I MUST first congratulate the racecourse authorities, police, medics, City of York Council and last but not least all the other auxiliary staff who have contributed to the racing fraternity enjoying their racing at Royal Ascot at York.

It may well be that the few punters who criticised moving Royal Ascot to York have had to bite the bullet. All I can say is mission accomplished. However without putting a damper on such a special occasion, this event was for the most part staged for the well-heeled and Champagne Charlies in our society.

With £5 million spent on bubbly alone, our local breweries must be cringing into their beer.

One must not forget there are winners and losers when playing for high stakes, such as stall holders and small businesses who do not deal in silks when it comes to financial reward, they may be classed as outsiders.

With half the world living in poverty, our health service and dental practices crumbling around us, police, fire and ambulance services stretched to the limit and somewhat disillusioned, our armed forces cut to the core through lack of funds, it makes one think: are we really the fourth richest nation on earth?

Am I being too pessimistic about our future prospects, or is it really first past the post that counts?

Mr Kenneth Bowker,

Vesper Walk,

Huntington,

York.

Updated: 10:20 Monday, June 27, 2005