THIS part of the world loves its racing. Centuries after the first horse race on Knavesmire, the sport is as popular as ever: more than a quarter of a million people attended York races last year, a record-breaking figure for a post-war season.

York, the "Ascot of the North", is surrounded by a number of excellent smaller courses, including Wetherby, Catterick, Thirsk and Ripon. And some wonderful racehorses have been bred and trained in Ryedale's string of nationally-renowned stables.

The economic benefits of such a successful industry are obvious. Racing provides jobs for hundreds of people, and pleasure for thousands more.

Now an East Yorkshire businessman is seeking to capitalise further on the Northern passion for the sport of kings. Reg Bond has spotted what he believes to be a gap in the market.

What the North lacks is an all-weather course; the Midlands has two, the South one. Mr Bond proposes to build such a racecourse on Pocklington airfield. It is a fascinating proposal.

As both an entrepreneur and racehorse owner, Mr Bond is used to taking calculated risks. What he is gambling on here is that the region's enthusiasm for the sport will be enough to support a new course.

Such a venture would be unlikely to impinge on the business of York Racecourse. Not only is it well-established as one of the country's premier venues, its season runs from May to October. An all-weather surface would come into its own during the frosts and snows of winter.

The smaller racecourses may be more concerned at Mr Bond's proposal. They will take reassurance from the British Horse Racing Board's wish to see any new course aimed at a new market, such as night-time racing.

Mr Bond stresses that his plan is at a very early stage. Already, however, he has won backing from Malton-based Equine Racing Ltd.

His idea is off and running: now we must wait to see if it has the legs to be a winner.

Updated: 12:36 Friday, February 01, 2002