The centrepiece of the entire year at York would finally arrive as the racecourse opened its doors for the four day spectacular, the Ebor Festival. The meeting has grown massively in stature since the turn of the millennium as York continues to improve its facilities and showcase themselves on the world stage. Their efforts have been rewarded as the Ebor Festival is now recognised as one of the world's biggest meetings, joining the likes of Royal Ascot, the Breeder's Cup and Dubai Carnival.

The opening day kicks off as the rest of the week intends, with the highest quality. The jewel in the crown is the Juddmonte International, a Group One over ten furlongs. The race has seen a plethora of greats line up at York and strut their stuff on the Knavesmire and last season, the race was widely voted as the best race of the whole year as Derby winner City Of Troy held off the French gelding Calandagan. This year's renewal had the potential to live up to the title once again and the eyes of the world would be drawn to the Knavesmire again.

Day two is commonly viewed as Ladies' Day. With focus on the outfits of racegoers, the female equine stars would also be on show. Opening with the Lowther Stakes for juveniles, the big race is the Yorkshire Oaks which often sees a clash of generations and a chance for Classic winners to face off once again.

Day three is all about speed and stamina. The Group Two Lonsdale Cup is the third leg of the Stayer's Triple Crown following from the Lonsdale Cup and Ascot Gold Cup. The current biggest names in the staying ranks would arrive at York for yet another rematch against each other. On the other end of the spectrum, the speed test of the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes is the fastest race of the week. The flying five furlong contest is often finished within a blink of an eye and as the race is open to all ages, there would be a fascinating clash of youngsters against their elders.

The fourth and final day is seen more as the local's day. The flagship Ebor Handicap is widely recognised as a vintage contest and the fourteen furlong race has also seen a prize money boost in recent seasons which has seen the quality of competitor improve. The seven furlong City Of York Stakes has been upgraded to a Group One event for the first time this year and meant all four days of the meeting have a race of the highest quality each. The intermediate trip will see a mouthwatering meeting point of seven furlong specialists, high class sprinters and superb milers all aim for more notable glory.