Smitten Aussie seeks woman of his dreams lost in Ascot crowds

A lovestruck Australian is desperately trying to track down a mystery woman he was smitten by at Royal Ascot after an all too brief encounter.

Ray Donovan, a racehorse owner and breeder from Brisbane, met the woman on the Friday of the royal meeting but they got separated in the crowds and he could not find her again.

To Donovan's frustration he cannot recall the first name of the woman but believes she either lives or work in Windsor. He has already been to Windsor in the hope he might bump into her and is considering making another trip before he returns to Australia in two weeks' time.

Donovan was in the Queen Anne enclosure at Ascot, his tickets arranged by Coolmore whose stallions he uses, when he encountered the woman.

"I was in the Queen Anne when I saw these two women nearby and the lady in question called me over while she was doing her friend's hair. Then we started to chat.

"We had discussed her name, which she said was of Greek origin, but for love nor money I can't remember it. I'd know it if I heard it. I said I would love to get her a drink and her exact words were, 'Only if you stay with me all day'.

"They went to the entertainment area and her friend said, 'Make sure you find her'. I went to the toilet and came back and couldn't find them. At one point I could see them in the distance around the bandstand but there were so many people I couldn't reach them.

"All I know is her friend said she had a high-level job, which could be in Windsor or she could live in Windsor. She was wearing a black hat with wide brim and large black feathers.

"This is something I've never really experienced before. It is quite bizarre the effect it has had on me."

Donovan has been involved in racing for 27 years and has high hopes for the Anthony Cummings-trained Lucky Louie, who finished second in a Group 3 on last year's Melbourne Cup card and is being trained for the spring carnival again.

He recognises his search may prove a forlorn one, but added: "I have never had a meeting with anyone like this in my life. I have never gone to these lengths. I even got a train from London to Windsor in case I bumped into her.

"I don't know how I will track her down but I know that if she knew I was out there I am sure she would want to make contact."

Donovan can be reached on 07514 943927