York Races Guide

Racing at York dates back to Roman times, while the current racecourse location in the south-west of the city dates back to the 1700s and is known the world over as The Knavesmire.

York is one of Britain's most picturesque and expansive racecourse settings, the big wide stretch of racing ground giving it the feel of being a very 'fair' track where every horse should have the chance to shine.

Here's our guide to York Racecourse.

What	York Ebor Festival 2023
Where	York Racecourse, North Yorkshire
When	Wednesday 23rd August - Saturday 26th August, 2023
How to watch	bet365 Sports Live Streaming, ITV & Racing TV

Race to the Ebor

Located in the historic city of York, it offers racegoers the chance to sample top-class sporting action alongside the wonderful heritage of the famous Yorkshire city.

York racecourse has developed their facilities since the late 20th century, with the five-tier Grandstand now supported by the Melrose Stand, the Knavesmire Stand and the Ebor Stand - ensuring the course has the capacity to host 60,000 spectators per raceday.

The York highlight, racing-wise, is the Ebor Festival held in August every year, which takes its name from the Ebor Handicap, one of the richest held in Europe annually.

The Ebor, run over one-mile-and-six-furlongs, dates back to 1843 and in 2019 it became the first British handicap to boast prize-money of £1million. It is open to horses aged four years and older.

There are qualifying races across Britain and Ireland throughout the season that form part of the 'Race to the Ebor' series and allow horses to qualify for this prestigious handicap.

Top-level action at the Ebor Festival

The meeting also plays host to York's three Group 1 races on the calendar - the Juddmonte International, the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

The Juddmonte International over a mile-and-a-quarter is a key late-summer tussle between the Classic 3YO generation and their older rivals and has existed since 1972.

Similarly, the Yorkshire Oaks offers the Classic generation a chance to step out against older horses and the leading Epsom Oaks protagonists can often land here in mid-August.

The Nunthorpe is one of the most spectacular races in the calendar, run over the flying five-furlongs, and is amongst the most prestigious sprints in Britain.

In 2022, it celebrated its 100th anniversary and it has been a Group 1 contest since 1984.

A staple of the summer

Racing at York takes place each season from May-October, with the course being exclusive to Flat-racing.

The Spring Festival includes such races as the Musidora Stakes, the Yorkshire Cup and The Dante - a key Epsom Derby trial-race. There's a two-day Finale Meeting each year in October to sign off the season on the Knavesmire.

The track is left-handed and flat. In essence, it is a very fair track, ideal for the long-striding galloper and redevelopment work in the early 2000s saw York become a full circuit, with a straight 5f/6f track, while 7f races start on a chute.

It's widely agreed that the raceday experience for spectators at York is amongst the most enjoyable in Britain. The course promotes a relaxed yet stylish setting for patrons and it helps to make York one of the favourites amongst the British racing public.

York has lots to offer on raceday. There are a wide range of facilities for spectators offering food & drink, family-friendly areas, disability access and everything needed to get the most from a day at the races.

Pick the right mix to make your day at York a memorable occasion.

The County Stand is York's premier enclosure and includes a racecard plus access to the Grandstand & Paddock and Clocktower Enclosure facilities. The dress code is smart, with collared shirt & tie for gentlemen.

York's largest enclosure is the Grandstand & Paddock and it is a great place to really immerse yourself in the buzz of a big raceday on the Knavesmire, the Grandstand & Paddock enclosure also includes access to the Clocktower Enclosure facilities.

York's most relaxed racecourse experience is the Clocktower Enclosure which offers views of the stands and track from a grassy picnic area that is the ideal base for an informal family day at the races.