York Racecourse

Flat Racing in the North

Found in the South-West of the city, York Racecourse is one of the biggest racing venues in the UK.  With some of the highest prize money on the line at one of the finest racecourses in the country racegoers are always guaranteed a fantastic day out.

During the Ebor Festival, races such as the International Stakes, the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks take centre stage.  During the Dante Festival, the Yorkshire Cup and the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes.

Travel FAQs York Racecourse Hospitality  News  Register Your Interest

York Racecourse Hospitality 2024

As Official Hospitality Suppliers (OHS) directly appointed by York Racecourse, guests can experience the thrill of flat racing at the North’s premier racecourse with our York hospitality packages. 

York Dante Festival 2024, York Racecourse - Ebor Restaurant - Knavesmire Stand Hospitality - Horse Racing

Eventmasters are proud to present York Racecourse hospitality options in 2024, which are carefully designed to impress your guests and clients and give you the best VIP experiences possible. The famous Knavesmire course is home to some of the best action in the country, including the York Ebor Festival, which features Europe’s richest flat handicap race.

Discover More About York Racecourse

History

York is a traditional English town in the North of England, with its ancient sights also possessing one of the country’s greatest racecourses.  Attracting international runners to some of the world’s richest Grade 1 flat races, the course is known for spectacular performances from household names.

York is home to one of Europe’s Premier tracks and holder of the Flat Racecourse of the Year Award for four consecutive years. York Racecourse also ranked in the Times newspaper survey of all Britain’s racecourses.

Horse racing at York dates back to Roman times, with records showcasing gatherings in various open spaces around the city. By the early 18th century, horse racing was established in Clifton. However, frequent flooding from the Ouse led to the Corporation seeking a different venue. Over time, racing became increasingly popular, allowing it to grow into a prestigious social event attended by over 100,000 racegoers.

In 2014, York Racecourse had modifications in its northern section. This involved re-sitting the pre-parade ring, a popular destination for racegoers. This enormous advancement resulted in creating a brand-new, cutting-edge weighing room.

York Ebor Festival

The York Ebor Festival is the highlight of the year at the Racecourse.  With horses and attendees coming from around the world to celebrate in the summer sunshine.

The feature race on the first day of the Ebor Festival is the Juddmonte International, formally the International Stakes.  It has previously in recent years been rated the best UK horse race by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.  Previous winners include

This outstanding race has been won by some of the greats of the sport including the invincible Frankel in 2012 and Ulysses in 2017.

York Dante Festival

At the famed York Dante Festival, the premier race is the Dante Stakes.  Both the race and the festival are named for the Yorkshire-trained winner of the 1945 Epsom Derby and eternal fan favourite, Dante.  Since the first event in 1958, it has developed into one of the best and most exciting trials of colts in the world.

The winners of the Dante Stakes are seen as some of the most impressive horses and as having huge potential.  Winners of the race have gone on to win the Epsom Derby (the first time being St Paddy winning both in 1960) and recently The Grey Gatsby winning both the Dante Stakes and the French Derby in 2014.

Other Events at York Racecourse

In 2005, York racecourse hosted Royal Ascot on a temporary, one-off special.  Ascot Racecourse was undergoing major improvement and renovation works and was unable to host the event.  This brought in a five-day attendance of over 220,000 people.

Local Area

Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise in York

Looking for a way to explore the city? The Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise offers a new perspective to view the city while learning about its history.

The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York

Holder of the York Award in 2022, this family-friendly tour offers a dark sense of humour to those looking to learn about York’s sinister underbelly.

Godddards

Hidden away on the outskirts of York, guests can explore the former home of Terry’s family. Goddards is a beautifully designed building with formal lawns and ponds, fragrant bends, a small orchard and a historic glasshouse with a wildlife pond.

Visiting York Racecourse

Please use the map provided for further information.

How do I get to York Racecourse by car?

If travelling from York, we recommend you take the A1036 and Bishopthorpe Road to Racecourse Road. Continue to Racecourse Rd until you reach the venue.

When travelling further out, the recommended route is through the A64 to the south of the racecourse. Please be aware that on race days, not all the usual ways to the venue are accessible. However, there will be yellow directional signs that will help you to reach the venue.

How do I get to York Racecourse by train?

Reliable trains run from London Kings Cross, allowing you to reach the venue in approximately an hour and fifty-two minutes. Guests can also get on direct trains from Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham. It will be a short walk to the venue when arriving at York Station.

Alternatively, the 197 Shuttle Bus service will be available from York Station to the racecourse between 11am and 1pm.

How do I get to York Racecourse by bus?

Take the no.11 Bishopthorpe from York for seven stops to Terry’s. It will take eight minutes to walk from there to the racecourse.

York Racecourse FAQs

Guests can use the free car parking on all race days.

No official dress code exists; York Racecourse encourages guests to dress accordingly. Men must dress appropriately, with a jacket, collared shirt and tie, and smart trousers.

In the Grandstand & Paddock and Clocktower Enclosure, the dress code is more casual at the Grandstand & Paddock and Clocktower Enclosure, where visitors wear shorts and t-shirts.

On Knavesmire Road, near the County Stand Enclosure, and off Bishopthorpe Road, there are designated disability parking spaces. All disabled car parks are free to orange/blue badge holders.

The County Stand entry lobby has a lift access platform that wheelchair users can use to reach the higher floors. Every floor of the Ebor Stand, the upper three floors of the Melrose Stand, the foyer of the County Stand, and the Weighting Room Lawn have accessible facilities.

The Knavesmire and Ebor Stands’ ground floor, the entryway of the Gimcrack Stand, and the area in front of the Frankel statue all have cash machines.

York Racecourse News & Updates

The Dante Festival is the perfect way to set the social summer off with family and friends while watching an action-packed day at York Racecourse.

York’s Ebor Festival is a four-day meeting that hosts the Group 1 Juddmonte International and Darley Yorkshire Oaks alongside the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap. The Yorkshire Ebor Festival is known as a prestigious and leading event that attracts more than 300,000 races and fashion lovers every year. The unique atmosphere, the enthusiastic crowd and the excitement of the races are all factors that make this four-day festival an unforgettable event.

In 2021, Charlie Appleby-trained colt, Hurricane Lane, maintained his unbeaten record, after claiming the Dante Stakes title. Group favourite, High Definition, could only manage a third-place finish to the punter’s disappointment. Don’t miss out on the York Dante Festival in 2024, to see star horses rise to glory on the Knavesmire.