Ascot may not have got Winx but the man who did is delighted to be here

Ascot may have failed in its attempt to win the Winx wooing race but it has attracted the man who won that race.

For while this royal meeting has been staged without Winx, the international guests have included not only the superstar's co-owner Debbie Kepitis but also Don Casboult, chairman of Moonee Valley racecourse, where on October 27 he hopes to see the triple Ladbrokes Cox Plate heroine become the first horse ever to win Australia's most prestigious prize for a fourth time.

"I totally admire and respect the decision made by Winx's connections," says Casboult, a huge Royal Ascot fan and regular visitor.