A FANTASTIC start. That was the view of race chiefs who witnessed a "magnificent" beginning to Royal Ascot at York.

More than 35,000 found their home at York Racecourse as the first of five days of Royal racing got under way on Knavesmire.

It was a testing entrance for the 6,000 staff working in the Grandstand, Royal Enclosure, Yorkshire Course and Rails Enclosures, but, judging from the smiles on the punters' faces, they coped in fine style.

One racegoer celebrating more than most was Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau who found a trio of winners on the racecard.

She said: "Everybody we spoke to had an exceptional day. There was a really good atmosphere, despite it being a little bit chilly.

"Everything has seemed to go well and one or two people who were going to go home may well stay for another night."

James Brennan, marketing manager at York Racecourse, said the moment the Royal Procession hit Knavesmire was "marvellous" for everyone connected with the course.

He said: "There were lots of smiling faces and the quality of racing underpinned the whole day. It was absolutely marvellous to hear the warm applause of the crowd (during The Royal Procession) and The Queen was clearly enjoying it.

"You look forward to these days, you plan for these days and we have four more days to look forward to. The thick end of 200,000 people have still to come through the doors."

Shane Chalmers, Ascot project co-ordinator at City of York Council, said: "I think it's all going really well. On the traffic, I got from the city centre, through the A64 to the racecourse in 15 minutes at peak time. Seeing the project in reality, I am really pleased with how it is turning out and everyone seems to be having a great time at the racecourse."

The first Ascot day at York was attended by 35,982.

Nick Smith, Ascot head of public relations, said: "In terms of racecourse capacities, this represents a very healthy start to the week given that Ascot can accommodate 80,000 and York 56,000. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, as at Ascot, we will build attendance throughout the week and we are sold out in the Grandstand from now on."

l Fifty-seven people were treated by paramedics at Knavesmire. Most injuries were the result of minor slips or falls, and only two people had to be taken to York Hospital.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, June 15, 2005