THE curtain comes down on Ripon's 2004 season tomorrow, when racing is scheduled to start at 1.50.

Highlights include The sportingoptions.co.uk Commission Cutters Handicap Stakes, a £20,000-added sprint contest over six furlongs, and The Weatherbys Bank Nursery Handicap Stakes, a race for two-year-olds over the minimum five furlongs.

Juveniles are also catered for in two newly-sponsored races - The Homesale Network Novice Stakes over six furlongs and The Ark De Triumph Fillies' Maiden Auction Stakes over five furlongs.

Going into the final meeting, the battle to be Ripon's top trainer and jockey in 2004 looks like going down to the wire.

Both competitions are sponsored by Glenfiddich Whisky, with the trainers' category led by current champion Tim Easterby with 55 points, closely pursued by Richard Whitaker (54), James Bethell (50), Mick Channon, Barry Hills and Kevin Ryan (49) and Mark Johnston (48).

Tony Culhane (93) leads the way for the jockeys' prize, ahead of Robert Winston (77), Philip Robinson (68), Kevin Darley (63), Joe Fanning (61), Paul Hanagan and Seb Sanders (both 60).

The Ripon City Band will provide the musical entertainment from the racecourse bandstand.

Looking forward to next year, Ripon's 15-day 2005 season begins on Thursday, April 14.