Ebor Festival brings new experience for owners at fan-free York Racecourse

OFFICIALS at York hope new measures put in place ahead of its flagship Ebor fixture will help to enhance the enjoyment of owners on the Knavesmire.
By Tom Richmond
Published 18th Aug 2020, 17:28 BST
No spectators will be present for this year's Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.No spectators will be present for this year's Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.
No spectators will be present for this year's Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

A recent further easing of protocols means up to six owners can represent one horse, while those in attendance will be served a three-course meal, be able to place a bet and take part in winning presentations.

While York is not expecting to reach its capacity of 600 owners, James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship, is just glad to be able to offer an improved experience.

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“We’re not exactly sure how many owners we’re expecting. This is the first time we’ve raced when we’ve been able to offer owners a bit more of a raceday experience,” said Brennan.

James Brennan is York Racecourse's head of marketing and sponsorship.James Brennan is York Racecourse's head of marketing and sponsorship.
James Brennan is York Racecourse's head of marketing and sponsorship.

“We’re delighted to be offering a three-course meal and a glass on arrival, but we’re also conscious this week is right in the middle of the staycation holiday season and a number of main contenders are owned by notable international owners, who understandably won’t be here.

“We have capacity for up to 600 owners, but we think it’s more likely to be 200 to 300 with Saturday, understandably, expected to be the busiest day.”

No paying spectators will be permitted to attend the meeting.

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Yet, while the Knavesmire remains open for local residents and leisure users, special screens remain in place to deter those wanting to glimpse four of the best days of racing in the whole country.

Crowds will be absent from this year's Ebor Festival which still goes ahead at York, one of the most famous and scenic racecourses in the world.Crowds will be absent from this year's Ebor Festival which still goes ahead at York, one of the most famous and scenic racecourses in the world.
Crowds will be absent from this year's Ebor Festival which still goes ahead at York, one of the most famous and scenic racecourses in the world.

Today’s Juddmonte International is headed by Ghaiyyath, the world’s best racehorse on official ratings, while Aidan O’Brien’s Love – already a winner of the 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks – lines up in the Yorkshire Oaks tomorrow. Meanwhile, Battaash, the supreme sprinter, is on course for Friday’s Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

But while York is pleased to be looking after owners, Brennan admits the behind-closed-doors policy brings its own challenges for the racecourse and sport.

“We know over 80 per cent of our income is racegoer related and with no clear sign of a crowd coming back, you start to fret about what might happen in 2021,” he added. “The pressure this year is different.

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“The phones have obviously been quiet and I’m not rushing round the individual restaurants checking everything is in place, but on the other hand, a lot of what we are doing, we are doing for the first time so we need to make sure it’s all in order.”

Festival comment: Page 14

Preview: Page 21

Related topics:YorkYork Racecourse

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