THE world's oldest classic horse race will have a temporary new home next year at York Racecourse.

The St Leger Festival will move from Doncaster for one year only while the course undergoes a £55m redevelopment.

The move follows the success of the Royal Ascot meeting, held at York in June.

William Derby, York Racecourse chief executive, said: "We're delighted and honoured by this decision, which promises another great racing summer for people in York and the surrounding region.

"There has been a lot of excitement and positive comment in the area since the move became a possibility.

"We're proud of our role in Yorkshire racing and understand the St Leger is a highlight of the season for fans in the county, so we're delighted the fixture is staying within its boundaries."

The traditional four-day fixture will be held over two days at York, on Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9.

In addition to the £475,000 Ladbrokes St Leger, there will be six group two races at the festival - the Doncaster Cup, Park Stakes, Champagne Stakes, May Hill, Park Hill, and Flying Childers.

The Sceptre Stakes will also be transferred, along with the Heritage handicaps, such as the Ladbrokes Mallard and Portland Stakes.

These events will be augmented by the Group Three Strensall Stakes, which is normally run at York in September.

Minister of Sport Richard Caborn said: ''It is wholly appropriate that the St Leger will stay in Yorkshire.

"York is the ideal venue to stage this great race until it returns to Doncaster.''

Mayor of Doncaster Martin Winter said: "Choosing York as the temporary host for the St Leger keeps this piece of history in our region and I hope that York treats it for what it is - a Yorkshire treasure."

Tourist chiefs hope the arrival of the 200-year-old event will pump millions of pounds into the local economy.

Tickets for the festival went on sale yesterday.