
Ebor Festival 2026: Schedule, Race Times, Runners, Prize Money & TV
Ebor Festival 2026: Key Facts
York’s flagship Flat meeting runs from Wednesday 19 August to Saturday 22 August. The festival programme is confirmed, the opening-day racecard is final and the status of later races now varies according to the declaration timetable.
Quick Summary
- The Sky Bet Ebor Festival 2026 runs from 19–22 August at York Racecourse.
- There are 28 races across four days, with seven races scheduled each afternoon.
- Gates open at 11:00am, with the first race at 1:50pm and the last at 5:20pm.
- York reported the opening-day going as Good at 8:30am on 19 August.
- Total festival prize money is a record just under £7.5 million.
- There is a Group 1 race on every festival day.
- The £1.5 million Juddmonte International has nine runners, including Ombudsman, Constitution River and Item.
- ITV shows the first five races each day, while Racing TV covers all 28 races live.
When and where is the Ebor Festival 2026?
The Ebor Festival takes place at York Racecourse from Wednesday 19 August through Saturday 22 August 2026. It is the centrepiece of York’s Flat racing season and combines elite Group races with major handicaps, juvenile contests and staying races.
Latest Festival Status on 19 August
The festival has moved beyond the early entry and running-plan stage. Wednesday’s opening card is confirmed, while Thursday’s headline Yorkshire Oaks has nine horses listed on the current racecard. Friday and Saturday still contain larger entry lists at the time of this full update.
York reported the ground as Good at 8:30am on Wednesday morning. Going, non-runners and race-day conditions can still change during the meeting, so readers looking for last-minute information should check the official racecourse and latest racecards.
Confirmed Wednesday runners are treated as final racecard runners. For later days, this guide distinguishes between horses already shown on current racecards and horses still appearing on broader entry lists. That avoids presenting Friday or Saturday entries as confirmed runners before the relevant declaration stage.
This guide has been refreshed for the start of the festival with the opening-day going, confirmed Juddmonte International field, current Yorkshire Oaks racecard, later-week entry status, TV coverage, ticket information and updated race analysis.
Sources checked 19 August 2026: York Racecourse, official Going Report, official Order of Running, Racing TV racecards.
Ebor Festival 2026: Full Schedule and Race Times
The 2026 Ebor Festival features 28 races across four days. The daily rhythm remains consistent: seven races, the first at 1:50pm and the last at 5:20pm.
Wednesday 19 August – Juddmonte International Day
The festival opens with a confirmed seven-race card headed by the £1.5 million Juddmonte International. The supporting programme includes the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes and Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, while the first five races are shown live on ITV.
York reported Good going at 8:30am on Wednesday morning. The Juddmonte International has nine runners on the final racecard.
The table can be scrolled horizontally on smaller screens.
| Time | Race | Type | Age | Distance | Prize Money | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:50pm | Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 4+ | 5½f | £135,000 | ITV |
| 2:25pm | Tattersalls Acomb Stakes | Group 3 | 2yo | 7f | £175,000 | ITV |
| 3:00pm | Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes | Group 2 | 3yo colts & geldings | 1m 4f | £250,000 | ITV |
| 3:35pm | Juddmonte International Stakes | Group 1 | 3+ | 1m 2f 56y | £1,500,000 | ITV |
| 4:10pm | Sky Bet Stayers Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3+ | 2m | £100,000 | ITV |
| 4:45pm | Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3yo | 5f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
| 5:20pm | Sky Bet Nursery Handicap | Handicap | 2yo | 6f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
Thursday 20 August – Yorkshire Oaks & Ladies Day
Thursday combines one of the festival’s major social occasions with the Group 1 Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks. Kalpana heads the nine horses currently shown on the Yorkshire Oaks racecard alongside returning winner Minnie Hauk and Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh.
