The second day of the June Meeting 2025 at York Racecourse promises to be one of the most meaningful fixtures of the summer calendar. Scheduled for Saturday, 14th June, the day is dedicated to the 54th edition of the Macmillan Charity Raceday, an event that beautifully merges the thrill of horse racing with the generosity of the human spirit. Following a successful opening day, the momentum continues with eight well-contested races, drawing racing fans, supporters, and charity contributors to one of Britain’s most loved racecourses.
The gates at York Racecourse will open at 11:15 AM, welcoming racegoers to a day filled with sporting excitement and a commitment to supporting those affected by cancer. At the heart of this event is the partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that has helped millions of lives across the UK. The unique blend of adrenaline-pumping competition and heartfelt community engagement makes the Macmillan Charity Raceday more than just a race meeting—it’s a celebration of hope and collective action.
The racing begins at 12:30 PM with the Ride of Their Lives Macmillan Charity Race, a 1 mile 1 furlong contest that features amateur riders, many of whom have been personally impacted by cancer. This opening race is often the emotional highlight of the day, as it showcases bravery, resilience, and the deep connections that drive charitable support. It sets the tone for a powerful afternoon of sport with purpose.
At 1:50 PM, the Macmillan Stakes will be run over 7 furlongs, offering £30,000 in prize money. This race regularly draws a competitive field and serves as a key sprint of the day. Then, at 2:25 PM, the Queen Mother’s Cup Stakes for Lady Amateur Riders takes centre stage. Run over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs and offering a purse of £25,000, this race honours tradition, celebrates female participation in racing, and remains a significant part of the Macmillan Charity Raceday story.
Later, at 3:00 PM, the Grand Cup—part of the Road to the Ebor series—tests the stamina of runners across a demanding 1 mile and 6 furlongs. With prize money of £70,000, this contest is a valuable step toward summer glory and always features some of the sport’s most seasoned distance performers. It’s followed at 3:35 PM by the richest race of the day, the Sprint in Support of Macmillan, offering a substantial £125,000 purse and run over a fast-paced 6 furlongs. This race is all about speed and precision, attracting a high-quality field of sprinters.
Racing continues at 4:10 PM with the Reg Griffin Appreciation EBFstallions.com Maiden Stakes. This 6-furlong race offers £25,000 and provides a platform for future stars to emerge. At 4:40 PM, the ICE CO° Supporting Macmillan Stakes will be contested over 1 mile and 1 furlong, also offering £25,000. This race reflects ongoing corporate support and the importance of collaboration in fundraising initiatives.
The day concludes at 5:20 PM with the Bosun’s Restaurant Stakes, a 6-furlong contest carrying another £25,000 in prize money. As the final race of the day, it brings the curtain down on an event filled with memorable moments, spirited performances, and unwavering community support.
The June Meeting 2025, particularly Day Two, goes far beyond the spectacle of horse racing. It stands as a testament to the power of sport in uniting people for a cause. The Macmillan Charity Raceday continues to inspire thousands each year, raising vital funds and spreading awareness for cancer support services. It’s a day that encapsulates the joy of summer racing while leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the racetrack.
