ROYALTY has arrived on Knavesmire. The Royal Standard was presented at York Racecourse before it was hoisted to signal the arrival of The Queen for five days of racing and high society.
It was proudly flown above the racecourse today from the moment the Royal Procession marked the beginning of Royal Ascot at York.
Bearing the Royal coat of arms, the standard was the final symbol that many months of planning to bring the historic event to York had come to an end.
At the racecourse yesterday, course chiefs were putting the finishing touches to the banners and flags and Ascot livery which will be seen the world over on television.
The gold Royal Ascot at York signs pepper the entrance to the course and have pride of place over the winning post.
Outside, new signs point the way to the Royal Enclosure, tented villages and hospitality suites as well as the Rails Enclosure.
Trainers and owners lucky enough to see their horses finish first, second and third will notice a familiar Ascot face in the winners' enclosure - the traditional blue Ascot place signs.
As many as 50,000 people a day are expected to sample Royal Ascot at York, held in the historic city this year while the Berkshire track undergoes a £185 million redevelopment.
Updated: 11:00 Tuesday, June 14, 2005
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