FASHION, finery and some of the world's best thoroughbreds on show - it must be the Ebor festival, the jewel in the crown of York Racecourse's season.

Tens of thousands of racegoers will descend on Knavesmire on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, as the racecourse holds its biggest event since Royal Ascot at York in June.

For punters, the Juddmonte International, totesport Ebor handicap (Europe's richest handicap) and Nunthorpe Stakes are what will be catching the eye.

But for those more interested in style than the formbook, the three-day event will provide more than enough thrills and spills to keep what is hoped will be a record crowd entertained.

James Brennan, York Racecourse marketing manager, said the Ebor festival was "a meeting of superlatives", with course chiefs hugely looking forward to the action getting under way.

"It has our richest race in the Juddmonte, our most famous race in the totesport Ebor and our fastest race in the Nunthorpe Stakes," he said.

"Wherever else you look there are more superlatives. It is a combination of the flat racecourse looking at its best in high summer, which is what it is designed for, with a chance for people to enjoy the lawned areas.

"The horses which will come are the best in their respective age groups so this is really the championship for some of the competitors."

Wednesday's Ebor Day is the showpiece event, but race bosses are also expecting a large crowd on Thursday, when fashions take centre stage for Ladies' Day.

Mr Brennan said that advance ticket bookings for the three days had, once again, been promising and said there was a "growing sense of anticipation" as the countdown to Tuesday intensified.

"Everything goes up another notch and everyone is looking forward to it. It's what we at the racecourse look forward to all year," he said.

Some of the most successful elements of the Royal Ascot traffic plan will also make a reappearance during the Ebor meeting.

Entry to the racecourse will be from the A64, with no entry from any other direction. There will be no access to and from the new link road to Copmanthorpe between 10am and 2pm.

To find out information on all other measures log on to www.york.gov.uk

The festival should provide the perfect precursor for a busy month of meetings, with Timeform Charity Day due to be held on August 27 and Evening Press Sunday Raceday taking centre stage on September 4.

The Ebor festival runs on August 16, 17 and 18. Prices vary on each day. For badge information and to book, phone York Racecourse on 01904 620911 or log on to www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

Updated: 10:48 Friday, August 12, 2005