RACE fans were champing at the bit today at the prospect that Royal Ascot could move north to York.

The cream of high society could be sipping champagne on Knavesmire if the hugely popular racing festival, known as the Season, moves from Berkshire to the city.

Ascot chiefs have confirmed the five-day spectacle may have to find a temporary home when the course undergoes a £180 million redevelopment in 2005.

Insiders believe that York would be the ideal place to stage one of racing's most prestigious events.

Ascot managers are said to favour York because it is considered an attractive course and is in a city packed with hotels.

The new £20 million Ebor stand, due to open in May, also makes a pressing case for the consideration of York to hold a one-off royal festival.

The Queen would be no stranger to Knavesmire if Royal Ascot were switched to York. She has been a regular visitor to Ebor meetings in the past.

Ascot officials are currently working out whether they can hold the meeting in the face of substantial building works.

If they decide they can't, then they will be looking at a venue to hold the horse and fashion extravaganza for one year.

Nick Smith, Ascot spokesman, said if it was decided the meeting's future lay elsewhere, then York would be on the shortlist.

William Derby, chief executive of York Racecourse, said he was delighted the track would be considered to hold the festival.

But he said it was early days and added it was important not to get carried away at this stage.

Mr Derby, who was commercial director at Ascot until last year, said: "It would be the decision of Ascot. We are absolutely delighted to be on any short-list.

"It would be very good news for the city of York and for York Racecourse. It is at a very early stage. However, we are building the Ebor Stand. We have got fantastic facilities and a team which is used to staging big meetings."

At the British Horse Racing Board, which controls racing's fixture calendar, Alan Delmonte, communications director, said the issue was unlikely to be addressed before the start of 2004.

But he said: "If any racecourse wants to transfer its venue to another they would approach us for the go-ahead.

"We would want Royal Ascot to go to a suitable place and we are aware that this is an issue for them.

"If they were to come to us and indicate York then we would be more than happy to consider that move. York is one of our major courses."

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "York's racecourse is renowned as being one of the best venues for race meetings in Great Britain and is widely regarded as the best course in the north.

"We would be delighted if the 2005 Royal Ascot event happened in York. This would be fantastic news for the city."

Beryl Otley, manager of Get Ahead Hats, which is based in Poppleton, said her company supplied dozens of hats for northern racegoers making the trip to Ascot.

She said: "We already have the second most elegant race meeting in the UK in August. I love Ascot but it would be wonderful to see it at York."

Updated: 10:39 Friday, March 28, 2003