'I think I probably needed Valium this morning - Ascot with people is amazing'

Just over four hours after those handsome gates were finally opened, two musicians from the Band of the Grenadier Guards commenced a trumpet fanfare.

All around the parade ring paying customers joined in applause until Frankie Dettori began to blow them kisses and triggered even more acclaim. The applause was joined by cheers and under a sumptuous sun the jockey who loves this place more than any other soared off Palace Pier's back.

In that moment, and so many others, this was a perfect day at Royal Ascot.