York’s plan to turn Ebor into £1m mega race

EXCLUSIVE

The ebor, signature race of York’s August meeting, could be transformed into a super-handicap after talks were held over a revamp.

Racemail understands one of the aspirations is to try to make the ebor, due to be run on August 25, more akin to Australia’s showpiece Melbourne Cup, with prize money building to £1million.

In a sea of Saturday handicaps, such a boost would see the ebor stand out and add to the prestige of the biggest meeting run during the Flat season on the Knavesmire.

Nakeeta, last year’s Iain Jardinetrained ebor winner who went on to finish fifth in the Melbourne Cup, picked up just over £177,000.

on the back of successful sporting events such as the Tour de Yorkshire cycling event, there would also be an opportunity to turn the day into a celebration of the white rose county with high-profile local sports stars in attendance.

York already offers some of the best prize money in british Flat racing. The 2017 Welcome to Yorkshire four-day ebor Festival was worth £4.4m and included the £1m Group one International Stakes.

Sponsorship for the ebor is up for grabs with current backer betfred due to withdraw from all race sponsorships when their exclusive licence for pool betting with the Tote runs out in July.

As well as looking for financial backing, York will also have to act carefully with the race conditions.

enhanced prize money might bring quality horses, but York would not want to attract runners that might be potential competitors in the St Leger, the final Classic of the season run at fellow Yorkshire track Doncaster three weeks later.

James brennan, York’s head of marketing and sponsorship, said: ‘We are proud of the ebor and have an aspiration to do more with it, but there is no definitive plan as yet.’