| Time | Race | Type | Age | Distance | Prize Money | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:50pm | Sky Bet Lowther Stakes | Group 2 | 2yo fillies | 6f | £250,000 | ITV |
| 2:25pm | Harry’s Half Million by Goffs Stakes | 2yo race | 2yo | 6f | £500,000 | ITV |
| 3:00pm | Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 in 7 Grand Finale Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3+ | 1m | £150,000 | ITV |
| 3:35pm | Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks | Group 1 | 3+ fillies & mares | 1m 4f | £600,000 | ITV |
| 4:10pm | British EBF and Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes | Listed | 3+ fillies & mares | 1m 4f | £100,000 | ITV |
| 4:45pm | Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery | Handicap | 2yo | 7f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
| 5:20pm | British EBF Fillies’ Handicap | Handicap | 3+ fillies & mares | 7f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
Friday 21 August – Coolmore Nunthorpe Day
Friday is built around speed, with the five-furlong Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes as the Group 1 centrepiece. The Lonsdale Cup and Gimcrack Stakes provide Group 2 support. At the time of this article’s 19 August update, Friday’s Racing TV listings still showed broader entry fields rather than final race-day cards.
| Time | Race | Type | Age | Distance | Prize Money | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:50pm | Sky Bet Mile Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3yo | 1m | £100,000 | ITV |
| 2:25pm | Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup | Group 2 | 3+ | 2m | £250,000 | ITV |
| 3:00pm | Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes | Group 2 | 2yo colts & geldings | 6f | £250,000 | ITV |
| 3:35pm | Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes | Group 1 | 2+ | 5f | £600,000 | ITV |
| 4:10pm | Assured Data Protection Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3+ | 1m 4f | £120,000 | ITV |
| 4:45pm | British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes | Maiden | 2yo | 7f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
| 5:20pm | Sky Bet EBF Fillies Stakes | Handicap | 3yo fillies | 1m 2f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
Saturday 22 August – Sky Bet Ebor Day
The final afternoon combines the £600,000 Group 1 Sky Bet City of York Stakes at 3:00pm with the historic £500,000 Sky Bet Ebor just 35 minutes later. Saturday’s broader lists were still at the entry stage when this guide was fully updated.
| Time | Race | Type | Age | Distance | Prize Money | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:50pm | Sky Bet Strensall Stakes | Group 3 | 3+ | 1m 1f | £175,000 | ITV |
| 2:25pm | Sky Bet Melrose Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3yo | 1m 6f | £180,000 | ITV |
| 3:00pm | Sky Bet City of York Stakes | Group 1 | 3+ | 7f | £600,000 | ITV |
| 3:35pm | Sky Bet Ebor | Heritage Handicap | 4+ | 1m 6f | £500,000 | ITV |
| 4:10pm | Sky Bet Constantine Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3+ | 6f | See official listing | ITV |
| 4:45pm | Julia Graves Roses Stakes | Listed | 2yo | 5f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
| 5:20pm | Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Stakes | Heritage Handicap | 3+ | 1m 2f | £100,000 | Racing TV |
Schedule checked 19 August 2026: York Racecourse – official Order of Running. Race times and programme details remain subject to late official changes.
Major Races and Group 1 Highlights
For the first time, every day of the Ebor Festival features a Group 1. The opening-day Juddmonte field is confirmed, Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks racecard is substantially formed, while Friday and Saturday still require more caution.
Juddmonte International Stakes 2026
The Juddmonte International is the financial and sporting centrepiece of the opening day. Its £1.5 million purse makes the 2026 renewal the richest race ever staged at York.
The final racecard is headed by defending champion Ombudsman, unbeaten three-year-old Constitution River and dual York Group 2 winner Item. The nine-runner field is completed by Almaqam, Devil’s Advocate, Pride Of Arras, Zaydann, Action and Hawk Mountain.
