by Caroline BarrettYORK surveyor Alan Black is celebrating after fulfilling his dream of watching his horse win at his home racecourse.

Mr Black, a well-known estate agent in the city, joined thousands of people on Knavesmire to cheer on his horse Blessingindisguise, which won the first race of the July meeting yesterday.

Mr Black, who has owned the horse for four years, said: "It's been my ambition for as long as I can remember to win at my home racecourse - I'm absolutely ecstatic.

"It was a close one - a photo finish - and my heart was pounding, but I'm absolutely delighted he did it."

Meanwhile, Britain's longest-established sponsored race on the flat was today given a new identity. The John Smith's Magnet Cup is now known as the John Smith's Cup.

Racecourse spokesman David Grouse said: "It's an old favourite with a new name, and this particular race is undoubtedly one of the summer sporting highlights."

Racegoers were also able to witness the British racecourse debut of the Tote Big Screen. Situated in front of the main stands, the 40 square metres of screen, is said to have the clearest image in the world.

More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the two-day racing meeting, where this year, for the first time, the joint prize money exceeded £200,000.

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