YORK Racecourse will have to wait until at least the autumn to learn whether it could host Royal Ascot in 2005.

Ascot chiefs have postponed making a decision on the future of the five-day racing festival until they know the results of a planning application to transform their Berkshire track.

A decision was due at the end of this month, but that has been delayed after Ascot learned its multi-million renovation plans would not be considered until late August or early September.

That means a final decision on the future of the 2005 spectacular is not likely until the autumn at the earliest.

Ascot chiefs are still pondering whether they can hold the festival around their "phased redevelopment works".

But until a planning decision is made, everyone - including York - must wait. Insiders have claimed Ascot bosses favour York, the current 1/3 favourite to land a relocated event, because of its attractive course and good selection of hotels.

Nick Smith, Ascot's communications director, said: "We are not in a position to make any decision until we hear about planning permission and the hearing will not be until late August and early September at the earliest.

"Until then, we can't even look at the prospect of phased planning. We are still looking at the options, but we can't say anything until this issue has been resolved."

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course at York Racecourse, said a later decision would not impact on the racecourse's ability to plan and host the prestigious meeting should Knavesmire be required.

"Obviously the sooner the better," Mr Derby said. "The sooner we can plan, the sooner we can get on things, but it is not critical.

"We would need to do the track work and, ideally, we would need to have that done in the autumn. If that is not the case, we won't be able to undertake that work until April, but this is not a huge impact."

Mr Derby was buoyant after a huge crowd of 39,000 packed into the racecourse on Saturday for John Smith's Cup Day - figures which will not have hurt York's Ascot chances.

He said: "I think it's not just how many people we can handle, but the great facilities we have and how we handle them."

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, July 16, 2003