Ripon's historic grandstand will swing open for a thrilling seven‑race card on Silver Trophy day, with live coverage beginning at 4:10 p.m. on Sky Sports Racing.
The headline attraction is the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap, where owners Fitri and Jim Hay have placed a strong bet on two of their runners – Seven Questions and Dyonisos – among a compact field of eight horses. Trainer Robert Cowell has entered Seven Questions, a colt who impressed on his return to the track at Pontefract by finishing a convincing third. The horse’s recent form suggests he will respond well to a modest 1‑pound weight reduction, giving him a clear advantage in the sprint. Cowell believes the lighter burden will allow Seven Questions to hit the front of the race and stay on strongly to the finish line.
On the opposite side of the paddock, Ian Williams’ Dyonisos is the other contender to watch. The gelding was a close runner‑up in his seasonal re‑appearance at Newmarket and is expected to be even fitter for today’s contest under the skilled hands of jockey Luke Morris. Dyonisos also happens to wear the same silks as the market leader, adding a visual cue for punters who follow the betting trends. A third hopeful, Amie Waugh, will ride the 3‑pound claimer Vince L'Amour.
Vince earned a respectable second place at Musselburgh on the final day of the previous meeting, and the trainer thinks a step up in class could see him produce a strong run at Ripon. The field also includes Castan, who secured a win at Southwell earlier in the month, and Dream Composer, whose handicap weight has dropped significantly, making him a potential surprise factor. Tiva, a proven course and distance winner, cannot be dismissed either. Her previous success over the same trip at Ripon gives her a solid platform to challenge the leading contenders.
Meanwhile, the smaller but high‑quality M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap will feature Stressfree and Prydwen, two seasoned campaigners with proven stamina. In other racing news, Ascot delivered a classic showdown as Kalpana edged out Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a race that continues to shape the season’s middle‑distance narrative. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting his contributions to the sport.
At Epsom, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑strong Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Derby, while veteran commentator Kevin Blake of At The Races offered his picks for the big day. A separate storyline involves former jockey Levi Williams, who was sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a violent altercation outside a pub – a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame. Back at Ripon, trainer George Scott will have Prydwen under saddle. Prydwen has been a reliable partner for the stable, boasting ten wins, and most recently ran a solid chase home Berkshire Shadow in the All‑Weather Easter Plate Marathon earlier this month.
Despite a 2‑pound weight increase, the horse remains a strong contender. Stressfree, another veteran, last finished a commendable fifth in the November Handicap at Doncaster. The horse now carries only four pounds more than when it won at Haydock in May, suggesting a realistic chance of returning to winning form.
Dancingwithmyself, after overcoming interference to finish second at Musselburgh on his return, is also in the mix, though the drop back to a 12‑furlong distance raises questions about his stamina. Prince Of The Seas, recently transferred to the care of David O'Meara from Ralph Beckett, aims to rebound after a disappointing eighth‑place finish at Newcastle in September.
The horse has previously shown ability in Class 2 handicaps and could be revitalised by the new training environment. Switching to Doncaster, the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap will feature a high‑quality field of seven, led by the progressive pair Naga and Golden Muse.
John and Thady Gosden will ride Naga, a filly who broke her maiden after four attempts, then capitalised on a favourable mark to win at Chelmsford and follow up with a victory at Newmarket. The team hopes she can add a third win to her record in today’s handicap.
Golden Muse is targeting a hat‑trick after victories at Wolverhampton and Southwell in March. She will switch to the turf under jockey P.J. McDonald, and an opening weight of 80 pounds may underestimate her true ability, given her previous win was achieved with a comfortable margin. Charlie Johnston’s Amora Queen, who won her first two starts before being tested in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile, is expected to find today’s contest more manageable and could be a strong placer.
Rockin’ The Boat, having shown improvement with a second‑place finish on his re‑appearance for David Menuisier, also merits attention. In the Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 5:10 p.m., Lunar Melody and Proposal will contest a promising free‑race replay on the attheraces.com platform. Among the runners, Dream Vega stands out as a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, adding a pedigree boost to her prospects.
Finally, at Southwell’s 6:30 p.m. Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes, Kenneth – related to notable horses Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel – will ride for the Gosden team.
He will face the well‑fancied Chasing Time and Birgham Dub, promising an exciting finish to an eventful day of racing. For the latest updates, interviews, and in‑depth features on the sport, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing’s website and mobile app, where you can never miss a story from the world of horse racing.