The table can be scrolled horizontally on smaller screens.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almaqam | Ed Walker | Kieran Shoemark | 4 |
| 2 | Devil’s Advocate | John & Thady Gosden | Robert Havlin | 6 |
| 3 | Ombudsman | John & Thady Gosden | William Buick | 1 |
| 4 | Pride Of Arras | Ralph Beckett | Rossa Ryan | 5 |
| 5 | Zaydann | Francis-Henri Graffard | Mickael Barzalona | 9 |
| 6 | Action | Aidan O’Brien | Ronan Whelan | 8 |
| 7 | Constitution River | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 7 |
| 8 | Hawk Mountain | Aidan O’Brien | Wayne Lordan | 3 |
| 9 | Item | Andrew Balding | Colin Keane | 2 |
Ombudsman brings the strongest proven York and top-level profile and returns to defend his title from stall one. Constitution River supplies the major three-year-old challenge after an unbeaten campaign, while Item brings two Group 2 victories over this course and distance. The race therefore revolves around the proven champion, an unbeaten younger rival and a highly credible York specialist.
Yorkshire Oaks 2026
The Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks is one of the most important middle-distance races for fillies and mares in the British season. The current racecard lists nine horses and brings together established Group 1 performers with leading three-year-olds.
Kalpana arrives after her King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes success. She faces returning Yorkshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk and Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh.
The other horses currently listed are Tattycoram, Earth Shot, Inis Mor, Legacy Link, Sparan Nua and Sugar Island.
Kalpana sets a demanding standard after her King George success, but the race has considerable depth. Minnie Hauk has already demonstrated Group 1 form at York, while Johanna Walsh represents a progressive Classic generation. Their different profiles make Thursday’s feature an important comparison between established and developing middle-distance form.
Nunthorpe Stakes 2026
The Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes is the festival’s pure speed test. The published entry picture on 19 August still contained a broad group of possible runners, including defending champion Asfoora.
The race is unusual because juveniles can meet older sprinters over the minimum trip. At five furlongs, reaction time, early speed, track position, the draw and the prevailing going can all have an outsized influence on the result.
Sky Bet City of York Stakes 2026
The City of York Stakes gives the final afternoon its own Group 1 and provides an unusual seven-furlong championship test for horses arriving from both sprint and mile programmes.
Flora Of Bermuda remained among the significant Saturday entries when this guide was updated. Earlier trainer comments identified the dual York winner as a clear target for the race.
Major-race information checked 19 August 2026: Racing TV – Juddmonte International racecard, Racing TV – Yorkshire Oaks racecard, York Racecourse – Order of Running.
Ebor Festival Runners, Declarations and Latest Entries
The declaration picture now differs by day. Wednesday has a final racecard, Thursday’s headline race has a current nine-horse racecard, while Friday and Saturday still contain larger entry lists at the time of this update.
Confirmed and expected runners
| Horse | Race | Status on 19 August | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ombudsman | Juddmonte International | Confirmed runner | Defending champion; draw 1 |
| Constitution River | Juddmonte International | Confirmed runner | Unbeaten three-year-old; draw 7 |
| Item | Juddmonte International | Confirmed runner | Dual Group 2 course-and-distance winner; draw 2 |
| Almaqam | Juddmonte International | Confirmed runner | Draw 4; Kieran Shoemark rides |
| Kalpana | Yorkshire Oaks | Current racecard | King George winner |
| Minnie Hauk | Yorkshire Oaks | Current racecard | Returning Yorkshire Oaks winner |
| Johanna Walsh | Yorkshire Oaks | Current racecard | Irish Oaks winner |
| Asfoora | Nunthorpe Stakes | Entry | Defending champion remains in wider Friday picture |
| Flora Of Bermuda | City of York Stakes | Entry / intended | Strong earlier trainer intention |
| Tarriance | Sky Bet Ebor | Entry / intended | Long-term Ebor target |
| Hopewell Rock | Sky Bet Ebor | Entry / intended | Prepared with York in mind |
| Gamrai | Sky Bet Ebor | Entry / intended | Previously identified as likely runner |
Declaration status by festival day
Wednesday 19 August
Final racecard available. The opening day’s runners, jockeys and draws are published, including a nine-runner Juddmonte International.
