York racing clear with £5m revamp

Their release coincides with today’s launch of the prestigious three-day Dante festival that will feature many of Flat racing’s potential stars of the future who will compete for prize money worth £947,000.

Planning permission has already been granted by City of York Council for a relocated pre-parade ring, new saddling boxes and improved veterinary facilities. It is hoped these improvements, which include significantly improved viewing facilities for racegoers, will be completed in time for next year’s Dante festival that derives its name from the last Yorkshire winner of the blue riband Derby.

However York has now released details of a second phase of improvements that are due to be completed by May 2015 – subject to the consent of local councillors.

The centrepiece of this plan is the construction of a new state-of-the-art weighingroom for jockeys closer to the main paddock so they have a shorter walk through the packed
crowds.

“The outside of the new building is intended to be quintessentially York. Once inside the ground floor will be a sporting pavilion fit for the 21st century,” said James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship.

“Internally, it will have more space and enhanced facilities and will include a medical room, physiotherapy room, female riders’ changing room and jockeys’ lounge – all features of the modern sport that were not considered when the current Edwardian era weighing room was built.”

Further changes will see the existing Moët Pavilion replaced with a new building, and alterations made to the Grade II Listed John Carr Stand, as part of the course’s quest to provide unrivalled spectator facilities as part of this £5m scheme.

Dante festival preview:
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