NEARLY 22,000 people watched Intisaab land the Coral Sprint Trophy for local trainer David O'Meara on the final day of York's flat racing season.

The figure took the Knavesmire's total attendance figure this season to over 347,000 - an average of 20,411 on each of the 17 race days.

Although that figure is down slightly on last season's 360,837, course officials blame poor weather which affected numbers at both the Dante and Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festivals, especially in the centre of the course.

James Brennan, Head of Sponsorship and Marketing at York Racecourse, said: “The turn out this year is a remarkable achievement. Competition for leisure spending is intense and we continue to strive to offer quality racing, value for money and a great day out. I am pleased our programme of entertainment, investment, and innovation has been so well received.

"The 2016 attendance and on-going commitment of the course to buying fresh, local produce further support the independent economic study that concluded the racecourse was worth over £60 million to the York economy per annum.”

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said, “What an incredible season 2016 has been. The quality of racing action at York has been tremendous and we are delighted that our continued investment in the track, facilities and record prize money has delivered such compelling and competitive racing action.

"Racegoers have seen some of the best horses and jockeys in the world compete on the Knavesmire with many of the standout thoroughbreds of the season having been part of the York story.

"We have been delighted with the ongoing popularity of the northern end of the racecourse and the reaction of racegoers and horsemen to the improved facilities.

"We are grateful for the ongoing support of owners and horsemen for bringing their fabulous charges to York. We are proud to be part of a Yorkshire racing community which goes from strength to strength and in the success of Yorkshire handlers, both here at York and further afield, and it is a tremendous reflection of the health of flat racing in the County.

“I must pay tribute to the team at York who have delivered such a memorable and successful season, from the permanent York Racecourse and York Racecourse Hospitality teams based at the racecourse who work so hard throughout the year to continue to innovate and improve the experience for visitors to the Knavesmire; to the raceday team who help provide the award-winning service and welcome to our racegoers.

Some 2,000 people have given their time, talent and energy to make every York raceday so special.

“We remain hugely appreciative of the support of racegoers, boxholders, hospitality guests and sponsors, so very much hope they have enjoyed their own racedays at York in 2016 and will both look back on many happy memories, as well as look forward to many more!”

Summarising the year, Lord Grimthorpe, Chairman of the course, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to be involved with such an exciting, enjoyable and successful season and I would like to thank everyone connected to York for their attendance, enthusiasm and support.

"Work will continue during the winter, as we strive to further develop and so improve the experience of racing at York."

Racing returns to York on Wednesday May 17, 2017.