Roger Varian on a memorable Royal Ascot and keeping his feet on the ground

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. This often misattributed sentiment by French traveller Jean Chardin dates to 1711, the same year Queen Anne first saw the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, and rang true in Ascot's famous winner's enclosure more than 300 years later.

While his talented string carried the weight of expectation unknowingly, Roger Varian was acutely aware of the importance of scoring at Royal Ascot. Behind his unfailingly calm demeanour and warm smile there was relief as he stood beside his first winner at the meeting since 2014.

The Classic-winning trainer, now in his ninth season with a licence, is no stranger to dining at racing's top table and has been a regular visitor this season. Defoe's Coronation Cup victory in front of the ITV cameras in May was the crowning glory so far, taking the trainer's global Group 1 tally to 17.