There are so many reasons we love York – here are just a few

Jack Haynes

Most of the attention throughout the Dante meeting is given to the feature Group-race contests and the puzzling big-field handicaps. However, for many the most interesting aspect of the three days on the Knavesmire is the maiden contests.

There is no better way to spend an afternoon in the sun at one of the most historic tracks in the country than by taking a perch next to the paddock and observing how the youngsters – many of them newcomers – cope with the atmosphere and occasion. You'll probably hear a whisper or two, inspired or not, while you're at it.

The honour roll of the maidens and novices prove trainers target these valuable races with some of their leading types, as in recent years subsequent Windsor Castle Stakes second Areen, Coventry Stakes runner-up Parbold and 2,000 Guineas fourth Bossy Guest have scored at the Dante meeting, while the most notable winner in the last decade, Lord Shanakill, went on to land the Prix Jean Prat during a successful career.

David Milnes

The atmosphere at the York Dante meeting is usually second to none, with a mix of racing aficionados and daytrippers all in their finery, so hopefully the weather holds as most of the public areas and bars are outside.

I always remember seeing Sir Henry Cecil at York over the years as it was one of his favourite meetings of the year.

Even when he wasn't there many people thought he was as his twin brother David used to turn up on occasion.

Lee Mottershead

The best things come to those who wait. Compared to most Flat tracks, you have to wait an awfully long time for York's season to start. When it does come, there are few things in the sport that are better.

Newmarket has already staged the season's first two Classics. Ascot's campaign began some time ago, as did Epsom's, while Doncaster was under way even before the Grand National had been run. Goodwood, Haydock, Sandown and Chester are all up and running. Now, at long last, it is York's turn.

Some say York is the Ascot of the north, others that Ascot is the York of the south. I adore them both, for they are British Flat racing's two true racecourse superstars.

There is no fairer track than York, no stage more conducive to bringing the best out of the best. The sport is there to be savoured. So is the overall experience. For York's great joy is the extent to which it is grounded in its home.

Go racing at York and you know you're in Yorkshire. Thanks to the wonderful brass band accompaniment that often fills the air, the place even sounds of Yorkshire and the north.

How great it is to be back.