Dante Festival starts today with prize money going up to £1.35 million
After two years, the festival is back with improvements to facilities, connections, horses and prize money
The three-day Dante Festival has started today (11 May).
The event at York Racecourse returns after a two-year absence and runs until Friday (May 13).
It was held behind closed doors last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But this year, thousands of people will be allowed back in to watch the races.
For 2022, there's a record investment of £10m in prize money - up by £1.2m compared to 2019.
Many other improvements have also been made to facilities, connections and horses.
This season expects to see a full programme of entertainment with bonus features across an 18-day season.
Prize money of £1.35 million
Prize money over the three days of the Dante Festival is £1.35 million.
A feast of top-quality action should welcome back racegoers after a two-year absence from a fixture that is a firm favourite with racing fans.
James Brennan, Head of Marketing at York racecourse says:
“It’s exciting to be back with the prospect of a live crowd. The biggest message for racing fans is investments we’ve made in prize money.
"Since 2019, its gone up by more than £100,000, some £1.35 million across the three days. The minimum prize money is £20,000.
“Racegoers coming back to county stand will hopefully enjoy the fresh new look to the champagne pavilion. That’s a nice place to have a glass and watch the 86 inch Televisions, it’s like being at cinema.”
Racegoers can meet new ambassadors
On Thursday and Friday, racegoers will get their first chance to meet the newly appointed equine ambassador to the Knavesmire, Remy.
Now aged thirteen, the retired racehorse will be better known to fans of the sport as Goldream, the dual Group One winning sprinter for Robert Cowell.
Set to visit across the season, he will showcase the work of New Beginnings, a local charity that helps horses with new careers once their racing days have drawn to a close.
New Sponsors for the Racecourse
Friday’s principal race, The Yorkshire Cup, boasts a new sponsor in Paddy Power, with the well-known brand also becoming the betting partner to the Dante Festival.
The Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup has £175,000 on offer to the leading stayers over one mile and three-quarters, a valuable and highly rated Group Two ‘Cup’ race.
Unbeaten at York, two-time winner of this race, Stradivarius will be looking to join Copper Knight as the “winning most” horse on the Knavesmire if he can secure a sixth triumph.
Friday’s renewal is part of the Qipco British Champions Series, the first of five York contests that are part of this special series of the top races in Britain.
A Listed race on the final day showcases the star fillies of tomorrow, backed by both Knights Solicitors and the European Breeders’ Fund, the Marygate has proven a steppingstone to contests such as the Queen Mary and Sky Bet Lowther; the first such contest of the season is recognised with prize money of £65,000.
York will also be supporting Racing Welfare in its Mental Health Awareness week activity, with a particular focus on Thursday.