Royal Ascot was bathed in brilliant summer sunshine yesterday as the Queen arrived for another day of premier racing at the world-famous event.
Betting on the colour of the Queen’s hat remains hugely popular
She processed along the course in a carriage with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who also joined her on Tuesday for the opening day of the event.
The Queen is a keen horse-breeder and owner who attends Royal Ascot most years but she is the focus of betting attention.
Racegoers traditionally have a punt on the colour of the hat she will wear on Ladies’ Day, being staged today, when female racegoers wear even more outlandish hats and outfits than usual.
Bookmaker Coral believes she will wear a blue hat and makes the colour its 3-1 favourite. But punters have been backing purple and its odds have fallen from 8-1 to 5-1.
A Coral spokeswoman said: “Betting on the colour of the Queen’s hat remains hugely popular among punters and after predicting pink on day one, they seem to be feeling confident about investing their money in purple.”
The carriage procession also featured the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and was warmly greeted by the crowds in the stands as it passed by.
The Queen wore a mint green crepe coat and a multicoloured floral silk dress by Peter Enrione, with a matching mint and violet-coloured Angela Kelly hat, with a diamond and emerald brooch.
Among the famous faces enjoying a day at the races was Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, former Formula One boss Eddie Jordan and theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
Other members of the Royal Family who were part of the Queen’s group were her nephew Viscount Linley and his wife, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Prince Charles not only watched the racing from the royal box but also presented prizes to the winning jockey and trainer of the feature race which bore his title – the Prince of Wales Stakes.
The crowds cheered as the thoroughbred Al Kazeem chased down early leader Mukhadram, producing a dramatic finish to pip the horse at the post, while The Fugue, owned by Lord Lloyd-Webber came third. The Prince was joined by wife Camilla as he presented prizes to winning jockey James Doyle and trainer Roger Charlton.