Top jockeys will descend on York as the Ebor Festival returns to the city.

The racecourse will host the four-day festival from Wednesday, August 21, to Saturday, August 24.

Jockeys will compete in front of thousands, with the racing also streamed live to TV viewers.

They will be easily identifiable with their surnames on the back of their breeches – like football players – for the first time.

Paul Mulrennan wearing named breeches at YorkPaul Mulrennan wearing named breeches at York (Image: Hannah Ali/York Racecourse)

York Racecourse said the day will put the spotlight on jockeys, allowing racegoers to learn about how they train. 

Racegoers will have the chance to meet some of the riders during autograph signing sessions.

Racegoers watching the action at York RacecourseRacegoers watching the action at York Racecourse (Image: Hannah Ali/York Racecourse)

On show will be a pop-up ‘jockey gym’ in the Clocktower enclosure, aiming to show what it takes to be a professional jockey.

There will also be a look behind the scenes at the jockeys’ canteen area to see how riders keep themselves energised without adding on the pounds.

And demonstrations from jockeys will provide an insight into riding a racehorse.

Racing at York Racecourse as the Ebor Festival returns later this monthRacing at York Racecourse as the Ebor Festival returns later this month (Image: Hannah Ali/York Racecourse)

Dale Gibson, racing director at the Professional Jockeys Association which is working with York Racecourse for the event, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with York on this ground-breaking initiative and hope that we can team up with other leading racecourses to connect racing fans with riders under both codes in future”

William Derby, York Racecourse’s chief executive and clerk of the course, said he hopes the day will show the work that goes into being a jockey.

Racegoers at York Racecourse as preparations get underway for the Ebor FestivalRacegoers at York Racecourse as preparations get underway for the Ebor Festival (Image: Hannah Ali/York Racecourse)

“Jockeys are the stars of our sport and we want to further spotlight their talent, commitment and personalities to race fans and beyond,” he said.

“The lifestyle, adrenaline and full-on pace of a jockey are unique in professional sport – men and women competing daily on equal terms, managing their weight, riding in unison with 500kg of thoroughbred at speeds of up to 40mph.

Racing at York Racecourse as the Ebor Festival returns later this monthRacing at York Racecourse as the Ebor Festival returns later this month (Image: Hannah Ali/York Racecourse)

“I am delighted that York can play a part in further raising the profile of jockeys on a global sporting stage at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival.”

The Ebor Festival follows the racecourse’s Music Showcase, which featured performances from the Kaiser Chiefs and S Club, in July.

It came as the track hosted the concluding fixtures of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.

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Thousands of people turned out over the weekend to enjoy the racing and performances.

James Brenan, York Racecourse’s marketing manager, said: “The two music performers were exactly what we’d hoped for – high energy.

“Both acts, with 20 plus experience, know how to put on a show and did it in spades.”

James said warm, sunny weather across the weekend created a “tremendous” atmosphere, adding: “We hope the weather will return for the Ebor Festival.”