The Dante Festival is a highly anticipated three-day horse racing event held each year at York Racecourse. The festival, which takes place in May, is named after the British Thoroughbred horse, Dante, who was the last horse trained in northern England to win the English Derby and is considered one of the most prestigious events in the UK racing calendar.
The York Dante Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, including racing enthusiasts, socialites, and families looking for a fun day out. The three-day event is an opportunity for spectators to witness some of the most competitive races in the UK, including the Dante Stakes, which is a significant trial for the Epsom Derby.
As well as racing, visitors can expect a lively atmosphere, with live music, food and drink stalls and entertainment throughout the festival.
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With races such as the Dante Stakes, the Musidora Stakes and the Yorkshire Cup taking place at the Dante Festival, it’s no surprise that millions of pounds worth of bets are placed across the three-day event.
Ante-post bets are popular with seasoned racing punters who have been following horses but you can also find value on the day if you shop around for the best odds.
The York Dante Festival is a huge event for the bookies and you’ll often find them offering price boosts and money back offers for several of the races.
Thinking of having a bet on the Dante Festival? We’ve listed five bookmakers below that we consider the best choice for your bets. They all offer great odds on horse racing, have been established for a long time and regularly have generous racing promotions available.
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The Dante Festival is known for featuring some of the most prestigious races on the UK racing calendar. Here are some of the key races at the festival:
The Dante Stakes is the highlight of the festival and is considered one of the most important trials for the Epsom Derby. It is a Group 2 flat horse race for three-year-old thoroughbreds and its winners have often gone on to achieve success in the Epsom Derby. The race was first run in 1958.
The Musidora Stakes is another big race that is held during the festival. It is a Group 3 flat horse race for three-year-old fillies and is often used as a trial for the Epsom Oaks. The race was first run in 1961 and is named after Musidora, a successful racehorse in the 1940s.
The Yorkshire Cup is a Group 2 flat horse race for horses aged four years and above. It is a long-distance race, covering a distance of 1 mile, 5 furlongs, and 188 yards. The race was first run in 1927 and is one of the oldest races held at the festival.
Over the years, the Dante Festival has seen some impressive performances. In 2020, Stradivarius, a world-renowned stayer, won the Yorkshire Cup for the third time in a row, cementing his place as one of the greatest stayers of all time.
Desert Crown was the winner of the Dante Stakes in 2022 and became one of eleven horses who have won the race alongside the Epsom Derby.
| Dante Festival Day One Races (Musidora Stakes) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RACE | GRADE | LENGTH | PRIZE MONEY | AGES |
| Jorvik Handicap | Class 2 | 1m4f | £50,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Infinity Tyres Handicap | Class 2 | 6f | £30,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Duke Of York Stakes | Group 2 | 6f | £125,000 | 3 Years Old + |
| Musidora Stakes | Group 3 | 1m2½f | £100,000 | 3 Year Old Fillies |
| Handicap | Class 3 | 7f | £20,000 | 3 Years Old |
| EBF Novices Stakes | Class 3 | 5f | £20,000 | 2 Years Old (EBF Eligible) |
| Handicap | Class 4 | 1m4f | £21,061 | 4 Years Old + |
| Dante Festival Day Two Races (Dante Stakes) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RACE | GRADE | LENGTH | PRIZE MONEY | AGES |
| Handicap | Class 2 | 5f | £30,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Middleton Fillies’ Stakes | Group 2 | 1m2½f | £125,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Dante Stakes | Group 2 | 1m2½f | £165,000 | 3 Years Old |
| Hambleton Handicap | Class 2 | 1m | £50,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| EBF Westow Stakes | Listed | 5f | £50,000 | 3 Years Old (EBF Eligible) |
| Maiden Stakes | Class 2 | 6f | £20,000 | 2 Years Old (EBF Eligible) |
| Investec Handicap | Class 3 | 2m½f | £20,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Dante Festival Day Three Races (Yorkshire Cup) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RACE | GRADE | LENGTH | PRIZE MONEY | AGES |
| EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes | Listed | 5f | £50,000 | 2 Year Old Fillies (EBF Eligible) |
| Fillies’ Stakes | Listed | 1m | £50,000 | 3 Year Old Fillies |
| Yorkshire Cup Stakes | Group 2 | 1m6f | £165,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Handicap | Class 2 | 1m2½f | £30,000 | 4 Years Old + |
| Fillies’ Handicap | Class 3 | 7f | £20,000 | 3 Years Old + (Fillies & Mares) |
| Handicap | Class 3 | 5f | £20,000 | 3 Years Old |
| Longines Handicap | Class 4 | 1m4f | £21,061 | 3 Years Old |
The Dante Festival is held at York Racecourse. The course is set within 200 acres of parkland with stunning views of the North Yorkshire countryside.
The location provides memorable setting for the festival with visitors able to soak up the beauty of the area while enjoying the races and festivities. The course is also home to the historic Grandstand which was built in 1965 and offers stunning views of the course and the surrounding areas.
The course is easily accessible by public transport with regular bus and train services running to York from surrounding towns and cities. There is also parking available for those travelling by car.
Getting to the Dante Festival is easy with several transportation options available.
By Car: York Racecourse is located just outside the city center of York and visitors traveling by car can use the A64 or the A19 to reach the venue.
By Public Transport: York Racecourse is well-connected by public transport with regular bus and train services running to York from surrounding areas. The racecourse is located approximately 1.5 miles from York railway station and visitors can take a bus or a taxi from the station to the racecourse. Bus services also run directly to the racecourse from the city centre.
By Foot: Visitors who are staying in the city centre of York can walk to the racecourse, with the venue located approximately 2.5 miles from the city centre which takes around 45 minutes on foot.
Visitors to the Dante Festival often dress to impress with women sporting hats, fascinators and other accessories.
The dress code at the festival is generally smart and men usually opt for tailored suits or smart blazers.
The dress code may depend on which area you are in so be sure to check on the York Racecourse website before deciding what to wear.
While the Dante Festival is primarily a horse racing event, it is also known for its lively atmosphere. Visitors can expect a wide variety of entertainment options throughout the festival which makes it a fantastic day out for families and racing enthusiasts.
Live music performances take place each day of the festival. Various solo acts and bands play, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink stalls which offer everything from traditional British dishes to international cuisine.
If you are attending as a family, there are often fairground rides which can come in handy when wanting to entertain the children.
Attending the Dante Festival can be a memorable experience. Here are some tips to help make the most of your visit:
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