Ripon's grandstands swing open for a day of seven contests on the Silver Trophy card, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 4:10 p.m. The spotlight falls on owners Fitri and Jim Hay, whose entries Seven Questions and Dyonisos are among an eight‑horse field in the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap. Trainer Robert Cowell has placed his hopes on Seven Questions, a colt who impressed on his return to action at Pontefract by finishing a strong third. The horse is set to benefit from a one‑pound drop in the handicap, a factor that could bring him right back into contention for the win.
Cowell believes the lighter weight, combined with the horse’s proven turn of foot, will make Seven Questions a serious threat. Across the paddock, Ian Williams’ Dyonisos heads the betting market after a runner‑up performance in his seasonal re‑appearance at Newmarket.
Under the guidance of jockey Luke Morris, the six‑year‑old should be in peak condition for the Ripon sprint. Dyonisos also carries the same silks as the market favourite, a detail that adds a touch of intrigue for punters.
A further contender, Amie Waugh, will ride the three‑pound claimer Vince L’Amour. The horse has shown promise, having taken second place at Musselburgh on the previous race day. If he can replicate that form, the weight concession could see him finish strongly. The remaining runners each bring something different to the mix.
Castan, who scored a win at Southwell earlier in the month, will look to add another victory to his record. Dream Composer has enjoyed a substantial weight drop, making him a possible surprise factor.
Tiva, a proven course‑and‑distance winner, cannot be dismissed either. In a separate contest, Stressfree and Prydwen will clash in the M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap, another tightly contested race at Ripon. George Scott saddles Prydwen, a reliable performer who has already notched ten wins for his connections.
Prydwen ran a solid chase of Berkshire Shadow in the All‑Weather Easter Plate Marathon earlier this month and will carry just two pounds more than when he won at Haydock in May, suggesting he remains well‑placed. Meanwhile, Sky Sports Racing’s broader schedule includes a French Derby showdown at Chantilly featuring Dolmalan and Montreal, a 2000 Guineas update where Gstaad re‑enters the Newmarket picture after an administrative slip by Aidan O’Brien, and several Sandown highlights: Raaheeb’s classic‑trial triumph, Opera Ballo’s victory over Field Of Gold in a mile clash, and Dan Skelton’s emotional reaction to clinching the jumps trainers’ championship. Back at Ripon, Stressfree last ran a commendable fifth in the November Handicap at Doncaster and now carries just four pounds more than when he captured the Haydock win in May, indicating he is still in good form.
Dancingwithmyself, after being hampered in a second‑place finish at Musselburgh, will be given another look despite concerns about the step back to 12 furlongs. Prince Of The Seas, recently transferred from Ralph Beckett to David O’Meara, is seeking redemption after a lackluster eighth‑place finish at Newcastle in September. The horse has previously thrived in Class 2 handicaps and could be revitalised under his new trainer’s care. Over at Doncaster, the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap will feature a strong front‑run pair in Naga and Golden Muse.
John and Thady Gosden have guided Naga, who broke her maiden after four unplaced starts and then secured a win at Chelmsford before repeating the feat at Newmarket. The filly now aims to improve her handicap record to three wins from four starts. Golden Muse is targeting a hat‑trick after victories at Wolverhampton and Southwell in March, and she will take to the turf under jockey P.J. McDonald.
An opening rating of 80 may understate her ability, as she won her previous race with plenty of room to spare. Amora Queen, trained by Charlie Johnston, impressed on her first two starts before being tested in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile.
The step down to this handicap should suit her well, offering a realistic chance of adding another win to her résumé. Rockin’ The Boat also looks promising after a second‑place finish on re‑appearance for David Menuisier, suggesting the horse is improving and could be a factor in the finish. The Doncaster program continues with a maiden fillies’ race at 5:10 p.m., where Lunar Melody and Proposal will contest the Free Race Replays On at theraces.com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. Among the outsiders, Dream Vega—sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper—deserves a look.
Finally, at Southwell’s 6:30 p.m. Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes, jockey Kenneth (related to Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel) will ride for the Gosden team. He will face well‑fancied rivals Chasing Time and Birgham Dub in what promises to be an exciting finish. All of these stories, interviews, and in‑depth features are available through Sky Sports Racing, ensuring fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments across the racing calendar.