The historic Duke of York Stakes, a prestigious Group 2 sprint race held at York racecourse, has undergone a permanent name change, with its connection to the disgraced former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor now completely erased from the racing calendar. The event, which was first established in 1895 to honour Prince George, Duke of York, who later became King George V, will henceforth be known as the Minster Stakes, as confirmed by the British Horseracing Authority's Flat Pattern Committee this week.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Race
Originally inaugurated in 1895 as a tribute to Prince George, the race has undergone several transformations over its long history. In 1950, it was converted into a 6-furlong handicap when moved from York's August meeting to May, eventually evolving into a conditions race by 1968. The sprint later achieved Group 2 status, cementing its reputation as one of the major spring prizes in British horse racing, attracting top contenders and significant attention from the racing community.
Prince Andrew's Involvement and Subsequent Fall from Grace
Prince Andrew, who held the title Duke of York, was appointed as the first patron of York racecourse in 2015. In this role, he officially opened the track's new weighing room in 2019, highlighting his once-prominent association with the venue. However, his ties to the racecourse began to unravel amid serious allegations and controversies that emerged in subsequent years.
In 2022, facing sexual assault allegations in a civil action brought by the late Virginia Giuffre in the United States—which he has repeatedly denied—the racecourse took initial steps to distance itself by renaming the event the 1895 Duke of York Stakes. This move was intended to clarify the historical connection to Prince George rather than Prince Andrew, though the case was eventually settled out of court with no admission of liability.
Escalating Scandals and the Final Decision to Rename
Further complications arose as Prince Andrew stepped down from royal duties, including relinquishing his patronage of York Racecourse, due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recent months have seen additional allegations surface following the release of the Epstein files in the US, prompting King Charles to strip his brother of his title, after which he became known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
James Brennan, York's head of marketing and sponsorship, previously stated that the racecourse did not want the name to distract from the quality of the contest, seeking instead to highlight its historical roots. The amended title was initially meant to better reflect the race's long history and its original honouree, Prince George.
Official Confirmation and Future Implications
The final decision to remove the Duke of York name entirely was confirmed on Tuesday when the Flat Pattern Committee announced a series of updates to the Flat programme for 2026. A statement from the committee read: "The FPC also approved an application from York racecourse to change the name of the Group 2 race formerly known as the 1895 Duke Of York Stakes (6f, 3yo+, mid-May), which will now be named the Minster Stakes."
This renaming marks a significant shift in the race's identity, severing all links to the controversies surrounding Prince Andrew while preserving the event's stature in the racing world. The Minster Stakes will continue to be a key fixture in the spring racing calendar, maintaining its Group 2 status and 6-furlong distance for horses aged three and above, ensuring it remains a highlight for enthusiasts and competitors alike.
