Under Jockeys Orders back for Sky Bet Ebor Festival

The idea involves a raft of jockey-centric activities which give unprecedented access to the sport’s ‘stars in the saddle’ with the aim of engaging, entertaining and educating racing fans.

Ryan Moore, one of the world’s leading riders, said: "It was great to be part of it last year as racegoers and viewers seemed to really enjoy it, so I’ll certainly be supporting it again in 2025. Racing, like other sports, needs to get closer to its fans."

Among the activities at the Ebor Festival will be:

• One race a day when it will be easier to identify the top jockeys as they’ll be wearing their surnames on the back of their breeches.
• On social media, a pre-recorded Q&A session with top jockeys Rossa Ryan, Tom Marquand and Clifford Lee by children from Clifton Green Primary School, a York Racecourse Community Partner, asking probing questions such as ‘who’s your best friend in the Weighing Room?’
• Autograph signing sessions every day with leading riders including Ryan Moore, William Buick, Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand.
• A look into the family albums of several top jockeys to see childhood photos of their very early days in the saddle.
• A best dressed jockey award, judged by Ebor Fashion Lawn expert Jack D March, who’ll be taking a detailed look at what sartorial styles are favoured by top jocks on the ‘horse walk’ at York.
• The musical tastes of the top riders will also be explored with the top ‘disc’ jockeys revealing their favoured tunes as they drive to the races.
• York will be giving away photo lapel stickers to racegoers of the leading male and female riders so they can show their support for their favourite jockey.
• Plus, interviews, race card information, big screen jockey imagery and other activities to bring racegoers closer to the human athletes at the centre of the sport.

Under Jockeys Orders is an award-winning campaign and collaboration between the Professional Jockeys Association and York Racecourse which started last year to celebrate the skills of Britain’s leading professional riders.

Dale Gibson, Racing Director of the PJA and the rider of over 500 winners, said: “It was a pleasure partnering with York on this initiative last year and we’re delighted that it will be even bigger and better this year. We’re also grateful to our jockeys, valets and others for supporting the idea."

William Derby, York Racecourse Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said: “Last year, we received a very positive reaction from racegoers to Under Jockeys Orders on Coolmore Nunthorpe day so we were keen to expand the initiative to all four days of our Ebor Festival so many more racing fans could become involved.

"The jockeys have been fantastic to work with and we are very appreciative to them and the PJA in bringing this initiative to life and helping us showcase the human stars of our sport."

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