The day starts early for the groundstaff at Ascot, making every aspect of the course and grounds look spectacular

And the press cameras start photographing the spectacular outfits long before the horses parade

The meeting is a celebration of racing, wealth, tradition and fashion, with the parade ground as scrutinised as the finishing post

With the sun shining on day one, many racegoers take the chance to dress in some colourful attire

The Queen opts for a pink champagne ensemble as she makes her way down the course for the first day of the five-day meeting

Haradasun, who came to Aidan O'Brien's stable this year from Australia, wins the day's opening race the Queen Anne Stakes

An enthusiastic greeting for Prince Charles from his niece Zara Phillips who is wearing a beige straw hat and blouse with a black skirt.

Equiano (right) becomes the first Spanish-trained winner at the Royal meeting after taking the King's Stand Stakes

Henrythenavigator powers to victory in the St James's Palace Stakes to add to his dual Guineas wins

Art Connoisseur's win in the Coventry Stakes marks him out as a contender for next year's Guineas