‘days like these are brilliant’

This year’s Royal Ascot delivered on every level with extraordinary equines, blazing sunshine and buoyant crowds. This is what the sport is all about

One of the week’s big winners reaps an extra-special reward, another’s faith in their mount pays dividends, and a family’s breeding programme comes to the fore

A long-striding gelding nets a first grand prix win and a rider stages a winning comeback

A Fell remains on form to land a cash prize, a lead-rein competitor lands a pleasant surprise for her anxious parents and a young rider reaps reward for dedication

A riding horse in-hand champion will make her debut at HOYS, a Welsh section A continues success for breeder and a pony bought for £750 proves a worthy purchase

A rider lands a second Royal Highland grand prix nine years since his first and a superstar is back from injury