08:34 Good morning from day four of Royal Ascot where the sun is breaking through.

A massive crowd is expected today and, from a racing perspective, a really tricky card to solve.

We currently have three non-runners.

The going remains Good to Firm, Good in Places

The going stick at 08:00 is Straight Course: Stands side 10.1 Centre 10.0 Far Side 10.3 and the round course 9.1

There was no watering but 1.2mm of rain fell overnight.

10:02 Anybody who thinks being a police officer is all fast cars and flashing blue lights had better think again.

As has been the case every day this week the police are finishing off their security sweeping of the stands. I have just seen two officers emerge from the lavatories with full arm length gloves.

Yes the searchers are that thorough!!!

Very quiet here in the media centre there are a few snappers here early. Big Mac has just come in after an ATR stint and the Boobie has just bought in a tray of coffee and biscuits for him. Having said that he is looking enviously at my bacon roll.

John Hunt is sitting to my right doing his homework this afternoon and he is not at all happy about yesterdays football. Usually keen to discuss all things football, he doesn’t seem that keen to discuss it this morning.   

10:26 I just realised I said good morning from day four earlier on. It is, of course, day five - all the days are rolling into one.

10:41 The gates have opened for the final time this week and the early arrivals are already streaming in. Saturday has now become the busiest day of the meeting and some 78,000 are expected today.

11:42 It is not so warm today with a strong wind, meaning it is not so comfortable in the Silver Ring today.

11:48 Behind the scenes is a massive international broadcast, here is the production centre.

12:54 There is barely a blade of grass to be seen in the Silver Ring.

Whilst elsewhere there is the time and space to quietly study the form.

13:07 Some betting news now.

In the Chesham Stakes Casper’s Touch is well supported 6/1 from 9/1 with William Hill and 8/1 from 16/1 with Totesport.

In the same race Fanny May is 16’s from 25’s with Paddy Power.

King Torus is now a s low as 7/2 in places having been 5/1 this morning.

In the Hardwicke Stakes Harbinger is strengthening to quite a short odds-on price, although the non-runner has helped account for some of the shortening,

In the Golden Jubilee Fleeting Spirit, High Standing, Lord Shanakill, Main Aim and Showcasing are all attracting support.

In the Wokingham the money is for Gallagher, Genki, Golden Desert and Laddies Poker Two.

In the Duke Of Edinburgh, Imposing (5/2 from 3/1), Martyr (10’s from 12’s) and Sweet Lightning (11/1 from 14/1) are the three being backed.

14:18 The Royal Party have arrived

14:25 Time to concentrate on what we are here for and our opening contest the first 7f contest for two-year-olds of the season, the Chesham Stakes.

Fork Handles does not run, leaving twelve to face the starter.

14:49 In this contest the jockeys favoured the stands side and it was Straight Line who tacked across to grab the stands rail and set the early pace.

Settled on his quarters were the favourite Jackaroo, Eskimo and Clarke Lane.

They held the lead until Seb Sanders asked Zaidan for a run inside the two and he hit the front with ease, soon opening up daylight.

It looked like being a facile win until Sonning Rose under Alan Munro found the turbocharger to run on best of all. However the charge was too late and she only came within three lengths of the winner.

Another doing well at the finish was American raider Sasper’s Touch, conceding weight to all his rivals and he did well to get within ¾ of  alength of the runner-up.

Winning trainer Clive Brittain said he was worried when Zaidan began to get on edge and took a strong hold going to post.

15:00 Onto the round course next and the Hardwicke Stakes over 1½ miles, with 11 going to post.

Jukebox Jury who disappointed when upped to Group 1 at Epsom may not have liked the ground that day. Having to give weight all round not helping on drop back to handicap company.

Duncan showed great promise early last year but then lost his way. Lost seasonal debut over course and distance by hanging right. Provided he behaves he has every chance.

Harbinger has made good progress this season. Beating Gold Cup runner-up Age Of Aquarius runner-up at Chester. The one to beat.

Redwood was second to Glass Harmonium (disappointing here earlier in the week) before going down at Chester (possibly unsuited by the soft going).

Wajir, successful at Group 3 in France last year. Needed re-appearance this year and stable doing well here this week.

Barshiba beat Duncan here two runs ago, last run forgiven due to unsuitable going. Will be thereabouts.      

15:24 It is fortunate access to the roof of the stands is severely restricted here, otherwise there would be bookmakers throwing themselves off the roof.

