FOR a first time visitor to York Racecourse the impression is of a perfect racecourse run seamlessly but of course, like a swan swimming, the engine is in full throttle beneath the surface.

Nunthorpe Stakes day last Friday obliged weather-wise and the course was full without the pressures of a Cheltenham-type crowd.

Looking down from the terrace of the committee rooms to the panorama of the straight, across to the winning post and the busy infield beyond, the compact layout of the track made for excellent viewing. Three large screens were in operation and, no doubt helped by the good weather, reception was a sharp as you could wish for.

While there was excellent communication from the tannoy regarding the business of racing, there was no bombardment of noise announcing ancillary events or constant music.

Committee member Christopher Denny explained: “York is run by a committee and there are no shareholders so everything is ploughed back into facilities and prize money. We’re proud that our flagship race, the Juddmonte International, carries prize money of £1 million and William Derby (CEO) and his team do a fantastic job in every aspect of York, which is not just about racing but ensuring that the paying customer gets value and a great day out.’’

The infield was packed with families with picnics enjoying the racing for “a fiver or tenner” and the track has been granted permission to upgrade the area with better facilities and improved elevation for viewing.

A big ‘Welcome to York’ sign greeted racegoers coming out of the tunnel from the car park and a nice touch was a complimentary racecard handed to those who had paid for County Stand badges. Heading down to the weigh room, the fashion area and champagne bars were to one side of the walkway which meant easy access for racegoers going from the pre-parade to the parade ring and then up to the stands.

And the stands at York are one of the glories of the track with the listed County Stand giving York a touch of the My Fair Lady style.

But there’s no fairytale about the care taken to preserve these fabulous old buildings while incorporating the best of modern facilities, as exemplified by the red brick state-of-the-art weigh room which looks as if it’s been there forever.

Inside clerk of the scales Charles Stebbing was weighing out Jim Crowley for the first race sending the digital feed of weights and non-runners to Weatherbys.

The racecard alone (£3.50) could keep you entertained for hours. Contents include guides on finding your way, betting, places to eat and drink, puzzle corner, ‘parlez-vous racing?’, a review of the previous day’s racing, information on the day’s other meetings around the country, fantasy races, features on Aidan O’Brien and big-race sponsors Coolmore, Knavesmire legends, clerks of the course and what they carry around, meet a real racehorse and a note wishing racegoers a safe journey home.

Onto the racing action and you couldn’t have asked for a better day with the two feature races producing ‘nose’ verdicts. Interestingly, that killer waiting time for the result of a photo finish is pretty short with the judge’s verdict on the result nearly instantaneous.

Montaly pipped Queen Elizabeth’s Dartmouth in the Lonsdale just as the ‘hat’s off’ scenario was about to be played out.

And then gallant Lady Aurelia and Frankie were caught by Marsha as Frankie gave a winning salute and the result was greeted by a sympathetic near silence and it wasn’t just racegoers' pockets talking either.

Go racing in York – they’re a friendly lot ‘up north’.