SKY BET EBOR FESTIVAL
MEDIA PACK 2026
1
2
Thank you for your support of York Racecourse. Please contact Maiti Stirling, our Media Liaison Officer with any queries before or during the Festival. Her mobile is 07714 017919 email: maiti.stirling@yorkracecourse.co.uk
3
CONTENTS PAGE
1) The Races Sky Bet Ebor Festival race programme
5
Going, weather and all that jazz
7
Sky Bet City of York
8
A global connection
10
Previous winners
11
Race Fact Files
18
2) Equine Welfare
34
3) The main Fair is good, what about the sideshows... Grantley Hall Ebor Fashion Lawn
38
Sergeant Cecil
39
Sky Bet Ebor Stalls Draw
39
Sky Bet Ebor Jockey “Walk in”
39
Dropping in on the Festival
39
Hitting the right notes
39
Can I take a selfie?
39
Sound Garden
39
The Opening Show - LIVE
39
Joe Fanning
40
Her Majesty The Queen
41
4) Charity and Community Activity Ebor Community Sweepstake
42
Macmillan Charity Raceday
42
Racing Welfare
42
Local Community Partners
43
Goldream – our Equine Ambassador
43
5) Green Knavesmire 300 – our Environmental strategy
45
6) Bustardthorpe Development
48
7) Food and drink
50
8) York Racecourse A word about value
52
As an organisation
54
Timeline
56
York management team
57 4
SKY BET EBOR FESTIVAL RACE PROGRAMME
Please click here (link to Order of Runnings) or see below, for the full race programme for the Sky Bet Ebor Festival. Prize Money (£m) 2016
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Change 2016-2026
%
Ebor Festival
4.10
6.00
6.40
6.80
7.17
7.47
3.37
82
Season
7.08
10.00
10.75
11.20
12.00
12.47
5.39
76
All data and betting related media rights, including from World Pool, are reinvested into prize money. For details of the annual accounts for y/e October 2025, it is quickest to simply look on the Companies House website for York Racecourse Knavesmire LLP, by using a search engine. All 17 of York’s afternoon meetings will offer at least £235,000 in reward to connections (our only evening offered £195,000 for 6 races).
During the Sky Bet Ebor Festival York stages: • A 28 race programme worth £7.47m, being
c£305,000 more than the previous record, set just last year.
£250,000; the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (for colts and geldings) and the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (for fillies).
• The Group 1 Juddmonte International at
• The richest juvenile Group 3 in Britain, the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes at £165,000. Run once again with no entry restrictions and as part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series.
£1.5m will be the richest race ever staged at York. The race has been supported by Juddmonte for over four decades and has been the Longines World’s Best Race on three occasions in the last dozen year (2014, 2020 and 2024). This race is part of the High Quality Horse Group’s British Summer Elite Races Scheme and kindly supported by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (alongside the July Cup, King George and Sussex Stakes).
• The richest flat handicap in Britain, the Sky Bet Ebor worth £500,000.
• The joint richest juvenile Listed Race in
Britain at £100,000; The Julia Graves Roses Stakes.
• The richest nursery handicaps in Britain
with two £100,000 races at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival; Sky Bet Nursery Handicap and Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery Handicap.
• Every race worth at least £100,000. • The newest Group 1 race in Great Britain, the £600,000 Sky Bet City of York Stakes, it’s second running at this level.
• The richest maiden race in Britain with the
• The Group One Legends Global Yorkshire
£100,00 British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes.
Oaks and Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, both regularly the highest rated contests of their type in Europe offering £600,000.
• Celebrating the late Harry Beeby, the Goffs Harry’s Half Million Sales Race will offer at least £500,000, as well as the use of a two- stall Theault horsebox for 6 months to the trainer.
• A new sponsor to racing are Legends Global
who will back the Group One Yorkshire Oaks. They are the world’s leading premium experience company and deliver the high-quality food & drink offerings on the Knavesmire. The sponsorship marks the signing of a further extension of the partnership that already stretches some forty years, since Anthony Gilpin founded the Yorkshire- based business that is now part of the wider Legends Global family.
• Every race at York offers a Best Turned Out prize, at least £100.
• The Stableside experience was given the highest ranking of all UK racecourses in a 2025 audit by the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS). Little wonder given that the complimentary food includes steaks, homemade cakes, ice -cream and what we call a “pack up” for the journey home!
• The richest juvenile Group 2’s in Britain at 5
RACE PROGRAMME ORDER OF RUNNING Wednesday 19th August TV1 or RTV
Race Time
Race Title
Class
Age
Safety factor
Prize Money
Distance
ITV1 and RTV
1.50pm
Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Stakes – Heritage Handicap
Heritage H’cap
3+
22
£135,000
Five & a half furlongs
ITV1 and RTV
2.25pm Tattersalls Acomb Stakes – Group 3
Group 3
2
22
£175,000 Seven furlongs
ITV1 and RTV
3.00pm Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes – Group 2 Group 2
3c&g
17
£250,000 One & a half miles
ITV1 and RTV
3.35pm Juddmonte International Stakes – Group 1 Group 1
3+
17
£1,500,000
ITV1 and RTV
4.10pm
Heritage H’cap
3+
Sky Bet Stayers Stakes – Heritage Handicap
One & a quarter miles
17
£100,000 Two miles
Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Stakes – Racing TV 4.45pm Fillies Heritage Handicap (0-105)
Heritage 3+f&m H’cap
22
£100,000 Five furlongs
Racing TV 5.20pm Sky Bet Nursery Handicap
Heritage H’cap
22
£100,000 Six furlongs
2
The richest ever raceday staged at York
£2,360,000
Thursday 20th August TV1 or RTV
Race Time
Class
Age
Safety factor
ITV1 and RTV ITV1 and RTV
1.50pm Sky Bet Lowther Stakes
Group 2
2f
22
£250,000 Six furlongs
2.25pm Harry’s Half Million by Goffs
Class 2
2
22
£500,000 Six furlongs
ITV1 and RTV
3.00pm
Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 in 7 Grand Finale– Handicap
Heritage H'cap
3+
20
£150,000 One mile
ITV1 and RTV
3.35pm
Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks – Group 1
ITV1 and RTV
British EBF and Sir Henry Cecil 4.10pm Galtres Stakes
Group 1
3+f&m
17
£600,000 One & a half miles
Race Title
Prize Money
Distance
Listed
3+f&m
17
£100,000 One & a half miles
Mews Hotel Ossett ebfstallions Nursery Racing TV 4.45pm Handicap
Heritage H’cap
2
22
£100,000 Seven furlongs
British EBF Fillies' Stakes – Handicap Racing TV 5.20pm (0-100)
Heritage 3+f&m H'cap
22
£100,000 Seven furlongs £1,800,000
6
Friday 21st August TV1 or RTV
Race Time
Class
Age
Safety factor
ITV1 and RTV
1.50pm Sky Bet Mile Stakes – Handicap (0-105)
Heritage H’cap
3
20
£100,000 One & a half miles
ITV1 and RTV
2.25pm Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup – Group 2
Group 2
3+
17
£250,000 Two miles
ITV1 and RTV
Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai 3.00pm Gimcrack Stakes
Group 2
2c&g
22
£250,000 Six furlongs
ITV1 and RTV
Coolmore City of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes 3.35pm – Group 1
Group 1
2+
22
£600,000 Five furlongs
ITV1 and RTV
Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies 4.10pm Stakes – Handicap (0-105)
Heritage 3+f&m H’cap
20
£120,000
Class 2
2
22
£100,000 Seven furlongs
Heritage H’cap
3+
20
£100,000 One mile
Racing TV 4.45pm
Race Title
British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes
Racing TV 5.20pm Sky Bet EBF Fillies – Handicap (0-100)
Prize Money
Distance
One & a quarter miles
£1,520,000
Saturday 22rd August TV1 or RTV
Race Time
Race Title
Class
Age
Safety factor
Prize Money
Distance
ITV1 and RTV
1.50pm Sky Bet Strensall Stakes
Group 3
3+
17
One mile & £175,000 one furlong
ITV1 and RTV
Sky Bet Melrose Stakes – Handicap 2.25pm (0-105)
Heritage H’cap
3
22
£180,000
ITV1 and RTV
3.00pm Sky Bet City of York Stakes
Group 1
3+
20
£600,000 Seven furlongs
ITV1 and RTV
3.35pm Sky Bet Ebor – Heritage Handicap
Heritage H’cap
4+
22
£500,000
ITV1 and RTV
4.10pm
Heritage H’cap
3+
20
£135,000 Six furlongs
Racing TV 4.45pm Julia Graves Roses Stakes
Listed
2
20
£100,000 Five furlongs
Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Stakes Racing TV 5.20pm Handicap (0-105)
Heritage H’cap
3+
22
£100,000
Sky Bet Constantine Stakes – Handicap (0-110)
One & three quarter miles
One & three quarter miles
One & a quarter miles
£1,790,000 TOTAL EBOR FESTIVAL
£7,478,150
Going, weather and all that jazz Latest updates on the going, including a full map, link to the weather station at the furlong pole, link to the local Met Office forecast, as well as stalls and rail alignment updates, can be found by following @yorkclerk or found at: yorkracecourse.co.uk/going 7
SKY BET CITY OF YORK: THE JOURNEY TO BRITAIN’S NEWEST GROUP ONE The Opportunity: • In 2012, Britain had no Group One opportunity over the specialist distance of seven furlongs. • Then still a Listed race,The BHA and York Racecourse agreed that the City of York was a race that had the potential to fill that gap.
The Rationale: • The late August timing was the perfect window: • established 6f & mile races give connections an understanding of “where they are at” • sufficient time before the existing 7f Group One Prix de la Foret on 5th October that horses may run in both The flat and galloping nature of the track at York is recognisced as a fair • test of a thoroughbred. • York Race Committee were keen to invest in the race programme with the logical step being a fourth Group One, to offer one per day of the Ebor Festival. • Long term sponsors, Sky Bet, shared the vision to invest in the racing. • Forming part of an established “festival” race programme offered the benefits of prominence in the mind of Trainers and the presence of the racing media.
The Strategy: • Discussions with the British Horseracing Authority and Flat Pattern Committee determined that this option was the right one for British Racing, so would have their support in submissions to the European Pattern Committee. • In professional sport investment in prize money draws the best talent, investment at even higher rate than industry minimum values: • 2014: Listed: £100k, compared to the £37k minimum value • 2016: Group 3: £150k, x2.5 the minimum value of £60k • 2022: Group 2: £400k, 344% higher than the £90k minimum value 600
City of York
Prize Monday £000s
500 400 300 Minimum Value 200 100 0
2013
2014
2016
2018
2019
2022
2024
2025
• Continuing investment in facilities for Group One horses and leading connections: • 2015: New pre parade ring and saddling boxes • 2016: New Weighing Room and new Owners arrival building • 2020: Upgraded stable staff accommodation • 2022: Further investment in irrigation & drainage systems • 2025: Retained ROA Gold Standard
The Result: • January 2025: The European Pattern Committee agree to the upgrade of the race to become a Group One for August 2025. • August 2025: Never So Brave leads home a classy field with the race ranking at 116.75 ensuring its inaugural running joined the Longines Top 100 races globally in 2025. 8
SKY BET CITY OF YORK:
THE NEWEST GROUP 1 IN GREAT BRITAIN 1978
First run: Spence Bay wins under Lester Piggott taking home the bulk of the £1,500 prize
1990
Enharmonic wins a £25,000 Listed contest carrying the Royal silks worn by Steve Cauthen
2012
Gordon Lord Byron wins what was still a Listed contest albeit worth £50,000, aged 10
2016
Becomes a Group 3 offering £150,000 pot, Nemoralia wins with Jamie Spencer
2018
Expert Eye wins en route to Breeders Cup Mile glory
2018
Moves to Ebor Saturday, under Sky Bet support
2019
Elevated to Group 2, Shine So Bright under James Doyle takes now £225,000 prize
2021
Space Blues wins in the blue of Godolphin, heading onwards to Del Mar for Breeders Cup Mile glory
Nemoralia
Expert Eye
2023
Frankie Dettori wins for the 6th time (Kinross), his first victory was in 1994 on Cragganmore
2025
First running as a Group One, now with Never So Brave the inuagural victor
Shine So Birght
Kinross
Never So Brave
RECENT RESULTS 2021
Space Blues
Highfield Princess
Glorious Journey
Sir Busker
2022
Kinross
Pogo
Sandrino
Art Power
2023
Kinross
Audience
Sandrino
Isaac Shelby
2024
Breege
Vafortino
Shouldvebeenaring
Audience
2025
Never So Brave
Lake Forest
Maranoa Charlie
Rosallion
9
A GLOBAL CONNECTION The Group One Juddmonte International, is international by name and nature A $5,000,000 bonus if the winner also takes the G1 Japan Cup in Tokyo on 29th November (with $2m for 2nd & $1.25m for 3rd). A guaranteed berth with entry fees paid, including $40k travel expenses, in the $7m G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, Kentucky, on Saturday 31st October, being the only European race offering this benefit.
