The Group 1 Juddmonte International, already Britain’s highest rated race, according to the average three year rating by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, will become the richest race ever run at York, with £1,000,000 on offer this August.

Connections of horses seeking to follow such superstars as Frankel or Sea The Stars into the Winner’s Enclosure on the opening day, Wednesday 23 August, will be the beneficiaries of a £100,000 rise in prize money.

The 2016 duel between Postponed, Europe's highest rated older horse, and Highland Reel, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Breeders' Cup Turf hero, emphasised the global standing of this contest, so generously backed by Juddmonte Farms for more than a quarter of a century.

The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, recently ranked as Europe’s highest rated contest for fillies and mares, and the Coolmore Nunthorpe, the best five furlong sprint in the world, will both see increases to reach their richest ever renewals at £350,000.

Completing the feature race set in August is Saturday’s Betfred Ebor, with Europe’s richest flat handicap of 2016, increased again to £285,000.

Speaking about the injection of funds, York Racecourse Chairman Lord Grimthorpe said, “Attracting the best horses to run in competitive races on the Knavesmire is what we are all about; so I am pleased that the unstinting support from long standing sponsors has allowed us to increase prize money for our feature races again this year. The Juddmonte International will reach a notable landmark demonstrating the generous support of Prince Khalid for a race that I know he cherishes.”