York's 1 3/4-mile Ebor H., already the richest Flat handicap in Britain, will be sponsored by Sky Bet and has received a purse boost to £1 million in 2019. The British bookmaker and York Racecourse have agreed to a five-year deal, with the 2018 Ebor purse increasing by 75% to £500,000. First conducted in 1843, the Sky Bet Ebor's conditions have also been amended, making the race available for 4-year-olds and up, with the runners allocated by weight rather than rating. Sky Bet will also sponsor the 1 3/4-mile G3 Melrose S., raising its purse by 20% to £125,000; and the £170,000 G2 Great Voltigeur S., won in 2017 by Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}). In addition to the above trio, Sky Bet will continue to back the 7-furlong £180,000 G3 City of York S. and has also added the £100,000 1 1/8-mile G3 Strensall S. and two handicaps on Aug. 25 to its sponsorship umbrella.
“The Ebor has been a feature of my racing life and I think these plans set it on a firm course for future success,” said Lord Grimthorpe. “This great race encapsulates ambition, innovation and heritage, all of which are very much a part of York's ethos.”
Added Sky Bet Chief Executive Richard Flint, “Sky Bet is proud to be based in Yorkshire and we are excited to be part of the future of such a great race. Today is only the first phase of an exciting partnership which I hope will mean fantastic things for Yorkshire racing.”
“British racing has made its commitment to the continued production of quality staying horses well known, and this sizeable investment is another boost for owners, breeders and trainers of staying horses,” said British Horseracing Authority Chief Executive Nick Rust.
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