York Racecourse appoints DT Sports to lead renovation of Knavesmire Stand

Yorkshire’s premier horse racing destination, York Racecourse, is set to elevate its entertainment and hospitality offering for 2026 with a full transformation of its flagship Knavesmire Stand Boxes.

Sports and hospitality interior design specialist DT Sports, a division of award-winning Yorkshire commercial interior design specialist Design Tonic, has been appointed to design and deliver the six-figure refurbishment, creating a high-end hospitality space for up to 280 racegoers.

The premium hospitality boxes are located on the fourth floor of the Knavesmire Stand, which boasts panoramic views across the course overlooking the final furlong. Plans include the renovation of 11 private suites, an enhanced catering offer, and beautifully designed, bespoke interiors complete with large screens throughout.

The reimagined layout will have flexibility at its core, enabling the space to seamlessly adapt for intimate groups, multiple smaller bookings or large corporate events.

Gavin Pattison, York Racecourses facilities manager and project lead said: “Our vision is to offer a best-in-class experience for every guest who comes through our doors, ensuring their day at York is truly memorable.

“The transformation of the Knavesmire Stand fourth floor represents an exciting step forward in enhancing the quality, comfort and flexibility of our hospitality offering. We’re delighted to be working with Design Tonic to bring this ambitious project to life.”

Racing in York dates back to 1709, with the course initially located at Clifton Ings before moving to its long-term home on the Knavesmire in 1730. The Knavesmire Stand, opened in 1997, marked a significant modern milestone in the racecourse’s development.

Today, York Racecourse has a capacity of 60,000 and stages 18 fixtures annually during the summer season, ranking as the third largest racecourse in Britain by total prize money offered. Throughout its history, it has consistently invested in both prize money and facilities to enhance the experience for racegoers and racing connections alike.

Design Tonic director, Will Snaith said: “We’re incredibly excited to have been appointed to lead the redesign of such an iconic space within one of the country’s most celebrated racecourses.

“Our team is passionate about creating environments that not only look exceptional but deliver an outstanding experience for visitors. This project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase that approach, and we’re excited to work closely with the York Racecourse team to realise their vision for an outstanding premium hospitality suite in the Knavesmire Stand.”

Preliminary works are underway, and the new Knavesmire hospitality suite is expected to be complete in Spring 2026.