THE Ebor Festival has been hailed a success, with more than 82,000 people flocking to York Racecourse over the four-day meeting.

Around 28,000 people were at the racecourse today (August 25) to enjoy Ebor Day, the final day of the meeting.

The festival, which began on Wednesday, offered record prize money approaching £5 million, and attracted some of the top rated thoroughbreds in the world to the racecourse.

Racecourse marketing manager James Brennan said: "It has been a very successful festival.

"It is a week about the horses and building their reputations.

"It has been lovely to see people enjoying the races and the Yorkshire food and drinks.

"We did have a couple of showers as racing finished on Thursday and Friday but it didn't spoil anyone's day I don't think. Today has been the best of the four days for weather."

He added: "We've had comfortably over 82,000 people for the four days, which is an increase of a few per cent on last year."

The opening day of the racecourse's flagship meeting featured the Juddmonte International, which is the richest race run at York, with £1 million on offer. The race was won by Roaring Lion.

On Ladies Day on Thursday, The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, was the £350,000 feature and Sea of Class crossed the finish line first.

Friday’s racing action included the Coolmore Nunthorpe, with Alpha Delphini springing a 40-1 shock to win the £350,000 race.

The Ebor was the £500,000 feature contest today and Muntahaa was victorious in that race.

On all four days, stand-side racegoers were able to show off their sartorial style on the Ebor Fashion Lawn.

A panel of judges decided who was the best dressed racegoer each day.

The best dressed lady on Thursday won a luxury short break to Dubai, courtesy of Al Basti Equiworld.