YORK is set to wave farewell to another season of horse racing with a record breaking finale.

Owners will be chasing prize money in excess of £415,000 when the two day meeting opens on Friday.

That is a record amount for the Knavesmire's 'October finale' and represents an increase of over 25 per cent since 2014.

The feature race on Saturday is the £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy, an ultra-competitive sprint handicap, and the 19th race of the York season to have a six figure purse.

The Listed Coral Rockingham Stakes, which showcased Donjuan Triumphant for Malton trainer Richard Fahey's yard last season, again offers £50,000.

Channel 4 cameras will be at the track on both days, covering two races on Friday, including the £50,000 feature handicap for three year olds over a mile and three quarters.

Only in its second year, the race is intended to provide an autumn opportunity for the highly rated stayers who may well have competed in the Betfred Melrose Stakes at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Friday will also see the fifth staging of ‘Countryside Raceday’ with its biggest ever countryside market while Saturday will be accompanied by the sound of the Corps of Drums in support of the Coldstream Guards Cup, a middle-distance handicap that brings the curtain down on the season.

Looking to combine the delights of the rural life with the excitement of horse racing, the ‘Countryside Raceday’ on Friday will mean seven races being complemented by rural activity and products; including a sheepdog display and a chance to get up close to birds of prey.

Friday’s card begins at 1.45pm and Saturday’s seven race card begins at 2pm with the first of six races backed by Coral.

The meeting will also see the conclusion of the season long contests to be top jockey and trainer at York.

In the Living North-sponsored jockeys’ race, the Juddmonte International winning rider, Andrea Atzeni, sits tied with Betfred Dante winner, Frankie Dettori, on seven winners each.

Richard Fahey is three clear of his rivals in the race to win the Charles Clinkard Top Trainer at York trophy.