History of Ripon Racecourse

The first recorded horse races in the Ripon area took place in 1664 on Bondgate Green. Over the next 236 years, several other venues were used to stage race meetings. Indeed, during one meeting in 1723, Ripon race goers witnessed horse racing history, when they watched the first ever race exclusively for ‘lady riders’.

However, none of the historic venues had long lasting success and it took the opening of the current course on Boroughbridge Road to establish Ripon as a regular flat racing venue.

In 1900 Ripon Racecourse moved to its current location at Boroughbridge Road and has been an important fixture on the racing scene ever since. The very first meeting at the modern course was held on the sixth of August 1900 and since that time the racecourse has developed so well it is now regarded as the sporting flagship of this medieval market town.

Well respected within the racing industry and a favourite among Yorkshire owners, Ripon has consistently earned acclaim from racegoers. Its reputation for excellence was highlighted when it was voted ‘Best Small Racecourse in the North’ by the Racegoers Club in 2011, 2014, and 2015, and it continues to be a popular destination for racing enthusiasts.

Nestled in some of the most attractive surroundings in Yorkshire, Ripon has long been known as “Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse.” During the flat racing season, visitors can enjoy world-class facilities across numerous race days, with the 2025 calendar featuring 16 fixtures.

Ripon offers total prize money well in excess of £1 million, with a fixture list that includes some of the most exciting races of the season. August, in particular, showcases two standout events. The William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap, a six-furlong sprint named after the town’s patron saint, is renowned for its competitive fields and unpredictable outcomes. Later in the month, on August Bank Holiday Monday, the course hosts the Listed EBF Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy, attracting top juvenile talent from leading training stables.

Exclusively a flat racing venue, Ripon features a right-handed, undulating oval course measuring one mile and five furlongs. The track includes a sharp bend into the home straight, which itself stretches an impressive five furlongs, making it one of the longest straight courses in the country and offering a true test of speed and stamina.