The Group One Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks, has a global network including A generous bonus if the winner also takes the G1 Queen Elizabeth II in Japan on 15 November (with further bonus prizes for finishing 2nd or 3rd). A guaranteed berth with entry fees paid, plus $40k in travel expenses in the $2m G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland, Kentucky, on Saturday 31st October.
The Group One Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe speeds around the world A guaranteed berth with entry fees paid and $40k travel expenses in the $1m G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland, Kentucky, on Saturday 31st October. The fastest horse of the week will receive a guaranteed place in the stalls for the Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday 13 September. It will also be the only horse eligible to win the new Golden Horseshoe Challenge, securing a unique perpetual trophy that celebrates a sprinter who won a Group One on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The Sky Bet Ebor The only British race to offer a Ballot Exemption in c£5.2m Lexus Melbourne Cup, at Flemington on Tuesday 3 November.
The Group Three Tattersalls Acomb Stakes A guaranteed berth with entry fees paid, plus $30k travel expenses in the $1m G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, over a mile, at Keeneland, Kentucky on Friday 30 October.
The Group 3 Sky Bet Strensall connects to the Gulf A guaranteed berth, with entry fees paid, in the $1.5 newly G1 Bahrain International Trophy, on Friday 13 November
The Group 2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur A guaranteed berth,with entry fees paid, in the G2 Dubai City of Gold, run on Saturday 27 February 2027, and air travel courtesy of Dubai Racing Club.
For more details of the international races see - The Breeder’s Cup https://breederscup.com - The Japan Cup https://japanracing.jp/en/japancup/ - The Lexus Melbourne Cup https://www.vrc.com.au/racing/lexus-melbourne-cup-golden-ticket-entry/ - The Dubai City Of Gold https://dubairacingclub.com/ - The Bahrain Trophy https://bahrainturfclub.com/racing/bahrain-international-trophy
10
A DECADE OF IMPRESSIVE WINNERS The Tattersalls Acomb Stakes
Gewan - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going G/F
2025
Gewan
Andrew Balding
P J McDonald
11/2
7 ran
1m 25.57s
2024
The Lion In Winter
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
2/1
11 ran
1m 21.58s
G/F
2023
Indian Run
Eve Johnson Houghton
Daniel Tudhope
17/2
6 ran
1m 24.13s
G/F
2022
Chaldean
Andrew Balding
Ryan Moore
7/2
9 ran
1m 25.95s
S
2021
Royal Patronage
Mark Johnston
Jason Hart
25/1
5 ran
1m 23.56s
G
2019
Valdermoro
Richard Fahey
Tony Hamilton
9/2
9 ran
1m 24.09s
G
2018
Phoenix Of Spain
Charlie Hills
Jamie Spencer
9/2
8 ran
1m 24.19s
G/F
2017
Wells Farrh Go
Tim Easterby
David Allan
10/1
11 ran
1m 26.32s
G/S
2016
Syphax
Kevin Ryan
Jamie Spencer
16/1
7 ran
1m 23.46s
G/F
2015
Recorder
William Haggas
Frankie Dettori
4/1J
10 ran
1m 24.20s
G/S
The Juddmonte International Stakes
Ombudsman - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Ombudsman
John & Thady Gosden
William Buick
7/4F
6 ran
2m 7.90s
G/F
2024
City Of Troy
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
5/4F
13 ran
2m 4.32s
G/F
2023
Mostahdaf
John & Thady Gosden
Frankie Dettori
3/1
4 ran
2m 6.40s
G/F G
2022
Baaeed
William Haggas
Jim Crowley
2/5F
6 ran
2m 9.30s
2021
Mishriff
John & Thady Gosden
David Egan
9/4F
7 ran
2m 5.92s
G
2020
Ghaiyyath
Charlie Appleby
William Buick
11/8F
5 ran
2m 7.38s
G
2019
Japan
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
5/1
9 ran
2m 7.77s
G
2018
Roaring Lion
John Gosden
Oisin Murphy
3/1
8 ran
2m 7.70s
G/F
2017
Ulysses
Sir Michael Stoute
Jim Crowley
4/1
7 ran
2m 12.11s
G/S
2016
Postponed
Roger Varian
Andrea Atzeni
15/8F
12 ran
2m 6.58s
G/F
11
The Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes
Pride of Arras - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
2025
Pride of Arras
2024
Los Angeles
2023
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
Ralph Beckett
Rossa Ryan
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
12/1
7 ran
2m 30.15s
G/F
5/4F
5 ran
2m 27.80s
Continuous
Aidan O’Brien
G/F
Ryan Moore
4/1
5 ran
2m 27.45s
2022
Deauville Legend
G/F
James Ferguson
Daniel Muscutt
5/2F
6 ran
2m 32.63s
2021
G
Yibir
Charlie Appleby
James Doyle
6/1
8 ran
2m 28.27s
G
2020
Pyledriver
William Muir
Martin Dwyer
10/1
8 ran
2m 30.57s
G
2019
Logician
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
10/11F
5 ran
2m 27.91s
G
2018
Old Persian
Charlie Appleby
James Doyle
7/1
9 ran
2m 28.34s
G/F
2017
Cracksman
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
4/6F
6 ran
2m 34.65s
G/S
2016
Idaho
Aidan O’Brien
Seamie Heffernan
5/6F
6 ran
2m 29.41s
G/F
The Sky Bet Lowther Stakes
Royal Fixation - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Royal Fixation
Ed Walker
Trainer
William Buick
5/2J
11 ran
1m 11.27s
G/F
2024
Celandine
Ed Walker
Tom Marquand
13/1
9 ran
1m 10.77s
G/F
2023
Relief Rally
William Haggas
Tom Marquand
2/1F
8 ran
1m 10.89s
G/F
2022
Swingalong
Karl Burke
Clifford Lee
25/1
13 ran
1m 10.80s
G/F
2021
Zain Claudette
Ismail Mohammed
Ray Dawson
6/1
10 ran
1m 10.46s
G
2020
Miss Amulet
Ken Condon
James Doyle
15/2
14 ran
1m 10.71s
G/S
2019
Living In The Past
Karl Burke
Daniel Tudhope
12/1
10 ran
1m 10.74s
G
2018
Fairyland
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
6/4F
9 ran
1m 11.23s
G/F
2017
Threading
Mark Johnston
James Doyle
9/2
9 ran
1m 12.48s
G/S
2016
Queen Kindly
Richard Fahey
Jamie Spencer
9/2
8 ran
1m 9.84s
G/F
12
The Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks
Minnie Hauk - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Minnie Hauk
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
8/15F
4 ran
2m 26.67s
G/F
2024
Content
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
3/1
8 ran
2m 28.75s
G/F
2023
Warm Heart
Aidan O’Brien
James Doyle
9/1
10 ran
2m 25.86s
G/F
2022
Alpinista
Sir Mark Prescott
Luke Morris
7/4F
7 ran
2m 29.92s
G/F
2021
Snowfall
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
8/15F
7 ran
2m 26.64s
G
2020
Love
Aidan O’Brien
Ryan Moore
4/9F
6 ran
2m 31.31s
G
2019
Enbihaar
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
1/4F
4 ran
2m 29.90s
G
2018
Sea Of Class
William Haggas
James Doyle
7/4F
8 ran
2m 30.44s
G/F
2017
Enable
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
1/4F
6 ran
2m 35.79s
G/S
2016
Seventh Heaven
Aidan O’Brien
Colm O'Donoghue
100/30
12 ran
2m 28.50s
G/F
The Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup
Trawlerman - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
2025
Trawlerman
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
John & Thady Gosden
William Buick
5/6F
6 ran
3m 29.04s
G/F
2024
Vauban
W P Mullins
William Buick
11/2
9 ran
3m 28.54s
G
2023
Coltrane
Andrew Balding
Oisin Murphy
11/2
7 ran
3m 27.92s
G/F
2022
Quickthorn
Hughie Morrison
Tom Marquand
9/4
6 ran
3m 28.20s
G/S
2021
Stradivarius
John & Thady Gosden
Frankie Dettori
4/6F
4 ran
3m 30.87s
G/F G
2020
Enbihaar
John Gosden
Jim Crowley
15/8F
7 ran
3m 33.57s
2019
Stradivarius
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
4/9F
4 ran
3m 27.06s
G/F
2018
Stradivarius
John Gosden
Frankie Dettori
4/11F
9 ran
3m 29.69s
G/F
2017
Montaly
Andrew Balding
P J McDonald
16/1
9 ran
3m 31.06s
G
2016
Quest For More
Roger Charlton
George Baker
9/2
7 ran
3m 32.57s
G/F
13
The AI Basti Equiworld, Dubai Gimcrack Stakes
Lifeplan - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Lifeplan
Declan Carroll
Zak Wheatley
13/2
8 ran
1m 9.79s
G/F
2024
Cool Hoof Luke
Andrew Balding
Oisin Murphy
8/1
10 ran
1m 10.78s
G
2023
Lake Forest
William Haggas
Tom Marquand
16/1
10 ran
1m 9.91s
G/F
2022
Noble Style
Charlie Appleby
William Buick
3/1
12 ran
1m 10.51s
G
2021
Lusail
Richard Hannon
Pat Dobbs
7/2
11 ran
1m 10.13s
G/F
2020
Minzaal
Owen Burrows
Jim Crowley
5/2F
9 ran
1m 11.21s
G
2019
Threat
Richard Hannon
Oisin Murphy
11/10F
12 ran
1m 9.62s
G/F
2018
Emaraaty Ana
Kevin Ryan
Frankie Dettori
5/1
9 ran
1m 10.79s
G/F
2017
Sands Of Mali
Richard Fahey
Paul Hanagan
14/1
10 ran
1m 11.16s
G
2016
Blue Point
Charlie Appleby
William Buick
11/8F
10 ran
1m 9.00s
G
The Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe
Asfoora - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Asfoora
Henry Dwyer
Oisin Murphy
11/1
17 ran
57.38s
G/F
2024
Bradsell
Archie Watson
Hollie Doyle
3/1
12 ran
57.34s
G/F
2023
Live In The Dream
Adam West
Sean Kirrane
28/1
16 ran
56.87s
G/F
2022
Highfield Princess
John Quinn
Jason Hart
5/1
13 ran
57.18s
G/F
2021
Winter Power
Tim Easterby
Silvestre De Sousa
9/1
14 ran
56.72s
G/F
2020
Battaash
Charles Hills
Jim Crowley
1/2F
8 ran
57.38s
G
2019
Battaash
Charles Hills
Jim Crowley
7/4
11 ran
55.90s
G/F
2018
Alpha Delphini
Bryan Smart
Graham Lee
40/1
15 ran
57.18s
G/F
2017
Marsha
Sir Mark Prescott Bt
Luke Morris
8/1
11 ran
57.97s
G/S
2016
Mecca's Angel
Michael Dods
Paul Mulrennan
9/2
19 ran
56.24s
G
14
SP
The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes
King Of Cities - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Trainer
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
King Of Cities
Richard Hannon
Sean Levey
11/1
8 ran
1m 49.73s
G/F
2024
See The Fire
Andrew Balding
Oisin Murphy
3/1F
9 ran
1m 49.56s
G/F
2023
Spirit Dancer
Richard Fahey
Oisin Orr
06-Jan
6 ran
1m 49.31s
G/F
2022
Alflaila
Owen Burrows
Jim Crowley
03-Jan
7 ran
1m 48.02s
G/F
2021
Real World
Saeed Bin Suroor
Marco Ghiani
Evens
7 ran
1m 47.66s
G
2020
Certain Lad
Mick Channon
Hollie Doyle
10-Jan
9 ran
1m 52.39s
G/S
2019
Zaaki
Sir Michael Stoute
Ryan Moore
07-Feb
6 ran
1m 48.68s
G/F
2018
Lord Glitters
David O'Meara
Daniel Tudhope
2/1F
8 ran
1m 48.03s
G/F
2017
Mustashry
Sir Michael Stoute
Jim Crowley
5/2F
7 ran
1m 47.85s
G
2016
Scottish
Charlie Appleby
William Buick
05-Jan
10 ran
1m 46.61s
G
The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes
Never So Brave - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Never So Brave
Andrew Balding
Trainer
Oisin Murphy
7/2
10 ran
1m 22.93s
G/F
2024
Breege
John & Sean Quinn
Colin Keane
33/1
6 ran
1m 24.09s
G/F
2023
Kinross
Ralph Beckett
Frankie Dettori
9/4F
11 ran
1m 22.57s
G/F
2022
Kinross
Ralph Beckett
Frankie Dettori
5/1
9 ran
1m 22.97s
G/F
2021
Space Blues
Charlie Appleby
William Buick
11/8F
9 ran
1m 22.60s
G
2020
Safe Voyage
