BRIGHT spring sunshine greeted visitors to Knavesmire for the second day of the Dante Festival.

A crowd of more than 13,000 people filled York Racecourse yesterday to watch Cape Blanco win the highly-anticipated £150,000 Totesport Dante Stakes.

It was the big race of the day, as the leading Derby contenders staked their claims for Classic glory. Cape Blanco is now second favourite for next month’s Derby.

Specialist bank and asset management company Investec, sponsor of the up-coming Derby, and yesterday’s seventh race, made its presence felt with two life-sized models of zebras – their logo – displayed in front of the weigh-in and next to the Derby trophy in the Ebor Stand. James Brennan, head of marketing at the racecourse, said there were lots of smiles and happy faces as people left the course.

“We are delighted to be back racing and pleased with the support we’ve had. The crowds make it and allow us to keep investing in the buildings and make the prize money reach record levels as it has this week.”

City of York Council put a special traffic systems in place to cope with crowds flocking to the city.