DON'T know your thoroughbred from a Tote booth? Unsure of what the draw, the going and the starting stalls actually mean?

You can find the answers to these and other questions, and have a great time, at the sixth annual Evening Press Sunday Raceday, which will bring fun for both the family and the racing regular on Knavesmire this weekend.

A Roman invasion heralded the onset of tomorrow's festivities, as a team of ancient "stewards" got in some last-minute preparation before they gave the race meeting a distinctly historical flavour.

Aside from ensuring that the jockeys get on their trusty steeds on time, the members of York's lost Ninth legion will be providing information about their ancestors to raceday visitors.

It is thought the Romans may have exercised their horses on Knavesmire.

Last year, more than 20,000 turned out on Evening Press Sunday Raceday to enjoy the mix of good racing and family festivities - and a late summer spectacle is expected once again at York Racecourse.

Trick-riding Elvises - performing daring feats to the music of the King - racing terriers and hobby horse races are among the activities sure to appeal to people of all ages.

The gates open at 11.15am and under-16s will be admitted free. James Brennan, the racecourse's marketing manager, said another fantastic family day was in prospect.

He said advance ticket sales had gone well, and with a cracking weather forecast in prospect, another bumper crowd was expected to join the 400,000 plus who have already experienced a race day in York this year.

"Evening Press Sunday Raceday is one of my personal favourite days of the year," he said. "There's a different feel from other racedays and it is definitely more relaxed on the Sunday."It is always wonderful to see the next generation of racegoers and families who are together and enjoying themselves."

Weather forecasters say Sunday will see a maximum temperature of 24C (76F). The seven-race card kicks off at 2.10pm with The Blackwell Ox Inn Nursery Handicap Stakes. Over £70,000 in prize money is on offer with the longest race being a handicap contest over an extended mile-and-a-quarter. The action finishes at 5.30pm.

Tickets are available for all areas on the doors. In the County Stand, they are priced at £22 for adults, and £17 for juniors.

In the grandstand and paddock, tickets cost £12, with over-65s paying £10. A place in the course enclosure costs £4 for adults and £2 for over-65s. For further information, log on to www.yorkracecourse.co.uk or telephone 01904 620911.

Updated: 10:35 Saturday, September 03, 2005