YORK'S richest race is about to get even bigger.

The Juddmonte International, the jewel in York Racecourse's August Ebor Festival crown, is this year heading a four-day prize fund of nearly £2.7 million.

Having burst through the million dollar barrier for the first time last season, the race - secured by Derby winner Authorized in its August renewal - weighs in at £550,000.

This year's Ebor Festival has been expanded to four days, and forms the season's climax with the usual September and October fixtures rearranged to allow major track work to begin.

While the Juddmonte will remain in its regular Tuesday spot, and the Ebor remains on Wednesday, the Nunthorpe Stakes is moved to Friday with the Darley Yorkshire Oaks and Jaguar Lowther Stakes providing an impressive third day on Thursday.

Racecourse chiefs, who have suffered a drop in Levy cash this year, have pumped an extra £300,000 into the overall prize package, while also freezing ticket prices.

Spectators attending all four days can look forward to taking in three new races:

* The Group 3 Strensall Stakes has been transferred from September and now has a £60,000 fund* A new five-and-a-half furlong sprint in the Symphony Group Stakes - an unusual distance to fuel debate* And the £30,000 York Stayer's Handicap - using the north "Ascot" bend for the Gold Cup tripOverall, no race on the card, which comprises 24 contests in total, is worth less than £30,000 and James Brennan, racecourse marketing manager, believes there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"We wanted to offer a race programme for the first four-day Ebor Festival that had attractive prize money and a variety of contests to appeal to both connections and racegoers," he said.

"The Festival will see the richest-ever race at York, the £550,000 Juddmonte International as well as the richest renewal of many of the other feature contests.

"Valuable new races to the line-up make use of the north Ascot' bend or the unusual distance of five and half furlongs.

The admission prices have been frozen and we look forward to welcoming racegoers."

County Stand tickets are £50 for adults with discounts available for early booking and four-day booking. Grandstand and Paddock tickets are £25, with course enclosure admission £7. Concessions are also available.

For a full list of prices and to book tickets and badges, telephone 01904 620911 or log on to www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.