York is back in action with the first Saturday of its eighteen day season (May 26).
As with every afternoon at York, the total prize money is into six figures, on this occasion over £225,000 for the seven race card, with a brand new feature race worth £90,000.

The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Brontë Cup is the newest of York’s thirty Pattern races, it is a Group Three for older fillies and mares over one and three quarter miles and forms part of a wider initiative to encourage such horses to stay in training.

This is the first opportunity for weekend racegoers to explore the latest improvements to the racegoing experience at York, such as the new Clocktower Enclosure in the centre of the course with its new facilities, infrastructure and landscape.

The first of seven Saturday afternoon fixtures this season on the Knavesmire, the day welcomes back MansionBet - this time as sponsors of the £50,000 sprint handicap. Such races are as popular with Yorkshire trainers as with Yorkshire racegoers so expect a number of the runners to hail from the white rose county.

The Yorkshire Regiment, also return to put their name to a contest for novice two-year-olds and away from the track, the Regimental Band will entertain racegoers. It is also part a racing scheme known as Plus 10, meaning that there is a bonus of £10,000, awarded to the winning connections, if the horses are qualified.

The Infinity Tyres Irish Champions Weekend EBF Fillies Stakes is one of 23 races at York to also benefit from the generous support of The European Breeders’ Fund.

Brittains Beverages who produce extraordinary spirits, including local vodka and now both rum and gin, are the backers of a middle distance handicap. Gentleman amateur riders have their opportunity in the final race of the afternoon, a handicap contest over seven furlongs, sponsored once again by York-based John Wright Electrical Services Ltd, who have worked on the facilities at the racecourse. The team behind the stewarding at the track, Constant Security, support a handicap over seven furlongs.

Racegoers will have the chance to get close to a racehorse as Yorkshire based equine charity; New Beginnings are bringing Harry, (a thoroughbred who raced here in 1994 using his professional name of Golden Hello) as well as his friend Meg the pony.

The relaxed atmosphere of the first weekend fixture is further enhanced with live musical entertainment provided by the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment on the Weighing Room Lawn and Murphy’s Marbles under the Knavesmire Stand. The upbeat style of The Monotones provides the soundtrack to the late afternoon.

The totepool ‘Punters Panel’ will preview the action before racing from the winners’ enclosure, while a new giant screen on the John Carr Terrace will provide racegoers with an even closer view of proceedings on the track.

Those who want to find out more about this raceday and the season ahead can visit York’s website on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk