ONE of Britain's leading trainers has backed York as an alternative venue for the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting.

Mark Johnston, based at Middleham, in North Yorkshire, said there was "no question" in his mind that if the five-day festival was to move it could "only be York" that hosted it.

He was reacting to news that Ascot officials could switch their 2005 Royal festival to another track while £180 million redevelopment work takes place.

Mr Johnston, who trained 134 winners in 2002 - claiming more than £2,342,788 in prize money - has also trained Classic winner Mister Baileys, who won the Two Thousand Guineas in 1994.

A century this season would make him the first British trainer to send out 100 winners or more in ten consecutive seasons - beating the record of the legendary Henry Cecil.

Ascot chiefs are currently deciding whether the Berkshire course can host the high society spectacular in spite of the building work.

If they decide the course cannot hold the meeting, which is traditionally in mid-June, then it will move - possibly to York or Newmarket.

York Racecourse chief executive William Derby yesterday said the course would be delighted to hold such a prestigious meeting.

Lisa Hancock, managing director at Newmarket, has also indicated that it could stage the big meeting.

But speaking to the Evening Press from Dubai, Mr Johnston, who runs Zindabad, Love Regardless and Rahaf in today's World Cup meeting, said: "To my mind there is no question. It has to be York."

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, March 29, 2003