RACECOURSE bosses and police chiefs were optimistic today that one of York's biggest race days would pass trouble free.

Police events officer PC Paul Maloney was hoping for a repeat performance of last month's Timeform meeting, which saw no arrests inside the racecourse, during today's 44th John Smith's Cup Day.

Racecourse spokesman James Brennan said yesterday passed "without incident" with an attendance of 12,664.

Today's meeting has, in the past, seen trouble in the city centre and crowds of more than 30,000.

But PC Maloney said police were not being complacent and racegoers could expect to see high-visibility patrols and extra officers both inside and outside the racecourse.

"We obviously have to plan for the fact that this is a meeting which can cause trouble from a public point of view," he said.

"Last month, we didn't have any arrests at all and that has given us cause for optimism - but not complacency."

Mr Brennan said attendance was already up 16 per cent on last year and all the indications were that today would be a bumper day.

"Today is traditionally one of our biggest day for absolute numbers, and it looks likely to be the case this year."

Updated: 10:38 Saturday, July 12, 2003