York Racecourse and Sky Bet bring back Ebor Community Sweepstake for 2026

York Racecourse and Sky Bet have confirmed the return of the Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake for another year, offering Yorkshire-based charities, community groups and good causes the chance to win up to £20,000 during the 2026 Ebor Festival.

Now a key feature of the four-day meeting, which runs from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 August, the initiative will once again shine a spotlight on grassroots organisations across the region while delivering meaningful financial support to those shortlisted.

Twenty-two good causes from across Yorkshire will be selected from the entries and each paired with a runner in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, the feature race of the Festival on Saturday 22 August.

The live televised draw on Thursday 20 August will confirm the pairings, with the winning combination landing a £20,000 donation.

Applications

As well as the top prize, second and third place finishers will receive £5,000 and £2,000 respectively, while every shortlisted organisation will be awarded £1,000 to support their work within local communities.

Applications opened on 15 June 2026 and close on 17 July 2026.

Entrants are asked to complete a short online entry form outlining their community impact and how any potential funding would be used.

Last year’s winner, East Riding-based M.A.S.H (Military Assistance Social Hub), secured the £20,000 prize after Ethical Diamond’s success in the race, with the funding helping the charity expand its operations and establish a dedicated office space.

Reflecting on the win, chairman Craig Leach said: “Going into the day, we genuinely thought that if we were fortunate enough to win £1,000, it would make a real difference to M.A.S.H and the support we provide to the Armed Forces community.

“To then be announced as the winner of £20,000 was completely beyond anything we could have imagined.

“That funding has had a transformational impact over the past year. Winning has placed us in a position where we are now able to grow and expand as a charity in ways we simply did not think were possible this time last year.

“The day itself was unforgettable.”

Proud

Craig continued: “It was amazing to meet so many inspirational people from different charities and hear about the incredible work happening across communities.

“As the race unfolded, I remember quietly asking for a little help from my dad, who had passed away the previous year after serving 24 years in the Army.

“Then, somehow, our horse came from eighth place and romped home.

“The feeling in that moment is almost impossible to put into words: complete disbelief, excitement and emotion all at once. We were simply blown away.”

York Racecourse head of marketing and sponsorship James Brennan said: “The 2026 Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake sees the return of our ongoing collaboration with the feature sponsor of the event. 

“We are hugely proud of how the initiative spotlights grassroots organisations across Yorkshire and helps support them in their amazing work.

“With a new round of shortlisted causes to be nominated, it’s sure to provide an emotional postscript to the racing action.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone. It’s a day of celebration that York Racecourse is eager to host.”

Incredible awareness

“It has cemented itself as a key part of the event and brings incredible awareness and much-needed funding to great Yorkshire charities.

“Whether a cause places first or is shortlisted, the Sweepstake brings great visibility to all, and each donation has a lasting impact.

“We’re excited to learn more about the 2026 applicants and the good they bring to their respective communities.”

Applications can be submitted via the official entry form here, with full terms and conditions available on the York Racecourse website.

To comply with Sky Bet’s responsible gambling policies, applications from organisations working exclusively with individuals under 18 years old will not be eligible.

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