York Racecourse is bracing itself for one of the most vibrant afternoons of the summer as the Ebor Festival 2025 Nunthorpe Day takes centre stage on Friday, 22 August. The third day of the celebrated meeting has long been associated with drama, speed, and a festival atmosphere unique to the Knavesmire, and this year promises no less.
Crowds will flock to see sprinters flash over five furlongs in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, but the supporting card is rich too, blending established stars with rising talent. From stayers battling the gruelling two miles of the Lonsdale Cup to juveniles making their mark in the Convivial Maiden, the programme is a snapshot of flat racing at its best.
Ebor Festival 2025 opener: stamina and intrigue
The action begins at 1:50pm with a wide-open mile and a half contest worth £120,000. A 19-runner field ensures fireworks, with proven names such as Naqeeb and The Reverend joined by dark horses like Beylerbeyi and Great Bedwyn. Form and stamina will be tested to the limit, and York’s long straight is sure to play its part.
Lonsdale Cup brings staying stars
The Wetherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup (2:25pm) will see eight seasoned campaigners line up for £250,000. Long-distance specialists Illinois, Coltrane, Trawlerman and Sweet William are among those expected to feature prominently. Al Qareem and Al Nayyir add spice, while Dubai Future offers a versatile alternative. Every yard of the Knavesmire’s two miles will be unforgiving, with tactical patience as vital as raw stamina.
Gimcrack showcases future stars
At 3:00pm, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes, one of the most prestigious two-year-old sprints, stages its 2025 renewal. Eleven young colts and geldings bring raw promise to a six-furlong charge worth £250,000. Wise Approach and Reciprocated look ready-made sprinters, while Egoli brings depth of form. Lifeplan is unbeaten, and Neolithic may yet prove a late improver from a powerful stable. The Gimcrack winner’s roll is one of honour, and Friday will add another name.
The Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes
All eyes will then shift to the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at 3:35pm, a £600,000 Group 1 dash that embodies the essence of speed. Nineteen sprinters line up, from international raiders to daring juveniles. Australian flyer Asfoora is the headline act, bringing global interest to York with her electric finishing kick. Washington Heights, in red-hot form, carries home hopes, while unbeaten juvenile Lady Iman adds intrigue with youthful bravado. The Nunthorpe has a reputation for shocks and sensations, and 2025 is unlikely to disappoint.
Later features: fillies, maidens, and a final flourish
The EBF Fillies’ Stakes (4:10pm) pits progressive three-year-olds such as Orionis against older mares like Callisto Dream and Zgharta in a £100,000 test over 1m2f.
The Convivial Maiden Stakes (4:45pm), Britain’s richest maiden, sees 23 juveniles battle over seven furlongs for £100,000. With powerful yards represented, names like Frescobaldi, Krasimir and New Monarch stand out. History suggests a future star will emerge.
The day closes with The Mile Stakes (5:20pm), a ferocious 32-runner handicap worth £100,000. Mud Bir, Fifth Column and Mister Winston are all in form, setting the stage for a grandstand finish to Nunthorpe Day.
A festival highlight
The Ebor Festival 2025 Nunthorpe Day blends world-class racing with a festival atmosphere unique to York. From the stamina of the Lonsdale Cup to the explosive pace of the Nunthorpe Stakes, it is a day where history, heritage, and spectacle collide — reaffirming its place as one of the crown jewels of the British flat season. Fans heading to the Knavesmire can expect a day packed with stories in the making, as established stars and rising names collide on one of racing’s biggest stages.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, visit RaceBuzz.com.
