'A place that needs crowds' - this is Royal Ascot, just not quite as we know it

Ascot will take a major step on the long walk to normality next week as daily crowds of up to 12,000 will be permitted at the royal meeting – the largest attendance to appear on a British racecourse since the sport was brought to a complete standstill in March 2020.

The customary pomp and ceremony was put on hold at last year's behind-closed-doors meeting as the action on the track sadly took place without a well-dressed audience cheering it on.

While the return of paying customers as part of a government trial will help restore some familiarity and the summer garden party vibes, there will still be some differences to a normal year. Rest assured though, this is still Royal Ascot, just not quite as we know it.