A SPARKLING reminder of the Royal heritage of York Racecourse is on show - six days before Royal Ascot gets under way.

A Gold Cup, presented by Queen Anne in 1713 for horse racing in York, has been given pride of place at a city attraction.

Records show that in 1713, the horse Champion easily won the solid gold trophy. It is in almost perfect condition and is one of only two prizes to survive intact.

The cup was bought by York Civic Trust and is now on show at York's Fairfax House, one of England's best preserved Georgian townhouses.

Trust chairman Darrell Buttery said: "York Civic Trust bought the cup for the nation because it reminds us of the rich heritage of horse racing in the city, a sport which has flourished under royal patronage.

"Queen Anne started the tradition over 300 years ago, and it is wonderful that the city plays host to our sovereign once more."

The Queen is expected to attend all five days of the festival when it comes to the historic Knavesmire course in York next week.

The Gold Cup is now on display in its own custom-made cabinet in the exhibition room at Fairfax House. It stands next to a copy of an early 18th Century painting which features a race meeting in York.

Fairfax House director, Peter Brown said: "Gold has always had a special allure. There is an extraordinary sense of solidity in the hand and, unlike silver, it does not react with air and does not oxidise. The fact that it retains its original leather case has also helped keep the cup in such excellent condition."