The ‘race of the season’ takes place in York today – the richest-ever Juddmonte International.
York Racecourse’s chief executive and clerk of the course William Derby believes the track has been rewarded for a 25 per-cent increase in prize-money by a field not just strong in numbers, but in quality, too.
Mr Derby said: “We are delighted. We’ll see whether it is the race of the season at the end of the season, but we couldn’t be more thrilled with the field.”
Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Derby and Eclipse winner City Of Troy is joined by the best middle-distance filly in training in Bluestocking, two top-class runners from France and the Japanese St Leger winner Durezza.
“We’ve worked out it’s a record level of declarations since it’s been run in 1972 and obviously with an international field as well it looks a stellar renewal and I’m really interested to see who wins,” he added.
The Juddmonte International prize fund is now £1.25m. Mr Derby said it was “a tremendous way to open the Sky Bet Ebor Festival”.
“It’s the richest race we’ve ever staged and to be rewarded for Juddmonte’s support and York’s executive committee with such a line-up is what every race fan wants to see.
“It’s fantastic racing all round on Wednesday, it’s the richest race day we’ve ever staged, as well as the richest race, so hopefully all race fans will either be here or be watching on TV – because of Durezza’s participation the race is also being shown live in Japan.””