By Rishi Persad BBC TV at Royal Ascot at York

The mere suggestion a few years ago that Royal Ascot could be held north of the M4 would have caused outrage among the chattering classes.

Moving an event like this around the country is a positive move

Few racing events can boast the tradition and weight of Royal Ascot - it is not so much a race meeting as an integral part of the social calendar.

But here we are, in lush parkland just outside one of Britain's finest cities in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, and it's absolutely stunning despite some rain showers.

There aren't as many Rolls Royces and Bentleys in the car parks, and the bars may be selling more bitter than champagne, but so far it has lived up to expectations.

From a working perspective York is far less claustrophobic and intense than Ascot, which is a refreshing change.

I've had the chance to mingle with the crowds and meet far more racegoers than I normally do, which hopefully helps convey the atmosphere to the viewers at home.

I got the sense on Monday that the York public were pacing themselves for the week ahead, which bodes well for the next four days, and in particular my favourite - Ladies' Day on Thursday!

Another major difference is the actual punters who are turning up at Royal Ascot this year.

I'm usually besieged with questions about Suzi Perry (is she single? No) and the rest of the team, but the crowd here are interested in one thing - the horses.

They're a knowledgeable bunch, and they won't just settle for one of my top tips, which probably shows just how clever they are.

This year's crowd are a different breed, which is refreshing, and you've got to be on top form with some of the punters when they stroll up for a chat.

There was one unfortunate incident on the first day before the Queen Anne stakes.

Photos from York

A spectator was said to have made 'clicking' noises at hot favourite Rakti as he left the parade ring, sending the horse loopy.

His jockey, Philip Robinson did an excellent job calming him down for the race, but in many respects the damage had been done, and he faded in the final furlongs.

Hopefully, the lady in question has learnt her lesson: Don't try to wind up the horses before a race - particularly one as exciteable as Rakti.

Much has been made of the facilities here, and it's fair to say there were a few teething troubles at the start of the week, notably with the traffic.

My colleague Lydia Hislop had to walk from our hotel to the course after finding the directions baffling and despite initially questioning her map-reading skills, it turns out she wasn't the only one.

But that aside, York has much to be proud of.

The grandstand looks splendid, all the bars are well appointed and there's far less crowd congestion than you would usually find at Royal Ascot.

The ground has caused some concern among the jockeys. Under the turf, it's very hard, and when the drizzle falls the surface can become loose - a bit like a skating rink.

A couple of horses found the going tricky on Tuesday, and the groundsmen have decided to stop watering the course in the hope it will firm up.

That aside, it promises to be a great week, and I think moving an event like this around the country is a positive move.

Football fans have appreciated being able to watch their national team in Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton while Wembley is being rebuilt, and racing is no different.

If an event like this encourages more people to go to the races and take an interest in the sport then it's got to be a move for the good.

York has even brought a smile to the face of our notoriously deadpan commentator Ian Bartlett. If it can do that, then the sky is truly the limit!