LOYAL patrons at York Racecourse have been hit by a 19 per cent hike in the price of annual membership, leading some to accuse race chiefs of "slapping them in the face".

But those who fork out the extra £40 a year for single membership and £70 for joint membership will be given priority when it comes to booking tickets for Royal Ascot in 2005.

The price of County Stand membership has risen from £210 to £250 for single and from £360 to £430 for joint subscriptions.

James Brennan, York Racecourse marketing manager, said the increase, equivalent to £2.66 a race day, was necessary to continue funding prize money and facilities.

He said while prize money had risen 30 per cent in the past three years, the price of annual membership had not increased in that period.

Annual member Steve Ovenden, of York, said he received a letter from the racecourse telling members about the increase.

He said: "It was a shock and a bit of a slap in the face. I am not very happy about it, but there is a chance of going to Ascot so no one will turn in their memberships."

There is a waiting list of about eight years to join the 1,800 annual members at Knavesmire.

Mr Brennan said the racecourse had to consider what needed to be done to keep horses such as Falbrav, last year's winner of the British Horse Racing Board's middle distance championship, competing at York.

"Some ticket prices are remaining the same, for example, our junior membership is not rising at all," he said.

"It is an investment for the future of racing and to make sure we continue to deliver world class racing and facilities."

Although the Royal meeting in 2005 will be run by Ascot, chiefs at the Berkshire-based track have agreed to give York members the option to buy race badges before they go on general sale.

Updated: 10:41 Friday, December 05, 2003