York Ebor Festival: Kalpana faces Minnie Hauk and Irish Derby winner Johanna Walsh in Yorkshire Oaks

Kalpana will bid to add another Group 1 victory to her impressive campaign when she takes on defending champion Minnie Hauk and Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh in the Yorkshire Oaks at York.

Owned by Juddmonte and trained by Andrew Balding, the five-year-old defeated Calandagan at Ascot, with her French rival having already recorded six top-level successes. Kalpana now makes her first appearance at York as she bids to continue what has been an excellent campaign.

She faces a number of serious challengers, including last year’s Yorkshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk.

Minnie Hauk bids to rediscover winning form

Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk arrives at York looking to recapture the form that saw her win four Oaks races last season.

The defending champion has struggled to produce her best this year, however, and was well beaten on her last three starts. Her most recent outing came in the King George at Ascot, where she finished 18 lengths behind Kalpana.

Minnie Hauk is currently priced at 7-2 and represents one of the biggest threats to the favourite.

O’Brien also sends out Sugar Island, who is currently the outsider of the field at 66-1, with her rider still to be confirmed.

Johanna Walsh arrives after Irish Oaks success

Johanna Walsh is another major contender and arrives at York with plenty of momentum.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, the progressive three-year-old landed the Irish Oaks by four lengths and now bids to add another major Oaks success to her record.

Dylan Browne McMonagle takes the ride, with Johanna Walsh priced at 4-1 in the latest market.

She has already shown she can compete with some of this field, having progressed significantly during the season.

Strong field gives Kalpana plenty to think about

Lancashire Oaks winner Tattycoram is another leading contender for Ralph Beckett.

The filly has had just two starts this season and will be partnered by Edward Greatrex as she steps back into Group 1 company.

Inis Mor also brings strong form to the Knavesmire. David Menuisier’s filly won the Height of Fashion Stakes before finishing second to Johanna Walsh in the Irish Oaks. Oisin Murphy takes the ride.

Wathnan Racing have enjoyed a strong campaign at the major meetings and will be represented by Ribblesdale Stakes winner Earth Shot, with James Doyle booked to ride.

Earth Shot has already faced Johanna Walsh twice this season, winning their first meeting in the Ribblesdale Stakes before the Irish Oaks winner reversed the form with a four-length victory at the Curragh.

Juddmonte have a second chance of victory through Legacy Link, the runner-up in the Epsom Oaks. William Buick takes the ride.

Completing the field are Sparan Nua and Sugar Island. Sparan Nua, trained by Jim Bolger, finished third in the Irish Oaks before disappointing when favourite for the Group 3 Desmond Stakes on her latest start. Rossa Ryan is booked to ride.

Yorkshire Oaks runners and riders

• Kalpana – Colin Keane
• Minnie Hauk – TBC
• Tattycoram – Edward Greatrex
• Earth Shot – James Doyle
• Inis Mor – Oisin Murphy
• Johanna Walsh – Dylan Browne McMonagle
• Legacy Link – William Buick
• Sparan Nua – Rossa Ryan
• Sugar Island – TBC

What else is happening at the York Ebor Festival?

The Yorkshire Oaks is just one of the major races taking place during four days of action at York.

The 2026 York Ebor Festival runs from Wednesday 19 August to Saturday 22 August, with a Group 1 race on each day. The Juddmonte International headlines Wednesday, the Yorkshire Oaks takes centre stage on Thursday, Friday features the Nunthorpe Stakes and Saturday culminates with the Ebor Handicap.

Wednesday’s Juddmonte International is set to feature a fascinating clash between Ombudsman and Constitution River, while Friday’s Nunthorpe provides another major highlight before the £500,000 Ebor Handicap brings the meeting to a close on Saturday.

With four days of high-quality racing and some of the biggest names in Flat racing heading to the Knavesmire, the York Ebor Festival promises plenty for racing fans to follow.

Experience the York Ebor Festival with Eventmasters

The York Ebor Festival is one of the biggest fixtures on the British racing calendar, and Eventmasters offers racegoers the opportunity to experience the meeting with hospitality packages at York Racecourse.

Enjoy the racing alongside premium dining, excellent views and a more memorable raceday experience, making the most of four days of action on the Knavesmire.

York Ebor Festival FAQs

When is the York Ebor Festival?

The York Ebor Festival takes place at York Racecourse from Wednesday 19 August to Saturday 22 August 2026, with four days of high-quality Flat racing.

What are the main races at the York Ebor Festival?

The festival’s main races include the Juddmonte International, Yorkshire Oaks, Nunthorpe Stakes and Ebor Handicap, with a Group 1 race taking place on each day.

What is the Ebor Handicap?

The Ebor Handicap is the feature handicap race of the York Ebor Festival. Run over one mile, five furlongs and 188 yards, it brings the meeting to a close on Saturday.

Where is the York Ebor Festival held?

The York Ebor Festival is held at York Racecourse on the Knavesmire in York.

What is the Yorkshire Oaks?

The Yorkshire Oaks is a Group 1 race for fillies and mares aged three and above. It is run over one mile, three furlongs and 188 yards at York on the second day of the Ebor Festival.

Can I book York Ebor Festival hospitality?

Yes. Eventmasters offers hospitality packages for the York Ebor Festival, giving racegoers the chance to enjoy premium dining, excellent views and an upgraded raceday experience at York Racecourse.