RACING chiefs today assured punters using common land on Knavesmire to watch Royal Ascot at York that they will be protected from unlicensed bookmakers.

Ascot, York and council bosses said they would move to address fears that illegal bookies could set up outside the course enclosures at the racecourse, where tens of thousands of people are expected to gather to watch the racing action next year.

Official bookmakers are allowed on common land at The Derby, on Epsom Downs, where an Act of Parliament allows licensed betting. But no such rules are in place on Knavesmire.

Last week, Lord Halifax declared Ascot at York open to the "world" and paved the way for huge crowds to gather at Knavesmire outside the official 50,000 capacity inside the race enclosures. That has led to concern that rogue traders could exploit crowds gathered on the common land looking to enjoy the racing with a bet.

Nick Smith, PR director at Ascot, said the team bringing Royal Ascot to York recognised that this was "an important issue".

A leading bookmaker has also warned punters to be careful and make sure their bookies are licensed before they place a bet.

Mr Smith said: "We are conscious of this and we are looking at the common land, capacity and traffic levels.

"This is a question we will have to ask, it is an important issue, but there is so much going on, it is not at the top of our priorities. This is a unified project and we will be discussing all the issues with City of York Council and the police."

James Brennan, marketing director at York Racecourse, said: "We will do what we can to facilitate everything, but any request for variance of the terms and conditions of Knavesmire is down to Ascot."

Paul Petrie, of Totesport, which has a number of betting shops in York, said: "Matters in the course enclosures and outside are a matter for the racecourse and the police.

"What we would say, however, is to advise customers to be careful when they are placing a bet. They should make sure their bookmakers are licensed, so they know what they are dealing with."

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "This issue still has to be addressed, but we are working closely with Ascot and York Racecourse and will be discussing a whole host of issues over the coming months."

Updated: 09:25 Thursday, May 20, 2004