The four-day Sky Bet Ebor Festival hosts top-class action and is a notable event in Yorkshire’s social calendar.
There is a Group 1 contest on each of the first three days. The festival culminates with the historic Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, that lends it’s name to the prestigious meeting.
It is all held at one of the country’s most-loved racecourses.
Wednesday
The Group 1 Juddmonte International – the highlight of the opening day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival – is one of British Flat racing’s biggest races. It has been won by some of the greats, including Frankel and Sea The Stars. This year’s Derby hero City Of Troy will attempt to win a fourth Group 1 prize after victory in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown early last month.
Thursday
The Group 1 Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks takes centre stage on day two with some of the top fillies looking to add their names to the prestigious roll of honour. Bluestocking could attempt to supplement her victory in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh. She could face a rematch with runner-up Emily Upjohn and stablemate Queen Of The Pride, both trained by John and Thady Gosden.
Friday
The need for speed is the order of the day in the Group 1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes. The 5f Group 1 contest promises a third meeting between Australian speedster Asfoora and last year’s Breeders’ Cup hero Big Evs. The score currently stands at 1-1.
Saturday
The meeting closes with the Sky Bet Ebor as the feature race. It is one of the most fiercely-competitive handicaps of the season. It is supported by the Group 2 Sky Bet City Of York Stakes and the Sky Bet Group 3 Strensall Stakes.
What To Wear
The Ebor Festival is not just a prestigious race meeting – it’s also an important social occasion. Many visitors make it extra special by dressing up in their best outfits. The only formal dress code applies to the County Stand where males racegoers are required to wear a jacket, shirt and tie. There are no rules for female visitors, but most like to dress in their best. As a rough guide, many visitors wear what they would as a wedding guest.
Getting There
There is an excellent rail service into York. There are direct services from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. A shuttle bus runs between the station and the racecourse, which is only a 20-minute walk. The course is easily accessible by car with plenty of parking onsite.
How Much?
Four-day ticket: County Stand £235; Grandstand &Paddock £115; Clocktower Enclosure £40. Weekday three-day ticket: County Stand £190; Grandstand &Paddock £97; Clocktower Enclosure £35. Day admission: County Stand £78; Grandstand &Paddock £44; Clocktower Enclosure £15. There are discounts for group bookings and age concessions. Proof of age is required for the latter.
Post-racing Activities
York is a vibrant city and it is buzzing during the Ebor Festival. There are no end of excellent places to eat and drink. From traditional pubs serving Yorkshire beer to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether it’s a pre-racing breakfast, celebratory drinks or a relaxing supper, every possible requirement is catered for.
Tourist Attractions
There is stacks to see and do away from the top-class action on the racecourse. A walk around the famous city walls is a great way to get a feel for York’s history. They give an excellent vantage point to see York Minster, which dominates the city. A walk along the Shambles – one of the best-preserved medieval streets – is like taking a step back in time. The Jorvik Viking Centre allows visitors to turn the clock back even further and those looking for a fright can head to The York Dungeon.
There’s also the fascinating National Railway Museum and York’s Chocolate Story. The city is also the perfect base to explore the stunning countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, with delightful towns like Whitby, Scarborough and Harrogate within reach.
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