MAJOR changes are on the way to the racecourse already known as the Ascot of the north.

As the Knavesnire in York hosted its first meeting of the season more details emerged of the course’s £5m plan for the future.

The racecourse already has planning permission for the first stage of work, including moving its pre-parade ring and providing new saddling boxes, better vet facilities and a wash-down area.

Once a new, larger weighing room and parade ring are completed, the space where their predecessors stood will be used to improve facilities for racegoers, through a new champagne pavilion and roof terrace.

A planning application for the second phase of work has been submitted to City of York Council, as part of the first major review of the course’s facilities for horses in a century.

The development will also include more than 100 extra toilets and a facelift for the John Carr Stand - which dates from 1754, is the only Grade II*-listed building at a British racecourse and is said to be the world’s oldest sporting grandstand.

Tented canopies at the stand’s front would be replaced by a single “less intrusive” lightweight canopy. Moving a perimeter wall will free up extra land for improved facilities for horses.

A racecourse spokesman said: “The external design of the new weighing room uses the trademark red, white and blue barber poles and metal fretwork already cherished in the Edwardian County Stand."