Knavesmire packed as fine weather brings in race fans

EVEN with the spectator areas being extended, every vantage point was takenas 41,254 racegoers cheered home the well-backed Wigmore Hall in a dramatic John Smith's Cup at York.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Jul 2010, 23:50 BST

Updated 11th Jul 2010, 23:51 BST

It was the second biggest crowd ever recorded in the racecourse's distinguished history, narrowly falling short of the 2007 attendance at the corresponding fixture.

Three years ago, the attendance was boosted following the abandonment – due to inclement weather – of York's meeting in June.

However it was the glorious weather, and quality racing, that saw the Knavesmire packed on Saturday, with one young racegoer resting on her father's shoulders to watch the action.

Fittingly, the meeting also saw 34 soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment presented with their campaign medals following their safe return from a harrowing tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Their reception, and the public's acclaim, even surpassed the reception that the Queen's Free Agent received after his memorable triumph in the Royal colours.