It never rains but it pours!

William Derby, racecourse chief executive, spoke of the challenges organisers had faced in recent weeks.

The latest set back was a fire on July 6, which started in the Ebor Stand and was believed to have been caused by a staff member who had discarded a cigarette.

Because of the damage, Mr Derby said the racecourse had been unable to use the air conditioning system in the stand and had also provided portable toilets rather than using the stand's lavatories.

Mr Derby said: "We're delighted to have the stand open almost completely."

Heavy rainfall had seen June's meeting at Knavesmire cancelled.

Mr Derby revealed yesterday's race had been shortened to no more than nine furlongs in length, because the course's back straight was still waterlogged.

James Brennan, marketing manager of the racecourse, said the track had dried out significantly in the last week and management were not anticipating any further challenges even with yesterday's heavy rainfall.

He said: "Given the circumstances we've had over the last month, we've long since given up on things we can't control. We're just delighted to see racegoers back and we're looking forward to being back racing."

Although the racecourse was back up and running almost as normal, City of York Council suffered a headache with its raceday traffic management plan.

A spokeswoman for the authority revealed the recent heavy rain had soaked into the cable system at the temporary traffic lights at the Knavesmire gate, damaging the equipment. It meant the lights were not working yesterday and were expected to be still out of action today.

The spokeswoman said: "Despite a determined effort to fix the problem prior to the race meeting, there were fears that the lights could fail at a busy time and that this, in turn, would cause road safety issues.

"Therefore, a decision has been made not to use the traffic lights on this occasion. The associated one-way system on Knavesmire Road will not be in use for this meeting either."

Racecourse bosses glad to be back on track

UMBRELLAS were the fashion statement of yesterday at York races as the heavens opened and the rain came down.

It was perhaps fitting that the first day of the July meeting should be hit by rain after the downpours that cancelled last month's races.

But no-one at the course was letting the weather spoil the fact that racing is once again back at York.

Marketing manager James Brennan said, despite the wet weather, punters had still flocked to the course in "record" numbers.

Some 13,496 people attended yesterday's meet, more than three per cent up on last year's total.

Mr Brennan said: "At a time when we have been talking about record rainfalls, I am delighted to be able to talk about record crowds. It's marvellous."

Most people at the course were unworried by the weather.

Claire Lyons had travelled over from Manchester with colleagues as part of an incentive from her work.

She said: "It's drizzled a little bit and there was a downpour later on but the sun did shine as we walked in. It makes no difference at all, it's a typical English summer and I came prepared with a hat to be honest.

"We've had a great day, we've had a fantastic lunch and lots of champagne.

"It really has been good and we've all made an effort and so has everyone else."

Indeed people had made an effort.

Amanda Lythe, 26, of Micklegate in York, comes to the July meeting every year.

She said: "We come to watch the horses and get a bit drunk but mainly to get dressed up. Nowadays you can't go to the pub to get dressed up as everyone wears jeans so we go for a posh meal, drink champagne and pretend we have lots of money - and if we're sober enough we have a bet."

It may have been a little damp at the course yesterday but racegoers who go to today's meeting can probably get the sunglasses out and leave the umbrellas at home.

Forecasters have said there will be predominantly sunny spells although there will be showers over high ground and in West Yorkshire.