THE end of the Flat season at Ripon last month capped a record-breaking year for Yorkshire's garden racecourse.

The 2003 season was the most successful for at least ten years. Not only did the course continue to attract the top horses and jockeys in the country, but the quality of the racing also brought in record crowds.

Clerk of the course James Hutchinson said: "We have had some exceptionally good racing, and this has helped to cement our position as one of the most exciting courses in the North.

"This excitement translated into an average increase in the number of racegoers at Ripon of more than 10pc. Nearly 85,000 people experienced the thrill of racing at Ripon during the 15 days of meetings in 2003.

"The Great St Wilfrid fixture was the real highlight of the season with a record crowd and particularly good racing. We also continued to provide first rate off-track activities, including the highly popular Ladies Day in June which we look forward to continuing to develop, and Children's Day for our younger audience."