17:51 Well that’s it, one day down, four more to go and what a cracking afternoon we have had. We can’t carry on like this all week can we?

17:48 Another cracking race to finish off the afternoon and after their domination last year the overseas raiders have met their match today.

The well touted Metropolitan Man was sent off a well backed favourite, hoping to win the race for the second year running for trainer Wesley Ward.

An impressive winner on debut he was not allowed to dominate this afternoon and when he could not get his head in front early doors he seemed to throw his toys out of the pram and give up.

The hard pulling Stone Of Foca was left in front with Excello but approaching a furlong out Marine Commando joined in the action was soon in front.

17:32 Roche Des Vents isn’t so much warm, he looks as though he has been in the sauna for the last hour.

Stone Of Folca is very much on his toes.

17:26 Our final contest on day one is the 5f Windsor Castle Stakes, a Listed race with 14 taking their chance, Dingle View is the non-runner.

17:21 In a 2½ mile contest the last thing you expect is for a runner to make all, however David Pipe’s Junior did just that under Seb Sanders.  

Four out it was a matter of who was going to make a late charge and grab glory, but nobody was able to challenge.

Aaim To Prosper and Ghimaar both looked possible challengers two out but as they looked to challenge Junior simply pulled further clear.

Inside the final furlong the favourite Ghimaar started sending out the distress signals.

Then – somewhat late the cavalry charge began. OK they were never going to trouble the winner but Elyaadi ran with the turbo fully engaged to take second spot.

It was a blanket finish for the other places with Aaim To Prosper taking second but judge Nick Bostock was unable to separate Dayia and Ghimaar for fourth.

16:59 Perfect Shot is having some majot tack adjustment at the start.

16:57 Race five is the first of this week’s marathons, the 2½ mile Ascot Stakes and we have 20 runners, so this should keep me on my toes.

16:48 I hope there are plenty of St John’s Ambulance personnel here this afternoon as Richard Hughes gave favourite backers a big fright in the Coventry stakes.

In a race where Frankie set the pace on Royah it looked as though the well backed Elzaam had stolen the race when he hit the front and pulled well clear two out.

Hughes on Strong Suit looked to be in all sorts of trouble and he had to weave his way (with some barging) through a bunching field.

Once he had daylight he ran on well  but had a lot of work to do as the line was looming fast.

Yards from the line and we were in for a bob finish. It was very close but judge Di Clarke gave the verdict to the favourite by a nose and it wasn’t a Cyrano De Bergerac nose either.

The front running Royah held on for third at a decent price for each way backers.

The previously unbeaten Samuel Morse, who had little luck in running, came home fourth.

Richrd Hughes confessed, "I had a nightmare. He's only had the one race at Newbury and he just went in a straight line but today I had a barging match with Klammer, it was just race-riding.

"He was very raw and green on me. He cocked his jaw when I ran into the back of one so I had to pick him up and get him going again.

"I had them all beat at the two furlong pole so I said 'let's go and win it' but I went to go round one horse and he just ran straight into the back of him.

"He wouldn't have come off the bit if that hadn't have happened - he's a machine."

16:23 The six furlong Coventry Stakes next, with 13 going to post. High Award and Irish Field being the non-runners.

Galtymore Lad, Roayh and Strong Suit were getting a little warm.

16:08 A good day at the office for trainer Richard Hannon as he trains the first two home in the St James’s Palace Stakes.

It was Steinbeck, one of three Ballydoyle runners who set the steady pace.

Dick Turpin and Encompassing formed the second rank with Beethoven, Noble’s Promise, Makfi, Canford Cliffs, Siyouni and Hearts Of Fire  forming an orderly queue behind.

Two out the race proper began as Ryan Moore eased Dick Turpin into the lead, with few seemingly willing or able to give chase.

One notable exception was stablemate Canford Cliffs, who made steady progress through the field and as they approached the line he was soon upsides and passing Dick Turpin. The margin of victory of one length belies the ease of his victory.

Credit must also be given to Hearts Of Fire who also made good progress to take third spot.

15:30 This afternoon’s feature race is next, the St James’s Palace Stakes over the round mile course.

Nine face the starter.

A cracking renewal with Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner, the unbeaten Makfi, taking on the Irish 2000 Guineas winner Canford Cliffs.

Canford Cliffs was third to Makfi at Newmarket and there is little to suggest he will reverse the form here again today. The only possible indication the form could be reversed is Canford Cliffs was pulling uncharacteristically hard at Newmarket.

