Time to hail the year of the veteran as experienced riders stay the course again
It is the year of the veteran jockey though we are missing the oldest and boldest of all racing savants, with the absence thus far of Her Majesty at this meeting.
Happy rumour has it that she may honour the meeting with her presence on Saturday, which will mean normal service may resume. And this is a woman who knows the meaning of the word service in a way few others down the ages would have a clue about.
At 95 she still wins best turned out in the paddock on occasions, though when she gets the sponsor's £200 the transfer is made with utter discretion to a passing footman.
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- Queen's Vase: 'I thought we were beat' - Joseph O'Brien strikes again after Limestone prevails in photo-finish
- Prince of Wales's Stakes: classy Ombudsman sparkles in Royal Ascot showdown against Daryz
- Duke of Cambridge Stakes: 'She's a star' - Blue Bolt wins for Andrew Balding and Colin Keane
- Queen Mary Stakes: exciting filly Victorious powers to impressive win as Aidan O'Brien nears landmark 100th Royal Ascot success
- 'I've laid an even £5,000, an even £2,000, another £2,000, loads of £1,000 bets - we want Bow Echo beaten!'