And they’re off! The familiar thunder of hooves on turf returns to York today. Well over 30,000 punters are expected to descend on the city over the three days of the May Festival.

Colour, excitement, glamour and fashion: they’re all part of the racing season in York.

Not to mention top-quality races on arguably the finest flat racecourse in the country.

Racing is big business in York. An independent study revealed that in 2007 it helped pump £44 million into the city’s economy and, directly or indirectly, supported up to 1,350 full-time jobs.

The racecourse has had a tough couple of years. With the 2007 season affected by fire and flood and the Ebor Festival washed out last year, everyone at Knavesmire is hoping this year will be remembered for nothing more than great racing.

We hope so too. The prospects certainly look good. There is a £2.5 million new drainage system, and the new track has come through testing well.

So fingers crossed for a great season.