ROYAL Ascot 2016 had a certain poignancy for me, as it came in the immediate aftermath of my mother Sheila’s untimely death. However it was a favourite venue each year for both her and my father Benny and this made the decision to attend easier to make.

There is no place quite like Ascot during this June week. It is British pomp and ceremony allied to a very serious business, where reputations can be enhanced and stud careers cemented following victory in any of the feature races.