YORK Racecourse's Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival will herald its tenth Group race this year after The Sky Bet City of York Stakes was upgraded.

The Listed contest has been given Group 3 status after a recent meeting of the European Pattern Committee.

Held on the Friday of the four-day August spectacular, it is run over seven furlongs and already boasts a six figure prize fund.

Last year saw Fadhayyil carry Paul Hanagan into the winner’s enclosure for veteran handler Barry Hills.

The stable star of Tom Hogan’s yard, Gordon Lord Byron, showcased his talent in the 2012 renewal before enjoying a career at the very highest level.

And victorious in 2013 was the Dean Ivory trained, Sirius Prospect - another to come to prominence through this race before becoming a regular contender at the feature meetings of the summer.

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course, said: "This is further confirmation of the quality of racing at York. For the Sky Bet City of York Stakes to become the tenth race at our feature festival to earn Group race honours is great news.”