ESTIMATED visitor numbers for York's Royal Ascot meeting are set to smash modern records, with more than 40,000 racegoers expected each day.

At a meeting with Micklegate ward residents last night, William Derby, chief executive of York Racecourse, hinted that numbers could even get up to 70,000.

He said: "Capacity levels have not been set - but it will probably be slightly more than 40,000 each day.

"But there were up to 70,000 on the Thursday of last year's Royal Ascot."

The biggest attendance at the Knavesmire course in modern times was 39,501, at the John Smith's race day in 2001.

Mr Derby added that the date for Royal Ascot had not been finalised. He said he expected it to go ahead in June 2005, but that it could take place the following year.

Coun Dave Evans, of Micklegate ward, aired public concerns about the repercussions of holding such a huge event.

He said: "People are concerned about the impact it's going to have. Huge crowds are going to be driving into the city - they have got to get in somehow. It has the potential to be a complete nightmare."

Residents also expressed concern about the possibility of antisocial behaviour sparked by drinking on the racecourse, as well as parking and traffic problems.

But Chief Superintendent John Lacy, area commander for York and Selby, moved to reassure residents that increased numbers of officers would be on hand to police the event.

Mr Lacy told the meeting: "Rest assured that we get as many officers on the streets to combat the unruly element."

Roy Templeman, director of environment and development services, updated residents on proposals to manage increased traffic into the city, which include forcing visitors to travel into the city along the A64.

Updated: 10:26 Tuesday, February 03, 2004