Royal Ascot

 Royal Ascot.

In an idyllic corner of Ascot, you'll find one of the greenest and most treasured acres of land England has ever given to the world. Every summer, Royal Ascot bursts out of its winter hibernation and, of course, presents some of the greatest flat racing you're ever likely to see. Ascot always had a regal grandeur about it anyway but once again it is a sight that every punter who stands next to the rails or the hospitality boxes, always drools over with a love and admiration for all the finer things in life. 

When the current heatwave settled on those handsome blades of grass and the horses had had enough time to absorb the classical atmosphere of Ascot's most famous meeting, we truly believed that summer had arrived. The horses were there, the jockeys were present and correct, silks gleaming in the summer sunshine and the wealthy trainers were just waiting for their moment to celebrate. It is one of horse racing's blue riband moments, a feast for their eyes and a spectacle that is, quite possibly, unparalleled. 

Yesterday Royal Ascot shimmered in all of its uplifting pomp and ceremony, rather like one of those gold royal carriages that had just preceded the main event. There was King George the Third, looking happier if slightly drained by the hot weather, his wife Queen Camilla, who seems to have won the public over completely in recent years, a glowing and gracious figure, determined to enjoy the day. The regular punters who have studied form thoroughly over the years, knew exactly who they wanted to win on the day. The bookmakers of course were either relishing the summery June heat or bemoaning another loss. 

There is the traditional pomp and ceremony, a lavish banqueting suite of flat racing that thrilled the upbeat crowds and reminded us once again that when Ascot does things, it tends to do it with style and panache. For Royal Ascot, has manners, politeness and gentility as its focal point and everybody wants to look their best because this has been the accepted norm for as long as anybody can remember. 

Not for Ascot the casual attire of T-shirt, beach shorts or flip flops because Royal Ascot wears its most impressive top hat and tails. It flaunts itself quite proudly with an almost becoming formality, the most rigorous and highest standards, an almost endearing nobility at times and somehow in a class of its own. Royal Ascot is not just a flat racing gathering of the great and good but a breath taking experience, a traditional celebration of the equine world. And a vast majority do like to dress up for Ascot and whyever not. 

At times Royal Ascot, could be considered somewhat snobbish and condescending since the only elite turn up on the day and they probably appear to be above everybody in the pecking order. Yes, the middle and upper classes look dashing darling, delightful to their shirt cuffs, simply immaculate, too fashionable for words and wonderful company. That suit and waistcoat looks stunning on you, the bow ties neat and stunning and totally you. And don't the ladies look ladylike with their gorgeous hats and shoes from Harrods surely. 

Yesterday Trawlerman won the Gold Cup ridden by the notable William Buck, the obscenely rich Godophins produced a decisive winner in Arabian Story while the King George the Fifth Stakes was won in the capable hands of William Haggas who rode Merchant to victory. In the Buckingham Palace Stakes Never So Brave delivered the goods with a superb triumph. 

And so there you have it. Royal Ascot, in all its finery and flamboyant accoutrements, completed another day as  Britain finds itself on the threshold of the longest day of the year. Ascot always looks astoundingly pretty, prim and proper. June looks impeccable in the sun but even when the dark clouds loom overhead and rain threatens, it does look beautiful whatever the weather. Royal Ascot is here and England has acknowledged its arrival. It simply doesn't get any better. Now what happened to your betting slip? It has to be full of winners or we're off for afternoon tea.