Building on 53 years of popularity with racing fans and with now over £10.5 million already raised for good causes, Macmillan Charity Raceday at York Racecourse on Saturday 14 June will see the track saying “thank you” to those who work with the charities.

York Racecourse has provided complimentary admission to around a thousand who support Macmillan and other charities.

The initiative is called the “Proper Thank You Bank” as it is intended to credit the hard work of these individuals .These dedicated professionals are from across the UK, some traveling from the South East to spend the day at York Racecourse, for their first racing experience. They work to offer physical, and financial support to people living with cancer, in hospitals, on the support line, in hospices and in the community.

Speaking about the idea, Amy Swales from the Racecourse said, “Working closely with Macmillan and our local charity partners you discover the dedication of so many people and we simply wanted to say, “thank you”. We hope they all enjoy what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of both sport and fund raising.”

Designated by the sport as a Premier Raceday, Saturday’s principal contest is The Churchill Tyres supporting Macmillan Sprint, one of Britain’s richest sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, increased in prize money this year to £125,000.

The day will also celebrate the commitment of the nine intrepid amateur riders, who will undertake the Macmillan Ride of Their Lives, a mile race aboard a thoroughbred on the famous Knavesmire. Each rider has pledged at least £4,000 to the charity and you can help them by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving or through yorkracecourse.co.uk

Even before this race, more fundraising will be delivered by a charity abseil from the roof of the four-storey Knavesmire Stand.

The charity auction so generously supported over the years is now available to view online in advance of the raceday. This means everyone can place a bid for the many stunning lots. Some of the more unusual lots this year are a chance to escape to a luxurious five-star retreat perched atop a private mountain in Epirus, or to receive a Porsche driving experience at Silverstone. Visit  yorkracecourse.co.uk for more information on how to make your bid or volunteer to abseil.

On Friday racegoers will have their own Macmillan raffle as they enjoy a seven-race card worth the record amount of £235,000. Headlined by the Seat Unique Handicap, the winners would be worth following as the season unfolds. Falling in June, the raceday celebrates Pride Month, notably through the British EBF supporting Racing with Pride Fillies’ Handicap. Friday also sees the only chance in the York year to see a horse win then have a chance to buy it, that is what the Coopers marquees Rous Seller brings to the fun of the day.

Racing under Rules begins at 1.50pm on both days, the Saturday action also features the 35th running of The Queen Mother’s Cup, the richest race for lady amateur riders in Britain and a contest won by The Princess Royal in 1988 as well as by ITV Racing presenter, Francesca Cumani in 2006.  It offers an opportunity for the successful rider to toast her success in her own weight in Lanson champagne.

A range of musical tastes will be catered for a Dr Jazz (Friday) then Flat Cap Brass (Saturday) will be on the Edwardian Weighing Room Lawn, with The Monotones performing an upbeat selection of classic covers from the Churchill Tyres Stage on both dates.

There is a host of additional entertainment, a 360-selfie camera, the new living flower wall as well as trips to the start in the company of a Grand National winning rider.

It is the first time that racegoers at this fixture have been able to use the award-winning Bustardthorpe Development, enjoy the Churchill Tyres Lawn, Theakston or Guinness Bars to wash down some fresh, local Fish ‘n’ Chips.

The refreshed look continues with new Guinness and Prosecco Bars plus a host of new casual dining offers, from burritos or nachos through to the more traditional range of deep filled Yorkshire Puddings or a “pie & beer” combo deal.

Racegoers aged under-18 are admitted free of charge to all enclosures, with adult admission to the Clocktower Enclosure just £8 on Friday or £15 on Saturday. Admission for all areas will be available on the raceday itself, with ample free car parking as well as a regular shuttle bus service from the train station.