ANOTHER successful chapter in the history of York Racecourse closed yesterday with the double retirement of John Smith, Clerk of the Course, and his long-serving personal asistant, Olwyn Tyson.

Under Jockey Club regulations a Clerk must stand down aged 65 and Smith achieves that mark on Monday.

After 16 years of full time service at York, he is looking forward to continued involvement at the track as an advisor on the Ebor Stand project, which is scheduled to open next May, as well as continuing his role as a trustee of the Injured Jockey's Fund.

William Derby, set to become Chief Executive, is already at York having formerly been commercial director at Ascot Racecourse. In handing over the reins Smith wished his successor as much support and exciting racing as he had enjoyed.

Smith nominated the 1992 Juddmonte International triumph by Rodrigo de Triano and Lester Piggott as his personal favourite, among many great races during his 16 years at York.

During an informal luncheon, the retiring pair were presented with a selection of gifts from the York team including a Beryl Cook print, engraved silver salver, and a special racecard created by Weatherbys entitled "The Chronicle of a Clerkship".

The presentations were made by colleagues Karen Dunbar and Ian Halstead, who is the member of the Racecourse staff with the longest service - 37 years.

Updated: 13:02 Saturday, November 02, 2002