A BIG crowd, estimated at more than 15,000, enjoyed York Racecourse's last big race before Royal Ascot arrives.

Raceourse spokesman James Brennan said racegoers enjoyed warm sunshine as they watched favourite Motivator win the top race of the day, the Dante Stakes.

He said the horse was now the favourite to win the Epsom Derby.

One of the happiest racegoers was a delighted woman who successfully approached top jockey Frankie Dettori for his autograph as he was walking from the changing area to the parade ring.

Meanwhile, Vicki Moorhouse, a member of the Royal Ascot at York promotional team, was looking ahead to the big event with an extraordinary pink feather hat.

Also among the crowds were staff from Young's Hire, official men's formalwear suppliers to the racecourse.

Later, the departing crowds were again caught up in traffic delays and congestion in a foretaste to some of the difficulties many fear will grip York when the big race event is staged - although council highways bosses have drawn up special plans to cut down on congestion.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, May 13, 2005