On a warm evening the favourites failed to oblige and punters had their fingers burnt with both Rayvin Mad and Alsadeek flopping at odds-on.

Clerk of the Course James Hutchinson expected more than the 3,300 racegoers but will continue to back the concept of concerts after racing.

Local band Mid Life Crisis will play after Wednesday, June 4’s evening card while Madness tribute band Badness are also lined up for Ladies Day on Thursday, June 19.

Hutchinson is convinced the concerts should prove a crowd puller, stating they give “added value” to the admission fee.

“Everyone that was there seemed to have a good time and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves,” said Hutchinson.

“From my point of view the numbers that were there, particularly in view of the good weather were less than we thought there would be and that was disappointing but it’s something to build on for the future and we will continue in trying to promote having these concerts.

“It gives added value after racing.”

Ripon now race this coming Sunday, first race 2.10pm, and Hutchinson has fingers crossed for a glorious day weather wise.

“Hopefully the weather stays dry for us and it warms back up a bit as it’s cooled off a bit,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it and the better the weather the better the turnout. We also have some good entries and it looks like being a decent card.”

For more racing see Lee Sobot’s At The Post column on page 26.