IT’S the sport of kings and finally it’s back in York with thousands flocking to Knavesmire for first day of the 2009 racing season.

The Dante Festival 2009 began yesterday and is the first event at the course since heavy rain forced the cancellation of the prestigious Ebor meeting last August. Knavesmire bosses, bookies and punters were all keen to put memories of a grim summer behind them.

Trackside bookmaker Ian White said: “I was devastated in August – it was three of the best days lost.

“I just want to see a big showing today.”

Craig Minto and friends made a trip from Edinburgh, all wearing kilts, for his father’s 50th birthday.

He said: “We have a pub in Scotland and one in Yorkshire and we have closed them both and come here. We played bingo on the bus here and I won that so I’m hoping my luck carries on.”

A moment of drama came shortly before the 3.10pm race when a man ran on to the course in front of the runners and riders. The 24-year-old man was later removed from the course by police and ordered not to return for the duration of the meeting. The day was also a poignant one for the father of missing York woman Claudia Lawrence. Both are keen race fans and Mr Lawrence left a space at the table he had reserved, for his missing daughter.

Family friend Martin Dales said: “It’s a strange day.

“We are determined to have a good day but there is a noticeable hole in proceedings.”

Mr Dales went on to thank Knavesmire staff for printing information about Claudia in the racecard and for showing a three- minute film about the search for her on big screens around the track.

The attendance yesterday was 11,091, up one-and-a-half per cent on the same day last year.