Thursday 20 August
Current racecards available. Nine horses are listed in the Yorkshire Oaks, headed by Kalpana, Minnie Hauk and Johanna Walsh.
Friday 21 August
Broader entries still shown at the time of this article’s 19 August update. The final race-day picture can therefore change.
Saturday 22 August
Broader entries still shown, including for the City of York Stakes and Sky Bet Ebor.
Sky Bet Ebor 2026: Contenders, Format and Analysis
The £500,000 Sky Bet Ebor is York’s oldest and most famous race and the defining handicap of Saturday afternoon. At the time of this guide’s 19 August update, the published Saturday list had not yet reached final racecard status, so the contenders below remain subject to declaration.
Sky Bet Ebor 2026 race details
The Ebor is fundamentally different from the festival’s Group 1 races. Horses carry different weights according to their handicap ratings, creating a more complex relationship between raw ability, weight, stamina and race position.
The winner also has an important international incentive through York’s relationship with the Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Cup pathway.
Leading Ebor contenders from the current entry picture
Tarriance
Andrew Balding has described the 2025 Melrose winner as a leading Ebor contender. The same 1m 6f York trip is an obvious positive, and the horse has been prepared with the Ebor firmly in mind.
Hopewell Rock
George Boughey has been preparing Hopewell Rock with York in mind after his strong staying-handicap form. He remains an interesting name within the wider entry picture.
Gamrai
Gamrai has also featured prominently in the build-up after joining George Scott’s stable and bringing competitive staying-handicap form into the Ebor discussion.
Further contenders
The published Saturday entry list remains much wider than the eventual field. That makes it important to separate horses with clear long-term Ebor plans from those simply remaining eligible at this stage.
What usually matters in a race like the Ebor?
Stamina is essential but not sufficient. A horse must travel efficiently through a large and competitive handicap field, avoid losing valuable ground and still have enough in reserve for York’s long home straight.
The handicap itself creates another variable. A progressive horse carrying a favourable weight can potentially bridge the gap to runners with stronger established form.
Tarriance remains one of the most interesting profiles because the Ebor has been a long-term objective and he already has winning form over York’s 1m 6f trip. Hopewell Rock and Gamrai also bring clear staying-handicap credentials. However, no strong final selection should be presented from a 19 August snapshot because the eventual field, weights, draw, pace and race-day ground can materially change the handicap.
Ebor Festival 2026 Prize Money and International Importance
York is offering a record festival prize fund of just under £7.5 million. The investment extends well beyond the four Group 1 races and helps make the Ebor Festival one of the richest meetings of the British Flat season.
| Race | Grade / Type | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Juddmonte International | Group 1 | £1,500,000 |
| Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks | Group 1 | £600,000 |
| Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes | Group 1 | £600,000 |
| Sky Bet City of York Stakes | Group 1 | £600,000 |
| Sky Bet Ebor | Heritage Handicap | £500,000 |
| Harry’s Half Million by Goffs | 2yo race | £500,000 |
Why York’s international links matter
The three weekday Group 1 races are part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. York also operates international links involving major races and racing organisations in Japan, Australia, Ireland, Bahrain, Dubai and the United States.
The Juddmonte International and Yorkshire Oaks are linked to significant Japan Racing Association incentives, while the Sky Bet Ebor has Melbourne Cup significance through its ballot-exempt status. The Nunthorpe winner also receives a pathway to the Flying Five at the Curragh.
The Ebor Festival is no longer simply a high-value domestic meeting. Prize money, international bonuses, World Pool and qualification pathways connect York directly to major races elsewhere in the global Flat calendar.
Prize-money and international-link information rechecked 19 August 2026: York Racecourse – Festival Preview.
