THOUSANDS of racegoers enjoyed a truly family atmosphere at the first ever Sunday race meeting at York's Knavesmire.

Parents took the opportunity to let their children experience the colour and excitement of the eight-race meeting, sponsored by the Evening Press, and which also included a cavalry horse parade and parachute display.

James Brennan, marketing manager for the racecourse said: "We enjoyed a brilliant day. Everything worked to plan. We've been delighted at the support given to us by the Evening Press. We are pleased that the paper and people of York have really got behind the day."

And the free kids' fun bag and ice cream - courtesy of the Evening Press - was also given the thumbs-up.

John and Christine Dodsworth, of South Bank, York, took their children Robert, 7, and Amie, 3, along to the event.

John said: "We thought we'd give them a chance to experience the races. They're always at school when they're on. There has been plenty for them to do.

"Robert loves it and wants to be a jockey when he grows up. He is Frankie Dettori mad!"

David and Claire Buckley, of Stockton Lane, York, also took their three children.

David said: "It has been absolutely marvellous. We've come for the spectacle rather than the betting."

Claire added: "We've seen so many people we know. The Evening Press should definitely put it on again.

"Our kids loved the free fun bags and said there was plenty to do in them."

The Dowson family of Clifton Moor, York, also enjoyed a great day together.

Father-of-two Andy Dowson, 30, said: "We came with friends who brought their kids as well. It has been excellent.

"Our children have been on all the playground rides and tucked into the free ice cream. It's a pity there's no free beer for the dads!"

Puppeteer Ken Farrell, 61, has run the Punch and Judy show at York Races for eight years.

"The Sunday racing has worked brilliantly," he said. "The Evening Press has definitely found the way to do it!"

York racehorse owner Carol Hodgetts, of Upper Poppleton, was given the perfect 50th birthday present at the meeting when her horse Style Dancer romped home.

Champion jockey contender Kevin Darley, from Sheriff Hutton, rode the 8-1 chance.

Mrs Hodgetts said: "I feel absolutely elated. It's the icing on the cake. I was quietly confident we would win before the race with Kevin Darley on board. It's just unbelievable.

"I'm going to watch the race on television when I get home and open another bottle of champagne!"

Mrs Hodgetts bought the six-year-old horse at Doncaster Sales as a yearling and it has enjoyed a successful career so far.

Top jockeys Kieron Fallon and Frankie Dettori have both ridden Style Dancer to victory.

Famous faces at the York meeting included racing favourite Bob Champion, Barnsley Football manager Dave Bassett and many of the Leeds Rugby League team.

Speaking at the event, Evening Press editor Liz Page said: "Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves hugely. It's a great turnout.

"I think Sunday racing is going to prove very popular in York for many years to come."