The 12 stars of christmas

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

Dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs is still bidding to add yet more to his illustrious CV. Tom Peacock finds out about the making of a champion from his connections

Carl Hester and Fame raise the bar, while para contenders battle for Europeans spots and young stars shine across the levels

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

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