Even on the final day, there was no let-up in the style stakes at Royal Ascot and, in the Royal Enclosure at least, it seemed as if the new, stricter, dress code was being adhered to. Almost 80,000 people filled the racetrack; the women’s colourful array of hats and dresses providing a bright contrast to the sombre background of the men’s jackets and tailcoats.

Despite the poor weather and gusting wind which carried off many a woman’s carefully-arranged millinery, the raceday atmosphere, congenial company and ample refreshments on offer ensured that everyone was in high spirits. Even before the racing started, the huge cheers that greeted The Queen’s carriage procession demonstrated the crowd’s enthusiasm and admiration for the monarch in her Diamond Jubilee year. 

For many people, the highlight of the day was the 3.45pm Diamond Jubilee stakes, and the audience was peppered with black and orange banners and Australian accents in support of the legendary Black Caviar. There was a huge cheer as we caught a first glimpse of the mare, who had been flown in by chartered plane, and by the time the race was ready to commence the crowd bristled with a palpable tension.

Racing in pursuit of her 22nd victory, Black Caviar made a strong start on the pristine course but faltered near the finish, ensuring that most of the spectators had chewed off their nails by the time she won by a thrillingly narrow margin. Watching from the grandstand, it seemed as if the whole thing had happened in a flash, yet the 2012 Diamond Jubilee stakes and its world-famous victor will surely find a deserved place in racing history.

On a scorching day in Greater London, the 2010 Derby unfolded in front of a packed crowd at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

Those clad in top hats and tails would have been feeling the heat, but clearly Workforce, The Derby winner wasn’t, as he made a late burst on the home straight to win the UK’s most famous flat race in record time.

It had looked as though there may be a major shock on the cards when the 100-1 outsider At First Site, took its pacesetter tag a little too far surging well clear of the pack, but Workforce had enough in the tank to win by seven lengths at odds of 6-1.

The Queen, dressed in a summery yellow, had left her Buckingham Palace residence to see her two runners, while novelist Jilly Cooper and TV personality Jeremy Kyle were also spotted on Derby day.

The main race was at 4pm, but there was much to do throughout the day with a number of other races, fairground rides and a chance to sample culinary delights such as seafood at a mobile Green’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar on offer.

Those looking to have a flutter could check out the runners and riders in the parade ring before heading to the grandstand to see whether their bet was worthwhile.

Unfortunately for me, my lack of expert knowledge told, as choosing a quirky name or picking the colours of my favourite football team failed to work – I came back £50 worse off.

It would have been nice to have come back a winner, but the thrill of the race and the pulsating atmosphere as the crowd cheered on their favourite jockeys more than made up for it.