‘he made it very easy for me’

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 Glamourdale son makes an eye-catching first performance as his sire stars abroad, while one rider’s efforts reap rich rewards

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