John Quinn
Jason Hart
4/1
8 ran
1m 25.47s
G/S
2019
Shine So Bright
Andrew Balding
James Doyle
6/1
9 ran
1m 21.00s
G/F
2018
Expert Eye
Sir Michael Stoute
Frankie Dettori
EvsF
9 ran
1m 23.10s
G/F
2017
Talaayeb
Owen Burrows
Chris Hayes
9/1
18 ran
1m 24.08s
G
2016
Nemoralia
Jeremy Noseda
Jamie Spencer
15/8F
10 ran
1m 22.86s
G
15
The Sky Bet Ebor
Ethical Diamond - Winner Of Last Year’s Race Previous Winners - Last Ten Runnings Year
Winner
Jockey
SP
Runners
Time
Going
2025
Ethical Diamond
W P Mullins
Trainer
William Buick
5/1F
22 ran
2m 59.16s
G/F
2024
Magical Zoe
Henry de Bromhead
W J Lee
11/2F
20 ran
2m 58.21s
G/F
2023
Absurde
Willie Mullins
Frankie Dettori
7/1
22 ran
2m 56.41s
G/F
2022
Traawerman
John & Thady Gosden
Frankie Dettori
9/1
20 ran
3m 42.24s
G/F
2021
Sonnyboyliston
Johnny Murtagh
Ben Coen
10/1
20 ran
2m 56.10s
G
2020
Fujaira Prince
Roger Varian
Andrea Atzeni
11/2F
21 ran
3m 4.22s
S
2019
Mustajeer
Ger Lyons
Colin Keane
16/1
22 ran
2m 52.97s
G/F
2018
Muntahaa
John Gosden
Jim Crowley
11/1
20 ran
2m 53.48s
G/F
2017
Nakeeta
Iain Jardine
Callum Rodriguez
12/1
19 ran
2m 56.54s
G
2016
Heartbreak City
A J Martin
Adam McNamara
15/1
20 ran
2m 56.13s
G
Blue Frog Bedding
Living North Top Jockey
2026 Current Standing* Andrew Balding 7 William Haggas 5 Richard & Peter Fahey 4
2026 Current Standing* Buick William 6 Ryan Rossa 4 Doyle James 4 McDonald P J 4
2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Top Trainer
John & Thady Gosden 5
William Haggas Andrew Balding Richard Fahey Karl Burke Tim Easterby David O’Meara John Gosden Richard Fahey William Haggas Richard Fahey
16
Tom Marquand Oisin Murphy William Buick Daniel Tudhope Tom Marquand Daniel Tudhope Daniel Tudhope Oisin Murphy Daniel Tudhope Andrea Atzeni
* Standings correct before the start of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival 2026, daily updates in the racecard.
17
RACE FACT FILES WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST
Distance The Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes
One mile and four furlongs (2,400 metres)
FACT FILE:
Prize money £250,000
WHERE DOES WHY IS IT AN THE RACE NAME IMPORTANT COME FROM? RACE?
Voltigeur was a famous Yorkshire-trained It has long been the premier trial Classic winner who carried the colours of the for the final Classic of the year Earl of Zetland, to victory in both the Derby and in five decades or more, the at Epsom and the St Leger in 1850. The Flying road to The Betfred St Leger fame Dutchman had also landed the Derby-St Leger has often started here on the double the previous year. The so called “Great Knavesmire. Continuous became Match” between the pair was held at York the the latest winner to achieve glory following spring, over two miles with £1,000 on Doncaster’s Town Moor, he side stakes (a sum equivalent to £700,000 became the 15th Great Voltigeur in today’s shops) and the Knavesmire winner to do just that. was packed to bursting to see the Flying Dutchman win the money. Yet, in one of those quirks of history the battling Voltigeur won the hearts on the day and he is now remembered The Jack Jarvis-trained Castle Rock with this race, the 550 seat restaurant at York won the inaugural race in 1950 when as well as being the horse featured in our logo. ridden by Bill Rickaby.
FIRST WINNER?
ANY OTHER SUCCESSES?
In 2009 Mastery finished runner-up to Monitor Closely but reversed the placings in the Betfred St Leger. Three year’s later Encke could only finish third here, but he broke the hearts of the racing public when he defeated the Triple Crown-seeking Camelot at Doncaster. It was a similar story in 2018 as the York third, Kew Gardens, turned the tables on Old Persian in the season’s final classic.
GLORY DOWN UNDER The Charlie Appleby-trained Cross Counter was second in this back in 2018. Some ten weeks and 10,500 miles later and the colt carried the Godolphin colours to triumph in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. So becoming the first British-trained winner of the race that stops a nation. 2022 winner, Deauville Legend, started as favourite at Flemington, however could not emulate the feat.
A ROYAL HICCUP...
Alleged is arguably the best Sky Bet Great Voltigeur winner not to go on to score at Doncaster. Trained by Vincent O’Brien, he went to Doncaster unbeaten in five starts and was sent off a red hot favourite, but he was beaten by Dunfermline – owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and ridden by Willie Carson. That was Alleged’s only defeat and he later took his revenge in the Arc in Paris, a prize he also won the following year.
OTHER CLASSIC HEROES?
Before Logician and Continuous’s success, Premonition won the new York race in 1953, and became the first to go on to triumph in the Betfred St Leger. He was trained by Cecil Boyd-Rochfort and ridden by Harry Carr and they did it again five years later with Alcide. St Paddy, Hethersett, Ragusa and Indiana all did the double in a five year period during the 1960s, while Athens Wood and Bustino added to the score in the following decade. The mighty Reference Point took the Betfred Derby as well as these two races in his fantastic career. 18 Rule of Law carried the Godolphin blue to double victory in 2004 and Lucarno was another to do the double in 2007.
LEADING TRAINERS?
Sir Michael Stoute
Paddy Prendergast saddled five winners in the early years of the race, while the late Sir Henry Cecil was successful on four occasions. These totals have been surpassed by the recently retired Sir Michael Stoute - who won it seven times in his career including with Telescope in 2013. John Gosden also has a terrific record in the race, winning five of the last seventeen renewals, including that of 2019. Aidan O’Brien, made it three wins in the past 11 years, with Los Angeles. He joined the likes of Continuous and Idaho, who did the business in 2016.
LEADING RIDER? On an afternoon when racegoers can once again take a selfie with the statue of the “Long Fellow”, it is worth noting that Lester Piggott won the race on no less than nine occasions, while Frankie Dettori bowed out of British racing on seven victories. Of the current crop, Ryan Moore leads the way with three winners.
Lester Piggott
HOW DO WHO LOCAL ARE THE SPONSORS? TRAINERS Sky Bet is the UK’s most popular online bookmaker. We’ve been making betting better for years and we’re home of First Race Specials and the Soccer Saturday Price Boost. We’re hugely passionate about sport which is why we sponsor the English Football League and have recently extended their partnership with York Racecourse which includes the sponsorship of thirteen races this week; including the Sky Bet Ebor.
19
FARE?
Brioche was the first Yorkshiretrained winner when saddled for victory by Malton-based Captain Charles Elsey in 1957. But it was 45 years before we saw another Yorkshire horse score when Mark Johnston collected the prize with subsequent St Leger third, Bandari. The 2025 victor, Pride of Arras is indeed the pride of his Yorkshire Owner, Vimy Ackroyd.
Mark Johnston
RACE FACT FILES WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST
The Juddmonte International
FACT FILE: WHEN DID THE RACE BEGIN? RECORD TIME? The record time came in 2009 when Sea The Stars completed the 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 88 yards (2,092 metres) course in 2 minutes 5.29 seconds.
Sea The Stars
Distance One mile and two furlongs (2,000 metres)
Prize money £1,500,000
The Juddmonte International was devised by Major Leslie Petch, a former Clerk of the Course at York but he had stepped down from his position due to ill health before the inaugural race was staged.
IS IT AN INTERNATIONAL RACE?
Oh yes - it certainly lives up to its international billing. Fourteen of the 53 renewals have been won by horses trained overseas. Ireland leads the way with 10 victories followed by France with 3 and Italy with 1. Maurice Zilber, the trainer of the 1974 & 1975 winner Dahlia, was born and raised in Cairo where he trained horses from 1946 to 1962 before moving to Chantilly where he worked for further 43 years. France have their own strong contenders, with Calandagan & Zaydann as their entrants. Both running in the colours of The late Aga Khan who won the race in 1986 with Shardari and had the narrow runner-up in 2000 with Kalanisi. The last French-trained winner of the International was Triptych for Patrick Biancone in 1987. In 2025 Danon Decile represented Japan, while in the 2005 renewal, Japanese trained ace, Zenno Rob Roy, finished a close second to subsequent Dubai World Cup winner, Electrocutionist, a colt trained in Italy.
IS AGE IMPORTANT?
Since the Juddmonte International was first run in 1972, it has been won by 18 three-year-olds, 24 four-year-olds, 11 five-year-olds and only 1 six-year-old, so the stats, as well as the betting market, are in favour of three and four-year-olds.
FIRST WINNER?
The inaugural running of the Juddmonte International in 1972 produced a contest that has gone down in racing legend. Brigadier Gerard was to suffer his only defeat in 18 career starts when headed by that year’s Derby winner, Roberto.
THE LUCK OF THE O’BRIENS? The very first renewal was won by the Vincent O’Brien-trained Roberto and he added a second in 1983 with Caerleon, a year after David O’Brien won the race with Assert. After a barren spell, Aidan O’Brien got them back on track when Giant’s Causeway won in 2000; the first of his seven winners - Duke Of Marmalade, Rip Van Winkle, Declaration Of War, Australia, Japan and 2024 champion, City Of Troy. John Oxx’s Sea The Stars (Sire of Baaeed) added to Irish success in the race having won in 2009. Aidan O’Brien chief hope looks to be Constitution River, who could take 20 him to eight winners.
City Of Troy
LEADING TRAINERS?
Sir Michael Stoute
The most successful trainers in the history of the Juddmonte International are the recently retired Sir Michael Stoute, who won the race six times courtesy of Shardari (1986), Ezzoud (1993 & 1994), Singspiel (1997), Notnowcato (2006) and Ulysses (2017). Aidan O’Brien (winners on previous page) recorded his seventh win in 2024 courtesy of City Of Troy. It would be fourth winner in a decade for Clarehaven were Ombudsman to retain his crown, following Roaring Lion (2015) and Mostahdaf (2023) for the Gosdens. The others would all be breaking their maiden tag today.
