York host a sparkling seven-race card on day one of the Ebor Festival on Wednesday 19th August. The Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes is the feature race of the day, whilst the Great Voltigeur Stakes and Acomb Stakes are another brace of quality Group races.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers takes a look at the world class racing on the Knavesmire and picks out his four best bets to make up the GG Lucky 15 for Wednesday’s racing.
York Tips (Wednesday 19th August 2026)
It’s a 1.50pm start at York, with the action going right through until 5.20pm. The feature Juddmonte International Stakes is off at 3.35pm.
1.50 York – Corolla Point (1pt win – 15/2)
A devilishly difficult 5f 89y sprint handicap kicks off the meeting, with plenty standing a big chance of landing the prize. Ed Bethell’s sprinter Corolla Point is one that heads into the contest on the back of a fine win at Hamilton, and a 3lbs rise may not be enough to stop him going in again. He won on the nod at Hamilton last time out, but having not been out the first three in his last six outings then he’s certainly going to be thereabouts. Formerly of Charlie Appleby’s yard, he’s improved immeasurably since the switch to Bethell’s yard, and with that stable in red-hot form then Corolla Point can claim the opener.
3.00 York – Pierre Bonnard (1pt win – 3/1)
Only six go to post for the Great Voltigeur Stakes at 3.00pm, but with Derby hero Christmas Day taking on Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross then it’s set to be a fabulous renewal. However, that pair can come unstuck against Pierre Bonnard, who is the second shot fired by Aidan O’Brien and looks to be tailor-made for this event. The Camelot colt was last seen finishing third behind Benvenuto Cellini and Christmas Day in the Irish Derby at the Curragh, but he was only narrowly beaten that day by the latter. Whilst Christmas Day has shown his best in the mud, Pierre Bonnard has shown he’s versatile on all ground, and with a St Leger entry showing he’s got no stamina issues then the Ballydoyle second string can bound to glory here.
3.35 York – Ombudsman (1pt win – 11/10)
It’s a real battle royale for the Juddmonte International Stakes at 3.35pm as reigning champion Ombudsman faces new kid on the block Constitution River in a fascinating clash. Add in the classy Item and you have a rip-snorting feature Group 1 at 3.35pm. Proven at the highest level, Ombudsman sets the standard and he showed in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot that he’s the top middle distance horse in training. He will have to give weight away to Coral-Eclipse hero Constitution River here, but Ombudsman has shown he can deliver on the big stage. The five-year-old scooted to a three-and-a-half length win over Delacroix in this last year, and he can dominate another Ballydoyle challenger here.
5.20 York – Persian Spring (1pt win – 20/1)
A hugely competitive nursery will conclude day 1 of York’s Ebor Festival at 5.20pm. Plenty of progressive juveniles will take their chance in the line-up, but Richard Hannon’s Persian Spring is one that could spring a surprise. He was impressive when winning at York back in May and a return to the track can see him star once again. He failed to figure in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, whilst a tardy start saw him disappoint at Goodwood last time out. However, he’s been dropped 2lbs by the handicapper and a mark of 86 looks extremely attractive. Pat Dobbs will take the ride, so he could look to be held a bit more prominent this time around, and he can potentially upset some more fancied rivals here.
York Racing Tips – Day 1 Ebor Festival
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are the Wednesday 19th August Lucky 15 tips?
Steve Chambers provides his Lucky 15 tips on Wednesday 19th August, which includes selections at York on day 1 of Ebor Festival.
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 15 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
When were the Wednesday 19th August’s Lucky 15 tips for York published?
Steve Chambers’ Lucky 15 tips for Wednesday 19th August at York were published at 12.10pm on Tuesday 18th August.
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