The last chance to enjoy racing action at York in 2016 comes on Friday and Saturday (7 and 8 October). With record prize money of over £415,000 retained, it is the most valuable October finale ever held on the Knavesmire.

Since 2014, the prize money for these two days has increased by more than 25%, with all races seeing a boost in that time.

The feature race of the Saturday meeting is the now £100,000 Coral Sprint Trophy, an ultra-competitive sprint handicap, the nineteenth race of the York season to have a six figure purse.

The Listed Coral Rockingham Stakes, which showcased smart sprinter Donjuan Triumphant for the Richard Fahey yard last season, again offers £50,000.

Channel 4 cameras will be at the track for both days, covering two races on Friday, including the £50,000 feature handicap for three year old staying horses over a mile and three quarters supported by Stan James. Only in its second year, this race is intended to provide an autumn opportunity for the highly rated stayers who may well have competed in the Betfred Melrose Stakes at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Friday will see the fifth staging of ‘Countryside Raceday’ with its biggest ever Countryside Market; while Saturday will be accompanied by the sound of the Corps of Drums in support of the Coldstream Guards Cup, a middle-distance handicap that will bring the curtain down on the season.

Looking to combine the delights of the rural life with the excitement of a raceday, the ‘Countryside Raceday’ on Friday will mean seven races being complemented by rural activity and products; including a sheepdog display and a chance to get up close to some birds of prey. For those wishing to start their Christmas shopping early, there is a Countryside Market of local produce and crafts.

Friday’s card begins at 1.45pm and blends competitive handicaps with contests to develop the two year olds as well as honing the talents of apprentice jockeys. Regular race sponsors on this day include TSG, the IT provider that supports the racecourse team, who are using the occasion to remember Paul Beioley, the IT specialist who was the bridge to the racecourse and sadly recently passed away. Regulars at York and visitors to the city will recognise The Parsonage Country House Hotel & Cloisters Spa at Escrick who return in support of a race on this day. The European Breeders’ Fund continue their backing of York with support of the contest for maiden two-year-olds. Completing a day of returning sponsors are Racing UK and bookmaker Stan James – the latter backing a second handicap over a mile.

Continuing the theme of working with charities that saw the track host the record breaking Macmillan Charity Raceday in June, the focus in October moves to the good causes backed by The Lord Mayor of York. York based accountants, JWPCreers, have supported a race to raise awareness of these charities.

Saturday’s quality seven race programme begins at 2pm with the first of six races backed by Coral, a brand that first supported this day back in 1979.

The meeting will also see the conclusion of the season long contests to be top jockey and trainer at York. In the Living North-sponsored jockeys’ race, the Juddmonte International winning rider, Andrea Atzeni, sits tied with Betfred Dante winner, Frankie Dettori, on seven winners apiece.

The leaderboard of the Charles Clinkard Top Trainer at York is headed by Richard Fahey, with the Malton yard firm favourites to land an eighth Knavesmire title, as they are three clear of the chasing pack, with eight victories.

As well as the sound of fife and drum, racegoers will be able to enjoy the jazz of the Tom Roberts Band on Friday, whilst Saturday offers the foot stompin’ fun of Murphy’s Marbles.

New Beginnings, a worthy cause that supports retired racehorses, will bring Harry, a thoroughbred that raced at York in the nineties, as well as his pal, Meg the pony, for racegoers to meet on Saturday.

Four large screens will cover both racing on the Knavesmire and the major contests from Newmarket. The Punters’ Panel will offer tips before racing on each day. The wider sporting world will not be overlooked as selected televisions on stands side will be dedicated to show England playing Malta in World Cup Qualifying football.