Prize-money for York's Ebor to double in next 12 months to £1m

Already the richest Flat handicap in Britain, the increase in prize money comes after Sky Bet were unveiled as the new sponsors.

The Leeds-based online bookmaker and York Racecourse have agreed a five-year partnership with prize money for this year’s renewal of the Ebor increasing by 75 per cent to £500,000 and then leaping to £1m the following year.

First run in 1843, the Ebor is an integral part of both the stayers’ programme and heritage of Yorkshire racing. The huge investment in prize money and changes to conditions will cement its place at the heart of the racing calendar and as a race everyone wants to win.

Sky Bet are also to sponsor the Melrose Stakes, regarded as being the “three-year-old’s Ebor” and prize-money there increases by 20 per cent to £125,000, and the £170,000 Great Voltigeur Stakes.

The Leeds-based firm, now in its 15th year sponsoring at the track, will continue to back the Listed City of York Stakes - Britain’s richest Group Three with a prize fund of £180,000 - and will add the £100,000 Group Three Strensall Stakes and two competitive handicaps on Saturday, August 25 to its portfolio.