The York #EborAtHome Festival

The York Ebor Festival is an historic four day racing festival and one of the last major race meetings of the flat season. Here, The Wine Tipster guides you through how to celebrate this momentous festival at home. Cheers!

Where to watch

The many highlights of the four days will be available to view from the comfort of your home with ITV1 showing five races a day and Racing TV showing all twenty-eight races. See the race programme for more details on races, as well as The Wine Tipster’s History of York Ebor Festival Blog for some interesting facts about the festival.

Did you know? The course’s Ebor Stand played Denton International Airport in a recording of the ITV detective drama A Touch of Frost. The BBC has also hosted features from the course, with former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon learning to ride here.

Ones to Watch

The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing how the following top horses do at this year’s Ebor Festival:

Wednesday 19th August 2020: The Juddmonte International Stakes – Ghaiyyath (nap) still doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves and he has shown in 2020 what a mighty performer he is with his stunning performance in Meydan in February, then his Coronation Cup success, followed by his best performance beating Enable in the Eclipse

Thursday 20th August 2020: The Darley Yorkshire Oaks – Love is a winner of the 1,000 Guineas and the Investec Oaks, which she won in the most emphatic style. She is simply well ahead of some smart opposition here.

Friday 21st August 2020: The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes – Battaash has really settled down as an individual and is much more relaxed these days. He can strike with his third major success of the season and follow up last year’s success.

Saturday 22nd August 2020: The Ebor Handicap looks as competitive as ever, however Ranch Hand for the Andrew Balding team looks a good each way play.

Celebrating at Home

Even though racing continues to remain behind closed doors, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate some wins and the excitement of the festival from your own home! Brush up on your racing jargon with York’s handy guide here, learn about who’s who at the races here and, most importantly, read how to bet at York this year!

The Wine Tipster has been enjoying the #EborAtHome experience with some great Yorkshire products including the fantastic pork pies from Ged Bell Butcher and Pie Maker, Ainsty Ales from York including Ainsty Angel and wines from the excellent Ryedale Vineyards, who are based in Westow just outside of Malton.

Why not dress to impress and gather your friends to watch at home and evoke the feeling of the races from your sofa. Ladies’ Day (Thursday 20th Aug) is typically the social highlight and fashion-centred day of the festival, and can still celebrated this year!

Don’t forget to share pictures of yourselves enjoying the week’s races on Social Media, tagging York Races and The Wine Tipster and using the hashtag #Eborathome.

Food and Drink

Celebrating the races wouldn’t be the same without a cold glass of fizz and some canapés. The Wine Tipster recommends Mercier, as it is Champagne of the Meeting, as well as Moët & Chandon for those special wins. For a popular choice, a great bottle of Astoria Galié Prosecco DOC Treviso will go down a treat with a selection of blinis and Anti Pasti.

Did you know? The Wine List at the track won a national Award for its variety and value. Responding to customer requests for a high quality, affordable rosé wine, a member of the team visited the vineyards to help blend a rosé for the popular Duc de Richelieu range of house wines.

During the week, the amazing York Racecourse chefs will be welcoming Owners for a special three course menu including Jerusalem Artichoke & White Truffle Soup, 28 day Matured Sirloin of Peppered Beef, Braised Beef Pressing, Cháteau Potato, Yorkshire Pudding, Meat Jus and for dessert Rich Dark Chocolate Torte, Blackberry Compote, Vanilla Cream.

There’s also an impressive 35 bottle wine list for the Ebor Festival and a full list of another 35 wines too! Always impressive, there are lots of great still wine choices too, including the popular Gavi de Gavi, San Silvestro, Piedmont, Italy, a fabulous red Château La Tour De By 2010 Cru Bourgeois, Médoc, France, as well as Love by Léoube Rosé, Château Léoube, Provence, France.

The Wine Tipster wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable #Eborathome, and looks forward to seeing how you’re celebrating on social media. Cheers!

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