Racing season at York finally gets underway this week, as the Dante Festival takes place from Wednesday 14th May to Friday 16th May.
Three days of top tier flat racing has racing fans excited ahead of this year’s festival.
The York Dante Festival has been held annually since 1952, celebrating top class horse racing and is a key trial for the Epsom Derby.
Named after the Yorkshire-trained winner Dante, the 1945 Derby winner, the festival honours local racing heritage and global talent.
Key Races and highlights ahead of the Festival
Wednesday 14th May: Group 2 Duke of York Stakes, a six furlong race taking place at 15:13, with key contenders being Night Raider and Elite Status.
Group 3 Muisidora Stakes is another key race, which is a 1mile and 2½ furlong race, which is trial ahead of the Epsom Oaks that takes place on Friday 6th June.
Thursday 15th May: Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dante Stakes, which is a 1mile and 2½ furlong race, a crucial Epsom Derby trial which will feature top contenders like Aiden O’Briens The Lion In Winter and Charlie Appleby’s unbeaten Alpine Trail.
Group 2 Middleton Stakes is another race to keep an eye out on, which is again a 1mile and 2½ furlong race, with a pretty open field with the likes of See The Fire, Beautiful Love and Nakheel being top contenders in the race.
Friday 16th May: Of course it’s Yorkshire Cup day, a prestigious long distance race, first starting in 1927, and this year we will have a new champion with 2023 and 2024 winner Giavellotto making his step up to Group 1.
Key contenders to look out for are: Rebel’s Romance, Sweet William and Continuous.
Tickets and Hospitality are available through the York Racecourse website, with the County Stand, Grandstand & Paddock and the Clocktower Enclosure all set ready for this years big event.
This year’s racegoers are reminded that their is a formal dress code in the County Stand with men expected to wear a jacket, shirt and tie.
Jeans and trainers are also not allowed except in the Clocktower Enclosure where dress is informal.
This year’s Festival will also be broadcasted live on ITV, with key races like the Dante Stakes scheduled for 3:45 on Thursday.
York Racecourse is also easily accessible from the City Centre, with numerous places to park at the Racecourse and public transport options are available on the day.