LEADING RIDER? For a long time, the most successful jockey in the history of the Juddmonte International was the much missed Lester Piggott, who recorded five wins. Piggott tasted success with Dahlia (1974 & 1975), Hawaiian Sound (1978), Commanche Run (1985) and Rodrigo de Triano (1992). However, Frankie Dettori ended things on a high when getting to six, after taking the 2023 renewal aboard Mostahdaf. His other wins came courtesy of Halling (1996), Singspiel (1997), Sakhee (2001), Sulamani (2004) and Authorized (2007). William Buick and Ryan Moore will go in search of their third victories.
ANY DUAL WINNERS?
The most successful horses in the history of the Juddmonte International are Dahlia (1974 & 1975), Ezzoud (1993 & 1994) and Halling (1995 & 1996).
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS? Established in 1977, Juddmonte was founded by the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah and consists of three stud farms in England, two in Ireland, and three in Kentucky, USA.
Frankie Dettori
ANY OTHER INTERESTING FACTS?
The shortest-priced winner of the Juddmonte International was the legendary Frankel who blitzed his rivals in 2012 when sent off at 1/10. In victory he set a new record for winning eight European Group 1 races in a row. In 2008 an unbelievably wet summer resulted in the Ebor Festival being abandoned. The Juddmonte International was re-routed to Newmarket, the only time the race has been staged away from York. The rescheduled race, was won by Duke Of Marmalade.
The Prince won back-to-back renewals of this race in 2011 & 2012 with Twice Over & Frankel. This afternoon marks the thirty-seventh time the race has enjoyed their generous support.
21
Frankel
RACE FACT FILES THURSDAY 20 AUGUST
The Sky Bet Lowther Stakes
Distance Six furlongs (1,200m)
FACT FILE:
Prize money
WHERE DOES THE RACE NAME COME FROM?
IS IT A CLASSIC TRIAL?
It was named in memory of Hugh Lowther, the 5th Earl of Lonsdale. It was established in 1946, and the inaugural running was won by Southernwood.
£250,000
Yes, many winners have gone on to run in the following year’s Betfred 1000 Guineas. Russian Rhythm was the last to complete the big-race double in 2002/03.
WHY IS IT SPECIAL? As a Group 2 it is only one rung from the top of flat racing’s ladder.
ANY OVERSEAS INTEREST?
Criquette Head won the race four times for France in 1982, 1987, 1996 and 2009 and Pascal Bary (2007) and Philippe Sogorb (2013) added two more for our cross-channel cousins. Irish-trained fillies have won the race six times, courtesy of Dermot Weld (1977), Vincent O’Brien (1981 & 1990), Jim Bolger (1984) and Ger Lyons (2011). Aidan O’Brien finally broke his duck in this contest in 2018 as the smart sprinting filly, Fairlyland, held off The Mackem Bullet in a thriller. Ballydoyle looks to have a potentially strong hand in this year’s renewal, with Sun Goddess and Victorious. Criquette Head
WHERE NEXT?
The next obvious target following a big run in the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes is the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. Run over the same distance, eleven fillies since 1974 have added a Rowley Mile victory to their already impressive resumes - Cry of Truth (1974), Pasty (1975), Devon Ditty (1978), Mrs Penny (1979), Dead Certain (1989), Queen’s Logic (2001), Carry On Katie (2003), Hooray (2010), Rosdhu Queen (2012), Tiggy Wiggy (2014) and 2018’s winner, Fairyland. 22
Fairyland
LEADING TRAINERS?
Richard Hannon Senior
Richard Hannon Senior leads the way with five victories courtesy of Enstone Spark (1977), Only Yours (1990), Niche (1992), Infamous Angel (2008) & Best Terms (2011). In his first season in sole charge Richard Hannon Junior added a sixth family winner with Tiggy Wiggy in 2014. Mick Channon saddled four winners, Brint Allayl (1998), Queen’s Logic (2001), Flashing Wings (2005) & Nahoodh (2007), before handing over the training licence to son Jack, neither family has a hand today. Karl Burke is another with a great record, having bagged two of the last seven. Pearl Fortune hopes to make it three. Ed Walker has taken home the last two renewals.
LEADING RIDER?
Richard Hughes
Harry Carr, Ron Hutchinson, Richard Hughes & the much-missed Lester Piggott share the honour of having won the race three times but all are retired now. James Doyle and Tom Marquand have both ridden two winners, with Marquand riding both the 2023 and 2024 victors.
RECORD BREAKER
Tiggy Wiggy’s winning time of 1m 8.90s in 2014 was not only the fastest for this race but also smashed the six furlongs course record. In comparison, Soar’s victory in 2004 came in a time of 1m 15.90s - exactly seven seconds slower. In her defence the ground was much softer that year.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS? Sky Bet is the UK’s most popular online bookmaker.
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE? Since 1974, the prize has remained in Yorkshire just five times. However, in recent times, Yorkshire lead the way with four of the last eight winners trained in the county. Richard Fahey took the prize home to Malton in 2016 with Queen Kindly, while the trophy went to Middleham in 2017, after Mark Johnston’s Threading again boosted Yorkshire’s record in the race. Spigot Lodge have claimed two of the last seven, Living in the Past (2019) and then again in 2022 with Swingalong.
We’ve been making betting better for years and we’re home of First Race Specials and the Soccer Saturday Price Boost. We’re hugely passionate about sport which is why we sponsor the English Football League and have recently extended our partnership with York Racecourse, which includes the sponsorship of a lucky thirteen races this week; including the Sky Bet Ebor.
Karl Burke
RACE FACT FILES THURSDAY 20 AUGUST
The Legends Global Distance Yorkshire Oaks
One mile and four furlongs (2,400m)
FACT FILE: A BRIEF HISTORY?
Prize money £600,000
The race was established in 1849, when it was originally restricted to fillies aged three. When the present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks was classed at Group 1 level the highest grade of race. The race was opened up to older fillies and mares in 1991.
MULTIPLE WINNERS? ISN’T THE OAKS RUN AT EPSOM? Obviously before 1971 there couldn’t have been as the race was only open to three-year-old fillies. But since then Only Royale (1993 & 1994) and Islington (2002 & 2003) have both secured back-to-back victories, while Enable won the race as both a three and five-year-old in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
The name ‘Oaks’ tends to lend its name to all top class races for fillies. The Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks often features fillies which previously ran in the Oaks at Epsom. The first to achieve victory in both races was Brown Duchess in 1861, the most recent was Minnie Hauk in 2025.
FIRST WINNER?
Alexandrova
The inaugural running in 1849 was won by Ellen Middleton, owned by the 2nd Earl of Zetland. However, the first winner of the race as we know it now was Magnificent Star in 1991.
IRISH RAIDERS?
Since the early ‘70s fillies trained in Ireland have had their fair share of success. Paddy Prendergast won with Sarah Siddons in 1976 before Jim Bolger added another with Condessa in 1981. After a barren spell, John Oxx added further success with Key Change in 1996 before Aidan O’Brien secured back-to-back victories with Alexandrova & Peeping Fawn in 2006-2007. Jim Bolger made it an Irish hat-trick with Lush Lashes in 2008 and Aidan O’Brien added his third victory with Tapestry in 2014. Recent Irish domination continued in 2015 with victory for Jim Bolger’s Pleascach and Aidan O’Brien almost saddled the 1-2 in 2016 with the brilliant pair of Seventh Heaven and Found. Thereafter, Love, Snowfall, Warm Heart, Content and 2025 winner Minnie Hauk gave him victories five through nine.
24
Minnie Hauk
LEADING TRAINERS?
The 19th century trainer Matthew Dawson shares top spot with the recently retired Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien, all of whom have nine wins. Minnie Hauk joined recent winners Love, Snowfall and Warm Heart, this year he is likely to go in search of becoming the races leading trainer.
Sir Michael Stoute
LEADING RIDER? The legendary Fred Archer holds the record having won this race on eight occasions. Of those jockeys around today, Ryan Moore leads the way with five winners, the first of which came back in 2014, courtesy of Tapestry. Fred Archer
SING WHEN YOU’RE WINNING!
Lord Lloyd-Webber has won the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks twice. First with Dar Re Mi in 2009 and again with The Fugue in 2013.
EUROPEAN RAIDERS?
WHO ARE THE
Italian Valfredo Valiani landed the honours in 2001 with Super Tassa. Frenchman Alain de Royer-Dupré added further international flavour when Shareta stormed to victory in 2012.
Legends Global, the world’s leading premium experience company, and York Racecourse announced both a new sponsorship for the Group One Yorkshire Oaks and the renewal of their long-standing partnership for a further eight years.
Shareta
SPONSORS?
The contest is a fitting celebration of the forty-year partnership of shared ambition and a mutual commitment to delivering worldclass hospitality and retail food and beverage experiences for over 300,000 guests annually across 18 racedays and over 700 non-racing events and functions each year. The York Racecourse Hospitality partnership originated in 1982 with Craven Gilpin & Son and that same organisation has evolved, developed and grown
through the decades and several corporate incarnations - CGC, ASM and to become part of what is now Legends Global, one of the premier partners to some of the world’s greatest live events, venues and brands.
25
RACE FACT FILES FRIDAY 21 AUGUST
The Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup
FACT FILE: RACE HISTORY?
Distance Two miles (3,200m)
Prize money £250,000
The race started life as a Listed contest and was called the Lonsdale Stakes, run over 1m7f198y. It was promoted to Group 3 level in 1998, before being renamed the Lonsdale Cup and given Group 2 status in 2004. The distance was extended by 110 yards in 2007.
LUCK OF THE IRISH? Since 1980, apart from Willie Mullins who won the race in 2024 with Vauban and Max Dynamite in 2015, only Aidan O’Brien (2007) and Dermot Weld (2014) have won this race.
WHY IS IT SPECIAL? The very best stayers in Europe have their season geared around “the Cup Races” of which the Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup features strongly. With Classic and Gold Cup at Royal Ascot winners amongst its roll of honour, it is a race that is right up there with the best of them.
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUCCESSFUL?
Opinion Poll
That honour befalls six horses who have each won the race twice - Further Flight (1992 & 1993), Double Eclipse (1995 & 1997), Celeric (1996 &1999), Persian Punch (1998 & 2001), Opinion Poll (2010 & 2011) & Stradivarius (2018, 2019, 2021).
SALUTING THE CROWD?
Whilst he may not have been the highest rated, the much missed Sergeant Cecil was certainly a favourite with the Knavesmire crowds where he won four times from seven starts. He landed this prize in 2006 before following up in the following month’s Doncaster Cup, which was run here due to redevelopments on Town Moor. His other victories here included the Sky Bet Ebor in 2005 and the 2007 Boodles Yorkshire Cup. 26
Sergeant Cecil
LEADING TRAINERS?
John Dunlop was joined by John and Thady Gosden after Trawlerman’s victory last year. John Gosden, saddled Stradivarius to win three renewals and in between his success, he won the race with Enbihaar in 2020.
John Dunlop
LEADING RIDER? Frankie Dettori surpassed Pat Eddery’s mark of five in 2019 thanks to Stradivarius. The pair then went one better in 2021 but his retirement from British racing leaves the door open for a new name to chase the pair down. William Buick moved to three victories following Trawlerman’s success in 2025 after Times Up back in 2012 and Vauban in 2024.
WHAT AGE GROUP HAS THE BEST RECORD?
Since 1980 four-year-olds lead the way having won the race 13 times. Five-year-olds are next best, with nine victories, while three-year-olds have seven and six-year-olds have seven. Stradivarius (Fujaira Prince, The Grand Visir & Trawlerman are the others) became the first seven-year-old to win this since Sergeant Cecil in 2006. The great Persian Punch being the other in 2001.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
Frankie Dettori
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE?
The recently stepped back from licence-holding Mark Johnston has been a leading light for the White Rose county having won the race three times. Double Eclipse won the race twice in 1995 & 1997 with his dual Gold Cup at Royal Ascot winner Royal Rebel adding the third in 2000. Tim Easterby has also been successful when his St Leger winner Bollin Eric landed the honours in 2003.
If you read your racecard carefully, you may have noticed that Weatherbys are the team behind this racecard and those at thousands of other race meetings. As well as this specialist printing and editorial service to racing they are its civil service, keeping the administration of the sport on track.
