In 1843, the first meeting commenced with the Ebor handicap match, which is the biggest race of the festival to date. Today, the event includes four days of non-stop action, where each day will include some featured races.
On the first day, you will witness Juddmonte International Stakes, and the second day includes the Yorkshire Oaks. Nunthorpe Stakes and Ebor Day are the center of attention for the third and fourth days.
The second day is Ladies Day because of the off-course fashion along with professional female horses skillfully performing. Horse racing enthusiasts find these races attractive because of the thrilling live-action. That’s why people travel all the way to the UK, so they do not miss their favorite participant winning the race.
First Day of York Ebor Festival
Below, you will find the featured race for the first day of the festival. You can also check out all the previews of the York Ebor Festival races.
1. Acomb Stakes
Two-year-old horses will compete in this Group Three race. The race, named after a local area inYork, began in 1998. But, the organizers included it in Group 3 in 2006. Acomb Stakes takes place on the seven furlongs of the track. The weight allowed for this match is nine stones and one pound. But, there is a three-pound exception for the fillies
Due to the age restriction, a horse can win this match only once. But, Sir Michael Stoute as a trainer and Pat Eddery as a Jockey won this race four times in their career.
2. Great Voltigeur Stakes
The race inaugurated in 1950 is a tribute to the winner of St Leger and the Derby. Traditionally, the name of this race was Voltigeur, but it included Great in 1957. This is one mile and three furlongs race, on which three-year-old geldings and colts race for the title. The eligible weight for this race is nine stones.
However, there is a penalty for Group 1 and Group 2 winners. The Group 1 winner will get a 5-pound penalty. However, a 3-pound penalty is for Group 2 winners. In this race, the audience anticipates the performance of the horses that are ready to participate in the St Leger next month. In 1953, Premonition won both races marking his name in history.
Judmonte International Stakes is the first big race of the first day. The race inaugurated in 1972 is a race for three-year-old horses. The race track is one mile and two furlongs created by Major Leslie Petch. Previously, the name of the race was Benson and Hedges Gold Cup because of the sponsorship.
There is no doubt that Ebor Handicap is the most popular race of the festival. Internationally, it is the richest race of the entire season. You can place your bets and gamble at York Ebor Festival. In 2020, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities crowned this race as the World’s Best Race. To compete in this race, the participants should weigh eight stonesand thirteen pounds. However, if the horses are older than three, they should have nine stone six pounds.