How to Watch the Ebor Festival 2026: TV and Live Streaming
British viewers can follow the meeting through ITV and Racing TV. York confirms five races live on the ITV main channel on each festival day, while Racing TV covers the complete 28-race meeting.
Major races on ITV
| Day | Feature Race | Time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Juddmonte International | 3:35pm | ITV |
| Thursday | Yorkshire Oaks | 3:35pm | ITV |
| Friday | Nunthorpe Stakes | 3:35pm | ITV |
| Saturday | City of York Stakes | 3:00pm | ITV |
| Saturday | Sky Bet Ebor | 3:35pm | ITV |
Racing TV covers all 28 races
Racing TV provides the complete meeting, including the sixth and seventh races after ITV’s daily five-race window. York says Nick Luck and Lydia Hislop front the specialist channel’s festival coverage, including Mark Your Card live from the track each day.
York also expects significant international distribution, with coverage reaching major racing markets including Australia, the United States, Japan, Dubai and much of continental Europe. Exact local availability varies by territory.
Broadcast information checked 19 August 2026: York Racecourse – Festival Preview, official Order of Running.
Ebor Festival 2026 Tickets and Enclosures
York offers several admission areas with different views, facilities and dress expectations. Availability now varies by festival day, so racegoers should check the current official sales status before travelling.
County Stand
York’s premier enclosure offers elevated viewing, access to additional bars and hospitality areas and the meeting’s most formal dress requirements.
Grandstand & Paddock
A less formal option with trackside viewing, access to Parade Ring areas and a broad range of racecourse facilities.
Current ticket status
York lists Wednesday admission as available for purchase on the day. At the time of the 19 August update, Thursday, Friday and Saturday were still shown as on sale through the official ticket system.
Clocktower Enclosure
Clocktower Enclosure admission is not sold in advance. York says it is available from gates opening on the raceday on a first-come, first-served basis.
York Racecourse Visitor Guide
Racegoers should plan around the 11:00am gate opening, enclosure-specific dress requirements and heavy festival traffic around the Knavesmire.
What time do the gates open?
York opens the gates at 11:00am on all four Ebor Festival days. The first race is scheduled for 1:50pm, leaving almost three hours for racegoers to enter, explore the course and watch horses in the Parade Ring before racing begins.
Ebor Festival dress code
The dress rules depend on the enclosure. In the County Stand, gentlemen and those identifying as such are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie; a cravat is accepted as an alternative to a tie.
The Grandstand & Paddock and Clocktower Enclosure are more relaxed. York says shorts and T-shirts are commonly worn there in warm weather, subject to normal standards of taste and decency.
Getting to York Racecourse
York Racecourse is located on the Knavesmire and can be reached from York city centre by bus, taxi, on foot or by car. Visitors arriving by train can use the dedicated racecourse shuttle.
The 197 Shuttle Bus links York Railway Station with the racecourse. York’s visitor information says outbound services operate from Stand RJ opposite the station entrance between 11:00am and 1:00pm, with return buses running from the racecourse from 4:00pm onwards.
Ebor Festival 2026 Predictions and Races to Watch
The opening-day picture is now strong enough for meaningful runner-based analysis, while later festival races still require more caution because not every Friday and Saturday field was final when this guide was updated.
| Race | Current Storyline | Editorial View |
|---|---|---|
| Juddmonte International | Ombudsman bids to defend his title against unbeaten three-year-old Constitution River, with Item bringing proven York form. | Ombudsman sets the established standard, with Constitution River the major threat. |
| Yorkshire Oaks | King George winner Kalpana meets returning Yorkshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk and Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh. | Kalpana is the horse to beat on her strongest recent form. |
| Nunthorpe | A potentially deep sprint remains in prospect, with defending champion Asfoora among the published entries. | Best assessed after the final field and draw. |
| City of York Stakes | The seven-furlong Group 1 remains one of Saturday’s most intriguing races. | Final declarations remain important before making a strong selection. |
| Sky Bet Ebor | Tarriance, Hopewell Rock and Gamrai have all featured prominently in the build-up. | Tarriance has an attractive long-term-target profile, but the handicap should not be treated as settled before declarations. |
Ombudsman is the narrow editorial preference. He is the defending champion, has already demonstrated elite form over York’s ten-furlong test and arrives with fewer questions to answer than most of the field. Constitution River is the obvious danger because his unbeaten three-year-old campaign gives him significant upside, while Item is the strongest candidate to challenge the headline pair if either underperforms.
