THE world’s best Flat race will be worth a whopping £1million this year – after a mega £725,000 cash injection.
The Juddmonte International held during the York Ebor Festival was voted the best contest on Flat in 2020.
But the worldwide economic downturn as a result of the Covid pandemic saw cash reserves plummet worldwide.
So much so that the August contest was last year run for a comparatively meagre £275,000 when won by Ghaiyyath.
However, with restrictions lifting the notes have started rolling in again.
And this year’s Juddmonte International will be worth a total of £1million.
Two other races at the meet have also received big cash boosts.
The Darley Yorkshire Oaks on August 19 will see the leading fillies and mares competing for a share of £400,000, as will the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes the day after.
Both contests had total prize money of £250,000 last year.
Now all that is left is for fans to get the green light to attend the summer bonanza in big numbers.
A York racecourse statement read: “In making this prize money commitment, in what remains an uncertain climate, the York Race Committee and our longstanding race sponsors wanted to demonstrate a commitment to world-class racing on the Knavesmire.
“Our hope is that these contests will be rewarded with the participation of top-quality horses, to produce compelling renewals for racing fans to enjoy.
“It is hoped that further positive announcements will follow for other races at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival should crowds return in significant numbers, and the wider funding model of the sport chose to continue to support the Pattern races, which in turn drive international investment in the sport and the bloodstock industry.
“The unstinting and longstanding support of race sponsors, Juddmonte, Darley, Coolmore and Malih Al Basti, as well as of so many other supporters of York Racecourse, is most greatly appreciated.”
The Epsom Derby is the UK’s richest race.
Racecourse bosses will hope for a big fan return in August
The contest will this year boast an incredible prize pot of more than £1.1million.
None can compare to the world’s richest race, though, the Saudi Cup.
Irish jockey David Egan bagged the biggest payday of his career when winning aboard Mishriff back in February.
The rider won £65,000 per SECOND for connections – a total of £14m – with his victory at King Abdulaziz racecourse in Riyadh.
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