大象传媒

Yeats

On the track Royal Ascot 2008 will be remembered for one remarkable seven year old.

Yeats was trainer Aiden O'Brien and jockey Johnny Murtagh's fourth group one victory of the week.

Geraniums gave the grounds a lift

Before Yeats, Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade produced performances expected of them, and Haradasun's win in the Queen Anne Stakes was a first day bonus for the Ballydoyle team.

In total the O'Brien and Murtagh combination won six races, and scooped the London Clubs International Charity Trophies.

The Queen's Free Agent

The highlight on the final day came in the opening race. Her Majesty the Queen's beaming smile, as her 'Free Agent' romped home in the Chesham, ended a nine-year wait.

The Queen loves Royal Ascot. The excitement of this win will only deepen her feelings for the week.

Hughie Morrison

Not many Berkshire winners...

The only Berkshire trainer to experience a moment of triumph was East Ilsley's Hughie Morrison.

Supaseus' win in the Wolverton Handicap on Friday was the only Berkshire trained winner, in an otherwise frustrating week.

Mick Channon's West Ilsley yard experienced their first blank Royal Ascot in many years.

Jamie Osbourne's Geordieland was again second to Yeats, and Barry Hills and Andrew Balding were both run out of races in the closing furlongs.

Off the track

Off the track it was a good year for the organisers. Crowds were up, spectacularly so on the Saturday.

Until mid Friday afternoon the weather held, though there was a damp and chilly close to the penultimate day.

Fashion gurus were absorbed by the new 'Face of Ascot' competition. From the garish to the more traditional, fashions at Royal Ascot never disappoint.

Could this be the 'Face of Royal Ascot'?

Since re-opening three years ago Ascot has endured mixed reviews. The great 400 meter long pavilion has been compared to airports and shopping arcades by less sympathetic observers.

This year it felt more bedded in as a sporting venue. Red geraniums adorning the Winner's Enclosure gave an otherwise grey amphitheatre a colourful lift.

More seating, temporary footbridges over Ascot high street, and the simple fact punters know the course layout better, all contributed to happier feel to the much scrutinised five days.

For those who hit Royal Ascot hard it will take 11 months to recover. Role on next June.

Rumours abound Yeats could be back for a fourth crack at the Gold Cup.