27
Mark Johnston
RACE FACT FILES FRIDAY 21 AUGUST
The Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes
FACT FILE: A BRIEF HISTORY?
Distance Five furlongs (1,000m)
Prize money £600,000
The race is named after Nunthorpe, an area of York located to the north of the racecourse. The first version, a low-grade selling race, was established in 1903 before the present version began in 1922 when it was won by Two Step.
THE AMERICAN CONNECTION?
The race became part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series in 2011 which means the winner of this year’s race earns an automatic invitation to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland, Kentucky on Saturday 31st October. Star US-trained filly, Acapulco ran an eye catching second in 2015 and Lady Aurelia filled the same spot in 2017, just pipped at the post by Marsha in a thriller. Golden Pal failed to make amends in 2021 for Wesley Ward.
TWO-YEAR-OLDS?
Kingsgate Native
The race is one of a limited number of races in which two-year-old horses can compete against their elders. The first of just five juveniles to win was High Treason in 1953, and the most recent was Kingsgate Native in 2007. El Floridita is the sole entrant this year, albeit two further entry stages may swell that number.
WHY IS IT SPECIAL? FOREIGN RAIDERS?
It is one of only three Group 1 five furlong sprints in Europe - the others being the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp on Arc day.
Ireland’s Dermot Weld won the race in 1984 with Committed. Since then Aidan O’Brien has added a musical double with Stravinsky (1999) and Mozart (2001). France’s Robert Collet won the race in 1986 with Last Tycoon as did John Hammond with Nuclear Debate in 2000 despite his non-French passport. Australia had their first winner when Ortensia won for Paul Messara in 2012. Asfoora joined her in 2025 after winning for Henry Dwyer. The race truly has an international feel. 28
Asfoora
Michael Dods
LEADING TRAINER?
Ossie Bell currently holds the record with 5 victories - Highborn II (1926, 1927), Greenore (1932), Concerto (1933) & Ipsden (1937). In the modern era Aidan O’Brien, Michael Dods, Sir Mark Prescott and Charlie Hills have each won the race twice.
LEADING RIDER?
The late Lester Piggott holds the record with seven victories – Right Boy (1958, 1959), Matatina (1963), Caterina (1966), Tower Walk (1969), Swing Easy (1971) & Solinus (1978). Of the current crop, Jim Crowley and Paul Mulrennan are the only jockeys to ride more than one winner, thanks to their association with Battaash and Mecca’s Angel respectively.
HAT-TRICK HEAVEN A Century since its first staging, only two horses have managed to win the Coolmore Nunthorpe three times - Tag End in 1928, 1929 & 1930 and Sharpo in 1980, 1981 & 1982. Defending champion, Live in the Dream would join the elevated company of dual winner’s Mecca’s Angel, Battaash, Bordelescott and Sole Power, since the turn of the millennium.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
Jim Crowley
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE?
Not too bad at all. In 1997, the White Rose county won the race twice! The David Barron-trained Costal Bluff and the much missed David “Dandy” Nicholls-trained Ya Malak dead-heated for first place. Nicholls then won it outright with Bahamian Pirate in 2004 before our old favourite Borderlescott won back-to-back in 2008-09. Mecca’s Angel scored for the second year in a row for Michael Dods and the North in 2016. Yorkshire have continued their fine form in recent years as Tim Easterby claimed the prize in 2021 with Winter Power. John Quinn’s superstar Highfield Princess landed the race in 2022, rounding off what was an excellent season.
Now in it’s seventeenth year of sponsorship, Coolmore are a worldwide breeding and racing operation. With studs in Ireland, Australia and the United States they stand some of racings leading stallions including Camelot, Australia, Churchill and City Of Troy.
29
John Quinn
RACE FACT FILES SATURDAY 22 AUGUST
The Sky Bet Ebor
FACT FILE: WERE YOU HERE THE DAY WHEN…
Sea Pigeon
Distance One mile & six furlongs (2,800m)
Prize money £500,000
Where have four decades gone, Sea Pigeon was a most popular winner in 1979. The nine-year-old gelding, once ante-post favourite for the Derby and a future dual Champion Hurdle winner, represented Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby and carried 10 stone to victory. He was ridden to victory by jump jockey Jonjo O’Neill – now a highly successful trainer.
OR FOR THE POST MILLENNIUM GENERATION…
When the much missed Sergeant Cecil won another great race on Knavesmire? He won the 2005 Sky Bet Ebor on his first visit to York and added the Stobart Rail Northumberland Plate and the Cesarewitch in the same year to make history by becoming the first horse to land the three premier staying handicaps. The gelding always raised his game on the Knavesmire and later added the Yorkshire Cup, the Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup and the rearranged 2006 Doncaster Cup to his triumphs here.
FIRST WINNER?
Pagan was the first winner of the race, ridden by Slim Templeman and trained by John Scott. The 6-1 shot carried 7st 13lb and was a popular winner. Soon the betting public was hooked and York’s fortunes blossomed.
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Simply it is York’s most famous race, and shares its name with the Roman city, EBORACUM that is now known as York. It is the biggest gambling heat of the week here on the Knavesmire and the oldest race of the Festival, first run 1843.
WILL IRISH EYES BE SMILING? They were in 2009 and 2010 when Sesenta and Dirar won for Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott respectively and again in 2014 when Mutual Regard won for Johnny Murtagh. But overall, runners from over the water don’t have the greatest of records, after a lean spell in the later years of last century and first decade of this, illuminated only by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Mediterranean in 2001, fortunes have been much better of late. With the ill-fated Heartbreak City’s impressive triumph in 2016 and Mustajeer winning 2019’s race, this new era was confirmed by Sonnyboyliston, Absurde, Magical Zoe and Ethical Diamond who took the prizes back to Ireland for Johnny Murtagh, Willie Mullins X2 and Henry de Bromhead respectively. Absurde
30
LEADING TRAINER?
John & Thady Gosden
The retired Luca Cumani was the trainer to follow, having won it three times - Vicious Circle (1999), Mephisto (2004) & Purple Moon (2007). Johnny Murtagh has won two renewals, including the 2014 renewal, and with Sonnyboyliston in 2021. Willie Mullins saw his total increase courtesy of Absurde and Ethical Diamond. John & Thady Gosden went within one of Luca Cumani as Trawlerman joined Muntahaa (2018) as winners for Clarehaven.
LEADING RIDER? The much missed Lester Piggott, whose statue is now on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn, leads the way with five victories. While Frankie ended in style to make it three wins, the swansong coming aboard Absurde.
THE 3-YEAR-OLD QUESTION? With the Sky Bet Ebor becoming one of Europe’s richest and best handicaps, it was the right time to consider how the race best fits in to the overall racing programme. For the three-year-olds, the established Pattern programme has a proven rhythm and it is not the intention to alter running plans for the best of the Classic crop. The investment in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur keeps the pathway to a record level of £250,000 for the Betfred St Leger. The Ebor will now focus on stayers aged four and upwards. The Race to The Ebor also links the more valuable Sky Bet Melrose with next season, so retaining a 3-y-o connection. In practical terms, the stats show that as the quality of the Ebor has increased, only two horses aged three actually made the stalls in the last decade (prior to the switch), with the last classic generation winner back in 2001, when Mediterranean took the spoils.
Lester Piggott
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE? Yorkshire-trained horses have a good overall record, although Moyenne Corniche became only the fourth winner in the past 28 renewals when triumphing for Brian Ellison. The late Jimmy Fitzgerald saddled Sapience to score in 1989, the recordbreaking Mark Johnston’s Quick Ransom was the hero in 1992 and Les Eyre won with Far Ahead in 1997.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS? Sky Bet is the UK’s most popular online bookmaker. We’ve been making betting better for years and we’re home of First Race Specials and the Soccer Saturday Price Boost. We’re hugely passionate about sport which is why we sponsor the English Football League and recently have extended our partnership with York Racecourse, which includes the sponsorship of a lucky 13 races this week.
31
David O’Meara
RACE FACT FILES SATURDAY 22 AUGUST
The Sky Bet City Of York Stakes
FACT FILE:
Distance Seven furlongs (1,400m)
Prize money £600,000
BRIEF HISTORY
It began life as a Listed Race, achieved Group 3 status in 2016, was promoted to Group 2 in 2019 and was one of two new Group 1 races in the UK in 2025.
GROUP ONE STATUS From 1978 spin forward to 2025 and the historic renewal now sponsored by Sky Bet is run as a Group 1, and worth a record £600,000. It Never So Brave becomes the fourth Group 1 at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, and even more significantly, the first seven-furlong Group One race for older horses ever staged in Great Britain.
FIRST WINNER?
We’ve come a long, long way in the near 50 years since the City of York Stakes first graced the Knavesmire and Lester Piggott was carried to victory on the three-year-old Spence Bay.
WHY HAS IT BEEN DONE
This progress is a tribute to the strategic investment in prize money by the York Race Committee to build the race and to the advocacy of the BHA team who made the case that Great Britain and indeed European Racing would benefit from a top drawer contest over the specialist distance.
DUAL WINNERS
Only Kinross has managed to win the race twice, he went back-to-back in 2022 and 2023.
HOW FAIRS THE EMERALD ISLE? For the last Irish trained winner you have to go back to 2012 and Tom Hogan’s Gordon Lord Byron, who also finished second in the race as a 10-year-old some six years later. And the most remarkable fact of all? The name Aidan O’Brien does not feature amongst the list of winning trainers. With its new Group 1 status you can be well assured the Master of Ballydoyle will be well aware of a rare gap in his CV! 32
Gordon Lord Byron
LEADING TRAINER?
The retired Sir Michal Stoute leads the way with six winners, including Expert Eye (2018) and Confront, who shared the only dead head with Dream Eater for Andrew Balding in 2009. The former champion trainer on the Knavesmire is the leading active trainer, with five winners, his first coming back in 2003 courtesy of Vanderlin and his latest coming last year with Never So Brave. Andrew Balding
LEADING RIDER? The wide-open nature of the race is borne out by the Roll of Honour. Pat Eddery rode four winners during the early years, while the now internationally based Frankie Dettori leads the way on six wins. Of the current crop, William Buick sits top with three winners to his name.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
William Buick
Other memorable successes have come with the Royal Colours on Enharmonic, ridden by Steve Cauthen in 1990 and Expert Eye, in the colours of one of the Festival’s leading sponsors Juddmonte, who won in 2018 en route to landing the Breeders Cup Mile just weeks later. Enharmonic
HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE? Yorkshire-trained horses have an excellent record in recent years, twice in the past five years the prize has stayed at the Quinn’s Malton yard, courtesy of Safe Voyage in 2020 and Breege, in a finish of outsiders just two years ago.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
Sky Bet is the UK’s most popular online bookmaker. We’ve been making betting better for years and we’re home of First Race Specials and the Soccer Saturday Price Boost. We’re hugely passionate about sport which is why we sponsor the English Football League and recently have extended our partnership with York Racecourse, which includes the sponsorship of a lucky 13 races this week.
