THE sun shone, the crowds were up, the fashion was eye-catching, and some of the winners were local.

It was a great start to York's greatest ever racing season.

The races always bring a welcome edge of excitement to our city.

This year, the thrill is enhanced by knowing that Royal Ascot is around the corner.

Invite tens of thousands of people to join the fun and inevitably there will be traffic problems.

The city council cannot magic away the congestion.

No doubt highways chiefs will learn useful lessons from this meeting to apply when Royal Ascot arrives.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, May 12, 2005