Canford Cliffs is trained by Richard Hannon and, at a better price, I like the look of his other runner in this race, Dick Turpin.

Dick Turpin split Makfi and Canford Cliffs at Newmarket and in the French 1000 Guineas he was second behind Lope De Vega, who went on to win last weeks French Derby.

Steinbeck was fourth behind Canford Cliffs in the Irish 2000 Guineas but that was his first run of the season and he is bound to strip fitter as a result.

15:22 It was a case of history repeating itself and winding the clock back two years.

Then an unknown Spanish trained raider by the name of Equiano took the race.

Two years later and the horse is now trained by Barry Hills and he returned to the scene of his glory and virtually made all to take the race by an impressive 1½ lengths.

Antipodean raider Gold Trail started of with his usual burst of speed but then found the fast five too hot and he was soon outpaced.

Markab was with the pace throughout, even leading for the first few strides and although unable to seriously challenge the winner he held on to take second from the challenging Borerlescott, who again ran his heart out.

Another Australian raider, who vied for favouritism, came home fourth.

14:59 Time for the sprinters now and the King’s Stand Stakes over 5f.

Amour Propre was pulling slightly. Blue Jack is slightly on his toes.

Markap and Spin Cycle moreso on their toes and the latter is getting warm, as is Equiano.

Borderlescott and Nicconi are both relaxed.

14:47 Well the race lived up to expectations with a thrilling finish to start the meeting.

Calming Influence set the pace after Cat Junior got the best start.

Rip Van Winkle and Goldikova were happy to settle just behind the pace setter, with Cat Junior, Zacinto and Dalhhar forming the next rank and Richard Hughes settling Paco Boy towards the rear for a late run.

Two out Olivier Peslier made his move on Goldikova, earlier than many expected. The mare hit the front and Dalghar and Zacinto were the first to go after her. She had their measure though.
Goldikova was well clear passing the furlong pole but Richard Hughes then began to make his run on Paco Boy and was eating up the ground.

The question was would the line come in time to save the French raider and it did, with her holding on by a fast diminishing neck.

Another running on well at the close was Dream Eater who just denied Zacinto to take third spot.

Winning trainer Freddie Head commented, "When Paco Boy came I was a little scared, but when she gets to the front she is never beaten.

"She always finds something else, she is extraordinary.

"Olivier is the rider. He does what he wants. I am just the trainer and I felt she was at her best today and she showed it, I think.

"He came a bit early, but it was perfect. She was relaxed in the race and I was never worried really.

"I suppose now we are going to Deauville, for the Rothschild and afterwards the Jacques le Marois."

14:25 Rip Van Winkle is being taken to post steadily.

14:22 Goldikova is a little bit on her toes as is the other French raider Dalghar.

14:17 The Queen has arrived, so time to get the show on the road. Interestingly wearing a top hat and tails does not automatically mean you have any breeding or manners. BBC Radio's Cornelius Lysaght thought it acceptable to talk all through the playing of the National Anthem.

13:45 I think I am getting old. I have just popped outside for a breath of fresh air, it is very muggy in our bunker under the stands, and the security guard outside the door of the Media Centre looks younger than my 14 year old nephew.

Obviously they feel we don’t need that much protection.

13:31 Our opening contest is the Queen Anne Stakes over the straight mile and, ironically, it looks as though we are opening with, what on paper, looks to be the best race of the week.

Paco Boy won this contest last year and has done nothing wrong winning both his outings this season. However these two contests were against much inferior opposition. Additionally this year’s renewal looks to be a much stronger contest.

Rip Van Winkle has beaten Paco Boy but he comes here off a 218 day layoff and there are questions as to whether he will be at his best after said layoff and he may need the run. He has been drifting in the betting over the last couple of days.

French raider Goldikova is the class act in the field, winner of eight group ones and fresh from a run at Longchamp last month, she ticks all the boxes and also had the advantage of 3lb mares advantage.

It will be a big surprise if the three above do not fill the first three places and the mare must have a favourites chance.

For an each-way chance, just in case one of the principals blows up, have a look at another French raider Dalghar. Only a four-year-old and lightly raced in comparison to his rivals. He will need to step up to play a part in this contest but he has scope for improvement.

13:26 Just over an hour to the opening contest and, I’m not sure if it is my imagination, the crowd does not seem as big as it was on the opening day last year. No doubt when the official figures come out they will prove me wrong.   

