KNAVESMIRE was awash with colour and style at Ladies' Day, the third and final day of York's 2002 Ebor meeting.

Although not as hot as on Ebor Day itself, the sun was still shining and the range of outfits from the ladies - and some of the men - made a spectacular sight.

Rebecca Shaw, from Scarborough, who won the McArthurGlen Best Dressed Lady competition, said she had bought her outfit a few weeks ago, but only picked up her spectacular hat last week.

She said: "It's from Eleca Hats in Scarborough. I only got it last week. I'm lucky, it goes perfectly with my outfit."

Ellie Cooper, from York, admitted she'd spent some time choosing her outfit.

"You've got to make the effort on Ladies' Day, haven't you?"

Leeds girls, Michelle Walker, Lindsey Ellis, and Sue Gater, said they were up for a laugh.

"We've all bought new hats, we've bought new everything," laughed Lindsey.

Among the crowd were former Lord Mayor of York, Shan Braund, current Sheriff's lady Annette Brumby, and their Spanish guest Sara Garcia.

Shan said: "We haven't won yet, but we're having a great day. We wanted to show Sara what York races was like."

Sara said she was taken aback by the experience, especially the bookmakers' tic-tac system.

"I am really enjoying it, it's just so different from a Spanish race day. The people don't dress up so much there and not as many go. It is so colourful to see all these people wearing nice clothes."

Former Leeds United and Middlesbrough football player, turned Sky TV pundit, Chris Kamara was among the crowd.

He said: "I'm a regular at York, I love the Ebor meeting. You only have to look around to see its appeal.

"Football fans, fans from all sports mingling happily, not a hint of trouble and lots of beautiful women as well. And that's from a married man."

Among all the colour a race meeting was taking place and there was a good cheer after the second race when well-backed Russian Rhythm came in.

"Wa-hey I've won a fiver," laughed one County Stand punter as the short-priced favourite came in.

Course spokesman James Brennan said Ladies' Day at York had an atmosphere all of its own.

"It has grown over the years. There's high quality racing and the effort the ladies make really does add to the atmosphere."

Yesterday's attendance was 27,361, 170 up on last year's figure. Total attendance over the three days was 78,465, a two per cent drop on last year's post-war record.

Updated: 11:44 Friday, August 23, 2002