#TDS26 Spotlight: Keeping York Racecourse moving forward

TheStadiumBusiness: What is currently front of mind for York Racecourse?

Gavin Pattison:

At York Racecourse, we are always looking at where we can improve, both for our customers and in how we look after the horses and teams that come to race at York.

August is very much about the Sky Bet Ebor Festival for us, our flagship four-day meeting and the biggest week of our year. It is a real showcase for York, bringing together some of the best horses, trainers, owners and racegoers from around the world. Our Juddmonte International being named the Longines World’s Best Horse Race for 2024 was a huge achievement for everyone involved and a good reminder of the standard we want to keep working towards.

TheStadiumBusiness: What milestone has the Stableside accommodation extension reached, and what will the project deliver?

Gavin Pattison:

We have reached an important milestone in our plans for the racecourse, with planning permission recently secured for our Stableside accommodation extension.

Working with local architects Dawson Williamson, the project will create 29 additional en-suite bedrooms linked to the existing building. It will strengthen what we can offer racing staff, while also giving us more flexibility to welcome school groups, organised stays and weekend visitors coming to enjoy the city.

TheStadiumBusiness: Why is this investment important for racing staff and the wider racecourse?

Gavin Pattison:

That matters to us. York is currently rated number one by the National Association of Racing Staff, which is something we are very proud of. We know how important good facilities, a warm welcome and the right environment are for stable staff, and we want to make sure we continue to improve rather than stand still.

TheStadiumBusiness: How does the development support York Racecourse’s long-term plans?

Gavin Pattison:

The development will follow the principles of our Green Knavesmire 300 strategy, which is focused on creating a resilient and sustainable racecourse as we approach our 300-year anniversary in 2031, and safeguarding racing on the Knavesmire for generations to come.

TheStadiumBusiness: What are the next steps, and what does the project represent for York?

Gavin Pattison:

We have appointed Lindum Group as main contractor and, subject to final preparations, expect to have a shovel in the ground in September 2026.

For us, this is another step in keeping York Racecourse moving forward. The aim is simple: keep improving the areas that matter, keep looking after the horses and people who come to York, and make sure the racecourse continues to be a place people are proud to visit, work at and bring horses to race.