Ascot a roaring success thanks to Her Majesty
If ever we needed our monarch it was last week and in my view, she played a blinder
It might sound a bit melodramatic [not that that has ever stopped me before] to describe Royal Ascot last week as the most important race meeting ever staged in this country, but I believe it was. Britain has lurched from one crisis to another in recent times and our validity as a great country is under attack from our European ‘friends’, who are lining up to undermine us in what ever way they can. Our political leaders are falling short and there is an apparently young political surge that would consign Royal Ascot and its like to the shredder. So not since the blitz has the role of our monarch been so important in shoring up her country. And what a blinder she has played.
Having to make the Queen’s Speech during such turbulent times and then dash to the races could have attracted considerable criticism. But instead, the Queen, having put her duty first, reminded an international audience why we are still a great nation.
It was noticeable how much the crowd wanted to show their appreciation of her and enjoy the look of genuine pleasure on her face, rather than obliged duty.
There was also a moment of potentially worldwide significance when Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, personally congratulated Khalifa Al Attiya, general manager of the Qatari royal family’s Al Shaqab racing operation, after Qemah had won on Wednesday. Who knows what that may signify for the Middle East blockade of Qatar.
Ascot is not only about horses, and it is not ashamed of that, there is also the pomp and ceremony. My own personal favourite this year was a poem commissioned by Ascot from poet Henry Birtles. He sums the meeting up so brilliantly.
A World like nowhere Else
Spinning on its own Axis, where seas of silk lap graceful shores, A world like nowhere else exists Where quintessential currents run and elegance and power converge,
And tales of timeless greats are spun and show-stoppers emerge
A world for all to celebrate; light years away from ordinary
A world which deftly radiates its realm; and bows to the extraordinary
Where earthly rigours found outside and lived outside are left outside
And wishes wished are realised through all the finer tastes this land will grant
To let its spell enchant; to walk its walk once through those golden gilded gates
To gaze at beauty styled and beauty stitched on graceful form adorned
To know the bay imperious Horse immortalised and cast in bronze is Yeats
That headlines here accomplished render sporting moments starred
This Kingdom … smiling Green Coats kindly guard; this universe beyond three centuries old
Such elements, such pieces of a jigsaw wrought to mould this multi-coloured globe
A blazing beacon to the most majestic sport of all where heroes rise and heroes fall,
And Royal Ascot’s world stands tallest of the tall
Meanwhile, it was heartening to see the ITV’S viewing figures, which were way above Channel 4’s last year and good news for the sport. They will feel, probably with justification, that the numbers vindicate their demystification approach to jargon. But I am not sure how long their presenters will feel comfortable with their explanatory ‘baby speak’.
That is not to belittle Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani, who are the best racing presenters we have ever had. However, if they are going to have a Royal expert, it would be nice if she got her facts right. On Saturday she told us for the second time in a week that the Queen reads the “Racing Times” over breakfast every day. You do not have to be an expert to know she does not.