LOCAL businesses are supporting York’s racing season, arranging special products and events to coincide with the first of six Saturday race days at York Racecourse.

Xing Smoothies has created a new range of alcoholic blended fruit cocktails in time for today’s May Spring Meeting.

Simon Long, co-founder of Xing Smoothies, said they expected their Hangover Cure smoothie to be a particular success and that he hoped it would raise awareness of the shop, based on Shambles.

William Derby, chief executive of York Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to be offering a new drink option to our customers and members. “Hopefully it’s a sunny summer ahead where thirst-quenching fruit drinks will prove a hit.” York Designer Outlet is also hosting a free Racing Fashion event today and tomorrow, from 10am to 5pm.

The centre will transform into the style of the winning parade ring at the races, displaying key pieces of racing fashion from some of the centre’s 120 fashion and shopping brands.

It will be manned by York Designer Outlet’s resident style consultant, Alison Rockett, who will discuss this year’s racing trends, as well as the general “dos and don’ts” of raceday fashion over a glass of Pimms.

James Brennan, spokesman for York Racecourse, said the Saturday event would be busier with more families able to attend.

“The new Veuve Cliquot and Moet lawns were enjoyed last week in the blustery conditions and there will be more need of them with the bigger crowd.”

He said the racecourse’s prize money of £44,000 for the Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup will maintain good quality horses, despite the racecourse losing more than £360,000 year on year from changes to the bookmakers’ levy, a tax on the profits of bookmakers which has helped fund the sport.

He said they were expecting more success from the region, after North Yorkshire trainers Richard Fahey and Mick Easterby both scored hat-tricks at the Dante.

The day also includes the John Wright Electrical Stakes for amateur jockeys in the afternoon.