A BRAND new Ripon race meeting - the first new date at the course in many years - heralds the end of another successful season.

James Hutchinson, clerk of the course at Ripon, said: "This season has been excellent, with some super weather and really good crowds reflecting the current trend towards increased numbers across the country.

"More people are becoming aware that a day at the races can be a really good family day out.

"The new fixture at the end of the month means our season is comfortably extended to make the most of the Indian summer, so we hope the final day's racing at the end of September will really finish the 2003 season off perfectly.

"Leading trainers and owners have been enquiring about the new race day, so we hope to have some excellent horses and jockeys competing for end of season honours."

The new fixture, which will now become a permanent date in the Ripon season, takes place next Saturday, September 27, with the first race at 2.30 and the last race on the action-packed card at 5.10.

l The highlight of Catterick's seven-race programme tomorrow, which starts at 2.20, is The Weatherbys Bank Handicap Stakes over a mile and a half.

Also featured on the card is The Constant Security Nursery Handicap Stakes, a contest for two-year-olds over seven furlongs, while musical entertainment is provided by the Tees Valley Jazz Men.