BEAUTIFUL sunshine, a cloudless sky and a very welcome cool breeze greeted the first day of York Racecourse's 2001 Tote Ebor meeting.

Racing's ability to draw people from all sections of society had worked its magic and Knavesmire was packed.

People dressed in everything from shellsuits to sarongs gathered in groups to chat and pick their fancied runners - always with a glass of their favourite tipple in hand.

Sheffield pensioners Mick James and Frank Smith - favourite refreshment John Smiths Bitter - have rarely missed a race meeting at York in 45 years.

Mick said: "The place hasn't changed too much over that time. The atmosphere is still as good.

"One thing I have noticed is that it's much less a man's sport - far more women come these days.

"Not that there's anything wrong with that," Frank added.

Race number two on the card attracted the day's first serious gambling.

Punters screwed up their foreheads and concentrated on their racecards in the search for a winner.

Many found it. Well backed favourite Persian Punch hung on grimly to take the money and send the crowd wild.

"That should pay for the rest of the day," said a delighted Andrew Eleftheriou of York.

"Mind you, the bets always seem to get bigger as the day goes on."

Super-eccentric TV racing pundit John McCririck was in his regular position near the bookies, with his usual throng of fans gathered round.

He said: "This is one of the great meetings of the year. The sun is out, there is some superb races on the card, and the fillies, or should I say ladies, are looking fantastic.

"If you don't enjoy racing at this meeting you never will."

The day's biggest roar was yet to come, as perpetual punter's pal Frankie Dettori was the favourite in the day's big race.

With £450,000 prize money and countless bets riding on his performance, if Dettori was feeling the pressure he didn't show it.

Neither did his mount Sakhee. It stormed home to send the place wild.

"Fantastic. I got 5/2 about that earlier today. I'm really chuffed," said Kieran Richardson, of Guisborough.

The bookies claimed they were feeling the pinch after the two winning favourites.

Leeds-based Jeffrey Priestly said: "We've lost on the those but had a bit back. We are down at the moment but there's plenty more racing to come so let's see what happens."

A punter who is guaranteed to return was Claire Brammall, of Wilberfoss, who was enjoying her first day in the County Stand with friends Sam Miller and Ginny Leonard.

She said: "What a brilliant day. I backed Sahkee and Persian Punch and they both won. I'll have to go in the posh bit again after this."

Updated: 08:32 Wednesday, August 22, 2001