Ripon Racecourse will host a seven‑horse field for the Silver Trophy Handicap on a bright Saturday, with live coverage beginning at 4:10 p.m. on Sky Sports Racing.
The card features two well‑known contenders, Seven Questions and Dyonisos, both backed by owners Fitri and Jim Hay, who are hoping the pair can deliver a winning performance in this competitive sprint. Robert Cowell’s mount Seven Questions arrives in good form after a impressive third‑place finish at Pontefract, where the horse displayed a turn of foot that suggested genuine class. The trainer believes the horse will benefit from a modest 1‑pound weight reduction, which should translate into a stronger finishing kick and a realistic chance of hitting the frame. Ian Williams’ Dyonisos is another strong prospect, having been runner‑up in his seasonal re‑appearance at Newmarket.
The horse is expected to be in peak condition for the Ripon contest, especially under the guidance of jockey Luke Morris. Dyonisos also carries the same silks as the market favourite, adding an extra layer of intrigue for punters. The remaining runners add depth to the field. Amie Waugh will ride the 3‑pound claimer Vince L'Amour, who showed promise when he finished second at Musselburgh on the previous race day.
Castan, who recorded a win at Southwell earlier this month, is also in the mix, as is Dream Composer, whose handicap weight has been markedly reduced, potentially giving the horse a better chance of staying on. Tiva, a proven winner over the course and distance, cannot be dismissed either.
In a separate contest, Stressfree and Prydwen will clash for the M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap, another tightly contested race that promises to test the stamina and speed of the participants. The Sky Sports Racing broadcast will also feature a series of highlights from other meetings, including a showdown between French Derby hopefuls Dolmalan and Montreal at Chantilly, and a preview of flat horses to watch in 2026. Viewers will hear updates on the 2000 Guineas, where Gstaad has been re‑added to the Newmarket field after an administrative error by Aidan O'Brien’s team, and a report on Raaheeb’s stylish Classic Trial victory at Sandown, which reinforces his Derby aspirations.
Opera Ballo’s recent triumph over Field Of Gold in a mile‑length battle will also be reviewed, alongside a feature on Dan Skelton’s pride in clinching the Jumps Trainers’ Championship. Returning to Ripon, veteran jockey George Scott will take the reins on Prydwen, a reliable performer who has secured ten wins for his connections. Prydwen recently chased home Berkshire Shadow in the All‑Weather Easter Plate Marathon and remains a strong contender despite a modest 2‑pound weight increase. Stressfree, who finished a commendable fifth in the November Handicap at Doncaster, is now carrying just four pounds more than when he won at Haydock in May, suggesting he still has plenty of fight left in him.
Dancingwithmyself, after a resilient run that saw him overcome interference to finish second at Musselburgh, will be given another look, although his drop back to 12 furlongs raises questions about his stamina at the longer distance. Prince Of The Seas, recently transferred to the care of David O'Meara from Ralph Beckett, is eager to rebound after a disappointing eighth‑place finish at Newcastle in September. The horse has previously excelled in Class 2 handicaps and could be revitalised by the new training regime. At Doncaster, the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap will feature a seven‑horse field led by the progressive pair Naga and Golden Muse.
Naga, trained by John and Thady Gosden, broke her maiden at Chelmsford after four starts without a win and followed up with a victory at Newmarket, indicating she could improve her record to 3‑4 in handicap company. Golden Muse, seeking a third consecutive win after successes at Wolverhampton and Southwell, will switch to turf under jockey P.J. McDonald; an opening rating of 80 may underestimate her true ability, given her previous win was achieved with a comfortable margin.
Amora Queen, a Charlie Johnston trainee, won her first two starts before being tested in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile; the maiden race should prove more suitable and allow her to regain confidence. Rockin’ The Boat, showing improvement with a second‑place finish on his latest re‑appearance for David Menuisier, is also worth monitoring.
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 attheraces.com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. Dream Vega, a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, is a dark horse that could surprise the field. Finally, at Southwell’s 6:30 p.m.
Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes, Kenneth—related to Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel—will represent the Gosden stable. He will face strong rivals such as Chasing Time and Birgham Dub, making for an exciting finish to an action‑packed day of racing.
Overall, the Silver Trophy day at Ripon offers a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, with each trainer and jockey eager to capitalize on the weight adjustments and course conditions. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the day promises plenty of drama, tactical battles, and the occasional upset that makes horse racing such a compelling sport.