Amwager Race Track | York Racecourse

Races in York held in Clifton Ing but due to flooding in 1730 racing transferred to Knavesmire, where today’s course remains, in York, North Yorkshire, England

It is sometimes referred to as “The Knavesmire”. It was often very swampy, and in 1776, heavy rains meant that horses had to race for about fifty yards up to their knees in water. No permanent buildings were established on Knavesmire until architect John Carr designed and constructed the first Grandstand in 1754.

It is owned by York Racecourse Knavesmire LLP, which was formed in 1842. By 1846, the Committee introduced the Gimcrack Stakes, which has since become one of York’s most enduring races.

The racecourse is one of the leading flat racecourses in England and hosted its first concert on September 22, 1984. A first music concert headlined by Echo & the Bunnymen. Since then, concerts have been arranged after race meetings in June and July, and since 2015 it has hosted the Yorfest. It is also the third biggest racecourse in Britain in terms of total prize money offered, and second behind Ascot in prize money offered per meeting. It also has its radio station, ‘York Raceday Radio’ (1602 kHz, mediumwave), which can be received up to 10 miles from the course.