York Anticipates a Spectacular, World-Class Ebor Festival

Elite Stars Ombudsman and Calandagan Aim for Spectacular Ebor Festival Showcase in August

YORK, England—The Ebor Festival has begun to take shape, and there is no shortage of enthusiasm at York. With the release of the initial entries for its prestigious G1 fixtures, the upcoming August meeting on the Knavesmire promises to assemble an elite roster of equine stars, with Ombudsman (GB), Calandagan (Ire), and Bacio headlining the initial marquee nominations.

William Derby, the Chief Executive of the racecourse, celebrated the exceptional quality of the entries, pointing specifically to the prospective return of Ombudsman (Night of Thunder {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes—a race he conquered in 2025 and could target once more following a brilliant performance in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“To have the defending champion back is always highly important. Some racing organizations currently rank him as the highest-rated horse in the world, so it is incredibly exciting after what he achieved at Ascot,” Derby remarked.

The Juddmonte International could also feature a stellar appearance by Calandagan (Gleneagles {Ire}), best remembered for his outstanding 2024 performance when he pushed the great City Of Troy (Justify) to the limit, forcing him to break the track record. The high-class entry list also includes the likes of Constitution River (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel {GB}), Gstaad (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), and Purview (Kingman {GB}).

Another major focal point of the week will center on the G1 Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, where popular American trainer Wesley Ward will seek his maiden victory in the five-furlong dash with Bacio (Gustav Klimt {Ire}), a recent winner at Ascot who left an impression far superior to that of a mere handicapper.

The sprint feature could also attract Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), a top-level Japanese representative who was twice a runner-up at Royal Ascot. Additionally, Australia, France, and the Czech Republic are poised to add further international flavor to the field with accomplished speedsters such as Asfoora (Flying Artie {Aus}) and Ponntos(Power {GB}).

Derby also highlighted the continuous growth of the G1 Sky Bet City of York Stakes. In just its second year holding top-tier status, the seven-furlong event attracted a massive and highly appealing list of nominations, featuring versatile horses capable of stretching out or cutting back in distance, alongside the always-intriguing clash between the 3-year-old crop and seasoned older competitors.

Turning his attention to the G1 Yorkshire Oaks, the executive admitted he would particularly love to see Estrange(Night of Thunder {Ire}), trained locally in Yorkshire by David O’Meara, attempt to improve upon her runner-up finish from last season. The talented filly enters on the heels of a landmark triumph in Ireland's G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, and her potential return to the Knavesmire is already generating immense local anticipation.

“It is almost like the first day of December for us, with all the storylines starting to come together,” Derby concluded, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of illusion surrounding another spectacular edition of the Ebor Festival.