IT was constructed using 200,000 bricks, 2,600 square metres of glass and 1,400 tonnes of steel.

Now racegoers are set to find out what all the fuss is about when York Racecourse's £20 million Ebor Stand opens on May 13.

The sheer scale of the building, built by Sir Alfred McAlpine, was revealed when figures showed it will also house 4,800 square metres of carpet, 2,600 light fittings, 400 speakers, 50 Tote desks, 660 tables, 1,600 chairs and 90 television screens.

Available for York's annual members and county stand badge holders, the stand will offer views of the home straight and winning post and will contain 1,000 seats and viewing areas for spectators.

Its features include six public bars, an 80-seat bistro, three buffet bars, a 350-seat restaurant, six private boxes and a sponsors' suite.

Lord Halifax, chairman of York Race Committee, said: "The top quality horses we attract are the stars of our meetings and the prime focus of our efforts.

"They'll only continue to race here if we keep drawing large crowds, and large crowds expect top quality facilities.

"We operate in a highly competitive leisure market and only by constantly updating facilities to meet the demands of modern racegoers for high quality design, comfort and accessibility can we succeed in maintaining the outstanding attendances of the last two seasons, when over 260,000 people each year visited the course."

The new building offers spectacular views eastwards, including of the Millennium Bridge and York Minster.

The stand has been funded through an £8m grant from the Horserace Betting Levy Board and a £12m loan from the Bank of Scotland.

It was designed by Leeds architects Goddard Wybor.

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course, said: "I'm confident that racegoers will enjoy their days at York all the more because of the stand - and I hope this will mean more of them choosing to return soon and telling their friends about us."

Updated: 09:24 Saturday, May 03, 2003