York Racecourse Dante Festival opens the 2023 racing season
This year’s Dante Festival, the three-day horse racing event in Knavesmire, began on Wednesday 17th May and will run through Friday 19th May. The prize money totals £1.425 million.
That’s a nearly six-figure increase from 2022, with each race being worth £25,000 or more.
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Wednesday’s Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora has prizes up to £130,000, while Thursday’s Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante race has a record prize of £180,000 in store.
Friday’s main race, the Yorkshire Cup, also boasts a record £180,000 in prize money thanks to the help of new sponsor, jewelery brand Boodles.
On the first day of the Dante Festival, York Racecourse’s James Brennan said: “The gates are open, people are arriving in the sunshine and enjoying the lawns.”
“With around £500,000 in prize money across the seven races, there’s plenty to look forward to.”
“We hope there will be more of this on Thursday and Friday so people are encouraged to come past the gates and pay.”
“Children are free and adults only pay £8 to enter the Clocktower complex.”
On Thursday and Friday, racegoers will have the opportunity to meet retired racehorse Remy, better known as Goldream, a two-time Group 1 winner in the Robert Cowell sprint.
He will be there to represent the York based charity New Beginnings, which cares for horses that have retired from racing.
Also opening in the new racing season is Theakston’s sponsored draft beer pub, The Flying Frankie.
Racegoers will also find the main racegoer restaurant, the York Kitchen and Café – formerly known as the Grandstand and Paddock.
The new name is a nod to the home-made specialty dishes, which include deep-filled Yorkshire puddings.
The County Stand also offers grab-and-go food, and customers can scan a QR code to order drinks at Champagne Lawn.
Before the race begins, racegoers can take behind-the-scenes tours led by former professional jockey and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Robert Earnshaw, who will help explain the sport.
York Racecourse will be supporting Racing Welfare throughout the festival in its Mental Health Awareness Week.
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/23529744.york-racecourse-dante-festival-kicks-off-2023-racing-season/?ref=rss York Racecourse Dante Festival opens the 2023 racing season
