IT is full steam ahead for York Racecourse and the May Meeting after their all-new racing surface was given a unanimous thumbs up.

Malton trainer Richard Fahey worked seven horses on the Knavesmire turf for the first time since a £2.5 million track-work project to install a new drainage system was completed.

Top jockeys Paul Hanagan and Dale Gibson, along with former champion jockey Kevin Darley, Press racing tipster Tom O’Ryan and York Racecourse chief executive William Derby cantered round yesterday – and all declared themselves delighted afterwards.

“The reaction was very positive and it seemed to ride very beautifully to me,” Derby said. “They all reported good things to me and we are on track now for May 13.

“It was a huge project and there are still elements to do in the autumn. This was a big milestone, we couldn’t be happier with the state we are in. We are delighted with the way the grass has responded and the cover.”

A total of 24 miles of drainage and irrigation pipes were installed along with 308 sprinkler heads and a 90-metre deep borehole. The aim is to help reduce the risk of abandonment and improve conditions – particularly in times of excessive rain or drought.

Record rainfall forced the cancellation of the entire four-day Ebor festival last August and Musley Bank-based Fahey, York’s champion trainer for the past three seasons, said the racecourse team had done a “brilliant job”.

“The horses moved well,” he said. “I drove round beside them and they have come back fine. The boys are delighted with it. I came here at Christmas and it is unbelievable how it has improved since then so they have done a brilliant job.

“If they have some sunshine now for the next few weeks it would be perfect and it will only continue to improve.”

Fahey’s sentiments were echoed by Gibson – piloting Gala Casino Star – who added: “It was A1. The horses were happy and so were the jockeys. You can’t beat just having a little feel of it. I couldn’t be happier.

“I was here in November and it looked like a bomb site. It’s not a bomb site now – it’s in great condition. It was a great shame we lost the Ebor last year and, hopefully, we will never lose another Ebor again.”

Fahey’s stable jockey Hanagan, who rode Olympic Dream, said he couldn’t wait until the start of York’s 17–race 2009 programme next month.

“It really was beautiful – perfect. We hacked to the seven furlong pole and then did a nice, swinging canter all the way round. I can’t wait until next month,” he said.

“You could bring a horse here now and there are no excuses. The new drainage they have put in will save a lot of problems.”

Head groundsman Adrian Kay said the track project was the biggest he had ever undertaken during his years in racing.

“There were people saying the track was not going to be ready, but we were always confident,” he said.

“The work that has been done will help us manage the track better and will ensure this continues to be a Group 1 track.”