York hoping to add fourth Group One race to Ebor Festival

The most obvious target, he says, is the Group Two Sky Bet City of York Stakes won by John Quinn’s Safe Voyage.

It would ensure an elite level race on Ebor day, the concluding day of the meeting, in addition to the Juddmonte International, Darley Yorkshire Oaks and Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

They were won, in turn, this year by Ghaiiyyath, Love and Battaash who all confirmed their world-leading reputations.

“We are very keen to have the Sky Bet City of York Stakes up to Group One,” said Derby.

Yet, while York’s case is a strong one because the British calendar is devoid of a top-class race for seven furlong specialists, the more immediate priority is crowds back onto the racecourse after the prestigious Ebor meeting had to go ahead without spectators.

And while Derby’s team did much to improve the offer for owners last week – there was even a Yorkshire brass band present on the Knavesmire – he says trial meetings with spectators need to take place at the earliest opportunity.

Though Goodwood had planned to have 5,000 racegoers present for the Stewards’ Cup on August 1, a spike in Covid-19 cases prompted the Government to call off the trial at 24 hours’ notice.

It is still the Government’s intentions for some spectators to return to sporting events from October 1 – but this has now been overtaken by political efforts to reopen all schools next month.

“It is vitally important for the whole of racing, and racecourses, that we take the steps for a safe return of spectators,” added Derby. “The return of spectators is vital for the long term of health of the sport – it is not sustainable in its current format.”

Next month’s Leger Legends race at Doncaster will go ahead – albeit with current riders instead of former heroes of the weighing room.

Over £1.1bn has been raised for Jack Berry House and the National Horse Racing College since its inception in 2010.

It will, once again, be named after the champion horse Mondialiste who stands at Elwick Stud and which has committed to backing the next two renewals of the Legends race. They will also honour stud owner Geoff Turnbull who died recently.

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