TORY grandee and former shadow defence spokesman Nicholas Soames praised Royal Ascot as "wonderful".

Mr Soames, who is the grandson of Winston Churchill, watched yesterday's races from the Royal Enclosure.

"I think it has been fantastic," he said.

"York has put on a magnificent show and the Yorkshire ladies put on a wonderful display.

"I hope Ascot does as well next year. The organisers deserve a lot of credit."

Meanwhile, former Manchester United and England stalwart defender Gary Pallister enjoyed the races with former Aston Villa hitman Dion Dublin.

The pair were a towering presence as they made their way to the Grandstand to catch the first race.

"It's great Ascot has come up north," Gary said.

"It seems to be going really well."

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough and England winger Stuart Downing was spotted supping lager on Ladies Day.

"I'm under contract so I can't say anything," he told an Evening Press reporter when asked if he was enjoying the day.

Updated: 12:41 Saturday, June 18, 2005