World class racing and eye catching fashion made up for disappointing weather as more than 70,000 people enjoyed the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Some of the finest horses were seen by the thousands of people who put up with cold temperatures throughout the event at York Racecourse, which saw a bumper Ladies Day and thrilling races.

While the numbers did not quite reach what had been predicted in the build up to the prestigious event, those with an eye on the course went home happy as exciting races involving winners from the year's biggest events did not fail to impress.

James Brennan, spokesman for York Racecourse, said: "The quality of the horses this year has been as good as we have ever seen.

"We had three Derby winners with us , the King George winner and the English Oaks winner.

"There's been lots of great horses and many have had their reputations enhanced, and will go on to shine well into the autumn."

As for Thursday's Ladies Day, the weather may not have suited some of the dresses, but organisers were suitably impressed with the Yorkshire spirit on display to make sure everyone enjoyed their day out.

Mr Brennan added: "There's been some great stories, fashion and bright hats, and the fashion judge said to me that the ladies always look great at York, but the men have been wearing their own hats and shoes, so a big shout out must go to those who played their part in the fashion stakes.

"It wasn't a sun kissed ladies day that they had shopped for, but they still approached it with Yorkshire stoicism and it was very busy.

"People had their game faces on and by the time the evening came they were able to enjoy the sound of the band we had playing."