PHILLIP Makin has one hand on the trophy for York Racecourse's top jockey as the 2015 season comes to an end on Knavesmire this weekend.

The North Yorkshire rider, who has enjoyed a sparkling season capped by Master Carpenter's victory in the John Smith's Cup and Tullius' success in the SkyBet York Stakes at York in July, is three winners clear of champion jockey elect Silvestre De Sousa on ten.

Mid-season injuries to defending champion Ryan Moore and perennial contender Danny Tudhope has left the way clear for Makin to scoop a first York jockeys title and crown a campaign which has so far brought 79 winners.

Nawton trainer David O'Meara is on track to claim a third successive top trainers title. Boasting 11 successes, O'Meara's closest rival is William Haggas, who moved rapidly to seven winners after a golden Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival added five to his tally.

The destiny of the two trophies will be decided at a two-day October meeting, starting on Friday, which brings the richest ever conclusion to a York season. More than £415,000 in prize money is on offer - an increase of £100,000 on last year - with all 14 races benefitting from the boost.

The feature race of the Saturday is the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy, a sprint handicap that has seen its prize pot increased by £25,000 to make it the 19th race off the Knavesmire season to have a six figure purse.

The Listed Coral Rockingham Stakes, which showcased smart sprinter Mattmu for Great Habton trainer Tim Easterby 12 months ago, will now offer £50,000.

Channel 4 cameras will attend the Friday meeting for the first time and will televise a new £50,000 feature handicap for three-year-old staying horses over a mile and three quarters.

The new race aims to provide an autumn chance for highly rated stayers who may have competed in the Betfred Melrose Stakes at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.