LET'S hope Viscountess Gormanston was misquoted over her remarks about Royal Ascot at York.

If she were not, her reported comments betray an ignorance and snobbery which reflect badly on herself, on the aristocracy she married into, and on her parents, most notably the much-loved actor and gentleman Edward Fox.

"Everyone knows Ascot has gone tacky this year," the former Lucy Fox allegedly told a national newspaper. "People visiting the Royal Enclosure might find themselves standing between some transvestites and the Queen."

In truth, the rules governing entry to the Royal Enclosure were relaxed only because many Ascot members are staying down south.

To fill the gap York Racecourse members will be allowed in, plus a guest - a common courtesy to the surrogate hosts. Viscountess Gormanston's suggestion that York members and their partners are transvestites is the tackiest aspect of this story.

Such comments reveal a simple prejudice against the North and Northerners, apparently shared by what we are sure is a minority of the "society set". These are folk who would think nothing of jetting to the south of France for a weekend, but refuse to spend two hours to reach York.

Royal Ascot at York is better off without them. This is the racecourse regularly voted the best in the country. Its reputation rests on an endless ability to provide thrilling, top quality entertainment.

Those who stay away will miss a social and sporting event second to none.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, May 04, 2005