WITH reference to “Race enclosure ‘like a ploughed field’ ” (Soapbox, May 28).

During the winter we completed one of the biggest drainage projects undertaken in UK racing. As part of the that we decided that rather than cart the topsoil off site we would recycle it and also upgrade the viewing bank on the Course Enclosure.

By reusing the topsoil, we avoided 500 lorry movements through York. This forms part of our environmental thinking, which includes innovations such as solar panels on the roof, biodegradable glasses and bottle recycling.

This re-landscaped Course Enclosure lawn creates a level area with stunning views of the winning post and the award winning stands.

As race-goers will discover tomorrow, it also creates a wider area to lay out picnics, other entertainment and support services such as tote cabins, using a level, rather than sloping bank. This weekend the Yorkshire Regiment is providing a junior assault course as free entertainment.

It will provide improved viewing and better use of space for the Press Family Sunday Raceday on September 6. We believe this to be one of the best-value areas in British racing The project was completed in the challenging conditions of the winter and the racing surface proved to be a resounding success winning praise from jockeys and trainers.

The bank area could only be completed when the soil had been extracted.

For the Dante Festival the new grass was not as far forward as we would have liked as wet, cold weather delayed the landscaping until April.

It has been seeded many times, is improving day by day, and has improved significantly since May 15.

Given the rain on May 15 the bookmakers for the Course Enclosure were relocated beneath our wet weather canopy; this left the area already worn by foot traffic on the first two days more visible than normal. The original site has been seeded.

Tomorrow race-goers will enjoy seven races, a junior football skills session with York City coaches, the junior assault course, the FA Cup Final, a funfair, food court all for £5. Over-65s pay just £3, with accompanied under-16s free of charge.

The good forecast for Saturday and entertainment on and off the track promise to make the racecourse, including the Course Enclosure, a fun place to visit.

James Brennan, Head of marketing and sponsorship, York Racecourse.