THE pomp and ceremony of Royal Ascot made its first appearance in York today - for a dry run of the Royal procession.

Under murky skies at Knavesmire, York Racecourse prepared for a major highlight of the world-famous five-day meeting.

Today's historic rehearsal saw two Ascot landaus and nine horses, based at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, gently wind their way down six furlongs.

The carriages, which were transported by lorry the 200 miles north yesterday, were empty and the grandstands were eerily silent, but as the procession made its way along the course it was easy to imagine the jubilant scenes in less than a month's time.

Exact details of who will attend Ascot have yet to be confirmed, but it is understood the Queen and senior Royals will be there when the procession relocates from Berkshire for the first time in about 150 years.

Royal Ascot starts on June 14 and a procession is planned for each of the five days of racing.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the trial run went "extremely well".

Updated: 16:44 Thursday, May 19, 2005