York chief executive William Derby was delighted by this week’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival which saw capacity crowds back to enjoy top-class action on Knavesmire.
He declared it a festival of “fantastic racing”, which wasn’t dampened by some torrential downpours on Saturday’s final day.
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Altogether 84,021 racegoers attended the four-day festival – up by 1.1% on 2019, the late time crowds were allowed in.
Mr Derby said: ““It was just tremendous to have the magic of Ebor back – wonderful performances on the track from some of the world’s best horses, fabulous fashion and hospitality and a huge sense of exuberance and enjoyment of finally being back able to enjoy live sporting drama.
“To slightly increase our attendance on 2019, after such a challenging period for everyone, and to sell out stand side on Sky Bet Ebor Saturday at 30,000 for the first time in the modern era, was quite remarkable.
“The whole team have reported the sense of excitement and buzz around the Racecourse, created by such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and pleased-to-be-back crowd.
“We are hugely appreciative of the support of connections for bringing what was a record number of horses (363) to race at York, and to everyone who made the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival 2021 such a magical and spine tingling four days.”
He added: “This is the first time we’ve reached our capacity on the stands’ side for Ebor day.”
There were also some amazing outfits. Here are some of the most eye-catching from Saturday’s racing.
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