Royal Ascot 2022 in pictures with words from the Secret Racegoer
In what was a sun-drenched Royal Ascot, we capture the scenes around the racecourse with the Secret Racegoer providing the commentary
And so it begins, from the tranquillity of the Owners and Trainers lounge
Security was high, with snipers on top of buildings, and they had a good view of one misdemeanor – that of Paul Hanagan’s ride on The Riddler. Fortunately for the jockey, the stewards dealt out the penalty
The Queen wasn’t able to attend any of the days, the first time since her coronation, but other members of the Royal Family stood in, including Charles and Camilla, who received polite applause and a very short rendition of the National Anthem. This was subsequently extended to a fuller version for the rest of the week once the missing sheet music was found
After the royal party had headed into the shade, the jockeys headed into the parade ring and, post-race, one or two returned to less than polite applause
“That’s the one The Racing Hub tipped – what else in running?”
Baaeed has the field spreadeagled in the opening Queen Anne Stakes and backers built up their betting funds with untold riches at odds of, er, 1/6
But later in the week some was given back after Frankie Dettori played the wrong notes on Stradivarius
Racegoers searched for somewhere to sit to enjoy their beverages but seats were at a premium, whilst others headed upstairs to try their luck – in vein
Multi-colour prints seemed to be a fashion pick…
…whilst others struck a patriotic note
Racegoers headed out into the the 30 degree heat whilst for some…
…it proved a little too much
♦ The Secret Racegoer was talking to Mike Deasy