The Royal Procession is due to arrive in just over half an hour. Today The Queen is bringing her middle son to the races with her.

Trainer Richard Fahey is also in the procession today – an omen for his runners this afternoon?

13:06 A final look around before the main business of the day gets underway.

12:45 I am pleased to report Bic Mac has left the Media Centre.

Now let me say I have nothing against the man, I like him a lot in fact.

However he is sitting immediately behind me and he is not the most sylph like of people, which means I am rammed in against the desk and it is even worse with people attempting to squeeze by.

At least I can now breath normally again.

12:42 Right I am back, sorted out the final decs for Thursday – from that point of view I am a great lover of 48 hour decs.

Have also thrown some food down my throat, although having to follow the vultures left little choice – although the cold curried chicken comes highly recommended.

A betting update from Skybet (other bookmakers are available but Skybet is the only one I have to hand)

"In the Queen Anne Goldikova has obviously been popular but punters are also getting stuck into Zacinto (16/1 from 20/!), punters are seemingly willing to forgive his lifeless run in the lockinge, he wouldn't have too much to find with Rip Van Winkle on QEII form.

"The Kings Stand Stakes hasn't quite caught fire yet but we are keen to avoid the aussie horse Nicconi (11/4) so we have seen money for Borderlescott at a tasty looking 14/1.

"In a mouthwatering St James Palace stakes our Head of Racing Richard Horner is quite keen on Siyouni so we have tried to keep that one on our side. We have seen money for most of the rest including Fallon's mount Noble's Promise @ 18/1. At the front of the market Canford Cliffs @ 2/1 has been more popular than 2000 guineas winner Makfi 11/4.

"Away from the group 1 action Sleepy Hollow in the Ascot stakes has attracted some interesting money (14/1 from 16/1) and Chilworth Lad in the last, 8/1 from 9/1. Money we would most respect however has been for the Richard Hannon horse Strong Suit in the Coventry Stakes (9/4 from 5/2) who has been backed like a top class horse.”

11:44 Beauty and The Beast, a very elegant looking Alex Quinn with a not quite so elegant Big Mac, strut their stuff for ATR.

11:21 Latest going stick readings are:

Straight course - Stands' Side 9.2, Centre 9.0, Far Side 9.4

Round Course - 8.6

11:05 For the 13th successive year Richard Hoiles and Simon Holt will be sharing the course commentary. Today Simon is taking the “odd” races and Richard the "even".

Even though they commentate on alternate races they are both in the commentary box together, helping one another out, especially in the big field cavalry charges down the home straight.

As Hoiles explained, “we have worked together for so long we almost have a sixth sense with one another and we know when or when not to help one another.

“It is particularly useful when the field splits and we can watch the part the other one is not following to pick up any incidents.”

John Hunt is, once again, providing the commentary on Five Live and I share a golf buggy from the car park with him this morning. I was surprised to see him carrying all his own equipment.

He explained, “normally we have a full outside broadcast unit here and they do the set-up, but with the World Cup there is no unit here, so it is a case of bring your own.”

I asked if he used a spotter in the big field races and his response was, “I prefer to do the race on my own.

“We all have different ways of doing it, with Richard and Simon on the course commentary they have worked together so long they have it off to a fine art.”

10:49 A self indulgent shot, showing my little bit of Berkshire.

10:36 A case of the lull before the storm. The gates opened a few minutes ago and I have just had a stroll round a relatively deserted Ascot.

It does not matter who you are, you still have to queue.

In a few hours it is unlikely you will be able to see the grass.

Inside Terminal 5 ...... sorry The Grandstand.

10:01 Good morning from day one of Royal Ascot 2010.

We look to be in line for a nice sunny day and we have a cracking card, which gets underway at 14:30.

The official going is Good and we currently have three non-runners.

Return to race archive:

Non-Runners

The time in brackets is the time the horse was officially declared a non-runner.

SC - Self Certificate
VC - Vet's Certificate

Non-runners

16:25
5 High Award (other - VC 09:54 Mon)
6 Irish Field (no reason given - 09:48 Mon)

17:35
12 Dingle View (poor blood analysis - SC 08:55)

Results

14:30 Queen Anne Stakes 1m

15:05 King's Stand Stakes 5f

15:50 St James's Palace Stakes 1m

16:25 Coventry Stakes 6f

17:00 Ascot Stakes 2m 4f

17:35 Windsor Castle Stakes 5f