ROYAL Ascot – a week guaranteed to jolt racing out of the humdrum into a summer extravaganza of superior racing. The best flat horses, from jaunty juveniles to seasoned older horses, blasting over the shortest to longest trips on turf.

And how the Ascot authorities served it up again to famished fans. The select crowds lapping up the extra space on the perfect lawns and inspiring the green-eyed monster in this TV watcher. The sense of gratitude among racegoers just to be there was palpable. Very civilised. There was even a (sort of) royal procession although no Queen in the Ascot landau until she made it in time for the finale (phew).