FOR many it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but for Terry Priestly the St Leger at York brought back vivid memories of another era.

The 79-year-old was at Knavesmire in 1945 the last time the historic race was held there, and Saturday's spectacular event and fabulous weather brought back many memories.

He said: "I was 18 and I was on holiday in Bridlington with my family. They had beaches had just been cleared of landmines. We came to York for the day for the St Leger and the city was simply teeming with people.

"It was the first time I'd seen thoroughbreds, I was more used to pit ponies.

"The weather was exactly the same very hot."

Terry, from Nottinghamshire, said he hoped Saturday's event would inspire in others the same love of horse racing that has seen him attend more than 200 races. He said: "It was life-changing for me and I've been a fan ever since." On that occasion there were 100,000 in the post-war crowds and by mid-afternoon they had run out of food and drinks due to rationing.

On Saturday there were not quite as many racegoers, but there was never any danger of running out of food or booze.

James Brennan, of York racecourse, said: "It was another historic day, full of Yorkshire pride. It was wonderful for us and hopefully for the 31,046 racegoers.

"To get that kind of support for a one-off occasion was marvellous."

He said the catering staff had made 20,000 sandwiches over two days and there had been 150 managers "just to looking after people's tummies".

For nurse Sally Cooper, 42, of North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, there was double the reason to celebrate.

Voted best dressed at the Ebor last month, on Saturday she scooped the prize for the Best Dressed Lady in a final for all the winners at Yorkshire's eight racecourses this year.