TOM Jones helped York Racecourse break new records as the sporting venue passed the £20 million post for revenues.

In its latest full year results, York Racecourse Knavesmire LLP set a new record turnover in 2015 of £20.5 million, eclipsing the previous high of £18.6 million achieved in 2014.

The business, which re-invests profits in facilities, prize money and the visitor experience, saw operating profits rise from £2 million to £2.5 million, with increased sales attributed to enhanced raceday revenue driven by "a near record attendance for the season, improved commercial and hospitality and entry fees".

Attendance for the year of 360,837 racegoers, up 28,272, marked a nine per cent increase from 2014. Within this, the two days of the Music Showcases were 14,776 higher in total than in 2014, helped by Sir Tom Jones attracting a record crowd for an evening racing fixture of 36,479.

Additionally Ebor Saturday was 4,718 higher at 30,251.

Taking the season as a whole, 13 of the 17 race days delivered year on year attendance growth.

Racecourse bosses attributed the growth to "the strength of York's race programme, commitment to prize money and investments made in the track and owners' experience".

Over the year the business saw cost increase by £861,000, including an additional investment of £607,000 in prize money to a record level of £6.8 million.

This attracted a record number of runners of 1,454 for the 115 race programme, delivering an average of 12.6 runners per race - the highest of any racecourse in Britain.

James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship at York Racecourse, said: "It was a very successful year, measured across a number of factors, not just the financials.

"We were delighted to be back open this season with the Dante, which showed a strong performance in terms of attendance, and we look forward to another successful year."

Another reported success from the year included the Macmillan Charity Raceday which raised a record £429,022 in 2015. Macmillan reported this as being its largest single fundraising event and it is believed to be the biggest charity raceday in British racing.

The year also saw York Racecourse receive a number of awards, which included being crowned the Overall Showcase Champion in the RCA Showcase Awards. At these awards York also scooped the award for Racecourse Groundsteam Champions, Owners Experience and Food and Beverage Champion. The new Moet Pavilion won Best Bar in UK Racing at the Merbury National Catering Awards and the opening day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival was awarded Best Tourism Event of the Year at the White Rose Awards. In January 2016 York's flagship race the Group 1 Juddmonte International, was rated by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities as the top rated race in the UK.