THE racecourse known as the Ascot of the North is to undergo one of its most significant overhauls since it first began hosting the sport of kings.

The project, costing about £2m, will improve the performance and consistency of the track surface at the Knavesmire, home of York Racecourse since 1731.

As a consequence of the work, the course's showcase meeting, the Ebor Festival, could be extended from three to four days in August next year.

Plans have been submitted for improvements consisting of three main elements. They include the installation of a comprehensive drainage scheme, the widening of the south bend, and improving the inside track used by ambulances, vets and maintenance vehicles.

It is the single most extensive project on the course since racing began there and follows the building of the £20m Ebor Stand in 2003, which helped attract the real Ascot to the Knavesmire in 2005.

Work would start in late summer next year and the September and October meetings would be rescheduled for earlier in the year - with the Ebor Festival becoming a four-day event.

Chairman of the York Race Committee, Nicholas Wrigley, said: "We are keen to improve every aspect of the racecourse and the actual track is at the very heart of our operation.

"The current racing surface has served us well and has been host to many famous contests. With the recent improvement in turf technology, drainage and irrigation, we want to ensure we can compete at the highest level and continue to attract the best horses to race at York."

Clerk of the course William Derby said: "The quality of the racing surface is one of our key assets.

"By investing in the track, we will be able to improve the performance and consistency of the racing surface, particularly during excessively rainy periods, or periods of drought.

"This will help us to consistently produce a top-class surface for the best thoroughbreds in the world to come and compete at York."