Jockeys will have their names displayed on their breeches at York’s Sky Bet Ebor Festival as part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing engagement and education for racegoers and TV viewers.
On Friday, August 23, riders will showcase their surnames in addition to participating in a range of inclusive activities designed to entertain and inform. Highlights include a pre-recorded Q&A session with top jockeys Hollie Doyle, Jo Mason, Jason Hart, and Ryan Moore, conducted by local schoolchildren. There will also be autograph signing sessions with Moore, Oisin Murphy, and William Buick. Fans will have the chance to hear previous Coolmore Nunthorpe-winning jockeys commentate on their own successes.
Additional features include a pop-up gym demonstrating the unique physical strength of jockeys, behind-the-scenes access to the canteen, demonstrations on racehorse riding, a virtual reality experience, and a collection in support of Graham Lee.
Dale Gibson, racing director of the Professional Jockeys Association, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with York on this pioneering initiative and look forward to collaborating with other major racecourses to connect racing fans with jockeys across both codes.”