A MIXTURE of music and racing helped to shatter attendance records at York Racecourse.

More than 42,500 people flocked to Knavesmire on Saturday to enjoy a seven-race card and performances from X-Factor finalists and former Blue member Lee Ryan, as the venue staged its Music Showcase Weekend.

Added to the figure for Friday night’s gig by ska legends Madness, it took the attendance total for the event to 68,000, with Saturday’s crowd alone setting a new record for the racecourse.

James Brennan, the course’s head of marketing, said: “We’re delighted and very grateful to the team who worked so hard to make it a success.

“The income from this sort of attendance helps us keep prices down and invest in facilities and prize money, and we’re very pleased and proud that so many people have supported us.

“We’re also grateful to local residents, especially those for whom the music may not have been to their taste. If there are things we can learn from this event, we will do that, and over the winter we will look to identify the best acts for next year.”