The Ebor Festival lights up the Knavesmire each August with four consecutive days of high-class racing. At its heart lie a sequence of flagship contests, ranging from international middle-distance clashes to elite sprints and the ever-competitive staying handicap that gives the festival its name.
This year’s edition promises a rich blend of quality and intrigue. Here’s a look at the four standout races and the horses to look out for.
Wednesday, August 20 – Juddmonte International Stakes(G1, 1m2 1/2f)
The established summit of Europe’s middle-distance weight-for-age scene, the Juddmonte International again boasts strength in depth. This season’s renewal is headlined by a rematch between the three-year-old Delacroix and proven Group 1 performer Ombudsman, with the latter looking to reverse Eclipse Stakes form. York’s galloping, fair track and long straight may bring tactical shifts, while Japanese raider Danon Decile adds international flavour and serious form credentials. A race of class, pace, and complexity awaits.
Selection: Danon Decile (11/2, Paddy Power)
Japan’s 2024 Derby winner. Since turning four, he has already notched an international Group 1 in the Dubai Sheema Classic, defeating subsequent dual Group 1 winner Calandagan. That line of form suggests he should be highly competitive at the top level in Europe. His ability to handle the return to 10 furlongs—his first run over the trip in 18 months—will be crucial.
Thursday, August 21 – Yorkshire Oaks (G1, 1m4f)
Britain’s premier fillies’ staying event often sets the stage for autumn campaigns. Though this year’s field numbers just six, it is headed by Minnie Hawk, who bids for a rare Oaks treble. With victories at Epsom and the Curragh already secured, she arrives with stature, scope, and the kind of grinding power that York rewards. Should she oblige, she would sit comfortably alongside Enable and Snowfall among recent greats.
Selection: Minnie Hawk (odds to follow)
Winner of both the English and Irish Oaks, she has demonstrated dominant stamina and strength at a mile and a half. Her campaign echoes those of legendary predecessors, and all eyes will be on her as she attempts to join the pantheon of triple Oaks winners.
Friday, August 22 – Nunthorpe Stakes (G1, 5f)
The fastest race of the meeting and the only open-age Group 1 in Britain to admit two-year-olds, the Nunthorpe is always a ferociously run dash. With 19 entries this year, it’s shaping into a classic blend of proven sprinters and ambitious juveniles. Lady Iman is one such two-year-old who brings plenty of hype, but the older sprinters retain strength in numbers. Chief among them is JM Jungle, who captured the G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood and brings rock-solid sprint credentials back to York.
Selection: JM Jungle (12/1 Paddy Power)
Produced a powerful late run to take the King George at Glorious Goodwood, overcoming positional adversity and clocking solid figures. Course experience and tactical adaptability add to his appeal in what looks an ultra-competitive renewal.
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Saturday, August 23 – Ebor Handicap (Heritage Handicap, 1m6f)
The festival’s namesake and signature staying handicap returns for another fiercely contested edition. First run in 1843, the Ebor is a historic test of stamina, tactics, and handicapping nuance. The extended 1m6f trip demands balance between cruising speed and staying power, while weight assignments make for fine margins.
This year’s talking horse is London City, a progressive four-year-old from the Aidan O’Brien stable. A son of Justify, he has stamina in abundance and goes to post with a handy racing weight of 9st8lb. The market is open, but connections have expressed strong confidence.
Selection: London City (odds to follow)
O’Brien’s colt arrives with solid form, including a win in a competitive Class 3 at York and respectable efforts in Group 2 company. A plausible profile for this type of contest, and his current mark gives him a fighting chance if he gets a clear run.