YORK’S all-new racing surface has passed its first major test with flying colours. Malton trainer Richard Fahey had seven horses running out on the Knavesmire turf for the first time since a new £2.5 million drainage project was completed.

The jockeys’ verdict? A resounding thumbs-up.

“The reaction was very positive and it seemed to ride very beautifully to me,” said racecourse chief executive William Derby. After the trials of last year, when record rainfall forced the cancellation of the entire four-day Ebvor Festival, this is excellent news. A total of 24 miles of drainage and irrigation pipes have been installed, along with 308 sprinkler heads, ensuring the course should be able to cope whatever the weather.

The turf looks in tip-top condition. And with the May Festival starting in three weeks, the timing couldn’t be better. We can’t wait.