Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, sponsored by Sky Bet Ends on a High as Racing Community Raises Thousands for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Mark and Clare Oglesby from Goldsborough Hall present the Leading Trainer of the week award to Tim Easterby
Photo: Hannah Ali
The 2026 Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, sponsored by Sky Bet, drew to a memorable close after a week of exciting racing, thrilling competition and an incredible fundraising effort, with thousands of pounds raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The Festival once again showcased the very best of Yorkshire racing, with nine days of competitive action attracting leading trainers, jockeys and horses to the racecourses across the county. Racegoers turned out in force to enjoy a fantastic atmosphere, while also supporting a number of charitable initiatives throughout the week.
As the Festival concluded, the leading performers were recognised for their achievements across the nine days.
Leading Trainer of the Week, sponsored by Goldsborough Hall, was Tim Easterby, who had five winners, underlining another successful week for the Habton Grange-based trainer, landing this title for the fourth time in the last 10 years.
The Leading Jockey of the Week, sponsored by Sky Bet, award went to Rossa Ryan, with four victories, riding doubles at Thirsk and York on the last two days of the festival.
The Leading Best Turned Out Yard of the Week, sponsored by Sky Bet, was awarded to Mick and David Easterby. The accolade celebrates the dedication of the stable staff whose hard work behind the scenes ensures horses are turned out to the highest possible standard. The yard will celebrate with a pizza party and a cash prize.
The Moment of the Week, sponsored by Sky Bet, was awarded to Tim Easterby following Poets Dawn’s memorable 130th career start and 15th victory at Ripon. The hugely popular veteran’s success was one of the standout stories of the Festival.
Away from the track, the Festival’s fundraising efforts made a significant impact for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The ever-popular Paddock and Chips competition, sponsored by Sky Bet, raised an impressive £2,275, with Oisin McSweeney crowned the leading scorer after contributing £300 to the total. Every penny raised through the competition will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Meanwhile, trainer David Easterby completed an extraordinary sponsored cycle ride, arriving at every race meeting during the Summer Festival in time to saddle his runners, raising nearly £13,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. His challenge captured the imagination of the racing community, with supporters donating throughout the week in recognition of his remarkable effort.
Ben Warn, Chairman of Go Racing In Yorkshire, said:
“The Summer Festival has once again been a tremendous success, showcasing the very best of Yorkshire racing both on and off the track. We’ve seen fantastic racing, celebrated some outstanding performances and, importantly, raised an incredible amount of money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Congratulations to Tim Easterby, Rossa Ryan, Mick and David Easterby, and everyone recognised during the Festival. Finally, our thanks go to Sky Bet, Goldsborough Hall, all of our racecourses, owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff, volunteers and racegoers for making this year’s Festival such a memorable occasion.”
Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet, said:
“One of the things that makes the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival so special is the mix of top-class sport and unforgettable stories. This week we’ve seen established stars shine, recognised a remarkable milestone with Poets Dawn, and witnessed the dedication of everyone behind the scenes who makes racing happen. We’re delighted that Sky Bet supports a Festival that means so much to Yorkshire racing folk.”
With thrilling racing, memorable performances and a wonderful demonstration of Yorkshire racing’s generosity, the 2026 Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival once again proved why it remains one of the highlights of the British racing calendar. Between the fundraising efforts of Paddock and Chips and David Easterby’s cycling challenge, more than £15,000 has been raised in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, plus exit collections from the race meetings, ensuring the Festival leaves a lasting legacy beyond the racecourse.
