ROYAL Ascot and York were always perfect partners, the racing chiefs who brought the meeting to the city said today.

A combination of history, tradition and an excellent track meant the choice of York for next week's Royal Ascot was "a decision that almost took care of itself".

As the city prepares to welcome high society for five days, Ascot head of communications Nick Smith said York Racecourse was the "obvious winner".

Knavesmire had to battle against a number of high-flying courses, including Cheltenham, Newbury and Newmarket, to secure the Royal Meeting, held in the city while Ascot undergoes a massive £185 million redevelopment.

But Mr Smith said the quality of the York track, its practicality and the standard of its competition had placed it far ahead when the final decision was taken to bring Royal Ascot to York last year.

"There was no controversy about it," he said. "York was the obvious winner. The course was so obviously the front runner it was a decision that almost took care of itself.

"York's history is only about 20 years behind Ascot, so it is a course that has a very rich tradition."

Final preparations before racing begins are well under way and Ascot has now placed its livery and branding on the run up to the racecourse and over the winning post.

Mr Smith said the whole Ascot team, which will be running the meeting, were now "ready to go". "Psychologically, putting up the branding makes a big difference," he said.

"There are an awful lot of security checks now going on and those little arrangements that make all the difference are being addressed.

"We are really pleased with the way the site is looking. There are no complaints and now we are just really ready to go."

Punters still to snap up their tickets for Royal Ascot still have the chance to get in on the action. A specialised ticket office at York Racecourse is now selling the remaining Rails Enclosure tickets for the meeting.

Those booking the £4 tickets should bring a utility bill with them, proving they live within the five miles of the racecourse qualifying zone.

Updated: 10:02 Friday, June 10, 2005