York Racecourse: Ebor Festival, Facts and Betting Guide
Racing on the Knavesmire, a mile from York city centre, goes back nearly 300 years. York stages the Ebor Festival and the Juddmonte International every August. Here are the big races, the history, how to get there and how betting works on course.
Biggest races at York
York’s biggest week of the year is the Ebor Festival in August.
The Ebor Festival
- Juddmonte International (Group 1), York’s richest race, Wednesday
- Yorkshire Oaks, Thursday (Ladies’ Day)
- Nunthorpe Stakes and Gimcrack Stakes, Friday
- Ebor Handicap, Europe’s richest Flat handicap, Saturday
The Dante Festival
- Dante Stakes, a key Derby trial
- The start of York’s season
This year’s big winners
- Juddmonte International: Item (10/1), Colin Keane, Andrew Balding
- Ebor: Daiquiri Bay (10/1), Rossa Ryan, Alan King
York facts and history
From highwaymen to Royal Ascot.
The track
York is a left-handed circuit of about 2 miles. It was horseshoe-shaped until a north bend was added in 2005. The course is very flat with sweeping bends, and there is a straight 6f course plus a 7f chute.
Jockeys call it a very fair track that suits a long-striding galloper, with no draw bias. On soft ground the field often comes up the centre.
Getting to York
By train
York station is just over a mile away, with a marked walking route on racedays. The 197 shuttle bus runs from opposite the station (about £2.50 single or £4 return).
Trains from London King’s Cross take from about 1 hour 52 minutes.
By road
The A64 is the recommended raceday route, and routes from the A59 are signed. Follow the yellow raceday signs rather than your sat-nav.
All parking is free.
Betting at York
You can bet at York on the Tote or on your phone.
On your phone
Your usual app works on course just as it does at home. On big days, set your account up, verify it and add funds before you travel, so you can bet straight away.
Compare the odds in the app with the boards in the ring before you bet. The best price is not always in the same place.
On course
York has Tote facilities in the County Stand, the Grandstand & Paddock and the Course Enclosure.
Cash machines are in the Knavesmire Stand, the Gimcrack Stand foyer, by the Frankel statue and under the Clocktower. Read our guide to betting at the racecourse for how the Tote and the betting ring work.
Betting on your phone at the track?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store and Google Play ratings.
York FAQs
Where is York Racecourse?
York Racecourse is on the Knavesmire, York YO23 1EX, within a mile of the city centre.
When is the Ebor Festival?
The Ebor Festival runs for four days, Wednesday to Saturday, in the second half of August. In 2026 it ran from 19 to 22 August.
Who won the 2026 Ebor?
Daiquiri Bay won the 2026 Ebor at 10/1, ridden by Rossa Ryan and trained by Alan King.
How do I get to York Racecourse from the station?
It is just over a mile, with a marked walking route on racedays. The 197 shuttle bus also runs from opposite the station.
Is parking free at York Racecourse?
Yes. All parking at York Racecourse is free.
Are there cash machines at York Racecourse?
Yes. There are cash machines in the Knavesmire Stand, the Gimcrack Stand foyer, by the Frankel statue and under the Clocktower.
Sources: York Racecourse: getting here · York Racecourse FAQs · Wikipedia: York Racecourse · Wikipedia: Ebor Handicap. Facts checked October 2026; fixtures and travel details can change, so check with the course before you go.
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org