Shorts and short-sleeved shirts will be allowed in the smartest areas of York Racecourse this week after officials relaxed the dress code for the John Smith’s Cup Meeting in response to forecast warm sunshine. The two-day fixture runs on 10 and 11 July 2026, marking the 67th running of the prestigious handicap.
The easing applies to the County Stand and hospitality sections, where jackets are no longer compulsory. A collared shirt and tie remain required, and racegoers are asked to choose appropriate shorts. Free drinking water will be supplied from all main bars and outdoor fountains, while complimentary suncream dispensers will also be positioned around the venue. Plenty of shade is available under canopies and parasols, and the main stands are air conditioned.
The John Smith’s Cup was first staged in 1960 and has been sponsored by the Tadcaster-based brewery ever since, a partnership recognised as the longest-running commercial sponsorship in British horse racing. Run over roughly a mile and a quarter on the Knavesmire, the Class 2 contest carried prize money of £200,000 in 2024 and typically attracts a large summer crowd.
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