THE rain threatened but held off as thousands of race-goers attended the second day of the Dante Festival at York.

Punters and fashionistas from across the country descended on the city, but may have left lighter in the pocket after big race favourite Frankie Dettori came in a disappointing fifth in the main race of the day.

But race-goers said they enjoyed the day regardless.

Hotelier Andy Deeble, of Bishopthorpe Road, York, said: “This festival is always one of the best.

“The racing is brilliant and the course is never too crowded.

“The rain held off and it’s been a good day.”

Rain had come down earlier in the day, but course bosses were happy with how the new drainage system on Knavesmire performed.

James Brennan, marketing manager at York Racecourse, said: “We put the drainage system in – it has rained and it has worked. The ground has remained good to firm in places and it’s done its job.”

He said: “We are pleased to see everybody here. The crowd has kept smiling and it’s great the weather brightened up like the forecasts said it would.

“Those who kept the faith have been rewarded.”