POLICING plans have been put in place to tackle any anti-social behaviour at this weekend’s race meeting in York.

Ahead of the John Smith’s Cup meeting today and on Saturday – which is expected to attract 50,000 people – arrangements have been made including drafting in police horses from West Yorkshire Police and having a high-visibilty police presence in the city centre to prevent alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour.

Police officers also hope to move visitors more quickly to and through the train station by working closely with British Transport Police (BTP).

Jane Mowat, director of the Safer York Partnership, said: “The idea is to work much more closely with British Transport Police to make sure when people are leaving the city centre it happens more smoothly.

“An increase in numbers in the city centre can cause problems, but we want to make sure everybody has a positive experience.

‘‘We are really keen this year to make sure we do not have problems.”

Diversions will be in place to keep racegoers from residential areas around the racecourse.

As has happened at recent race meetings, racegoers will be diverted from more residential areas up Albemarle Road on to The Mount.

Temporary closure orders will be in place shortly before and after the races.

These will stop crowds from accessing Scarcroft Hill, Telford Terrace and Wentworth Road.

Drivers with R48 parking permits will be able to use the roads and residents with proof of identity will be allowed in on foot.

James Brennan, spokesman for York Racecourse, said the course was looking forward to one of the year’s biggest meetings.

He said: “We take the duty of care and responsibility put on us by licensing rules very seriously.

‘‘We are aware we are the subject of scrutiny by racegoers and authorities and work very hard to meet our obligations.”

He said that a study by Sheffield Hallam University found that the racecourse brought in £58 million to the city in any given year.

Coun Linsay Cunningham-Cross, cabinet member for crime and stronger communities, said: “Most race meetings take place without incidents and are hugely important to the economic life of the city.

“We encourage the responsible use of alcohol on all occasions.”


Course with a licence to chill

A WALL of cooling mist will greet horses at York races today to ensure they remain comfortable in the predicted 25C heat.

York Racecourse has teamed up with British Eventing to secure the use of the water misting fans used during the London 2012 Olympic Games to ensure the horses can stay cool in the warm temperatures.

Assistant Clerk of the course Anthea Morshead said: “Anything that offers additional horse welfare can only be a good thing.”

The six units, combining a fan and water supply, will be set up on the Knavesmire near to where the thoroughbreds will pull up after their races today and tomorrow for the John Smith’s Cup meeting. Originally developed by vets and animal welfare groups, the machine will create a wall of cooling mist as the horse walks through.