Ripon Races is all set for the start of its 125th anniversary season.
Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse has been preparing for the 2024 season with several new additions, including the expansion and improvement of the weighing room facilities and stable yard alterations.
Andrew Wells has also been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board, following Nigel Clark who will be stepping down after five seasons at the helm.
The new season starts at Ripon Races on Thursday (18th April).
Andrew Wells said:
“What a great honour it was to be asked to become Chairman of RRC 125 years since my Great Great Grandfather William Wells was the founding Chairman.
“It makes me immensely proud to think that I could be standing where he had stood to watch the first winner come over the finish line back in 1899, although I am not sure what he would have made of Media rights and affordability checks!
“Along with my fellow board members we will work together to maintain and develop the race company as it steers it’s way through the current challenges facing British racing.”
To celebrate the racecourse’s 125th anniversary, racegoers have the opportunity to attend two meetings for the price of one.
Anybody with a pre-booked ticket for the meeting on Saturday 27th April will be given a completely free ticket for the meeting on Friday 10th May.
Another change ahead of the new season is the new Sunday fixture on 11th August which will be ‘Family Olympics Day’ to coincide with the Olympic closing ceremony.
It will include free family entertainment and medals.
The Racecourse has also invested heavily in future-proofing with a large-scale extension to the Weighing Room and the facilities within, as well as improving wash down and veterinary facilities in the stable yard.
Managing Director James Hutchinson said:
“Work began on our Weighing Room project immediately after the end of our 2023 season and we’re delighted to have upgraded it but without losing the character of the original Weighing Room, which was constructed in the 1930’s. A lot has changed in racing since then!
“The upgrades we’ve made are intended to bring facilities up to date and future-proof the racecourse for years to come and we’re already looking at additional projects for the next close season, when we intend to make improvements to the stable staff hostel.”
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