YORK has been at the forefront of British and European racing since the sport began on the Knavesmire in 1731. The winner of "The Racecourse of the Year" award on many occasions, York has the honour of staging St Leger Day in September, bringing further international acclaim to the course.

With 17 days racing this year, another actionpacked season is guaranteed with racegoers able to enjoy watching the best bloodstock competing in even more of Europe's most prestigious races.

The campaign starts with the three-day May meeting, featuring major Classic trials such as the totesport Dante Stakes (the last two winners - North Light and Motivator, both went on to win the Epsom Derby! ), Musidora Stakes, plus The Yorkshire Cup.

The June meeting is now a full three-day weekend, including the Evening Press Sunday Raceday, a great day out for the family.Britain's longest-running sponsored race, the 47th John Smith's Cup in July, will attract several of the country's top middle-distance handicappers. The three-day Tote-Ebor August Festival features famous Group races plus valuable and competitive handicaps. , and a new addition will be communal singing after racing that proved popular during Royal Ascot at York in 2005.

ADMISSION PRICES: County Stand (strict dress code applies) - three-day badges £69 (May), £120 (August - Ebor Festival); per day £29 (May), £49 (Aug); Standard Day (inc Sunday) £22, (juniors £17); Summer Saturdays £29 (juniors £20), St Leger Friday, Sept 8, -£30, (Juniors £23); St Leger Saturday.Sept 9, £35, (Juniors £17); Oct Saturday, £26 Grandstand and Paddock - three-day badges £37 (May), £57 (August); per day £17 (May) £25 (Aug). Standard day (inc Sun) £12, Summer Saturdays £17; St Leger Friday Sept 8, -£15, St Leger Saturday Sept 9, -£20; October Saturday, £16 . Course Enclosure: per day £5 (May), £7 (August), three-day badges £8 (May), £14 (August). Concessions (not County Stand) for pre-booked parties of six or more at all meetings except August Festival. Over 65's, discount available on the day. except in August. Accompanied under-16s free to all enclosures. Bookings available on (01904) 620911, or see website.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP: Single £285, joint £490, Junior £78 (16-26).

HOW TO GET THERE: By car - one mile from the city centre, within easy access of the A64 and A1. From the NorthEast, the A19 links with the A1 and A59 to York. West and South Yorkshire drivers should head for the A64. By rail - York Railway Station is a mile-and-a-half from the course with buses and taxis available. By air - Leeds/Bradford Airport, a 50minute drive ; Manchester/ Durham Tees Airports 90 minutes.

FACILITIES FOR DISABLED AND FAMILIES: A full access guide to York racecourse is available on request or by visiting the website, www.

yorkracecourse. co. uk

JOCKEYS TO WATCH: Frankie Dettori and Kieren Fallon.

FIXTURES FOR 2006: May 17 (Tattersalls Musidora Stakes), 18 (totesport Dante Stakes), 19 (Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup); June 16, 17, (36th Timeform Charity Day), 18; July 14, 15 (47th John Smith's Cup Day), 27 (Music Showcase Evening), 29 (Music Showcase Saturday); August 22 (Juddmonte International Stakes, Great Voltigeur Stakes), 23 (totesport Ebor Handicap, Aston Upthorpe Yorkshire Oaks, Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes), 24 (Ladies Day - VC Bet Nunthorpe Stakes, Lowther Stakes); September 8 (Ladbrokes St Leger Friday Ladies Day), 9 (Ladbrokes St Leger Day);

October 6, 7 (Coral Sprint Trophy).

FURTHER INFORMATION: The Racecourse, York, YO23 IEX. Tel.

(0I904) 620911, fax (01904) 611071. Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course - William Derby. Head of Marketing and Sponsorship James Brennan.

Website: www. yorkracecourse. co. uk e-mail: enquiries@yorkracecourse. co.

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