The 2026 Yorkshire Oaks is the second feature during York‘s Ebor Festival. It has twice been won by a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner in the past decade, with fillies and mares so often stepping up at Longchamp.

This year’s renewal may well produce a similar champion. GG tipster Joe Napier previews the event, providing his selection and insight into all the runners.

2026 Yorkshire Oaks Runners 

Aidan O’Brien has won five of the last six renewals, so Ballydoyle has to be the place to start. Minnie Hauk took this a year ago, making use of her three-year-old allowances. Only four runners contested that renewal though and has it tougher at the weights aged four. Nevertheless, she went on to finish second in the Arc and even her runner-up effort in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes this season at Royal Ascot remains very high class form. She should be perfectly prepared for his.

She is not the biggest fish in this pond, however. That would be Kalpana, who had already won two Group 1s against her fellow fillies and mares prior to lining up in the King George last month. Then, she produced a career best to down Calandagan and co for a third top level triumph. As good as ever, she also goes on any going which could be crucial. She has never raced at York, but sets a high standard.

That standard could be toppled purely based on the three-year-olds’ record in this contest. It is likely no coincidence that the Classic generation have won eight of the last ten renewals, with the 9lb they receive from older horses significant at this juncture. Johanna Walsh leads the charge for them and her progression has been notable. She was dominant in the Irish Oaks and could have more to offer still.

Some of those in behind that day can probably do better too. Runner-up Inis Mor only got racing too late at the Curragh and is consistent enough to challenge. Both Legacy Link and Earth Shot disappointed on their travels that day, but the former has a course win in the Musidora Stakes and the latter a verdict over Johanna Walsh at Ascot. Both must therefore have each-way claims.

Sparan Nua was third that day and the step back up to 1m4f will suit, albeit how much more she has to offer is debatable. Sugar Island was lat, but is not a complete no-hoper given she ran with credit in the Epsom Oaks when the rain fell. The sole four-year-old, Tattycoram completes the field. She has historic trends to bust for her age group, but her improvement this term certainly entitles her to respect.

2026 Yorkshire Oaks Racecard

Yorkshire Oaks Trends 2026

GG tipster Dave Young has run the trends for the 2026 Yorkshire Oaks, the most important of which are below. You can read his more detailed thoughts here.

2026 Yorkshire Oaks Tips 

Three-year-olds have won eight of the last ten renewals of the Yorkshire Oaks, with the only two older winners being Arc heroines Enable and Alpinista as five-year-olds. That outlines the task facing Kalpana and Minnie Hauk, both of whom set a tall standard. However, in receipt of 9lb from the pair, Irish Oaks heroine Johanna Walsh is preferred. She was Dominant at the Curragh, once again showing improvement from her previous start. She should cope with whatever ground on pedigree and can make use of her weight advantage. Minnie Hauk could be just as dangerous as Kalpana at this venue, especially given Aidan O’Brien’s record in the race, and is second choice.

FAQ

When and where is the Yorkshire Oaks?

The Yorkshire Oaks will take place at York racecourse on Thursday 20 August 2026 at 3.35pm.

How can I watch the Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday?

The Yorkshire Oaks is live on ITV Racing at 3.35pm on Thursday.

When were the Yorkshire Oaks tips published?

The tips for the Yorkshire Oaks were published at 11.55am on Wednesday 19 August.

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