furlongs – supported by The European Breeders’ Fund.

  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, enabling racegoers to see them at close hand.

 Prior to racing, there’s a preview of the afternoon’s racing in the winners’ enclosure and there will be paddock commentaries 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 in the Course Enclosure, along with the permanent playgrounds.

 Members of Leeds Rhinos Rugby League team will be in attendance and will present the prize to the connections of the second race winner in the winner’s enclosure.