ROYAL ASCOT could yet be returning to Knavesmire if the Berkshire track is not ready in time for next year's event.

Ascot chief executive Douglas Erskine-Crum has revealed that Royal Ascot at York has been such a success, the city would be "a front runner" if a new venue was needed in 12 months' time.

He told interviewers that the course was still confident the £185 million Ascot redevelopment would be completed in time for the 2006 Royal Meeting.

But York's popularity as a venue has pushed the city back into the forefront of affairs if construction work is not completed on schedule.

It had previously been suggested by critics that York might not be considered for a return trip as it was felt many southerners had stayed at home rather than travel north.

Nick Smith, Ascot head of public relations, confirmed Mr Erskine-Crum's comments and said the York event was just getting "better and better".

"As far as we are concerned, this week has been nothing but an unqualified success. It just seems to be getting better and better.

"Wednesday was absolutely superb and there has been nothing to question, so far, that this has been a fantastic week and, quite clearly, York would be a front runner if we had to return.

"But we are still aiming to be back at Ascot and that's what we are planning for."

James Brennan, York Racecourse's marketing manager, said: "From our side, what we have been saying consistently is Ascot is confident it will be back in Berkshire next year.

"If, and when, they decide on any contingency we will talk constructively."

Updated: 11:09 Friday, June 17, 2005