But it’s the Sky Bet Ebor Festival (20–23rd August) that truly sets the calendar alight — a four-day celebration of world-class racing, fashion, and summer festivities. Boasting over £7 million in prize money and now featuring a group one race on each day, the Festival is a jewel in the crown of British racing.
Wednesday 20th August — Juddmonte International Day
The Festival opens with a roar, headlined by the group one Juddmonte International, officially named The Longines World’s Best Horse Race in 2024 — a title it also held in 2012 and 2020. This is where legends are made. Past winners include titans of the turf: Sea The Stars, Frankel, Baaeed, and most recently, City of Troy. This is sporting excellence at its finest.
Thursday 21st August — Ladies Day featuring the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks
A day for glamour and great racing. The Ebor Fashion Lawn sparkles with stylish racegoers vying for fabulous prizes, while on the track, the spotlight turns to the finest fillies and mares in Europe. The group one Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks has seen champions like Enable — the two-time winner affectionately known as the “Queen of the Turf” — grace its turf. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and equine power.
Friday 22nd August — Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Day
Time to sprint into the weekend with the electric Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, a group one dash over 1,000 metres that consistently ranks as one of the fastest and highest-rated races of its kind in the world. Don’t blink — the course record stands at just under 57 seconds. This is pure adrenaline, packed into a few heart-pounding moments.
Saturday 23rd August — Sky Bet Ebor Day
Round off the festival with the most storied race of them all: the Sky Bet Ebor. Dating back to 1843, it remains the richest flat handicap in Europe and a highlight of the racing calendar. This year, the day is elevated further by the Sky Bet City of York Stakes, newly upgraded to group one status, making it a record-breaking fourth top-tier race of the festival.
With its blend of racing prestige, Yorkshire charm, and unforgettable summer spirit, the Sky Bet Ebor Festival is more than a sporting event — it’s a celebration of excellence, tradition, and unforgettable moments. Whether you come for the horses, the fashion, or the thrill of the crowd, York Racecourse promises a summer highlight you won’t want to miss.
Plan your perfect race day experience now — the countdown is on.