This year, the three-day Dante meeting totals to a record-breaking, purse of £1.5m.
The 2026 York Dante Festival is expected to attract around 60,000 racegoers over the three-days racing – providing a huge boost to the city’s culture and economy.
Using pre-Covid data from 2019, the study revealed that the horse racing industry in Yorkshire contributes £300.2 million to Yorkshire’s economy, through racing and non-racing events.
It acts as one of the most important early-season fixtures in British flat racing, the Dante stakes acts as a major trial for the iconic Epsom Derby.
The meeting has a mixture of Classic trials, major Group racing and a bouncing atmosphere on the Knavesmire.
What to Wear
York Racecourse offer three enclosures on a race day: Clocktower Enclosure, Grandstand and Paddock and County Stand.
Each enclosure has an expectation of what to wear, ranging from relaxed (wear what you want) to a formal dress code.
The Clocktower Enclosure is a relaxed area in which to enjoy picnics with family and friends whilst watching the racing.
This is the most relaxed enclosure where the racecourse suggest comfortable, practical, weather appropriate clothing and footwear.
The Grandstand and Paddock has no formal dress and prioritise comfort.
However, many of the racegoers in this enclosure do like to use a day at the races as an excuse to get glammed up.
The County Stand is York’s premier enclosure, and has a formal dress code of a collared shirt, jacket and tie for men. Short sleeved shirts and dress shorts are also accepted.
There is actually no formal dress code for ladies, however most choose to dress up for a day at the races.
Lots of female racegoers do like to wear dresses, high heeled shoes together with hats or fascinator – but its most important that the outfits comfortable and the day is enjoyable.
Getting There
On race days there is a marked walking walking route for racegoers to walk back into the city centre, this is just over a mile and very straightforward.
There are fast and frequent trains running from major cities to York, this only leaves a simple walk to the station. If the Yorkshire breeze will ruin the race day glam, York station offers easy accessibility for a cab to the course.
A cheaper alternative is the frequent 197 Shuttle Bus service which links York Railway Station to the Racecourse. The buses operate from Stand RJ opposite the Station entrance between 11am and 1.00pm (between 4pm and 6pm for the evening Music Showcase).
From the Racecourse, the shuttle buses return to the Railway Station from Campleshon Road, next to the Racecourse entrance, from 4pm onwards.
Fares: Return – £4.00
Single – £2.50
Raceday Top Tips
Arriving early gives every opportunity to experience the building race day atmosphere. Where is the best bar, where’s the best place to eat and how can I avoid all the queues? Answer these questions all before the first race, so you don’t miss any of the action.
For horse racing rookies, make sure to read the racecard. The racecard offers information regarding: runners and riders, York’s history and the most successful trainers and jockeys.
This will provide the answer to any question you have on race day. (Complementary on entry to the county stand, £4 in other enclosures.)
