Feb 17 β€’ 12:13 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Mirror

Duke of York name erased from famous race title ending link with disgraced former prince

The name of the Duke of York has been removed from a historic horse race title, now called the Minster Stakes, due to the controversies surrounding Prince Andrew.

The Duke of York Stakes, once a prominent fixture on the horse racing calendar since 1895, has officially been renamed the Minster Stakes, thereby severing its historical connection with Prince Andrew, Duke of York. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to distance the racing community from the tarnished reputation of Prince Andrew, who has faced significant public backlash due to his associations with disgraced figures and allegations of misconduct. In its long history, the race originally honored Prince George, who would later become King George V, and it evolved from a handicap race to a Group 2 race recognized as one of the important sprint contests in the British racing season. The race's title change signifies not only a shift in branding but also a moral realignment within the sport that reflects societal changes and expectations regarding public figures. By adopting the new name, the organizers signal their commitment to upholding the integrity of horse racing, separating it from figures whose actions have marred their reputations. The move is likely to be welcomed by many stakeholders in the sport, marking a further step towards reform and the cultivation of a more positive image for horse racing in the UK.

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