Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For our latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER travelled to Ascot Racecourse for the final day of Royal Ascot on Saturday.
The historic five-day event – which evolved from the first ever four-day race meeting held at the racecourse in 1768 – didn’t disappoint as plenty of drama took place across the week.
Saturday saw another sensational spectacle as Khaadem, an 80-1 outsider, claimed a shock win in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, while this year also saw Ascot say goodbye to the legendary Frankie Dettori ahead of his retirement at the end of the season.
The excitement, anguish and elation of the race was felt by thousands at the sell-out event, with many more watching from afar in what is no doubt one of the greatest occasions in the British sporting calendar.
On this year’s final day, our man captured all the build-up, atmosphere and drama – and it was done using a Nikon Z9 Camera, and 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 400mm lenses.
Royal Ascot remains one of the most iconic events in the British sporting calendar and took place from Tuesday to Saturday
Thousands of excited punters descended on the famous Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire across the five-day event last week
Dressing smart is a major part of the occasion, with two racegoers showing off their attire including the addition of top hats
Smartly and brightly-dressed ladies pose for their picture at Ascot upon arrival ahead of a fun-filled day of entertainment
It is a hugely traditional event as each day begins with the Royal Procession when the monarch and other members of the royal family arrive (pictured – King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla arriving into the parade ring by carriage on Saturday)
Racegoers arrive in style to what is Britain’s most valuable race meeting with millions of pounds in prize money up for grabs
One lady with a matching dress and hat takes in the atmosphere on the final day of the event which saw 35 races in five days
Others pose for their picture in front of some well-arranged flowers as they prepare for the drama which unfolded on the day
Punters relax in the highly-prestigious Royal Enclosure – where access is strictly limited – ahead of racing getting underway
One shows off for the Mail Sport camera when they spot it capturing various shots of the day’s unique atmosphere and events
A packed out crowd enjoy the beautiful weather on the last Saturday in June and tuck into their alcoholic beverages
There is so much history surrounding Royal Ascot which first took place as a four-day event all the way back in 1768
A lady celebrates Khaadem’s 80-1 win in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – the biggest-priced winner in the race’s history
Racegoers take a moment to rest and discuss events as one of the seven races from Saturday takes place behind them
The Chesham Stakes – pictured from the Royal Enclosure – kicked off the action, with the whole Ascot site in the background
One racegoer takes a rest at Ascot with the event generally attracting attendances of about 300,000 people across the week
Another happy racegoer, who is well-dressed for the occasion, gets in the celebratory mood as the races come thick and fast
One bookmaker takes a break amid the action-packed day with a signficant number of punters trying their luck on a horse
Saturday’s second race, the Jersey Stakes, in full flow – Age of Kings which was ridden by Wayne Lordan emerged victorious
One victorious and very happy punter collects his winnings from the bookies after enjoying success on the event’s final day
The dress code for the event is strict with racegoers in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures required to adhere to rules
In the Queen Anne Enclosoure ladies have to wear a hat or fascinator at all times while men must wear a full-length suit and tie
More smartly-dressed attendees enjoy drinks in the sun in what were sweltering temperatures in the south on Saturday
A punter shows the tired inside of his top hat which is a family heirloom – an item passed down by a deceased family member
Another racegoer fumbles with his beer and money as he tries to put a bet on one of the seven races across the Saturday
Two ladies shield themselves from the sun thanks to an umbrella and hand-held fan as tempearatures reached 28 degrees
Legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori (bottom middle – top hat) arrives ahead of racing on Saturday in a royal carriage
Dettori – who is retiring from the sport at the end of the season – ended with an impressive 81 career wins at Royal Ascot
One racegoer shows their love for Dettori by posing with a cardboard cut out of the Italian, who bowed out in style at Ascot
Dettori walks to the weighing room but he could not add another winner across five races on his final day of action at Ascot
A lady shows off her impressive hat as she enjoys the extremely relaxed, joyous and social atmosphere on display at Ascot
One racegoer opens a bottle of Champagne – a glass of Moet in the Royal Enclosure set punters back a staggering £24
A long-distance shot of the start of the Chesham Stakes with a picturesque view of central London deep on the horizon
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