Ripon's historic track will welcome a seven‑horse field for the Silver Trophy Sprint Handicap, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 4:10 p.m. The event features two well‑known contenders, Seven Questions and Dyonisos, each backed by prominent owners and trainers, and promises an exciting contest for punters and racing fans alike.
The ownership duo of Fitri and Jim Hay have placed a strong bet on the outcome of the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap. Their interests are represented by the two horses in the spotlight: Seven Questions, trained by Robert Cowell, and Dyonisos, conditioned by Ian Williams.
Both horses have shown promising form in recent outings and are expected to be the main protagonists in a compact field of eight runners. Seven Questions arrives in Ripon after a brilliant third‑place performance at Pontefract, where he demonstrated a turn of foot that left the crowd impressed.
Cowell believes the horse is primed to improve further, especially with a modest 1‑pound reduction in his assigned handicap weight. The trainer notes that the horse’s recent run was "a cracker" and expects that the lighter weight will allow Seven Questions to hit the front end of the race and possibly secure a win.
On the other side of the paddock, Dyonisos is the leading contender in the eyes of many analysts. The horse finished runner‑up in his seasonal re‑appearance at Newmarket, a performance that highlighted his stamina and ability to handle a quick pace. Under the guidance of jockey Luke Morris, Dyonisos will carry a slightly higher weight but benefits from a recent improvement in fitness. Interestingly, Dyonisos wears the same silks as the market favourite, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the betting market.
The remaining six runners also have stories worth noting. Amie Waugh will ride the 3‑pound claimer Vince L'Amour, who has shown promise after finishing second at Musselburgh on the previous race day. Castan, who recorded a win at Southwell earlier in the month, will be looking to replicate that success at Ripon. Dream Composer has enjoyed a significant weight drop, which could make him a dark horse in the race.
Tiva, a proven winner over the same course and distance, cannot be dismissed and may provide a surprise factor. Beyond the Silver Trophy race, the card includes the M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap, a small but high‑quality contest featuring Stressfree and Prydwen. George Scott will mount Prydwen, a reliable performer who has already secured ten victories for his connections.
Prydwen recently ran a solid race chasing home Berkshire Shadow in the All‑Weather Easter Plate Marathon and looks appealing despite a modest 2‑pound increase in his handicap. In other news from the racing world, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing a dream at the Cheltenham Festival with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes showdown. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
Meanwhile, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse Aidan O'Brien contingent for the Epsom Derby, and At The Races analyst Kevin Blake has released his picks for Derby day. A sobering story also emerged as former jockey Levi Williams received a prison sentence for the manslaughter of a pensioner he assaulted outside a public house, reminding the industry of the importance of personal conduct. Returning to the Ripon card, Stressfree was last seen finishing a commendable fifth in the November Handicap at Doncaster, and his consistency makes him a viable contender despite a 4‑pound increase since his May victory at Haydock. Dancingwithmyself, who overcame interference to finish second at Musselburgh, will also be given a look, though his step back to a 12‑furlong distance raises questions about his stamina.
Prince Of The Seas, now under the stewardship of David O'Meara after a transfer from Ralph Beckett, aims to rebound from an eighth‑place finish at Newcastle. Previously a solid performer in Class 2 handicaps, the horse could find new form in his fresh training environment. Further down the program, the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap at Doncaster will feature a seven‑horse field led by Naga and Golden Muse. Naga, trained by John and Thady Gosden, failed to win in her first four starts but broke her duck at Chelmsford and followed up with a victory at Newmarket.
She could improve her record to 3‑4 in handicap company here. Golden Muse, seeking a third consecutive win after triumphs at Wolverhampton and Southwell, will switch to turf under jockey P.J. McDonald.
An opening mark of 80 may undervalue her, given her recent dominant performances. Amora Queen, a Charlie Johnston trainee, won her first two starts before being tested in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile. The step down to this handicap should suit her well.
Rockin’ The Boat, who showed improvement by finishing second on his re‑appearance for David Menuisier, is also worth monitoring. At Doncaster, the maiden fillies’ stakes at 5:10 p.m. will see Lunar Melody and Proposal contest a promising field. Dream Vega, a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, is a horse to watch in this race.
Finally, in 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 take the reins for the Gosden team. He will face strong rivals such as Chasing Time and Birgham Dub. Overall, the day at Ripon and the surrounding meetings offers a blend of established talent, emerging prospects, and intriguing storylines that should keep racing enthusiasts engaged from the first post to the final finish.