It has already been a bad week for them but Harbinger was the best backed runner of the week and to say he sluiced up in the race would be an understatement

Barshiba set the pace, which was a good one, South Easter and Crowded House settled second rank, with Harbinger, Jukebox Jury and Petara Bay next.

Just before they swung for home Barshiba was still in front with Crowded House second and Harbinger getting closer to the leaders.

Two out it was race over, Ryan Moore (now in front as leading rider at the meeting) asked Harbinger for his effort and he not only eased effortlessly into the lead, he made his rivals look ordinary opening up a chasm.

The only one able to go after him was Duncan, who eventually finished 3½ lengths  clear but it should be noted the winner was not flat out.

To underline how emphatic the win was, Barshiba finished third some six lengths behind the runner-up.

Winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute said, "He was very professional and travelled so well.

"He were very thrilled with him at Newbury. It was a good performance at Chester, but more workmanlike, but Chester is a tight track and he's a big, galloping horse.

"We need to sit down and have a good old chat about the best thing to do."

Talking of future plans Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said, "Sir Michael has obviously got the Derby winner in the King George and if he wants to run there we certainly wouldn't put him off.

"He's such an exciting horse. Looking at him in the parade ring today you could see how well he was progressing."

15:45 Our big race next, the Golden Jubilee Stakes, the biggest field ever seen for this contest as 24 line up for the 6f contest and good luck to Simon Holt who has the joy of calling them home.

Both War Artist and Sayif are very much on their toes and Kinsale King was ponied to the start.

Hard to ignore Fleeting Spirit, winner of last years July Cup and second in last years Kings Stand. Has been off since November but goes well fresh. Also well drawn.

Showcasing impressed last year and was an impressive second on seasonal debut, progressive but draw a concern.

War Artist was a classy sprinter but seems to have lost way now, the same can apply to last years Prix de l’Abbaye winner Total Gallery.

Prime Defender has had a busy season but has hit a purple patch of late and is looking for a three-timer. Was probably a lucky winner last time and has an horrendous draw today.

Marchand D’Or was a top sprinter in 2008, disappointing last season, but won at Longchamp on seasonal debut. Mat have to give way to the younger generation here.

Balthazaar’s Gift is an annoying sort who looks to have great potential but all too frequently fails to deliver.

Amico Fritz is a progressive French raider. This is a step up in class but should not be dismissed.

16:09 Well after the far side dominating all week it is the stands side which is dominating today.

Aidan O’Brien’s outfit finally hit form yesterday and they have continued it in our feature race as Starspangledbanner fired out of the stalls, was clear after 100 yards and was never headed, eventually coming home 1¾ lengths clear.

Kinsale King led for the first 100 yards and was the one who did most to challenge the leader and he was just denied second place by the running-on Society Rock.

Fleeting Spirit showed she was still in love with the game in winning the battle on the far side and taking fourth spot.

16:22 Another nightmare contest as 27 line up for the Wokingham Stakes, again over six furlongs – this time Richard Hoiles has the honour of calling them home.

16:42 Well Starspangledbanner set a new course record in the Golden Jubilee but the record only lasted 35 minutes as Laddies Poker Two stormed home to victory in an even faster time.  

Once again the stand side dominated with the first five home coming on that side of the course.

Masamah was the pace setter on the stand side, with Ingleby Lady, Dtriking Spirit and Evens And Odds also prominent.

On the far side Mac Gille Eoin, Johannes and Noverre to Go dominated.

However that man Murtagh, no winners before yesterday, produced the winner with a spectacular run to record a 2½ length victory.

16:55 Our penultimate race, the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes over 1½ miles with 19 facing the starter.

Another tricky contest where cases can be made for most of them.

Eradicate has form at this distance when trained by Mark Johnston. Now with Nicky Henderson and winner of last months Swinton Hurdle at Haydock. Found two miles too far last time on the flat and could be an each way proposition here.

Drill Sergeant won this contest last year but has failed to impress in four runs this year. Off the same weight as last year and every chance if recreating last years form.

Imposing is very unexposed and was a comfortable winner at York on seasonal debut after a long layoff. Will come on for that run and runs as though the extra 2f today will not be an inconvenience.

Shamali is another unexposed sort who looks to have needed his two runs this season. Could well play a part.

Mystery Star is very versatile regards distance, winning from 12 to 18 furlongs. Seems to be finding form again.

Just Lillie has been very progressive this season but handicapper has hiked her 9lbs for her last win.

