Thursday 23 July 2026: A Full Day of UK Flat Racing

There is plenty to keep punters busy this Thursday, with six UK racecourses hosting a combined total of 39 races across the afternoon and evening. The headline meeting comes from Ripon Racecourse, where a top prize of £55,000 is on offer and a Listed race tops the card. Supporting action comes from Chester, York, Market Rasen, Southwell, and a late card at Chelmsford City — though punters should note some important news regarding that fixture. Let's break it all down.

Ripon: The Headline Meeting of the Day

Without question, Ripon Racecourse is the place to be today. The North Yorkshire track hosts seven races with a top prize of £55,000, and the going is reported as Round Good to Firm, Firm in places — fast ground that will suit sharp, athletic types bred for quick conditions. First race is at 13:55.

The showpiece is THE EUROPEAN BLOODSTOCK NEWS EBF STAR STAKES (CLASS 1), a Listed race that commands the most prestige on today's card and will attract some of the better-credentialled fillies and mares in training. Form students will want to pay close attention to recent performances on similar going, as the fast surface could prove a significant factor.

Earlier on the card, THE MARTIN DENSHAM & PETER DEAL MEMORIAL BRITISH EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 3) carries GBB Race status, making it an important pointer for the future of some potentially well-bred juveniles. Handicappers should also note THE TONY LINNETT MEMORIAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4), a competitive heat where pace and draw could be decisive on the straight course. Read our full Ripon Racing Preview for selections and in-depth analysis.

Chester and York: Strong Supporting Cards

Chester

Chester Racecourse stages seven races with a top prize of £13,000, getting underway at 14:10. The going is Good to Firm, with the groundstaff watering to maintain soil moisture at 34% — a responsible move that should keep the surface safe and consistent throughout the afternoon.

The two EBF novice contests are the standouts here. THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 3) and THE DONCASTER SUPPORTS AUTISM IN RACING EBF NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 3) — the latter carrying both GBB and GBBPlus status — are exactly the type of races that can unearth a future star. Chester's unique tight, turning track places a premium on tactical racing, so horses with experience of similar tracks or a low draw could hold an edge. The SKY BET GO-RACING-IN-YORKSHIRE SUMMER FESTIVAL NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) rounds off the key races and gives two-year-olds their first crack at handicap company. Don't miss our Chester Racing Preview for the full lowdown.

York

The Knavesmire stages an evening card of seven races, with the first off at 17:04. Going is Good to Firm with soil moisture at 37, suggesting a fair surface that should ride consistently. Top prize is £10,800.

York's evening meetings are always well-attended and keenly contested, and today is no different. THE FREE DIGITAL RACECARD AT raceday-ready.com NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 4) carries GBB Race status and could feature some interesting debutants from the big yards. The two handicaps — THE FOLLOW @attheraces ON X HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) and THE DOWNLOAD THE RACEDAY READY APP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) — will attract the attention of handicap specialists looking to exploit a well-weighted runner. Visit our York Racing Preview for our best bets from the Knavesmire this evening.

Market Rasen and Southwell: Evening Opportunities

Market Rasen

Market Rasen Racecourse — better known as a jumping track — hosts a flat evening card of six races, first race at 17:55, with going Good to Firm and a top prize of £12,000. The track is anticipating similar conditions through the card, so fast-ground handlers will be at a premium.

THE PUMP TECHNOLOGY SERVICES JUNG TRAINING DAY EBF FILLIES' NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 4) carries GBB Race status and is likely to attract some nicely-bred fillies stepping out for the first time or second time. THE FOLLOW BetVictor ON INSTAGRAM NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) is the other key contest, with two-year-olds now eligible for nursery company following their handicap marks being allocated. The COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) rounds things off. Check out the Market Rasen Racing Preview for our thoughts.

Southwell

Southwell Racecourse provides an all-weather alternative with six races on the Fibresand, off at 16:53. The going is Standard, and notably the track has recently been regraded and received full decompaction — which could mean slightly different pace dynamics as the surface beds in. Top prize is £10,000.

The apprentice race — THE SKY SPORTS RACING SKY 415 APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) — is always fun to follow for fans of up-and-coming young riders. Meanwhile, two divisions of both maiden and novice contests carry GBB Race status, making them worth watching for future reference. See our Southwell Racing Preview for full previews of all six races.

Chelmsford City: Meeting Abandoned

Important notice for punters: the evening card at Chelmsford City Racecourse has been abandoned — confirmed more than 72 hours before the scheduled first race of 22:01. The six-race card, which would have included races such as THE FAIRWOOD BRASSERIE HANDICAP STAKES and THE FOR THE LOVE OF HORSES HANDICAP STAKES, will not take place. Any affected bets should be refunded automatically by bookmakers, but punters are advised to check with their individual provider. Keep an eye on our Chelmsford City Preview page for any rescheduling updates.

Summary: Today's UK Racing at a Glance

It is a busy Thursday on the flat racing calendar, with five live meetings (following the Chelmsford City abandonment) offering 33 races across the afternoon and evening. Here is a quick-reference summary:

  • Ripon — 7 races, first race 13:55, Good to Firm (Firm in places), top prize £55,000. Headline meeting.
  • Chester — 7 races, first race 14:10, Good to Firm, top prize £13,000.
  • Southwell — 6 races, first race 16:53, Standard (recently regraded), top prize £10,000.
  • York — 7 races, first race 17:04, Good to Firm, top prize £10,800.
  • Market Rasen — 6 races, first race 17:55, Good to Firm, top prize £12,000.
  • Chelmsford City — ABANDONED.

With fast ground dominating across the turf tracks, horses proven on quick conditions are the ones to side with today. The Listed Star Stakes at Ripon is the race of the day, but there is value to be found throughout the card at Chester, York, Market Rasen, and Southwell. Good luck, and remember to gamble responsibly.