Alastair Warwick points to the importance of community links on his final raceday as Ascot chief

Alastair Warwick has stressed his confidence in the future of British racing as he managed his final Ascot meeting as the royal racecourse's chief executive – and his first with a new title.

Warwick this week visited Windsor Castle for an audience with the King, who invested him with the Insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his services to the sport and a track he joined 16 years ago. The last two of those years have been spent as chief executive, a position that will next month be taken by Ascot's commercial director and Warwick's current deputy Felicity Barnard.

Warwick, who oversaw the King's first two royal meetings as monarch, said of the audience: "It was absolutely fantastic. We chatted about all things racing and it was obvious how much he is engaged with the sport."