York Racecourse concluded its 2016 season today after a hugely busy year which has seen a strong attendance, as over 347,000 racegoers witnessed 115 races over 17 fabulous days of racing action. A total of 1,431 thoroughbreds competed for a record of more than £7m prize money delivering an impressive average field size of 12.4.

In other excitements this year, Macmillan Charity Raceday in June raised a record sum of over £480,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and other charities, making it the biggest charity raceday in British racing, having raised over £7m over the last 46 years. York also welcomed a record crowd for any racing+music fixture on a UK racecourse in July when over 40,000 racing and music lovers enjoyed the Sky Bet York Stakes followed by a concert from The Corrs.

The 2016 season saw the completion of the final stage of the Northern End Development with the refurbishment of the Edwardian Weighing Room; converting this former hub of racecourse operations into a facility for racegoers to enjoy a bite to eat or a glass, surrounded by the history and heritage of this hundred year old building.

The opening day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival saw the world’s highest rated turf racehorse, Postponed, win the richest ever race on the Knavesmire, the £900,000 Juddmonte International. On his second visit of the year, the Royal Patron of York Racecourse, HRH The Duke of York, was present to congratulate winning owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, and successful trainer, Roger Varian.

The balance of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival saw an outstanding four days of racing action with locally-based jockey, Paul Mulrennan, guiding Mecca’s Angel into the winner’s enclosure to a rapturous and emotional welcome after winning consecutive Group One Coolmore Nunthorpes for his northern owner and trainer, David Metcalfe and Michael Dods.

The total attendance for the year of 347,098, a decline of 13,739 from the near record of 2015 and reflective of the tough comparison to the sell-out of the evening fixture in 2015 when Sir Tom Jones played the Knavesmire. Unfortunately, disappointing weather saw rain fall at both major Festivals as well as on several Saturdays. As a further demonstration of the impact of the weather, attendance on the Stand Side held firm at an all-time high; consequently the shortfall was caused by the shortage in the centre course picnic enclosure.

The final day saw 21,851 racegoers (again in line with last year’s attendance) watch Intisaab land the Coral Sprint Trophy for local trainer David O’Meara in the hands of apprentice jockey, Shelley Birkett.

The fiercely contested Charles Clinkard Top Trainer at York Trophy was regained by Richard Fahey as his Malton-based operation recorded nine winners to take title number eight; having last won it in 2012. This success was made poignant by the passing of Tom O’Ryan in August, a man who played a key role both at both Musley Bank and York Racecourse itself.

A new name appears on the Living North Champion Jockey Trophy, as Andrea Atzeni posted seven winners to land his first title, shading fellow Italian Frankie Dettori, by virtue of having ridden more second placed horses. Of course, it was Andrea who guided Postponed to win the Juddmonte International at the track he cites as his favourite.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse said, “What an incredible season 2016 has been. The quality of racing action at York has been tremendous and we are delighted that our continued investment in the track, facilities and record prize money has delivered such compelling and competitive racing action. Racegoers have seen some of the best horses and jockeys in the world compete on the Knavesmire with many of the standout thoroughbreds of the season having been part of the York story. We have been delighted with the ongoing popularity of the northern end of the racecourse and the reaction of racegoers and horsemen to the improved facilities. We are grateful for the ongoing support of owners and horsemen for bringing their fabulous charges to York. We are proud to be part of a Yorkshire racing community which goes from strength to strength and in the success of Yorkshire handlers, both here at York and further afield, and it is a tremendous reflection of the health of flat racing in the County.”

“I must pay tribute to the team at York who have delivered such a memorable and successful season, from the permanent York Racecourse and York Racecourse Hospitality teams based at the racecourse who work so hard throughout the year to continue to innovate and improve the experience for visitors to the Knavesmire; to the raceday team who help provide the award-winning service and welcome to our racegoers. Some 2,000 people have given their time, talent and energy to make every York raceday so special.

“We remain hugely appreciative of the support of racegoers, boxholders, hospitality guests and sponsors, so very much hope they have enjoyed their own racedays at York in 2016 and will both look back on many happy memories, as well as look forward to many more!”

Head of Sponsorship and Marketing at York Racecourse, James Brennan, noted, “The turn out this year is a remarkable achievement. Competition for leisure spending is intense and we continue to strive to offer quality racing, value for money and a great day out. I am pleased our programme of entertainment, investment and innovation has been so well received. The UK’s two largest attended live concerts after racing, by Kaiser Chiefs and The Corrs, a pop up hairdressing salon, a record number of participants enjoying the Ebor Fashion Lawn, a Family Sunday with a first visit from Paddington and the Countryside Raceday in October, were all exciting aspects which combined with top-class racing, service and facilities to provide memorable entertainment. The 2016 attendance and ongoing commitment of the course to buying fresh, local produce further support the independent economic study that concluded the racecourse was worth over £60 million to the York economy per annum.”

Summarising the year, Lord Grimthorpe, Chairman of York Racecourse, concluded, “It has been an honour and privilege to be involved with such an exciting, enjoyable and successful season and I would like to thank everyone connected to York for their attendance, enthusiasm and support. Work will continue during the winter, as we strive to further develop and so improve the experience of racing at York. I am looking forward to Wednesday 17 May 2017.”