Australia Day likes to dominate but doesn’t get in front that often. Now dropping down the weights to a handy mark. Disappointing at Epsom last time but may not have been suited by the track.

Submariner is a likeable sort who always seems to run best under Frankie (who is on board today). Trip no problem and is relatively unexposed.

Martyr was third in this contest last year and won well for a new stable last time out, despite hitting trouble in running. Can easily make the frame again.

Cill Rialaig is a likeable filly who ran a very credible second over this trip at Epsom. She has only been raised 1lb for that run and is another with a good chance.     

17:15 Cill Rialaig has been a promising mare this season and did nothing wrong in defeat at Epsom last time, this afternoon she deservedly managed to get her head in front in taking the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes.

Australia Day set the pace with Eradicate, Just Lillie, last years winner Drill Sergeant and Martyr tracking.

Favourite Imposing was settled in rear by Johnny Murtagh.

There was little change in the order until the staraight and as they turned for home the favourite looked to be in big trouble.

Steve Drowne meanwhile took Cill Rialaig to the front and opened up what proved to be a crucial lead.

Martyr was the initial pursuer.

Eventually Murtagh found daylight and set off in pursuit of the leader. Imposing was flying home, eating up the ground but the line came just in time for Cill Rialaig who recorded a neck victory over the jolly.

17:34 Our final contest of the week, there is a rumour they are considering seven races a day next week, I hope it is only a vicious rumour.

The longest race of the week the extended 2m 5f Queen Alexandra Stakes, sees 18 go to post.

Caracciola became the oldest horse to win at the Royal meeting when taking this contest as a 12 year old last season. That win coming on the back of an impressive win at York. This season he was only 9th in the York contest, with no obvious excuse. Giving weight all round it is a big ask for him to win again.

Aajel is relatively lightly raced of late, winning his sole start over 2m and winning over 2m here on seasonal debut. Ran as if something amiss at Your last time and questions over stamina over this trip.

Baddam won this in 2006 but runs more bad races than good nowadays. Made a successful chasing debut last month but others preferred.

Deutschland is the dual purpose horse that Irish commentator Dessie Scahill can never pronounce properly. Good enough horse in terms of quality and reasonably weighted.

Hoillins won over 2¼ miles at York but has been given an 8lb hike by the handicapper. Will need to run a career best to figure here.

Ringaroses is a very likeable gelding over obstacles with winning form up to three miles. An interesting contender on flat debut and handicapper has taken a chance – could be a handicap snip.

Sentry Duty hasn’t been seen on the flat for a couple of years. Stamina no problem and interesting now back on the flat again.

Swingkeel is better than his bare Chester Cup form suggests and is worth a chance at this trip.

15:57 Our final race of the day gave us a good finish as Bergo beat Aajel, giving Ryan Moore the jockeys title for the meeting in the process.

Baddam and Aajel were the pace setters, with the latter having run wide in the early stages before joining the main group.

Sweetheart, Bergo and Hollins were in second rank.

There was little change in front until two out when Aajel made a run for home under Richard Hills but Moore was tracking his every move and hit the front inside the final furlong, recording  a 1½ length victory.

Swingkeel came home third.

There was a big cheer for the fourth placed Caracciola, the 13 year old who won this contest last year.

18:13 And that is it from Royal Ascot2010, five days of great racing, good crowds and good weather.

Also some great equine performances and plenty of course records being broken.

I must admit I am shattered after five days of intense action and I imagine our commentators this week Richard Hoiles and Simon Holt (both of whom called perfectly) will be having a well deserved rest as well.

I am having a couple of days rest as well before we are back at the “bread and butter” racing at Beverley on Tuesday.

Let’s finish with one final Ascot photo, a group of ladies at the end of their first days racing and enjoying every minute of it – they will be back – Racing For Change should pay heed.

From Royal Ascot 2010 good afternoon

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

14:30
11 Fork Handles (bruised foot - SC 09:13)

15:05
2 Alainmaar (bruised foot - VC 09:31)

16:25
17 Hitchens (temperature - VC 18:21 Friday)
27 Prime Exhibit (going - 08:35 Fri)

17:00
4 Shamali (lame - SC 04:39)
15 Siberian Tiger (going - 13:43)

Results

14:30 Chesham Stakes 7f

15:05 Hardwicke Stakes 1m 4f

15:50 Golden Jubilee Stakes 6f

16:25 Wokingham Stakes 6f

17:00 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes 1m 4f

17:35 Queen Alexandra Stakes 2m 5f 159yds