by Hannibal Reitano
Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of flat racing calendar, with international horses dominating at least half of the meetings.
It is thanks to Queen Anne in 1711, who decided that the land was ideal for horses to “run at full gallop”, that we now enjoy this spectacular gathering yearly; and this year’s five days’ racing, from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive, did not disappoint.
Thursday was Ladies Day, and a chance for the ladies to shine and show their glamorous hats. It was also the day of the week’s highlight race, The Gold Cup , a group one race, run over about two miles, which was presented by Her Majesty The Queen.
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| Royal Enclosure |
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| The Royal Standard |
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| Allegra Cook |
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| Olivia Attwood |
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| Amanda Wakeley |
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| Alexandra Burke |
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| The Royal Guard Band |
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| H.M Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H Prince Andrew |
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| H.R.H the Princess Royal, Sir Tim Laurence and H.R.H Princess Eugenie |
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| H.R.H Princess Beatrice and H.R.H Princess Eugenie |
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| The Stables |
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| Royal Fanfare |
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| Frankie Dettori and Stradivarus Winner of The Gold Cup |
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| Frankie Dettori Famous Winner Jump |
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| H.M Queen Elizabeth II and Johnny Weatherby |
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| H.H Sheika Al Jalila, H.H Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum and H.R.H Princess Haya bint Hussain |
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| Kirsty Young Presenting The King George V Stakes Cup |
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| Frankie Dettori |
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| Johnny Gold |
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| Sarah Goodall MVO |
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| S.A.S Prince Hannibal Reitano and Ciara Harris |
