York Ebor Festival: Race Guide 2023

The York Ebor Festival is a scintillating horse racing meeting held over four days at York Racecourse 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. In 2023, it will be held from Thursday 17th August until Sunday 20th August.

When does the York Ebor Festival start?

The gates at the York racecourse open at 11am for a Welcome to the Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Following this, the first race commences between 1:30pm and 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 race day 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 best-dressed lady and gentleman award 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 unique 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 day below.

Juddmonte International Day – Thursday 17th August 2023

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 – Friday 18th August 2023

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 – Saturday 19th August 2023

Racing continues at York well into the weekend, with Nunthorpe Day taking place on 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 – Sunday 20th August 2023

The grand finale of the York Ebor Festival takes place on Saturday. The oldest and most famous 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 undoubtedly missed.