TODAY marks the first day of York’s biggest racing meet of the year.
The jampacked four-day Ebor Festival returns to York Racecourse starting today, Wednesday August 21, and finishes this Saturday, August 24.
As the biggest racing event in York’s calendar, a seven-race card kicks off the week with the £1.25 million Juddmonte International Stakes where, according to betting odds, City of Troy is set to lead the pack in what pundits are billing potentially the best flat race of the year.
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At this year’s Ebor the new Southern End development at York Racecourse will make its debut and jockeys will have names on their breeches for the first time – a move intended to make them easily identifiable to racegoers.
According to the racecourse, the day is intended to ‘put the spotlight on jockeys’ – giving racegoers the chance to meet some of the riders. A pop-up ‘jockey gym’ situated in the Clocktower enclosure will give the public a chance to see the work that goes into being a professional jockey.
The SkyBet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake will take place on Saturday. As reported by The Press previously, the race will see 22 Yorkshire based community groups randomly allocated horses with a £20,000 donation going to the winner.
The North Yorkshire charities shortlisted include:
• MySight York
• The Friends of Rowntree Park
• Menfulness
• The Rainbow Centre, Scarborough
• Norton Hive Library and Community Hub
• Next Door But One CIC
• Just ‘B’
Micheal Shinners, head of sports PR at Sky Betting & Gaming, added: “We love seeing the wealth of entries from deserving causes across Yorkshire. We wish all of the charities the very best when it comes to the big day, and at the very least hope the £1,000 shortlisting donation can go a long way to support the amazing work they do.”
James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship at York Racecourse, said the team can’t wait for the week’s events.
Speaking yesterday, he said: “The racecourse is a hive of activity today as the team put the finishing touches to everything, ahead of the biggest four days of the year.
“Over £7 million in prize money will be earned by some of the best horses and jockeys in the world – literally – and the lawns and terraces will offer a summer vibe, if the larger dry and warm forecast proves to be correct.
“We have seen so many worthwhile entries to the SkyBet sweepstake. Choosing 22 from this extensive list is never easy but the final runners reflect a diverse group of worthy causes from across the region.
“The Sky Bet Ebor Festival is the highlight of our racing calendar with this initiative an important part of proceedings. We always look forward to hosting the shortlisted contenders and to showcasing the amazing work they all do.”
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