Sniffer dogs, stewards and spotters as Royal Ascot fights back against trouble

While it was not quite a ring of steel, an unprecedented security operation took place at Ascot on the opening day of the royal meeting, which appeared to pass without a repeat of the violent and ugly scenes that have marred high-profile racecourses including this track in recent months.

Fights on consecutive weekends at Goodwood and Ascot shocked the sport, went viral on social media and drew widespread coverage in the national media, while more negative attention followed in last weekend's Sunday Times, which carried a story alleging inappropriate and lurid behaviour towards hostesses by hospitality guests.

As such, Flat racing has been in danger of developing a Jekyll and Hyde reputation: on the one hand regarded as the sport of kings and queens, a glamorous world of fast horses and high fashion; on the other a swamp of boozed-up, drug-fuelled yobs.