The Dante Festival

One of the highlights of the Yorkshire racing calendar would take place as thoroughbred action made its return to the Knavesmire in York for the season-opening Dante Festival.

The three day meeting sits in a prime position for Epsom Derby and Oaks trials and is often seen as the last step on the journey to Classic glory. For the colts, the Dante Stakes has produced a high portion of Epsom Derby winners since the turn of the century and it would come as no surprise to see many leading candidates for Epsom lining up here. The fillies' version would take place on the opening day with the Musidora Stakes. Just like its counterpart, the Musidora has strong links to Oaks winners in the past. 
The Group Two Yorkshire Cup would be the feature event of the final day and showcases the best of the stayer's division. 
Elsewhere on the three day spectacular, Group level action would come courtesy of the Duke Of York Stakes for sprinters and Middleton Stakes for older mares. There would also be listed events for juveniles and three year olds on display as well as strong looking handicaps which saw the return of plenty of regular faces.