More than 30mm of rain has fallen at the course since Friday
Rain-soaked racegoers have braved bad weather on the first day of this year's Royal Ascot meeting.
Umbrellas were handed to many of the guests at the event - with others compromising their fancy attire with rain ponchos.
More than 30mm of rain has fallen at the course since Friday. The ground was officially described as soft after another 4mm of rain fell overnight.
Up to 280,000 racegoers are due to attend the event over five days.
Some racegoers doubled up on protective measures
While others were forced to prioritise to keep water off their precious garments
The meeting's first day features three top-level Group One races although there have been several withdrawals because of the rain-softened going
Umbrellas were handed to many of the guests at the event
Guests were given ponchos to protect their fine clothing
The ground was officially described as soft after another 4mm of rain fell overnight
The meeting is set to start with its softest ground for more than 40 years
Thousands of rain-soaked racegoers attended Royal Ascot's first meeting in Berkshire on Tuesday
A mixture of sunshine and showers are expected during the week
Up to 280,000 racegoers are due to attend the event over five days
Ascot is renowned as a meeting where top action on the track mixes with style and glamour off it
- Published14 June 2016