33
John Quinn
Celebrating the racehorse and their welfare is at the heart of what we do
PROPER
WELFARE 18 days of flat racing Approximately 1,350 horses Running in 125 races
Celebrating th Celebrating the ra and their welfi and their welfare the heart of w the heart of what
York Racecours York Racecourse 18 racing days of flat racing • 18 days of• flat • Approximately • Approximately 1,400 horses1,400 horses • 127 Running • Running in races in 127 races
Equine Welfare Equine Welfare Inves York’s Equine Welfare Annual Investment
£2,000 £2,000,0
£2,000,000
annually into equine relate annually into equine related activity
2 state of the artcare veterinary • 2 state of•the art veterinary boxes car • 3 rubberised kilometres non-slip rubberised non-sl • 3 kilometres horse wa
including:
2 modern vet care boxes
• 16 temperature controlled hors • 16 temperature controlled horse showers • 178 high specification stables • 178 high specification stables
3 Misting – to aid horse co • 3 Misting•fans – to aidfans horse cooling
• 2 horse ambulances • 2 horse ambulances 3km rubberised non-slip horse walkways (see the new wider walkway in the Parade Ring)
15 temperature-controlled horse showers 178 high specification stables
365-d
managem of racing
Equine Expertis Expertise 3 Misting fans – to aid horse cooling Equine
3 equine specialist on duty dut • 3 equine •specialist vets on dutyvets at every ra • Pre and post race examinations • Pre and post race examinations by a minim Equine Welfare Officers Equine Welfare Officers
2 horse ambulances
365-day
team of 12 experts equestrian expert • A team of• 12Aequestrian providing during andsupport post-race support during and post-race • 2 experienced farriers, specialis • 2 experienced farriers, specialising in racehorses in racehorses
Licensed Participants
• Mobile water provision across a • Mobile water provision across all equine related areas on the r related areas including onincluding the racecourse
management of 10 hectares of racing surface
8,000
Racing Grooms dedicate themselves 365 days a year to the 14,000 racehorses in mainland UK
The Racing £7.6 From Foundation to horse million welfare since 2012 34
Racecourses meet stringent regulatory standards in respect of the track, equine facilities and welfare
£63 million+
Invested in equine veterinary science and education via the Horseracing Betting Levy Board since 2000
Listen to our Senior Vet explain her work:
he racehorse acehorse fare is at is at what we do we do
British Racing • All licencedRacing participants, including racecourses are British British Racing
se
required to meet BHA regulation standards in respect • Allparticipants, licenced participants, including racecourses are • All licenced including racecourses are of the track, equine facilities and equine welfare to meet BHA regulation required torequired meet BHA regulation standards standards in respect in respect of equine the track, equineand facilities equine welfare of the track, facilities equineand welfare
estment Investment
Equine Expertise 0,000 000 £2.3million
3 equine specialist vets on duty at every raceday ed activity, including: y, including: since 2012Equine has been awarded in grants by The Racing re boxes Pre- and post-race examinations by 6 BHA Welfare Officers
£2.3million £2.3million
Foundation specifically to horse welfare initiatives lip horse walkways alkways British racing is the biggest investor in and welfare in this country. A team of 12 equestrian experts providing equine pre,health during and se showers Over the last 20 years more than £47m has
ooling
post-race support
2 experienced farriers
Fact Checker
been spent on advancing veterinary science,
research, education and welfare initiatives. British racing has launched a website to provide facts,
Thisawarded work benefi ts every of horse. Toby since 2012 has been awarded inThe grants by The Racing since 2012 has been inbreed grants Racing educate and confront tough questions head on. find out morethe visit horsepwr.co.uk specifically to horse welfare initiatives Foundation specifically to here: horse welfare initiatives SeeFoundation the sports answers horsepwr.co.uk
Purpose. Welfare. Responsibility. That’s HorsePWR.
Mobile water provision to • Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)Horseracing’s is British Horseracing’s • Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British everywhere a horse goes
365-day day
management of 10 hectares ment of 10 hectares of racing surface surface
se
ty y at every raceday aceday s by of a minimum mum 6 BHA of 6 BHA
10839_GBR_232x120.indd Pg8
28/03/2024 13:16
official for the of horses official charity forcharity the welfare of welfare horses who have who have retired from racing retired from racing James Hardy, Farrier
Gemma Dransfield,
• York Racecourse supports the charity New Beginnings, • York Racecourse supports Senior the charity New Beginnings, Racecourse Vet who are accredited RoR to rehome who are accredited by the RoRby tothe rehome and retrainand retrain thoroughbreds in their retirement thoroughbreds in their retirement
Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) Over Over
6,000 6,000 million £35 £35 million
RoRpre, is British Horseracing’s charity for the welfare of retired tspre, providing
sing
horses. York Racecourse supports the charity
Racing Grooms Racing Grooms
dedicate themselves dedicate themselves since 2000 has been invested New Beginnings, who are since 2000 has been invested
365todays a year to 365 days a year into advancing equine veterinary into advancing equine veterinary all equine the 14,000 racehorses thethe 14,000 racehorses science and via viaeducation the accredited byAspery the RoR.science and education Leanne Leanne Aspery Leanne Aspery in mainland UK Patterson Emma in mainland UK racecourse Horseracing Betting Levy Board Horseracing Betting Levy British Board Stables Stables Manager Manager racing is the biggest investor in Stables Manager
Our equine ambassador, Remy, is just one example of a retired
thoroughbred enjoying a new role. Do say hello on the racedays when he is here
equine health and welfare in this country. Over the last 20 years more than £47m has been spent on advancing veterinary science, research, education and welfare initiatives. This work benefits every breed of horse. To find out more visit horsepwr.co.uk
Remy meets the children 10839_GBR_232x120.indd Pg8 of Knavesmire Primary
Fact Checker British racing has a website to provide the facts and confront the tough questions: horsepwr.co.uk 35
Emma EmmaCulshaw Patterson Patterson Sarah Stableside Manager Manager Stableside ManagerStableside
41 28/03/2024 13:16
EQUINE WELFARE Equine Welfare has always been a priority at York Racecourse and has seen an ongoing investment in improving and updating all horse areas for many years. We are proud to welcome our equine athletes to our state-of-the-art facilities, overseen by a dedicated team of horsemen and veterinarians. HORSE COOLING – there are 15 horse showers on site, with temperaturecontrolled showers in each of the 4 stable yards, which can be utilised as soon as horses unload from their lorries, and pre and post-race. Behind the Pre-Parade Ring there is a wash down area, where 5 overhead wash booms are located by the Vets Box and Office, and 6,000 litres of wash down water in self-filling troughs where the horses come off the track post-race. This ensures runners are monitored as they cool down after their race by the veterinary team, who can also check for any small nicks or cuts that may have been picked up during the race. In addition, there are 3 large misting fans situated under a canopy to enable the cooling mist to be retained, in a quiet paddock area through the double doors of the wash down, with a further 2,000 litre water trough and two hoses with shower heads located here for rapid cooling. Post race drinking water is provided in lidded buckets to ensure no contamination is possible, and the area is monitored by members of the veterinary and horseman’s teams. VETERINARY TEAM – We have a 4 Veterinary Surgeon on course each raceday, headed up by Senior Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon Gemma Dransfield along with 3 Veterinary Nurse from Minster Equine and 2 Horse Ambulances. Each race is followed by a Veterinary Surgeon in the emergency vehicle convoy ensuring any injury or faller during a race will have a veterinary surgeon in attendance within one minute. One vet will be based in the stable yard, who can monitor horses returning from their races, and may be asked to carry out post-race endoscopic examination at the request of a trainer. A portable x-ray machine is also on site to assist with diagnosing an injury, and a state-of-the-art splint boot will allow an injured horse to travel with comfort and support to Rainbow Equine Hospital in Malton, for further assessment and treatment. Three fully equipped modern Horse Ambulances are provided by Howard Pickersgill, who is a very experienced horseman who covers many of the Yorkshire Racecourses. The ambulances have low level ramps, supporting partitions, and front and rear unload to allow horses to enter and exit in a straight line. HORSEMANS’ TEAM – Headed by ex-jockey George Chaloner, this handpicked team of experienced horseman are located around the course during and post-race, so ensure any issue is dealt with quickly and calmly. George follows each race in a pickup which contains a Waterboy for mobile cooling, spare tack, and screens to provide privacy at any incident. The horseman’s team are all in contact with each other, the Veterinary team, and Clerking team, who can coordinate and deploy resources as required. STABLES TEAM – Headed by Stable Manager Leanne Aspery, another experienced horsewoman, Leanne and her team ensures that each horse has an immaculately clean comfy stable to arrive to, bedded with paper or shavings. The stable yard is divided into 4 yards, all on a quadrangle
36
with brick built cool and airy boxes, providing the best calm and quiet environment for horses staying overnight, and pre and post-race. There are two further Vets Boxes and the post-race Sampling Unit is located here. With around 400 top class horses from around the globe running during the 4 days, the team will be flat out as horses come and go through the week. There are wash down facilities in each yard, with loose pour rubber walkways, and attractive grass areas. Other facilities include a large drying room, where racing staff can wash boots, rugs etc. and have them dry and ready for the following day. FARRIERS – there will be two farriers on site each day, Scott Mackie and Jamie Kirby, who regularly work at York Racecourse. One farrier will be in the Stable Yard from 10am each morning, so they are on hand should a horse arrive with a spread plate during transport, or for any other requirements. During racing, there is a farrier at the start for every race, and one in the Farriers Box in the Pre Parade Ring.
37
THE MAIN FAIR IS GOOD,
WHAT ABOUT THE SIDESHOWS... Grantley Hall Ebor Fashion Lawn
Combining fashion and fun, the catwalk is open to all and offers a chance to show off your style whilst friends cheer from the front row. There will be a selection of prizes on offer across five categories; Most Stylish, Most Stylish Couple, Most Stylish Runner-Up, Best Hat and Best Dressed Child.
Timings: 11am – 2.30pm Racegoer registration and participation 3.15pm Announcement of short-listed contestants (on Ebor Fashion Lawn boards & big screens) 3.50pm Short listed contestants return for final judging These are the fabulous prizes for the most stylish racegoers across all four days of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival: Prizes These are the fabulous prizes on offer for the most stylish racegoers across all four days of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival.
Most Stylish ▪ T hree Course Meal for Two in The Orchard at Grantley Hall with a Bottle of House Champagne
▪ £50 Skopes Voucher
idweek Overnight Stay for Two in a ▪ M Suite with Breakfast (Ladies Day Only)
▪ £50 The Wardrobe Resell Voucher
▪ £ 150 Skopes Voucher (Ladies day only)
▪ £150 Skopes Voucher
▪ £ 75 The Wardrobe Resell Voucher (Ladies Day)
▪ £ 300 Skopes Voucher (Ladies Day only)
Most Stylish Couple
▪ EFL tickets
▪ Y ork Racecourse: Premier Racing Lounge table for two on the opening day of the Dante Festival 2027
▪ The Bothy Botanicals product hamper (Ladies Day Only)
▪ £50 Skopes Voucher
▪ House of Colour Colour Analysis Voucher (Ladies Day Only)
▪ £ 150 Skopes Voucher (Ladies Day Only)
▪ £75 The Wardrobe Resell Voucher
Best Hat
▪ £100 The Wardrobe Resell Voucher (Ladies Day Only)
▪
▪ York Racecourse: Voltigeur Restaurant table for two on the opening day of the Dante Festival 2027
250 George Durdy England £ Voucher
Best Dressed Child ▪
izard Golf for five at The Hole in W Wand, Wizard Golf, plus a box of our magical potions and flask of Unicorn Beans
▪
unners up with receive a flask of R Unicorn Beans and a jar of Tongue Painters
Most Stylish Runner-Up ▪ M idweek Sunset Swim & Spa for Two at Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall ▪ L adies Day - Midweek Dine & Unwind Spa Experience for Two at Three Graces Spa at Grantley Hall
38
Under Jockeys Orders Following on from the success of this initiative last year, we will be celebrating jockeys across the week of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival. With a focus on their role in racing, bringing their personalities to life and bringing the public closer to the human athletes at the centre of our sport. York Racecourse have worked in partnership with the PJA and GBR to deliver the following: • Jockey Showcase – Keep an eye on the big screens before each feature race as we celebrate the stars of the saddle.
Day in the Life during Ebor, behind the scenes footage and more. A utograph Sessions – Meet your • favourite jockeys outside the weighing room across all four days of the festival.
• Jockeys vs Rugby Players Challenge – Watch jockeys go head-to-head with rugby players in a series of fun tests, including grip strength, Equicizer skills and squat holds.
• Collect Your Favourite Jockey Sticker – Don’t forget to pick up a sticker of your favourite jockey to add to your racecard.
• Behind the Scenes Content – Follow our social media channels for exclusive access to life as a jockey, including A
• Off to a Good Start – Look out for photos of riders in their early years on horseback and see where their racing journeys began.
Sergeant Cecil This much-loved hero of the Knavesmire and wider racing world is no longer with us. To mark his passing, Sam Burr, daughter of his late Owner Terry Cooper, accompanied by his trainer Rod Millam will scatter some of his ashes at the start of the Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup (2.25pm Friday 21st August.) The chestnut won this Group Two back in 2006 having landed the Sky Bet Ebor itself the previous August. Add in the Group Two Yorkshire Cup in the May of 2007, as well as an “on loan” Doncaster Cup in September 2006 and you can see why he was such a favourite at York.
