A competitive seven-race programme at Ripon Racecourse on Thursday, 28 May, produced several impressive performances, with standout victories from Etonnante, Spioradalta and Marajito across an entertaining afternoon of flat racing.
The action began with the 2:05pm Visit attheraces.com EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes over six furlongs, where Etonnante (IRE) justified strong support with a polished display under jockey Clifford Lee. The filly travelled comfortably throughout before quickening smartly in the closing stages to secure victory in the Class 4 contest. Trained to progress through the ranks this season, Etonnante showed plenty of professionalism and pace, suggesting there could be more success ahead during the summer campaign.
The 2:35pm Book Now at ripon-races.co.uk Handicap Stakes over a mile saw Vega’s Virtue (IRE) produce a determined performance for jockey Duran Fentiman. The contest developed into a tightly fought affair in the final furlong, but Vega’s Virtue responded gamely under pressure to hold off the challengers and record a deserved success in the Class 6 handicap. The victory marked another consistent effort from the runner, who handled the Ripon track conditions effectively.
Racegoers were then treated to a competitive sprint in the 3:07pm Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Stakes over six furlongs. Simba’s Pride emerged victorious under jockey Mark Winn after showing plenty of determination late on. The gelding travelled strongly behind the leaders before being produced at the ideal moment to strike close home. The victory continued Simba’s Pride’s solid recent form and highlighted the horse’s effectiveness in sprint handicap company.
One of the feature races of the afternoon came at 3:40pm in the Ripon Cathedral Handicap Stakes over one mile, one furlong and 178 yards. Spioradalta delivered a commanding performance under Jason Hart to land the Class 3 event in style. Positioned prominently throughout, the runner displayed a strong turn of foot entering the final stages and pulled clear of rivals approaching the line. The success represented another quality performance from Spioradalta, who looked well suited by both the distance and pace of the race.
The 4:10pm Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Handicap Stakes over six furlongs saw another success for jockey Clifford Lee, who completed a double aboard Jet Warrior. Breaking well from the stalls, Jet Warrior raced prominently and maintained a strong gallop throughout the contest. The runner held off late challengers with a resilient effort to claim victory in the Class 6 sprint handicap. Lee enjoyed an excellent afternoon overall and continued his productive association with sprint performers at Ripon.
Attention then turned to the staying contest at 4:45pm, the Napoleons Casino and Restaurant Leeds Handicap Stakes over one mile and four furlongs. Something, ridden by Jack Garritty, stayed on powerfully in the closing stages to secure victory. The race developed steadily before turning into a true test of stamina in the final furlongs, where Something proved strongest of all. The performance suggested the runner remains progressive over middle-distance trips and could continue improving through the season.
The concluding race at 5:20pm, the Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap Stakes over five furlongs, provided an exciting finish to the afternoon card. Marajito, partnered by Oisin McSweeney, showed impressive early speed and held on bravely in the closing moments to take the Class 5 sprint. The victory capped an entertaining day of action and ensured racegoers left Ripon having witnessed several competitive finishes and notable performances.
Thursday’s fixture once again highlighted the popularity of flat racing at Ripon, with competitive fields and strong jockey performances contributing to an enjoyable afternoon for spectators. Clifford Lee’s double proved one of the notable achievements on the card, while Spioradalta’s stylish success in the feature handicap stood out as one of the most visually impressive performances of the meeting.
As the flat racing season continues to gather momentum, several winners from the Ripon card look capable of following up in upcoming assignments. Etonnante and Spioradalta in particular shaped like runners with further progression to come, while Marajito and Simba’s Pride demonstrated the importance of tactical speed around the sharp Ripon circuit.
The North Yorkshire venue once again provided an excellent stage for competitive racing, and Thursday’s meeting added another memorable chapter to the 2026 flat season.
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