From press association 2021
Race goers enjoy the action at Royal Ascot
Race goers will return to Royal Ascot when the sporting and social event welcomes crowds in the stands for the first time since the pandemic began.
Players in fancy hats, summer dresses and elegant suits will cheer on the jockeys for the next five days on the Berkshire circuit.
The Queen was a regular at Royal Ascot prior to the pandemic and it is not known if she will be attending this week, but race-goers hope to see her in the royal box.
The head of state is passionate about horse breeding and has a number of runners scheduled to be entered this week at Royal Ascot, with her thoroughbred King’s Lynn competing in the King’s Stand Stakes on Tuesday.
The Queen pictured at Royal Ascot in recent years (Mike Egerton / PA)
Traditionally, the Queen arrives at Royal Ascot with her guests in a carriage procession, but if she does, it will likely be by limousine.
Bookmaker William Hill has already opened a book on a favorite bet among race-goers – the color of the queen’s hat, with blue being the early favorite at odds of 3-1.
Spokesman Rupert Adams said, “Blue looks the bet and we’ve already seen money for the favorite.”
Royal Ascot was staged behind closed doors last year, but this week it will open to the public after being selected to participate in the government’s event research program on behalf of racing.
Every day 12,000 race visitors can see the sports spectacle after negative Covid-19 tests.
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