York Ebor Festival: A Beginner’s Guide
York Ebor Festival: 2021 Guide
The York Ebor Festival is a scintillating horse racing meeting held over four days at York Racecourse, taking place in late August each year. The prestigious meeting was first established in 1843 which saw the first running of the Ebor Handicap race. Find out more about the Ebor festival below with our handy guide!
When is the York Ebor Festival?
The Ebor Festival usually takes place in late August. During 2021, it will be held from Wednesday 18th August until Saturday 21st August.
When does the York Ebor Festival start?
The gates at York racecourse open at 11am for a Welcome to the Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Following this, the first race commences between 1:30pm or 2pm.
What do I wear to the York Ebor Festival?
Guests at the York Ebor Festival dress exquisitely, as though attending a fine formal occasion. Within the County Stand there is a dress code to adhere to. Men are encouraged to way a shirt with a collar paired with a jacket and a tie. Short sleeves, bow ties and shorts are acceptable for men. Ladies usually opt for formal dresses paired with heels and a hat or fascinator.
Outside of the County Stand Enclosure, there is no formal dress code however most racegoers do enjoy dressing in formal attire. Guests should aim for comfort just as much as style, allowing for a greater raceday experience. Ladies Day at York Ebor Festival is one of the most anticipated days of the entire meeting, celebrating glamourous race day style. All who attend are eager to take home the award of best-dressed lady and gentleman on the Ebor fashion lawn.
Guide to the four days
As one of the final key race meetings of the flat racing season, the York Ebor Festival is a special event itself! Without a doubt, the event features the oldest, richest, most famous races within the UK. Gathering horse racing fans from all over the globe, enjoying four days of thrilling horse racing action. Find out more about each individual day below.
Juddmonte International Day – Wednesday 18th August 2021
The phenomenal opening day boasts the Group One race Juddmonte International. This is the richest race held at York Racecourse and was rated number one of all thoroughbred horse races during 2012-2014. Indeed the race was won by one of the greatest – Frankel!
Ladies’ Day – Thursday 19th August 2021
Ladies’ Day at York racecourse is without a doubt the social highlight of the festival. All are dressed to impress with prizes even being allocated on the Ebor Fashion Lawn!
What’s more, the racing on Ladies’ Day is of the finest standard. With the Group One Darley Yorkshire Oaks race taking centre stage. In 2017 this was won by the highly acclaimed horse Enable.
Coolmore Nunthorpe Day – Friday 20th August 2021
Racing continues at York well into the weekend with Nunthorpe Day taking place on the Friday. The stand out race on this day is another Group One race, the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes which is one of the fastest races in the entire world! Get set to witness some of the most thrilling horse racing action.
Sky Bet Ebor Day – Saturday 21st August 2021
The grand finale of the York Ebor Festival takes place on Saturday. The oldest and most well known race – the Ebor – takes place on this day. Since it was first run in 1840, the race continues to make history each year and is one surely not to be missed.
