IT is a tribute to John Smith that York Racecourse is in such fine fettle as he hands over the reins to a new man.

Last season proved to be a record-breaker for York Races. More people attended than at any time since the Second World War. And ambitious plans to build the Ebor stand are well underway.

Mr Smith's successor certainly has the right name for the job. William Derby also has the pedigree, having worked as a commercial director at Ascot.

York is already known as the Ascot of the North. If Mr Derby can continue its success story, Ascot may yet be known as the York of the South.

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, February 07, 2002