RACING Staff Week gets underway at York Racecourse tomorrow as the Knavesmire venue hosts a £150,000 seven-race card.

Racecourse chiefs say they are keen to promote the work done by unsung heroes of the sport and both the racecard and raceday television will showcase their efforts to the racegoers - with more than 35,000 people expected.

And tomorrow, every member of racing staff responsible for a winner will also receive a luxury hamper from the racecourse.

As part of their longstanding commitment to the members of racing staff, the team on Knavesmire have made a six-figure investment in their Stableside accommodation for racedays which has provided new showers, flat-screen televisions in bedrooms, new furniture and tailored dining experience.

On all 18 racedays over the season at York, racing staff benefit from a £10 food voucher, which covers two meals when used on the already discounted dishes in the Stableside Dining Room, while tea, coffee and water are free of charge at both Stableside and in the Pre-Parade Ring area. Key sponsor, Al Basti Equiworld, work with York on this range of benefits.

In addition, at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, a celebration meal to mark the big race is offered with the compliments of the track.

For this special week, the food theme continues, with a free ice cream thrown in too.

All 122 races on Knavesmire this season offer prizes for the best turned-out horse, with a seasonal competition for the most awards seeing the stable receive cases of John Smith’s beer at the year end. With a third of the season gone, Mark Johnston's team from Kingsley House sit one ahead of North Yorkshire rival Richard Fahey's Musley Bank yard.

Racing Welfare are regular partners of York, for example showcasing their Mental Health Awareness Initiative during the Dante Festival and, on Saturday, will be at Stableside to offer emotional and practical support, an example of the latter coming in the form of goody bags.

Mindful of the weather and the physical nature of the role, the racecourse can also give access to sun cream, after-sun, plasters and rehydration sachets.