A total of 89,365 paying spectators attended meetings on the Westwood this season, up from 85,129 in 2006.

The figures do not include owners and trainers, children or complementary ticket holders.

Course manager Sally Iggulden said that if children were included in the figure, they would have exceeded the 100,000 barrier.

She said: “It’s been a good season all things considered. Obviously it is a season that will be remembered for adverse weather.

“We lost a day in June which didn’t help and some of our other days were affected by bad weather.”

But they were lucky that fixtures were not more severely affected.

The curtain came down on this season’s racing last week and course officials are already looking forward to next year’s programme.

A total of 20 meetings are scheduled on the Westwood in 2008, with the first card set for Wednesday April 16.

Miss Iggulden said they would be seeking to build on the new attractions which were introduced this year, such as the Revved Up card staged on the day after Ladies Day.

She said: “Revved Up Raceday was a real success and we will be looking to build on that.”

The Listed Beverley Bullet sprint, which continues to grow in stature, is set for August 23.

And it is hoped that continued growth could see the race upgraded to Group class in the future.

“It’s not the richest race of the year, but the Bullet this year was a real class race and recognised across the industry as being a much better race than its status suggests.

“To bring a Group race to Beverley is one of my main aims.”

There will be three evening meetings again, the first of which on May 28 will incorporate the prestigious Hilary Needler Trophy for two year old fillies.

The other two evening cards are due to be staged on July 4 and 21 respectively.

No major refurbishment projects are planned for the close season following heavy investment in course facilities in recent years. But schemes including a possible extension to the members’ entrance are being considered for the long term.