York Racecourse plans to change the name of one its oldest events to try to distinguish itself from Prince Andrew in light of allegations that he was sexually assaulted.
The Duke of York Stakes are a highly-regarded six-furlong sprint, which is run on the first day of Dante Festival.
The race was first held in 1895. Its name is derived from Prince George Duke of York who later became King George V.
Concerned racecourse managers said that they want to revisit this alias, as the Queen removed Prince Andrew’s honorary military titles. A possible trial in the US is also on the horizon.
Officials stated that they would ‘explore” ways to make the name of the century-old royal “clearer” and prevent any unwelcome connection with him. He is currently facing a lawsuit in America over alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl.
Andrew insists on his innocence. He plans to continue fighting the civil case for sex as a private citizen.
Adam Kirby and Harry Angel rider (right), win The Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, York Racecourse, May 16, 2018, in York
Officials stated that they would ‘explore” ways to make the name of the century-old royal more recognizable and steer clear from any unwelcome association with him. He is currently facing a lawsuit in America over alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl.
York City residents had pressed MPs for an Act of Parliament in order to remove his dukedom, which was a present to the Queen on her wedding day in 1986.
James Brennan from York Racecourse, head of marketing and sponsorship said it was now the time to make the name “clearer”.
He stated, “It was named after Prince George, who later became King George V. But it has never been about Prince Andrew.
“With that being said, we will explore ways we can clarify the history of the name, as well as the fact that it refers to a completely different Duke.
Brennan stated that they were mindful of any negative associations the racecourse might have with the prince’s names.
He stated that he was aware of the question, and would take appropriate action.
York Racecourse was the patron of the Queen’s second child, who also attended flagship events like the Ebor Festival until his retirement in 2019.
The race was first held in 1895. Its name is derived from Prince George Duke of York who later became King George V.
This was after he ended his public association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxiwell, a disgraced paedophile.
According to some reports, the Duke is said to have had sex only with Virginia Giuffre at age 17 when he was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein.
Maxwell (60) was found guilty in December of sexual trafficking offenses and could face up to 65 years imprisonment.
Virginia Giuffre is currently suing Prince Andrew in America for sexually assaulting her as a teenager.
She says Epstein trafficked in her for sex when she was 17, and she is a minor according to US law.
He is innocent and will fight civil sex cases as an individual citizen.
After his unsuccessful attempts to get the civil case dismissed by a New York court, the Duke now has the possibility of being tried, and this could occur as early as September.
York Racecourse officials stated that they would not be able to change the name without the consent of the European Pattern Committee.
This body is responsible for the status of and naming Group race names. A quick rebrand would not be feasible.
According to Mr Brennan, “It isn’t entirely in our gifts.”