LOCAL pride gave punters great rewards during a fantastic day's racing at York Racecourse.

The Red Arrows soared over Knavesmire before proceedings got under way on the special one-off Reward Friday, but it was the flying performance of Malton-trained Mis Chicaf which got the crowds cheering.

If that first victory was an omen of things to come, three other North Yorkshire horses passed the winning post first, to bulge the wallets and cheer Yorkshire hearts.

Racecourse chiefs had said the day was a thank-you to regular patrons, who were able to book tickets at discount prices.

From the healthy numbers of people populating the bars in the Ebor and Knavesmire stands, it appeared the message had struck a chord with the paying public.

They were understandably delighted when North Yorkshire trainer David Nicholls landed the race he craved - The Sarah Lunn Memorial Stakes.

Everyone at Knavesmire was aware of the tragic accident which robbed the Sessay trainer of his much-loved secretary, and the cheer that greeted Pax's victory sent a shiver down the spine of even the most hardened punter.

It was not a day for celebrity spotting, but former Sunderland and York City footballer Marco Gabbiadini and current City managing director Jason McGill were among those mingling with the County Stand crowds.

Punters were having a whale of a time basking in the success of the local winners. In the Ebor Stand, Mick Carter, of York, said he had found a winner with his very first racecourse bet, but had rued that things could have been even better.

"I made a 20p profit," he said. "But I had backed the first, second and third-placed horses - all to win. I'd have had a trifecta, if I had known what it was!"

Alison Marsh, of Wakefield, had been nicknamed the "Punting Queen" after a string of winners. She said: "I have had a few winners. Normally I come with a list of tips, but it didn't seem to matter today.

"I have had a really good day and the victories just seemed to keep coming."

James Brennan, marketing director at York Racecourse, said: "It was a super day and everything we hoped it would be.

"We are confident that 6,698 people have gone home having had a great day out.

"People seemed to enjoy the diversity. It was a more relaxed day and it was the wind-down to the Bank Holiday we had set out for it to be."

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, May 29, 2004