THE fact that York Racecourse members will be allowed into the Royal Enclosure alongside their Ascot counterparts has some southerners rattled.

Do we detect a note of snobbery in their concern?

Allow us to put Ascot members' minds at rest. When we mingle with our social superiors come June, we will be on our best behaviour: all whippets will be on a leash, finest flat caps will be worn at all times, and we promise not to store coal in the Queen's carriage.

Updated: 10:42 Tuesday, April 19, 2005