Sky Bet Ebor Stalls Draw
On Thursday at 11.30, there will be a live Stalls Draw for the Sky Bet Ebor itself.
Sky Bet Ebor Jockey “Walk in”
Before the big race, ITV’s Oli Bell will welcome the riders into the arena.
Dropping in on the Festival Before racing on each of Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, look out for the RAF Falcons, as the world-renown parachute display team, will be dropping in.
Hitting the right notes Live music will be part of the racegoer experience. Each day, Yorkshire Brass & Silver Band lovers can enjoy traditional favourites performed by The Shepherd Band or Ripon City Band, they will be offering a welcoming note from a new Bandstand by the Veuve Clicquot Lawn The Monotones will spend the day on the Churchill Tyres Lawn Stage. New this year will be a saxophonist greeting racegoers at Kidney Island as well as the DJ set in the new Sound Garden.
Can I take a selfie? Absolutely, look out for the various flower walls and special backdrops, spread around the course, as well as using the 360 camera, free of charge, by the Winner’s Enclosure. New this year is a second digital selfie camera at the Southern End of the venue.
Sound Garden Do try The Sound Garden offering pizza, Nyetimber wines and a full bar plus DJ sounds.
The Opening Show - LIVE The Opening Show will be broadcast on ITV1 live from the racecourse on Saturday 22nd August. On-air between 9.30-10.30am an invited audience will gather on the John Carr Terrace where Oli Bell will look forward to the action ahead.
39
JOE FANNING 35 YEARS ON THE KNAVESMIRE 566 RIDES | 36 WINNERS | 114 PLACED
FIRST RIDE
A SUCCESSFUL
PARTNERSHIP
19 AUGUST
1990
Career Career Wins Rides
Trainer
AZUREUS A YORK RACING STALWART Few jockeys have become as closely associated with York Racecourse as Joe Fanning. Renowned for his strength in the saddle and unwavering consistency, Joe has spent decades riding the Knavesmire, earning the respect of owners, trainers and racing fans alike. From memorable victories in some of York's most prestigious races to hundreds of rides on the famous course.
MARK. S. JOHNSTON
18
246
Keith W. Dalgleish
4
17
LAST WINNER 21 AUGUST 2024
YES, I’M MALI BIG YORK WINS Continuum
John Smith’s Silver Cup 2014
What’s The Story
Hambleton Handicap 2019
Yes, I’m Mali
Sky Bet Nursery Handicap 2024
REPEAT WINNERS ELLIOTS WORLD
LAST RIDE 23 AUGUST 2025
NIHAL
THUNDER WONDER
WHAT’S THE STORY It is intended to make a presentation to Joe on Wednesday 19 August, details provided on the day.
40
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ROYAL PATRON York Racecourse is honoured that Her Majesty The Queen, Royal Patron of the course, has agreed to visit the Ebor Festival on Wednesday 19 August. • It will be the third consecutive year that the venue has had the privilege of hosting a member of the Royal Family who is acknowledged as a keen follower of the sport. • The famous Royal silks have had success down the years at York, most recently a quick-fire double on the final day of the Dante Festival 2026 when Warrant Holder and Portcullis both rewarded favourite-backers. •
uring this year’s visit Her D Majesty is expected to meet representatives of the Local Community Charity Partners of the Racecourse as well as some of the “unsung heroes” who make the Festival work.
Details of any Media Calls • around the visit will be posted in the Press Room.
Royal Patron meets Minnie Hauk
Warrant Holder
41
CHARITY AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake York Racecourse and Sky Bet have once again teamed up to give Yorkshirebased charities, foundations and community groups the opportunity to receive a donation of up to £20,000 as part of this year’s Sky Bet Ebor Festival. Inviting entries from local charities and community groups from across the county, the Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake will see 22 good cause from over 100 applications short-listed and matched with a runner from this year’s Sky Bet Ebor on Saturday 22nd August at York Racecourse. With £20,000 up for grabs for the charity matched with the winner, the short-listed causes will learn of their contender in the live TV draw taking place on Thursday 20th August. Not only will the charity, foundation or community group matched to the horse that wins benefit, but 2nd and 3rd place will also receive £5,000 and £2,000 respectively, with all remaining short-listed entrants also given a £1,000 donation to put towards their project / initiative. A full list of the nominated good causes and the Ebor runner that carries their hopes, will appear in Friday’s racecard and be posted to the Press Room.
Macmillan Charity Raceday A partnership that marked 55 stagings of the raceday, this June has raised £425,000 and counting. The combined efforts of so many over these years means the event has now raised over £11.5m for Macmillan Cancer Support and other local charities. The raceday is the biggest single fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support and the biggest charity raceday in British racing. It will return on Saturday 12 June 2027.
Racing Welfare York is proud to partner to Racing Welfare, be that significant cash donations or hosting the Tea Party for retirees from the industry. At the Dante Festival the work on Mental Health was promoted and in September, the Family Sunday will offer a joint ticket with Malton Open Day for Sunday 6 September. 42
Local Community Partners For 2026 York continues to partner with three local charities: Friends of Rowntree Park – is a volunteer-led registered charity committed to the care and enhancement of one of York’s most cherished green spaces, it sits less than a mile from the Knavesmire. Their work spans gardening, wildlife support, litter picking, community events, educational programmes, and initiatives focused on mental health and wellbeing. Bereaved Children Support York – provides vital help to children and families coping with the death of a loved one. Through compassionate guidance, peer support, and safe spaces to share experiences, the organisation helps young people navigate grief and begin to heal Clifton Green Primary – providing outdoor learning for children, most of whom don’t have regular access to outdoor spaces outside of school. As part of the partnership each charity will receive a £1,000 donation from York Racecourse in addition to a package of benefits, including a raceday bucket collection, tickets to the races to use in raffles, and the opportunity to host a fundraising event at a discounted rate at the racecourse. Furthermore, the charity will have access to expertise within the racecourse team to support them across areas of their organisation, from anything on PR, digital and social media advice to health and safety procedures.
Goldream – our Equine Ambassador The Group 1 winning sprinter, Goldream, moved from Robert Cowell’s yard to be part of the team at New Beginnings. Working with this Yorkshire charity that delivers a “life after the post” for retired thoroughbreds, he now relishes a role as Equine Ambassador to the Knavesmire. Remy (as his new friends call him) we hope will be based in the Clocktower Enclosure all week, meeting racegoers. If the precautions around the spread of equine ‘flu are ongoing, the team will come to the track to explain their work. He has had a busy summer, visiting St Leonard’s Hospice Brainkind, local schools and he has more visits scheduled for the Autumn.
Head Gardener, Zac Rafferty, looks after the plants he grew from seedlings in the racecourse’s Victorian Greenhouse.
44
environment environmental OUR STRATEGY FOR sustainabilit sustainability ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Net Zero b • Commitment •toCommitment be Net Zero to bybe 2040 51% reduction in carbon foo • 51% reduction• in carbon footprint since 2017* since 2017* • We will enhance biodiver • We will enhance biodiversity
• Weour willwater conserve our wa • We will conserve • We will embrace the circular e • We will embrace the circular economy
• First independent racecou • First independent racecourse globally globally to be acceptedto bybe accepted b UNfor Sports Action for Climate C UN Sports Action Climate Change *Based on 2023 independent study. *Based on 2023 independent study.
Scan to find out more
Scan to find out more
45
GREEN KNAVESMIRE 300 –
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY Initiatives
• Since 2018, we have reduced electricity across the site by 35%. • Two boreholes (under D Car Park) provide the water for irrigation, using the sustainable aquifer.
• Our gas consumption reduced by 80%.
• Zero to Landfill commitment. • Recycling initiative championed by
100% Pure Honey
the office team
340g
• Beehives located on site, honey as an extra Owner prize this year!
• New running rail is made from 91% recycled plastics.
• The flower wall is now made of real petunia & petchoa, grown from seedlings by Head Gardener Zak Rafferty
• Single use plastic cutlery and
100% Pure Honey 340g
coffee stirrers removed from site.
• Recycled paper from the site
Actual Size
returns as equine bedding.
• Stableside switched to larger
bottles of ketchup or shampoo, rather than sachets.
• Our award-winning flowers in
our borders, hanging baskets, are grown from seed or seedling, within our own greenhouses and are RHS plants for pollinators.
• Now 5 Robot Mowers have been
taking some of the heavy lifting off our Groundsteam, their batteries are charged by the solar panels.
• Regular newspaper subscriptions switched to digital
• Stableside operating as clothing recycling bank.
• Cardboard baler at Stableside to reduce waste.
• The “Guardians of Grub” initative is a focus on managing food waste.
• More than 3 tonnes of aluminium
cans have been recycled this year already. 46
BUSTARDTHORPE END:
A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Local handmade bricks
Solar panels
Rainwater harvesting
Upcycled materials
Living Roof
A furlong’s worth of RHA approved pollinators
For full details of the environmental activity around the Southern End then visit York Racecourse: A sustainable development 47
BUSTARDTHORPE END DEVELOPMENT
Visitors on Ebor day in 2024 will have seen Her Majesty The Queen our Royal Patron officially open this investment in the facilities for horses, participants and racegoers at York. During the festival, you can see a multi-million pound project that improves this area for Grandstand & Paddock racegoers, it is now open for racegoers to enjoy. The Roberto Pavilion provides a fast-serve bar, a fish & chip shop and a cocktail/Pimms bar. As well as, tote & William Hill outlets. The Churchill Tyres Lawn and Canopy should be a great spot to relax and enjoy the food outlets and improved Theakston Bar that will flank it. A state of the art William Hill betting shop has reopened, with a new block of toilets. In keeping with the Green Knavesmire 300 commitment, a host of sustainability features have been embedded; a living roof, rainwater harvesting and solar panels being examples.
48
The highlights are:
• Refurbishing the structure of the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand viewing steppings.
• A new, single storey, fast serve Roberto Pavilion that includes a fast- serve bar, a fish & chip shop as well as a Pimms/Cocktail bar.
• Replacing and extending the existing single-storey extension to the rear of
the Bustardthorpe Stand creating a new, bigger Theakston Bar and William Hill betting shop.
• Two new racegoer lawns with an overarching canopy similar to that covering the John Carr Terrace.
• Additional toilet, catering and betting facilities. • Improved arrival experience, including feature gates that remember owner-breeder, Reg Bond, also providing improved accessibility.
• Sustainability embedded into the development such as solar panels, green roofs and sustainable water provision, as the venue delivers on its Green Knavesmire 300 pledge.
49
FOOD AND DRINK
Proud to source locally, some fascinating facts - Our own House Champagne, Gardet, is £48.50, with Rose at £57.50. - Brewed by Theakston’s at Masham, exclusively for the racecourse, Ebor IPA is £6.70 (available in the Flying Frankie and the new Theakston Bar). - A specialist patisserie kitchen where chef Hannah makes lemon meringues that are to die for, sold for £4.35. - A new 2026 wine list, sourced by renowned Yorkshire merchants, House of Townend - Popular brands, Guinness and Kylie Minogue Wines each have their own dedicated bars, next door to each other in the Knavesmire Courtyard. - Self Serve units on the groundand first floors of the Ebor Stand offer a quick, modern way of getting your pint. 50
- Pork Pies come from Ged Bells butchers, based just behind the back straight. - 500 crabs will make the short trip from the East Coast. - 6,000 fresh baked scones. - 8 tons of ice will be needed. - 80 chefs will arrive each day, just before the Clerks walk the course! - 3,000,000 hand cut chips - 150,000 knives/forks/ spoons - 9,000 Yorkshires
51
A WORD ABOUT VALUE As widely discussed there are lots of calls on the revenue from a raceday, beyond the annual prize money investment of £12.5 million. It is a big site to operate (utility bills alone remain near double the rate of inflation), in maintenance the necessary upgrades to both the emergency lighting and fire alarm systems ran to well north of six-figures, before building up a reserve for future improvements (the Bustardthorpe End was a £10 million investment just last season) and the award-winning team have earnt a wage.
