RACE-GOERS at a packed York Racecourse soaked up the summer sun - before the rain arrived.

Almost 10,000 people turned up to the late-summer meeting yesterday, including a trio of Yorkshire cricket legends.

Former England captains Brian Close and Ray Illingworth, and former Test umpire Dickie Bird, presented a prize, and signed autographs as they enjoyed the racing. Mr Illingworth also spoke over the public address system about the enticing prospect of England regaining the Ashes.

Women sipped champagne in the stands, many wearing fetching dresses and hats.

Hundreds of other people stretched out on the grass, watching the races through their sunglasses while children played around them.

James Hall, 41, of Acaster, said: "I generally come racing two or three times a year and always really enjoy it.

"Today's been perfect and the weather has been great, although it's been very humid."

Friends Alison Gatenby, 34, and Karen Hizzett, 36, of York, said: "We've never been racing in York before, but we're having a great time."

Heather Jarainger, of Elvington, brought her friend Sandra Holmes, 32, of Harrogate, to celebrate her 40th birthday.

She said: "We've had a great time and there's been a lovely atmosphere."

James Brennan, York Racecourse spokesman, said: "We've had some marvellous sunshine and some even better racing.

"Just under 10,000 people came today, which is great.

"We've had more than 403,000 people racing with us this year. It's wonderful they keep coming back and it's wonderful they keep seeing quality racing like they did today.

"It's been a marvellous year for us this year so far and today was another fine example of it."

Mr Brennan said visitors would have been delighted in seeing Mullins Bay win its race, after winning the John Smith's Cup in July.

He said Wing Collar, trained at Malton by Tim Easterby, had put in a fantastic performance for Yorkshire, winning the second race.

He added: "The Yorkshire cricket legends seemed to be really enjoying themselves as well and happily signed autographs as well as presenting an award."

Updated: 09:55 Thursday, September 01, 2005