THE success of Royal Ascot at York could have the ultimate knock-on effect - returning to the Knavesmire next year.

The redevelopment of the meeting's traditional Berkshire home has fallen behind schedule, leading to rumours that it could be on the move again next year.

And race bosses have confirmed that York would be a frontrunner to host the event once more should Ascot not be ready.

Some elements of the £185m redevelopment of Ascot are six weeks behind schedule and at present it resembles a huge building site.

During the past week, the weather there has almost mirrored that of York, starting grey and miserable and ending warm and sunny.

Ascot chiefs say they are "confident" their usual home will be ready next year and are anxious not to create any false competition over the meeting.

But chief executive Douglas Erskine-Crum has gone on record to say that York would be a frontrunner should another move become necessary.

Public relations chief Nick Smith said some elements of the Ascot project were behind schedule while others were ahead.

He added that the York move had proved a winner.

"This has been a tremendously successful week in virtually every area," he said.

Another 50,000-plus took advantage of the good weather and went through the turnstiles yesterday. A similar number are expected today, the last day of the event.

The attendances have been lower than would be expected at Ascot, but the Knavesmire is a smaller venue, and organisers say that, proportionately, attendances have held up.

"We are far from disappointed. This has been an absolutely fantastic week for us," said Mr Smith.