CHIVALRY

is well and truly alive among the horsey set, but some members are prepared to go the extra furlong. The British Horseracing Authority chairman, Steve Harman, 62, has just asked one of the Queen’s confidants, Harry Herbert, if he would mind if Harman courted his glamorous ex-wife, Francesca, 55 — known as Chica (right, with her former husband). ‘I did the gentlemanly thing,’ Harman tells me. ‘I’ve known Harry for eight or nine years, so asked him if it would be all right if I took Chica out for dinner. We have been going out for three months now. She’s absolutely lovely.’ Happily, Harry, 59 – whose brother, the Earl of Carnarvon, lives at Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed — was delighted to give his blessing. Especially now that he also has a new filly of his own — Irish chef Clodagh McKenna, 43.