York Racecourse confirms record purse for 2026 Juddmonte International

York Racecourse has announced a major boost for its flagship Group 1 Juddmonte International in 2026, with both prize money and international bonuses significantly increased.

The mile‑and‑a‑quarter contest, staged on Wednesday August 19 as the opening day of the Ebor Festival, will carry a record purse of £1.5 million, making it the richest race ever run on the Knavesmire.

The £250,000 uplift, a 20 per cent increase is supported by the Horserace Betting Levy Board and World Pool.

Further international recognition comes from the Japan Racing Association (JRA), which has raised its bonus for any horse winning both the Juddmonte International and Japan Cup to $5 million, up from $3 million.

The JRA will also offer $2 million to any European‑trained horse placed in the Juddmonte that subsequently wins the Japan Cup. Recent examples include Calandagan, runner‑up at York in 2024 before triumphing in Tokyo, and Danon Decile, who contested both races in 2025.

These incentives complement existing bonuses linked to the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the US and Australia’s Cox Plate/

York Chairman Bridget Guerin confirmed the increase at the 254th Gimcrack Dinner, noting: “This reflects our ambition to attract the very best horses to the Knavesmire.”