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York Race Track: A Revered Horse Racing Tradition!
York Race Track is a horse race track on the Knavesmire, in southwest corner of the city of York in northern England. It is considered one of the finest horse race tracks in the whole of Europe.
York Race Track has a capacity of 60,000 spectators. York Race Track was voted Racecourse of the Year in 2003 by respondents to a survey in The Times newspaper.
York Race Track typically holds 15 days of Flat racing each year. York Race Track is host to the famed Ebor Handicap , which is run during the Ebor Festival meeting in August. York Race Track likewise hosts three of the UK 's 31 Group One races: the International Stakes , the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks. In the spring, the York Race Track's May Meeting provides numerous Classic clues with the Dante and Musidora Stakes.
Other noteworthy stakes events regularly held at York Race Track are:
- Duke of York Stakes
- Acomb Stakes
- International Stakes
- Gimcrack Stakes
- Lowther Stakes
- Middleton Stakes
- Summer Stakes
- Yorkshire Cup
York Race Track is held in high regard in the UK horse racing industry. In fact, when Ascot closed its gates for renovation in 2005, York Race Track was chosen to be the temporary home of the Royal meeting.
York Race Track Description
York Race Track has a left-handed, U-shaped course that is flat and fair. The track measures 2 miles and has a run-in of almost 5 furlongs. Races of 7 furlongs start on a spur. The track can become very testing and is ideal for powerful gallopers. The low to middle numbers offer the best advantage on the straight course.
York Race Track History
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In 1530, racing in the city of York was first recorded.
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In 1709, a race meeting was recorded at the course at Clifton Ingsm.
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In 1730, horse racing transferred to Knavesmire, where today's York Race Track now stands.
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In 1731, the horseshoe-shaped course opened for its first ever meeting.
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In 1754, the first Grandstand was built at York Race Track.
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In 1842, the York Racecourse Committee was formed. It still regulates horse racing at York to this day.
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In 1890, new stands were erected.
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In 1965, the five-tiers Grandstand was opened.
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In 1989, the Melrose Stand and Tattersalls Knavesmire Stand were opened.
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In 1996, additional conference facilities were opened.
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In 2003, the Ebor Stand was opened.
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In 2005, the Royal Ascot was held at York Race Track.
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In 2006, the St Ledger was held at York Race Track.
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