Ryedale is hot tip to cash in on Ascot week (From Gazette & Herald)

Ryedale is hot tip to cash in on Ascot week

RYEDALE is preparing for one of the biggest dates in the horse racing calendar, to be staged in the region next week.

York's Knavesmire racecourse will be hosting Royal Ascot - the first time the event has ever been held away from its Berkshire home, which is undergoing extensive refurbishment.

Tourism chiefs and businesses in Ryedale are hoping the area will see an influx of visitors during the five-day event, which begins on Tuesday.

Steve Jaques, chairman of the Ryedale Tourism Association, said Ascot was a great boost for the area.

He said: "We've had a shortage of business with fuel shortages and foot and mouth.

"It'll be good for the area overall. Accommodation, shops and garages should see a surge in business.

"It will get people from the south to see there's more north of Watford.

"I hope it goes well. The racecourse is an excellent facility."

Anybody hoping to find accommodation on arrival could find themselves sleeping at the side of the A64. The Old Lodge in Malton, for example, only has a few rooms left, with most bookings being made some time ago.

Ryedale's clothes shops have also seen an up-turn in business, especially those catering for ladies' Ascot needs. Penny Wilshire, of Pennita, in Helmsley, says she has seen sales rise dramatically and is selling five to 10 outfits a day.

"Women are buying the whole ensemble. They want to get it sorted so they try on a few and buy the dress, the bag, the shoes and the accessories.

"We've got some exclusive, really 'wow' collections. We've got collections from Spain, France and Italy, and people have really gone to town on something different."

Penny believes the outfits will reflect the enthusiasm for Ascot coming to the north.

"People seem to be more into cocktail dresses.

"We haven't really sold suits. And the fascinators are very popular. People want the right image, and to have striking outfits.

"It'd be great if Ascot could come back next year."

Karen O'Connell, who owns Ice of Pickering, says: "Our stuff is more tailored and smart casual. We're selling nice trousers and jackets - separates that people could wear again."

Karen believes the colours will be following High Street trends, with pinks mixed with beiges. "We've got the usual beige and white, as well as black and white too."

But it's not only about dressing the part. Ascot attendees will also need to look groomed if they are to impress. Diana Thompson, of No 1 Health and Beauty in Malton, is expecting a last minute rush for treatments. "We've got some people that have pre-booked manicures," she said.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, June 08, 2005