Sunday best

Almost 25,000 people flocked to York Racecourse yesterday, with organisers hailing the annual Press-sponsored event another resounding success for the city.

Such is the popularity of the Sunday spectacular that the total number of people attending has now topped the 100,000 mark.

Kevin Booth, editor of the Evening Press, said: "It was a fantastic occasion, underlining once again just how much a part of the racing calendar the Evening Press Sunday raceday has become.

"It was great to see so many families enjoying themselves. We are proud to be sponsors of such a magnificent event".

Generations of racegoers joined trainers, owners and jockeys for a feast of sporting thrills and family entertainment.

Under a beaming sun, the seven-race card kicked off just after 2pm with a programme topping £62,000 in prize money.

By mid-afternoon David Rhodes, chief accountant at York Racecourse, said 24,632 people had passed through the gates, including 4,787 children.

"We are highly delighted. It is up on last year and it is always great to see a crowd like this enjoying the day," he said.

William Derby, chief executive, said: "We think this is the biggest crowd we have had at any Sunday Raceday. It is a fabulous day with a lot of people and some great local winners."

Among those who turned on the style was Rose Kelly, of York, whose carefully-coiffed hair was crowned with a delicate plume of black and white ostrich feathers.

"I bought the hat from a shop in York. I was at a wedding recently and this was my outfit. It has come in handy again today," she said.

"We come here as a family every year. I like the whole atmosphere. It is really relaxed and there's so much for the children to do."

Dave Robertson opted for a wacky, kaleidoscopic suit with a bright orange hat, black and white kipper tie over a ruffled red shirt and glitzy platform boots.

The 30-year-old from Peterborough, who was on his stag do, explained: "My best man chose my outfit for me. It has been a great day at the races and hopefully we will get a winner later."

The groom-to-be was also celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Deeping Rangers in the FA Cup qualifying round on Saturday.

On the other side of the track, the enclosure was teeming with people tucking into food hampers while supping from cans and plastic glasses.

Knavesmire regular Liz Jackson, a 29-year-old teacher from Holgate, York, was among the picnickers with her husband, Paul.

"We're having a really great day; the weather is amazing and there's a real buzz," she said. "I really enjoy this part of the racecourse because it is more informal and relaxed."

Confiding her tactics after placing a £1 bet on Harry Potter in the second race, she said: "I just bet on horses when I like the name."

Sitting close by was Julie Woodman, of Bishopthorpe Road, York, who said: "It has been such a dismal summer that it is just fantastic to get out and enjoy the sun with friends."

Her fianc, Duncan Hardie, 33, said: "I have lived here all my life, but this is the first time I have come to the races. I have just never got round to doing it, but we will definitely be coming back next year."

Danny Tudhope was in the winning saddle with Jake Black, trained by John Quinn, of Malton, in The Evening Press Compact Apprentice Handicap Stakes.

In the same race, which rounded off the meeting, Harriet Bottomley won the Press prize for stable lass responsible for the best turned out horse with Littlestar.

Updated: 10:55 Monday, September 06, 2004