YORK could host the Royal Meeting for a second year if redevelopment work at Ascot falls behind schedule, bosses at the Berkshire-based track have confirmed.

Nick Smith, communications director at Ascot, said York Racecourse may be needed to hold the meeting again if building work on a £180 million grandstand hits a snag.

Mr Smith said that was "very unlikely" and added that there was no reason to suggest that there might be problems in the future.

But he said nothing could be ruled out and confirmed that York was an option for a second Royal Ascot if needed.

James Brennan, marketing manager at York Racecourse, said the course would be delighted to host the event again for the "good of racing" if needed.

York Racecourse is scheduled to hold the prestigious five-day meeting of Society, Royalty and horse racing in either 2005 or 2006 when Ascot undergoes its huge transformation.

More than 300,000 people are expected to flock to Knavesmire over five days, with the city anticipating a tourism and economic boom.

Mr Smith said: "There is a very outside possibility of its coming to York for a second year.

"We have got our local planning permission for our development very early and that has given us a great start.

"That should really give us plenty of time and would mean that something significant would have to happen for it to come to York again.

"But we cannot rule anything out. Anything can happen when it comes to building work."

Mr Brennan said: "If it was needed to be here for a second year we would be delighted to help the industry if that was what was required.

"It wasn't part of the initial discussions, but we could look at things again if the situation did change.

"It would be good for us in terms of prestige and be a significant boost for York, but we are only planning for one year."

Updated: 11:02 Tuesday, September 09, 2003