The sun shone (and the rain rained) – but it was a day of music, smiles and fantastic sport as racing returned to York.
A big crowd made it to York Racecourse, as the first day of the Dante Festival kicked off the 2022 season.
Off the course, there was plenty to enjoy, with the Shepherd Group Brass Band providing music.
And there were even more hospitality options, with a refurbished Champagne Pavilion, and two new places to try: the Roberto Village Bar and the 1731 Pie Shop.
On the track there was some great racing.
Trainer William Haggas enjoyed back-to-back winners in the Paddy Power ‘Making Flat Less Flat’ Handicap.
This year Gaassee took the honours, after stable mate Ilaraab did the same a year ago.
“Everyone loves winners at York, but I was born up here and I’m always proud to have winners at York,” Haggas said.
Another winning trainer John Gosden praised the venue and the spectators.
“It’s been a lovely day, a nice double on the first day of York,” he said.
“It’s such a knowledgeable crowd here, they’ll ask you about a pedigree and before you know it they are back in the fourth generation!”
The Dante Festival continues till Friday.
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