Ripon's gates swing open for a packed seven‑race programme on Silver Trophy day, with the action streamed live on Sky Sports Racing at 4:10 pm. Among the eight contenders in the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap, owners Fitri and Jim Hay have placed a strong bet on two of their horses: Seven Questions and Dyonisos. Trainer Robert Cowell lines up Seven Questions, a colt who impressed on his return to the track with a third‑place finish at Pontefract.
Cowell believes the horse will benefit from a one‑pound drop in the handicap, giving him a clear edge in the sprint. The colt’s recent form suggests he is ready to step up and hit the frame, making him a serious threat in a race that could be decided by the smallest margins. On the opposite side of the paddock, Ian Williams prepares Dyonisos, who recently ran a close second at Newmarket on his seasonal re‑appearance.
Under the steady hands of jockey Luke Morris, Dyonisos is expected to be fitter than ever and to take advantage of the same colour scheme that the market principle favors. The horse’s recent run indicates that he is improving steadily, and the reduced weight in the handicap should make him a front‑runner for the win.
Veteran jockey Amie Waugh will be aboard Vince L'Amour, a useful three‑pound claimer who finished runner‑up at Musselburgh on the previous day. If he can replicate that performance at Ripon, he could be a genuine outsider with a real chance to upset the more fancied runners. The remaining entries each bring something different to the table. Castan, who scored a win at Southwell earlier in the month, will look to repeat that form on the flat.
Dream Composer has been granted a substantial weight drop, which could see the horse become more competitive. Tiva, a proven course and distance winner, cannot be dismissed and may prove a dangerous challenger if she finds her rhythm early. In a separate contest, Stressfree and Prydwen will clash in the M.C.H.
Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap, also at Ripon. Jockey George Scott partners Prydwen, a reliable performer who has won ten times for his connections. Prydwen recently chased home Berkshire Shadow in the All‑Weather Easter Plate Marathon and, despite a two‑pound increase in his handicap, remains an attractive option for punters.
The broader racing programme continues with a host of other stories. Hollie Doyle is expected to feature Thunder Call in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, while Jamie Lynch will have five horses representing his stable in the same international showdown.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. At the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. Back at Ripon, Stressfree last ran a commendable fifth in the November Handicap at Doncaster and is now only four pounds heavier than when he won at Haydock in May, suggesting he still has plenty of stamina left.
Dancingwithmyself, after a troubled second at Musselburgh, is another contender with strong claims, although the step back to 12 furlongs may test his endurance. Prince Of The Seas, recently transferred to the care of David O'Meara from Ralph Beckett, is looking to rebound after a disappointing eighth‑place finish at Newcastle. Previously a solid performer in Class 2 handicaps, the horse could rediscover his form under new training methods.
At Doncaster, the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap features a quality field of seven, led by the progressive pair Naga and Golden Muse. John and Thady Gosden ride Naga, a filly who missed out on a win in her first four starts but broke through with a fair mark at Chelmsford before confirming her ability at Newmarket. She could add a third or fourth victory to her record in this handicap. Golden Muse is targeting a hat‑trick after wins at Wolverhampton and Southwell in March, now stepping onto the turf under jockey P.J.
McDonald. An opening mark of 80 may undervalue her, given her previous win was achieved with plenty of room to spare.
Meanwhile, Charlie Johnston’s Amora Queen, who won her first two starts before stepping up to the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile, should find this race a more suitable test. Rockin’ The Boat could also be in the mix after a promising second‑place reappearance for David Menuisier.
In a separate Doncaster event, the pair Lunar Melody and Proposal will contest the Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 5:10 pm. Keep an eye on Dream Vega, a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, who may surprise the field. Finally, at Southwell, Kenneth—related to notable horses Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel—will ride for the Gosden team in the Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes at 6:30 pm.
He will face the well‑regarded Chasing Time and Birgham Dub, promising a competitive finish to an action‑packed day of racing. All of these stories, interviews and features are available through Sky Sports Racing, ensuring fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments across the sport.