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| The bunting by The Bandstand at Ascot Racecourse |
Having looked forward to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Royal Ascot for so long it's now nearly over. Let's hope that summer returns after this winter like weather intermission!
The day that we attended Royal Ascot the weather was kind and the sun shone on proceedings. Not only is the location beautiful and the horses magnificent but people watching is wonderful. We saw some fabulous outfits and you have to look at all the little details, there are small treasures dotted all about. Especially crowns!
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| A pile of champagne coloured silk cushions to rest on in the Moet Stand |
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| The beautiful geraniums by the table areas |
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| 'Rembrandt' lions flank the crown gates |
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A little like Alice in Wonderland
A signpost topped by a crown in the Royal Enclosure |
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| There are crowns everywhere! The crown gates into the racecourse |
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| The Royal Box from the parade ring side |
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| You can just make out the Royal Box balcony, with the flower trim and heraldry |
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Even the saddlecloths are adorned with a crown.
This one is worn by the star of the meeting -
FRANKEL. |
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| A bit of fun - the Budgie in the flowers on this hat! |
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Just one stunning colourful hat, there were so many
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UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
and his wife Princess Haya in the parade ring with their horse |
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in the main parade ring |
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| The traditional sing along in the bandstand after racing |
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| The song book |
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| The band - don't you love her hat? |
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All over for another year
Catching the parking lot bus back to the car |
And ... for a meeting which has it all, the most perfect ending to Friday. A winner for the Queen when her 3 year old filly 'Estimate', who was favourite for the race, wins the Queen's Vase. It's her first winner at the meeting since Free Agent landed the Chesham in 2008 and her 21st winner at the royal meeting overall. And as she usually gives the winner of this race the award, her husband The Duke Of Edinburgh presented it to her. Something that has never happened before.
The meeting ends tomorrow, and the Austalian superstar unbeaten mare Black Caviar makes her debut in England. We are not there but it would be such fun to see all of her fans who have travelled over from Oz en masse to cheer her on. Good luck to them all!
I've just had a good catch-up of your recent posts - you're right....time flies!
ReplyDeleteDo you realise just what fairy-tale scenes you've described in the last few? It's a whole other reality, and I enjoy each and every glimpse.
Thank you Pondside, I'm glad that you enjoyed the posts. I do feel very lucky to be able to attend Royal Ascot. Hope all is well with you. x
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! What a grand affair! I only ever get to read about "the hats" and this infamous "dress code" - but really it's a very grand dignified and thoroughly enjoyable event!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
If only they allowed cats in eh? : ~ )
DeleteOh dear this is a magical post......first of all, thank you for visiting today! How did you find ME? I so enjoy British blogs and have dear blogger friends across the pond. Oooo....I see YOU BELIEVE IN DRAGONS!!!!!! Ok, this is good.
ReplyDeleteWell little black cat, you are very stylish and I love your reporting on the races! Very lovely is that hat with the budgie!!!
Do come again! Anita
Hello Anita, I adore anything with crowns and castles ..... but have to make do with a little cottage instead. Which is how I found you. Really enjoyed your blog too.
ReplyDeleteWow! A super post, I've loved watching it on TV this week but it must be fantastic to be there! Your photo's are great, so bright and colourful.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your get well wishes,
Hope that you have a good week,
Essie x
Dearest Minerva,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting on 'My Lace Pochettes' post!
This was a very interesting post too and sure it show cased lots of hats, ascots and the like. Love to see this style!
Wishing you a happy week ahead with hopefully some sunhine for you.
Love to you,
Mariette