LANDLORDS hoping to cash in on the arrival of 390,000 racegoers for Royal Ascot at York this week have been left disappointed.

Many residents had hoped to rent out their homes to wealthy racegoers at inflated fees. But there are still rooms available in properties ranging from terraced cottages to stately homes.

Estate agents Boulton and Cooper Stephenson advertised more than 100 homes, priced from £50 a night to £50,000 for the week.

A spokesman said: "Only about ten properties were taken up, mostly within walking distance of the racecourse.

"Prices were quite inflated, but it seems visitors would rather spend their money on hats and champagne."

There were no takers for 18th Century Constable Burton Hall, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, available at £40,000 for the week. It was the same story for Newby Hall, near Ripon - £64,625 for the week - and the nine-bedroom Georgian home of Sir John and Lady Ropner, at Thorp Perrow, near Bedale, a little cheaper at £50,000.

Kay Hyde, of York Tourism Board, said: "When the plan to hold Royal Ascot at York was first announced, a lot of hotels tested the water by putting their prices up. The top of the range hotels have got what they were asking for and are full, but there are still some rooms available."

It is still unclear where the Queen will be staying.

One option is the Nag's Head, in Pickhill, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire. When her horse, Shining Strand, won a hurdle at Wetherby, the prize included a voucher for a room and meal for two at the inn.

All 16 rooms are booked, but landlord Edward Boynton is confident he can find space for Her Majesty.