Beverley defied the credit crunch as thousands of people flocked to the first day of the horse races.

A third more people than last year filled the ground at Beverley Westwood at the opening meet yesterday.

About 3,000 punters – compared with 2,200 last year – turned out to see bookies' favourite Jack My Boy win the first race of the season.

In total, 112 horses took part in the opening event.

Beverley Racecourse manager Sally Iggulden said: "We had a great turnout on the first day.

"We believe the good weather and the fact it coincided with the Easter holidays led to the increase on last year.

"We have not seen the economy have an effect on ticket sales for the races and the bookmakers seemed to be doing quite nicely.

"Let us hope this is a sign of how it will be for the rest of the season and that people will continue to come and enjoy themselves at the races."

The premier enclosure in the grounds had a £250,000 renovation over the winter.

The new-look entrance boasts a tiled finish and new toilets.

Dave Money, 56, a bookmaker from Beverley, said: "Looking around, I don't think there's been a recession here.

"The first meet always draws in the crowds because it is a chance for people to meet up again. This is the 'happy families' course. It is so friendly and most people know each other."

Chris Broadbent, 39, of Scunthorpe, travelled with his wife Kerry, 32, and children Morgan, 10, and Charlie, eight.

He said: "We came last year and had a really good time, so booked again for this year.

"It's a really nice atmosphere. I don't think the credit crunch will put people off. It gives people a release, if anything."

Peter Tutty, of Beverley, went to the races with his wife Jean and his daughter Joanne, 39.

He said: "We saw it was a lovely day and decided to come out to the races, to get some fresh air. We can hear the commentary from our garden, but it's nicer to be here in person."