Returning for 2026, the Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake will give Yorkshire charities, community groups and good causes the chance to win up to £20,000.
The sweepstake forms part of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival. The festival runs from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd August.
Local charities and good causes across Yorkshire can apply for a place in the Sky Bet Ebor Festival sweepstake.
Organisers will shortlist 22 good causes from across Yorkshire. Each group will then receive a horse entered in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap.
The race takes place on Saturday 22nd August. A live televised draw on Thursday 20th August will reveal each horse and charity pairing.
The good cause linked to the winning horse will receive a £20,000 donation. The money will help support its community work.
The second-placed charity will receive £5,000. The third-placed group will collect £2,000. Every other shortlisted organisation will receive £1,000 for its projects or initiatives.
Opening date info
Applications open on 15th June 2026 and close on 17th July 2026.
Interested applicants must complete a simple online entry form.
Applicants should outline their community work. They must also explain how they would use the money if their horse wins.
In 2025, East Riding-based M.A.S.H (Military Assistance Social Hub) took the top prize. The charity creates safe and welcoming spaces for the Armed Forces community.
M.A.S.H won the £20,000 prize after Ethical Diamond delivered victory in the sweepstake.
The charity has since used the donation to strengthen its operations. The funding helped M.A.S.H establish new roots by opening a new office space.
Make a difference
Craig Leach, Chairman of M.A.S.H (Military Assistance Social Hub), reflected on last year’s win:
“Going into the day, we genuinely thought that if we were fortunate enough to win £1,000, it would make a real difference to M.A.S.H and the support we provide to the Armed Forces community.
“To then be announced as the winner of £20,000 was completely beyond anything we could have imagined.
“That funding has had a transformational impact over the past year. Winning has placed us in a position where we are now able to grow and expand as a charity in ways we simply did not think were possible this time last year.
“The day itself was unforgettable.”
Craig continued:
“It was amazing to meet so many inspirational people from different charities and hear about the incredible work happening across communities.
“As the race unfolded, I remember quietly asking for a little help from my dad, who had passed away the previous year after serving 24 years in the Army.
“Then, somehow, our horse came from eighth place and romped home.
“The feeling in that moment is almost impossible to put into words: complete disbelief, excitement and emotion all at once. We were simply blown away.”
Ongoing collaboration
James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at York Racecourse, added:
“The 2026 Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake sees the return of our ongoing collaboration with the feature sponsor of the event.
“We are hugely proud of how the initiative spotlights grassroots organisations across Yorkshire and helps support them in their amazing work.
“With a new round of shortlisted causes to be nominated, it’s sure to provide an emotional postscript to the racing action.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone. It’s a day of celebration that York Racecourse is eager to host.”
Incredible awareness
Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Betting & Gaming, also commented:
“The Ebor Festival would not be the same without The Community Sweepstake.
“It has cemented itself as a key part of the event and brings incredible awareness and much-needed funding to great Yorkshire charities.
“Whether a cause places first or is shortlisted, the Sweepstake brings great visibility to all, and each donation has a lasting impact.
“We’re excited to learn more about the 2026 applicants and the good they bring to their respective communities.”
To submit an entry, complete the entry form.
To comply with Sky Bet’s responsible gambling policies, organisations that work exclusively with individuals under 18 years old cannot apply.
