Yorkshire has some of the finest racecourses in the UK, with both Flat and Jump racing taking place in the county. It also holds some of the biggest meetings in the sport, including the Ebor Festival and Dante Meeting.
Here is a look at the best racecourse in the county and what the big events are at the respective venues.
Doncaster
What a battle! ⚔️
— World Horse Racing (@WHR) September 14, 2024
JAN BRUEGHEL outbattles ILLINOIS for a Ballydoyle 1-2 in the G1 St Leger @DoncasterRaces 🏆pic.twitter.com/a5MXjnDCjh
Doncaster Racecourse plays host to one of the five British Classics in Flat racing, the St Leger. Held in September, the St Leger is the oldest of the British Classics. Some of the leading three-year-olds across Europe compete in the lucrative race over the distance of 1m 6f. In 2024, Jan Brueghel was victorious in the prestigious contest at Doncaster.
It is not just the St Leger meeting that attracts big crowds to Doncaster, the Yorkshire venue is a dual-purpose racecourse, so they offer Flat racing during spring and summer and Jump racing across autumn and winter.
There are 37 fixtures every year at Doncaster Racecourse. Like many racecourses today, they also host other events like music nights, attracting big artists to the venue. The course can also be booked for weddings and conferences.
Ripon
Known as the “Garden Racecourse”, Ripon is a favourite of many horse racing fans. The course has been hosting races for over 300 years, so it has a lot of heritage. The venue has spectacular views of the countryside, and the team at Ripon keep the course in pristine condition across the year.
Ripon is also popular with owners who enjoy running their horses at the course. It earned the title of the ‘Best Small Racecourse in the North’ in 2011, 2014 and 2015. Given its location, it is a racecourse that leading trainers John and Sean Quinn send many of their horses to. The pair have had a lot of success since they formed a partnership, and prospective owners can buy shares in a racehorse today with the Malton-based duo. Ann Terry, trained by the Quinns, finished fourth at Ripon last season, and ahead of her three-year-old campaign, she is one of the horses that is part of the RaceShare club, where shares start from as little as £34.
The two most notable races at Ripon take place in August, with the Great St. Wilfred Stakes and Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy. Both of those races take place over the sprint distance of 6f.
York
Officially Longines World’s Best Horserace of 2024 🏆
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) January 21, 2025
City of Troy’s victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes pic.twitter.com/WlXgrVZwUB
York Racecourse is described as the Royal Ascot of the north. It hosts several major meetings on the Flat, the most notable being the Ebor Festival in August. This meeting attracts the best horses from around the world, and the most lucrative race is the Juddmonte International. The middle-distance Group One race was won by Derby winner City Of Troy in 2024.
As well as its top-class racing, York is renowned for its hospitality. They have Michelin star chefs serving food at their restaurants, while their boxes in the main grandstand offer the best views of the Knavesmire, for those looking to treat themselves to something special.
Enjoy your next visit to a racecourse in Yorkshire. For more information on tickets and fixture dates, visit the racecourses’ official websites.