Yet value for money remains a proud principle:
Tickets
Savings
• Under 18s are FREE all four days
• Regulars could book for this year at last year’s prices until New Year 2026
• Members of the national Club 26 scheme join the action on Stands Side for just £10 on the three weekdays
• Early bird deals saw Grandstand & Paddock/ County Stand admission for £80/£45 • NO booking fees are charged
• Clocktower Enclosure is £17 (just £15 for Over 65s)
Ti c
ke t
s
• Tickets/badges can be purchased without any postage fees
s ke t Ti c
Rewards
• No parking charges, even for coaches • FREE racecard for ALL County Stand racegoers
• As longstanding members of the Rewards4Racing scheme, regular racegoers can earn points to fund their entry
Ti c
ke t
s
Food & Drink • Discounts for a range of meals (e.g carvery, seafood platter, picnic box) when booked in advance • A pint of Ebor IPA is £6.70, Our Champagne House starts at is £48.50 • A filter coffee and a cake for £5 • Meal deal of a fresh pie with chips and a pint for £12.50 • Tap water is free on all main bars + 6 x water fountains
52
OUR BETTING PARTNERS York is pleased to offer racegoers a wide choice of both betting locations and betting styles. world-pool-information-handout.pdf
world-pool-information-handout.pdf world-pool-information-handout.pdf 1 04/07/2025 1 04/07/2025 16:21 16:21
2
04/07/2025
16:21
WORLDPOOL A key partner in growing investment in British Racing, operating across the site. world-pool-information-handout.pdf
1
04/07/2025
16:21
Bets Bets onon races races taking taking place place at York at York today today
Bigger Bigger pools, pools, lowerlower deduction deduction rates,rates, better better valuevalue for UKforracecourse UK racecourse customers customers
Bets on races taking place at York today Bigger pools, lower deduction rates, better value for UK racecourse customers
Today, Today, racecourse racecourse customers customers willwill join racing racing fans fans Bets on races taking place atjoin York today from from around around thethe world world by by betting betting intointo World World Pool. Pool. Bigger pools, lower deduction rates, better value for UK racecourse customers ThisThis means means much much bigger bigger pools pools than than usual usual andand thethe potential potential for for bigger bigger payouts payouts to UK to UK racegoers. racegoers. C
C
M
M
Y
Y
CM
CM
MY
MY
CY
CY
CMY
CMY
Number of placed horses Key differences on World Pool days:
Today, racecourse customers will join racing fans Bets Bets on on races races taking taking place place at York at York today today from around the world by betting into World Pool. This means much bigger pools than usual and the • WIN • WIN • PLACE • PLACE • EACH • EACH WAY WAY potential for bigger payouts to UK racegoers.
· Bets are settled on the number of declared runners, rather than number of actual runners · No distinction between handicap and non-handicap races · Races with 7 declared runners pays 1st, 2nd and 3rd on Place and Each Way bets · Placepot is not included in World Pool and operates on standard UK rules
C K M
Y
K
• SWINGER • SWINGER• EXACTA • EXACTA• TRIFECTA • TRIFECTA Bets on races taking place at York today
C
M
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Y
*The World *The World Pool Swinger Pool Swinger is available is available on races on races with 7 with runners 7 runners or more or (usual more (usual UK standard UK standard is 6). is 6).
• WIN • PLACE • EACH WAY BetsBets notnot included included in World in World Pool Pool
• SWINGER • EXACTA • TRIFECTA • QUADPOT • QUADPOT• PLACEPOT • PLACEPOT *The World Pool Swinger is available on races with 7 runners or more (usual UK standard is 6). • JACKPOT • JACKPOT• SCOOP6 • SCOOP6
Bets not included in World Pool
18+. BeGambleaware.org 18+. BeGambleaware.org • QUADPOT • PLACEPOT
• JACKPOT • SCOOP6 18+. BeGambleaware.org
No. of declared runners
No. of Places
1-4
No place pool
5 or 6
Notes
1st & 2nd
Void if less than 4 runners
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
7-20
1st, 2nd, 3rd*
3 places remain for 5 or 6 runners. Void if less than 5 runners.
21+
1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th
4 places remain for 20 or less runners
*Racecourse exclusive, we will pay out on 4th placed horses in 16-20 runner handicaps.
Deduction rates on World Pool days
All Tote pools are subject to a percentage deduction with all remaining monies distributed to winning ticket holders. Win, Place, Swinger and Exacta pools have a reduced deduction rate, offering better value to the customer. Pool
Standard deduction
World Pool deduction
Win
19.25%
17.5%
Place
20%
17.5%
Swinger
30%
17.5%
Exacta
25%
19.5%
Trifecta
25%
25%
Win, Place and Swinger dividends are round to the nearest 5p. Exacta and Trifecta dividends are rounded to the nearest 10p, based on the official HKD/GBP conversion rate. Exacta pool totals shown on our screens refer to merged pools and includes Hong Kong Jockey Club Trio bets; dividends will be calculated proportionally by the host. Britbet provides customer facing services for Tote betting on the Racecourse. Britbet is authorised to accept World Pool bets as agent on behalf of the Tpoolco Limited (a UK Tote Group company). Tpoolco Limited act as counterparty to such bets with racecourse customers. All winning bets will be settled under Hong Kong Jockey Club rules and paid at the published World Pool dividends.
18+. BeGambleaware.org
WILLIAM HILL Proud to have the Leeds-based operation as the operator of the SP Betting Shops. Check out the state-of-the -art version in the Bustardthorpe End.
ON COURSE BOOKMAKERS All the traditional excitements combined with the latest technology as over 120 layers operate across three rings.
53
YORK RACECOURSE AS AN ORGANISATION • Converted to a Limited Liability Partnership in 2007, all profits are reinvested in prize money, facilities and the visitor experience.
• There are neither shareholders nor benefited owners – the racecourse is effectively a trust. It pays no dividends but does pay rent, rates and tax!
• The members of the York Race Committee have no finance or equity interest and are not remunerated.
The York Race Committee are now also the Board of York Racecourse LLP, they use their experience and wider skills to guide the venue, they are:
• Chairman: Bridget Guerin • Nicholas Wrigley • William Bethell • Christopher Denny
• Nick Cheyne • Ed Wrigley • Victoria Mexborough With the gracious support of
• Royal Patron: HM The Queen • Life President: Lord Halifax YORK MANAGEMENT TEAM
• Directory and contact details, opposite. • A further 1,513 members of the team and partner organisations (Britbet, BHA, etc) support the event.
54
LET’S HEAR ABOUT SOME UNSUNG HEROES The Turf Team At the heart of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival is the racing surface and the 25 acres of sports turf comprising blended rye and fescue grasses which need year round husbandry and constant maintenance and repair. That means the ten permanent members of our Grounds Team need a helping hand in the build-up and delivery of the 28 races this week… step forward the 36 members of The Turf Team. As the sun sets on the Knavesmire you’ll see them patiently filling in the divots made by the 100 or so runners, using a special mix of rootzone and seed. Earlier in the day, the will have moved half a mile of running rail each morning and are a vital part of ensuring the sporting action unfolds during the afternoon. Many of the team and their families live in Wolverhampton, a place the team are proud to call home, though they travel throughout the UK racecourses to providing their skills, being more regular at Cheltenham than Willie Mullins. Long term York regulars Sabi, Ashish and Manu are proud of their Punjabi heritage which explains why cricket is their sporting love (impressive though they say the likes of Frankel and Baaeed were from their on-course perspective). At the Ebor Festival that hosts The Juddmonte International, Richard brings an Eastern European flavour as he hails from a small village in Lithuania. Immune to the charms of leather on willow, he shares the Lithuanian passion for basketball. The Clean Team If Adrian needs a hand with his acres of turf, then Gavin needs likewise to keep the grandstands tidy. Our very own “clean team” aka PJ Staffing, are on the case; picking up litter or emptying bins. Adding another continent to the list, Fatima, who lives in Leeds adds a North African vibe, originally from Sudan, now her third season with the racecourse. A direct colleague, Abiodun, is also a Leeds resident with family ties to Nigeria, now is his third York season, he describes his experience at the PJ Staffing and the racecourse as being welcoming and inclusive of team members whatever their background and heritage. Continental European accents can be heard as all of Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland are amongst the some 51 nations that now do the shorter commute from their Leeds base. Some might argue that it is the Scottish accent of Devon, who relocated from East Ayrshire to Yorkshire is the hardest to fathom but then PJ Staffing boss and owner, Paul, hails originally from Wales, so who knows! Much like the owners, trainers, jockeys and race fans here today, the raceday team are proud to be part of the global sport of racing, and to welcome everyone from across the globe to York for this very special week of top-class racing.
55
YORK RACECOURSE TIMELINE • 211: The Roman Emperor, Severus, dies in York- horse racing almost certainly formed part of the marking of his death.
• 306: Constantine (who became The Great) crowned Emperor of • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Rome whilst in York; he’d be chuffed that the £120,000 sprint handicap on Saturday takes his name. 1731: Racing starts on the Knavesmire. 1739: Dick Turpin executed on Tyburn gallows (by Tadcaster Road), it was April so we were not racing. 1754: The Grade II Listed John Carr Stand (now the Champagne Terrace) opens, we think that makes it the longest serving grandstand in sport. 1767: First Gimcrack Dinner, the winning owner on Friday will address Ye Ancient Fraternite on Tuesday 9 December. 1843: York Race Committee formed. 1843: Pagan is the first winner of the Ebor Handicap. 1846: Ellen Middleton is the first winner of the Yorkshire Oaks. 1870: Gimcrack first run 1892: The Gimcrack Stand opens. 1922: Two Step is the first winner of the Nunthorpe Stakes. 1960: The first John Smith’s Cup Day. Now the longest running racing sponsorship in the world and longest sporting link in Europe. 1972: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited York to watch the inaugural Juddmonte International, made famous for the clash between Roberto and Brigadier Gerard. 1997: Alex Greaves becomes the first female rider to win a British Group One, when Ya Malak dead heats in the Nunthorpe. 2003: The Ebor Stand opens. 2005: Royal Ascot at York. 2006: St Leger at York. 2008: Trackworks development, adds irrigation and drainage. 2012: Frankel wins the Juddmonte International and helps the race become the highest ranked in the world that year. 2014: A stage of The Tour de France departs from the racecourse. 2015: The new Weighing Room and wider Northern End development opens. 2018: £5m investment in the Clocktower Enclosure. 2023: Macmillan Charity Raceday breaks through the £10 million fundraising total, in its 52nd year. 2024: Her Majesty The Queen opens the Bustardthorpe End development. 2024: Juddmonte International judged to be the Longines World’s Best Race. 2024: York team recognisced as RCA Showcase Champion Racecourse, for the second time. 2025: First running of the Sky Bet City of York as a Group One race
56
MEET THE YORK MANAGEMENT TEAM WILLIAM DERBY
MAITI STIRLING
CHRIS WARD
01904 683932 rachel.wigby@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 620911 maiti.stirling@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 683939 chris.ward@yorkracecourse.co.uk
LAUREN MAHAN
JAMES BRENNAN
KEVIN PINNINGTON
01904 620911 lauren.mahan@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 620911 james.brennan@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 638971 kevin.pinnington@yorkracecouse.co.uk
GAVIN PATTISON
LOUISE DALY
NICK JOHNSON
01904 620911 gavin.pattison@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 638971 louise.daly@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk
01904 683933 nick.johnson@yorkracecourse.co.uk
ADRIAN KAY
PHIL ATKINSON
ANTHEA LEIGH
01904 620911 adrian.kay@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 620911 enquiries@yorkracecourse.co.uk
01904 620911 anthea.leigh@yorkracecourse.co.uk
Chief Executive
Marketing Manager
Facilities Manager
Grounds Manager
Sponsorship Manager & Press Liaison
Head of Marketing & Sponsorship
Commercial Manager Hospitality & Banqueting
Head Of Operations
57
Head of Finance
Food & Beverage Director
Hospitality Box Manager
Racing Manager & Clerk of the Course
Issue 2: 7/8