It was a tough race. Steve Carroll looks back at how York won the 2006 St Leger.

THE horses had barely left the stables following Royal Ascot at York when Knavesmire was being touted as the temporary home for the St Leger.

But although York Races was always the odds-on favourite to land racings oldest Classic horserace and festival, it was far from an easy victory.

Instead it took months of hard work and negotiation before the racecourse was finally able to cross the finish line first when it was announced, last December, that the event would remain in Yorkshire.

York was being considered because Doncaster, the St Leger's traditional home, needed a £55 million revamp.

The South Yorkshire racecourse's managers Arena Leisure, and the city council, wanted to tear the main grandstand down and rebuild it - developing the course into one of the country's top five.

Once planning permission was granted, Doncaster's flagship event had to find a new home, with a fierce competition beginning to win one of the Sport of King's biggest prizes.

Ironically, it was a battle which pitched York face to face with an old friend. Among the six possible locations for the event was Ascot, for which York had deputised so manfully during last summer's Royal Meeting.

Ascot was a massive opponent, having spent £185 million on transforming its Berkshire-based track.

But in the end, it was Yorkshire blood which helped sway Doncaster's decision in York's favour.

"Choosing York as the temporary host for the St Leger keeps this piece of history in our region and I hope that York treats it for what it is - a Yorkshire treasure,"

said Ted Taylor, Arena Leisure's managing director.

For William Derby, York Racecourse's chief executive, Doncaster's decision was "brilliant news". "We're proud of our role in Yorkshire racing and understand the St Leger is a highlight of the season for many in the county, so we're delighted the fixture is staying within its boundaries", he said.

"We're delighted and honoured by this decision, which promises another great racing summer for people in York and the surrounding region."

Business experts are speculating that the St Leger will hand pubs, restaurants and hotels a £1 million boost.

While on course, more than a year of planning finally comes together in just over a week's time as Knavesmire enjoys another two days in the international racing spotlight, while York enjoys the world's gaze once more.