RACING action got underway for the last time this season in front of packed stands in The Knavesmire.


Day one of the eighth and final meeting of 2015 saw Countryside Raceday celebrate all things Yorkshire.


As well as a packed day of horse racing under glorious sunshine, race-goers were able to get their hands on some early Christmas treats on a varied market.


Stalls including pet photographer Annemarie King The Phodographer, milliner George Durdy, Tweedy Gromett and Equestrian Art UK were all open for business to the thousands in attendance.


A taste of farming also featured alongside the thoroughbreds on display as this year's regional celebration saw shepherdess and sheepdog trainer Elaine Hill herding a gaggle of geese along the track.


Seven races saw winners take home a share of the day's £150,000 prize money.


James Brennan, head of marketing at York Racecourse, said: "We have been blessed with pleasant weather and the 10,000 people who have been here today have been able to sit out and enjoy the lawn terrace at the new Northern End and enjoy a competitive day of racing.


"Four of the seven races were won by Yorkshire horses and football fans have been able to have the odd selfie with Michael Owen who was here as a racing UK ambassador.


"By the time you get to race day it's about having fun and getting to enjoy the day, and we are looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow.


"People have gone home with chutneys and chocolates and others have gone home with homemade waistcoats."


Race-goers attending the course today can expect to hear the tuneful tones of a military band to mark the Coldstream Guards Association Cup and the showpiece race, The Coral Sprint Trophy, at 3.25pm.


The winner will take home £100,000.


Gates open at 11.15am and the first race - the titanbet.co.uk Stakes - gets underway at 1.45pm and the last race of the day begins at 5.10pm.


For more information visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk