LOOPING round Knavesmire to complete a full circuit, the ongoing track extension work at York Racecourse reveals the steps being taken to bring Royal Ascot to the city.

The bulldozers have been hard at work laying new turf in preparation for the five-day feast of horse racing next year.

Taken from a helicopter, this picture shows the two-mile loop that will be used to stage the Gold Cup and other feature races when Royal Ascot at York takes over the city.

Adding three furlongs to the existing horseshoe shape, locally-based nursery Lindum, of Thormanby, is developing the turf on which the finest racehorses will tread.

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course, said: "The track extension is a significant step towards what is set to be a marvellous occasion for the racecourse and the wider city."

21/04/04

Updated: 16:23 Friday, April 30, 2004