Ripon declines Premier meeting status for Great St Wilfrid day and claim 'it wasn't clear there was a real benefit'

Ripon declines Premier meeting status for track's richest day and claims 'it wasn't clear there was a real benefit'

Summerghand: caught the eye in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap

This Saturday's William Hill Great St Wilfrid card is not a Premier fixture Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ripon chief executive James Hutchinson has no regrets about not joining the fixture revolution as he prepares to stage one of the biggest days of the year that is not a Premier meeting.

Implementing British racing's industry strategy meant a two-year trial of a revised fixture list, showcasing designated Premier meetings which offer a minimum of £250,000 in prize-money on the Flat.

However, when Ripon stages the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap on Saturday, its richest card of the season will be worth £215,000 – and Hutchinson does not see the value of making up the shortfall to earn official branding.

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David CarrReporter

Published on 11 August 2024inBritain

Last updated 16:34, 11 August 2024

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