Jockeys to sport their names in new initiative at York

Jockeys will wear their names on their breeches as part of a new initiative at York’s Sky Bet Ebor Festival.

On Friday August 23 riders will sport their surnames among several other inclusive activities on the day which it is hoped will help engage, entertain and educate racegoers and TV viewers.

A pre-recorded Q&A session with top jockeys Hollie Doyle, Jo Mason, Jason Hart and Ryan Moore by children from a local school, autograph signing sessions with Moore, Oisin Murphy and William Buick and fans will also get the chance to hear previous Coolmore Nunthorpe winning jockeys attempt to commentate on their success.

There will also be a pop-up gym to advertise the unique strength of jockeys, a look behind the scenes in a canteen, demonstrations on how to ride a racehorse alongside a virtual reality experience, while a collection will also take place in aid of Graham Lee.

Dale Gibson, racing director of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with York on this ground-breaking initiative and hope that we can team up with other leading racecourses to connect racing fans with riders under both codes in future.”

William Derby, York’s chief executive and clerk of the course, said: “Alongside our wonderful equine athletes, the jockeys are the stars of our sport and we want to further spotlight their talent, commitment and personalities to race fans and beyond.

“The lifestyle, adrenaline and full-on pace of a jockey are unique in professional sport – men and women competing daily on equal terms, managing their weight, riding in unison with 500kg of thoroughbred at speeds of up to 40mph.

“I am delighted that York can play a part in further raising the profile of jockeys on a global sporting stage at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival.”