Yorkshire Ebor
Juddmonte International Prize Money 2026: How Much Is York’s Showpiece Race Worth?
How much is the Juddmonte International worth? William Hill News look at the total prize money on offer in 2026.
The Juddmonte International is a Group 1 race over 1m2f for three-year-olds and over, and is held on the first day of York’s famous Ebor Festival in mid-August.
It is the racecourse’s richest Pattern race of the season, with prize money totalling £1.5 million. Here, we look at the breakdown of prize money available for each finishing position.
A boost to the prize fund in 2026
The flagship Group 1 will be the richest race ever staged on the Knavesmire worth £1.5 million to connections when it is run on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
The 20% boost of £250,000 extra prize money reflects the support of The Horserace Betting Levy Board and World Pool to the race. The Juddmonte is global horserace that is supported worldwide in terms of quality.
York Race Committee and the JRA (Japan Racing Association) have also come together to elevate the race both now and in future years.
The Japanese have increased the bonus for any horse who wins both the Juddmonte International and Japan Cup to $5m (up from $3m). Moreover, in a new initiative, the JRA will also now offer a $2m bonus for any European placed horses in the Juddmonte International who win the Japan Cup.
The victor in Tokyo last season, Calandagan, finished second in the Juddmonte of 2024, whilst the Japanese-trained Danon Decile lined up in both races in 2025.
Other established international incentives for the Juddmonte International winner are in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the USA and the Cox Plate in Australia. These are perfect examples of global competition transcending the worldwide horseracing jurisdictions across the planet.
When was the Juddmonte International prize money increase announced?
The prize money increase was announced at the 254th Gimcrack Dinner, where York Chairman Bridget Guerin said: “We are delighted to confirm that the Juddmonte International at £1.5m in 2026 will be the richest race ever staged at York.
“This reflects our ambition to continue to attract the very best horses to the Knavesmire and is only possible through our valued and much appreciated partnerships with Juddmonte, Sky Bet, HBLB and World Pool.
“As the Longines World’s Best Race in 2020 and 2024 we continue to be conscious of ensuring the race remains attractive and competitive across global flat racing.”
Juddmonte International prize money breakdown
- 1st Place (56.71%) £850,650
- 2nd Place (21.50%) £322,500
- 3rd Place (10.76%) £161,400
- 4th Place (5.36%) £80,400
- 5th Place (2.69%) £40,350
- 6th Place (1.35%) £20,250
