York Racecourse is looking forward to its first Saturday of the season on Saturday 25 May, seven great races followed by Mania-the ABBA Tribute.

Action on the track will again feature the most recent Pattern race at York, the Group 3 William Hill Brontë Cup, part of a packed card worth over £250,000.

Stars of the track will include the first female rider to win the Grand National, Rachael Blackmore who takes her debut ride at the course aboard Term of Endearment at 3.20pm. Half an hour earlier, Copper Knight trained locally by Tim Easterby will bid to extend his record breaking tally on the Knavesmire; after 27 previous runs he has already posted seven victories, placing him top of the York list.

On a busy afternoon of sport, the FA Cup Final will be available on a choice of two big screens, one on Stands Side with the second showcasing the Manchester derby to racegoers in the Clocktower Enclosure. Selected televisions in the stands, will also broadcast the final of the Champions Cup between leading rugby union sides, Leinster and Toulouse.

As the Royal Yorkshire Regiment are supporting a race on the day, the fabulous regimental band will be performing on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn.

There is a host of additional entertainment, a 360 selfie camera, the ever-popular flower wall, as well as trips to the start hosted by a Gold Cup winning jockey.

The multi-million pound upgrade to the southern end of the course has already seen the opening of the Roberto Pavilion, a fast-serve bar complete with fish&chip shop and betting outlets. Over the course of the season at York, further phases will be opened, intended to improve the experience of the Grandstand & Paddock racegoer. By the time of the Official Opening at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival in August, wrought iron gates that remember Yorkshire Owner-Breeder Reg Bond, the Churchill Tyres Lawn & Canopy, as well as improved Theakston Bar, state-of-the-art William Hill Betting Shop plus additional toilets, will all be added.

A selection of Heineken beers such as Birra Moretti join North Yorkshire brewed ales from the famous Theakston stable, being served across the site including an IPA created especially for the Knavesmire racegoer. Operating as a guest ale in the Dayjur Bar and in the Flying Frankie pub, it will retail at £6.20 for a pint.

Champagne of the Meeting priced at £43 will be widely available.

Weekend racegoers will get their first look at the Wine & Cheese Bar in the Edwardian Weighing Room, where a range of both local & continental cheeses will match carefully chosen wine by the glass. The York Kitchen & Café will continue to offer its homemade signature dishes, such as a range of deep filled Yorkshire Puddings for £12.95 and a “pie & beer” combo deal for £12.50.

Regulars and those yet to discover the Alcoves in the County Stand will find a bright new look courtesy of a partnership with Tanqueray/Schweppes, in this Edwardian setting adjacent to the main lawns.

Racegoers aged under-18 are admitted free of charge, with advanced booked prices for a group of six starting at £30. Admission for all areas will be available on the raceday itself, with ample free car parking as well as a regular shuttle bus service from the train station.