Kalpana earns preference after defeating high-class male opposition in the King George. Minnie Hauk has the York record to make her dangerous if returning to her best, and Johanna Walsh is the progressive three-year-old with further upside.
Ebor Festival 2026 FAQ
Quick answers to the most important questions about dates, race times, runners, TV coverage, going, tickets and the major races at York.
When is the Ebor Festival 2026?
The Sky Bet Ebor Festival runs from Wednesday 19 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 at York Racecourse.
What time does racing start at the Ebor Festival?
Gates open at 11:00am each day. The first race is scheduled for 1:50pm and the final race for 5:20pm.
What is the going at York for the Ebor Festival?
York reported the going as Good at 8:30am on Wednesday 19 August. Going can change during the meeting, so racegoers and bettors should check the latest official report before each raceday.
Who is running in the Juddmonte International 2026?
The nine-runner field is Almaqam, Devil’s Advocate, Ombudsman, Pride Of Arras, Zaydann, Action, Constitution River, Hawk Mountain and Item.
When is the Sky Bet Ebor 2026?
The Sky Bet Ebor is scheduled for 3:35pm on Saturday 22 August. It is a 1m 6f Heritage Handicap for horses aged four and older and carries £500,000 in prize money.
How can I watch the Ebor Festival 2026?
ITV shows the first five races on each of the four festival days. Racing TV covers all 28 races live.
Are all Ebor Festival 2026 runners confirmed?
No. Wednesday’s final racecard is available and Thursday’s headline race has a current racecard, but Friday and Saturday entry lists were still broader and subject to final declaration when this guide received its full update on 19 August.
Latest Ebor Festival 2026 Updates
This guide received a full festival-start update on Wednesday 19 August. Later withdrawals, going changes and declarations remain possible, but the article deliberately preserves the distinction between confirmed runners and later-week entries.
The guide has been refreshed for the opening day with confirmed Wednesday racecards, the latest opening-day going, the current Yorkshire Oaks racecard, later-week declaration status, TV details, ticket information and updated race analysis.
Key developments included in this update
- York reported Good going at 8:30am on Wednesday 19 August.
- The Juddmonte International has nine runners.
- Ombudsman starts from stall 1 with William Buick.
- Constitution River is partnered by Ryan Moore from stall 7.
- Item starts from stall 2 with Colin Keane.
- Nine horses are currently listed on the Yorkshire Oaks racecard, headed by Kalpana, Minnie Hauk and Johanna Walsh.
- Friday and Saturday names are still treated as entries where final race-day cards were not available at the time of this full update.
- ITV shows five races per day and Racing TV covers the complete 28-race meeting.
What can still change after this update?
Friday and Saturday declarations
Later-week entry lists can still contract significantly before the final racecards are published.
Non-runners
Even horses shown on a racecard can be withdrawn because of ground, veterinary issues or other late circumstances.
Going
The opening-morning description was Good, but weather and racing can alter conditions during the four-day festival.
Market prices
Betting markets move continuously and are therefore deliberately not presented as fixed facts in this festival-wide guide.
This article is designed as a festival-wide guide rather than a live blog. Information confirmed by 19 August is stated directly, while later-week races are clearly labelled where the final declaration stage had not yet been reached.
Final full facts check: 19 August 2026. Primary sources: York Racecourse, Going Report, Order of Running, Festival Preview, Racing TV Racecards, Tickets & Pricing.





