The journey from Ascot to York

1 of 11 Royal Ascot - one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, where top hats meet top-class Flat racing

2 of 11 There has been horse racing at Ascot for nearly 300 years and the Royal meeting is the highlight of the year

3 of 11 But in September 2004, the course was closed for an estimated 20 months for a £185m redevelopment

4 of 11 Work began immediately on demolishing and rebuilding the famous Berkshire course

5 of 11 Several other courses made pitches to host the Royal meeting while Ascot is shut, with York winning out

6 of 11 The York course, set on the famous Knavesmire, has been practising for the five-day Royal meeting for months

7 of 11 Some of the familiar faces of Royal Ascot will also be at York

8 of 11 But others will be absent - Ascot's favourite jockey Frankie Dettori is banned for the entire meeting

9 of 11 While the racing world heads north for Royal Ascot at York, the redevelopment work will be continuing in Berkshire

10 of 11 When the redevelopment work is finished, Ascot will be a state-of-the-art track to rival the world's best

11 of 11 But Ascot faces a race against time to be ready to host next year's Royal meeting