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Ripon racegoers warned of delays as 10,000 expected at Great St Wilfrid meeting

Friday, 14 August 2026 07:28

Thousands are expected to flock to Ripon Racecourse this weekend.

Racegoers heading to Ripon Racecourse this weekend are being advised to allow extra time for their journey due to traffic restrictions on Boroughbridge Road.

Hewick Bridge on the B6265 is currently reduced to a single lane with temporary traffic lights following a recent collision.

The restrictions come ahead of Ripon's biggest race meeting of the year on Saturday (15th August), when an estimated 10,000 people are expected to head to the racecourse on Boroughbridge Road.

Organisers have warned that the volume of traffic could lead to delays around Hewick Bridge and are urging visitors to plan ahead and allow additional travelling time.

The William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap is the feature race of the day, with total prize money of £100,000 and £51,540 going to the winner.

The six-furlong race is sponsored by William Hill for the 33rd consecutive year, with 15 runners declared for this year's contest.

Around 10,000 racegoers attended last year's meeting, with organisers anticipating a similar crowd this weekend.

Rachel Simpson, from Ripon Races, said:

“We had 10,000 racegoers through our gates for last year’s St Wilfrid Handicap meeting and, with the weather forecast looking good, we’re anticipating a similar attendance on Saturday.”

The meeting will also receive national coverage, with ITV Racing broadcasting live from Ripon and featuring the Great St Wilfrid.

Gates open at 11am, with the first race at 1.45pm and the final race at 5.05pm.

Further information is available at https://ripon-races.co.uk/

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