Royal Ascot at the northern track of York has been declared a success by the Duke of Devonshire, Queen Elizabeth's representative at Ascot. More than 224,000 people attended the five-day meeting, 76,000 fewer than at Ascot in 2004 before the track closed for re-development, but still a healthy figure.

York has a capacity of 56,000 compared to Ascot's 80,000. Thursday, traditionally Ladies' Day at the royal fixture, attracted the biggest crowd at 50,510.

Clearly, not all the socialites were prepared to embark on the 350 kms trip north but those that did witnessed the usual high-class fare, spiced with an added international flavour.

Globe-trotting sprinter Cape of Good Hope topped the week by winning Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes to become the first horse trained in Hong Kong to capture a race at a Royal Ascot meeting.

Four victories for Ireland and three for France brought the overseas tally for the week to eight from 30 races, one short of the record set in 1975.