AND THEY'RE OFF!
Boozy punters knock back the bubbly as Royal Ascot gets into full swing
Well-heeled revellers kicked off the first day of the eagerly anticipated racing event with glasses of champagne and pints of lager
BOOZY punters are knocking back the bubbly as Royal Ascot gets into full swing today.
Well-heeled revellers kicked off the first day of the eagerly anticipated racing event with glasses of champagne and pints of lager as thousands flocked to have a flutter.
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Ladies donning colourful frocks and gents in top and tails were spotted racing to the Berkshire track's many bars, as they enjoyed the highlight of the horse racing calendar.
In a boisterous mood, some were happy to dance around and pose for photographers, while others preferred to enjoy their drinks on picnic blankets.
Armed cops were spotted patrolling the event this morning, ahead of the arrivals of the Queen, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, and other senior royals.
However, officers were also on the look-out for any violence between drunken punters – with 300,000 expected to attend over the four-day festival - after violence marred previous meetings at the historic course.
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The hats and dresses of Royal Ascot 2018 races one of the most glamorous events of the year
While a week later another man was filmed being kicked in the head during a fight at Goodwood races in Sussex.
Goodwood chiefs are so sick of the booze-fuelled unsavoury antics that they have limited punters to buying fours drinks one time.
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However, it is not thought that Ascot has taken similar measures.
Thames Valley Police said racegoers should not be "alarmed" by their heavy presence.
Assistant chief constable David Hardcastle said: "Aside from our duties protecting the Royal party, the public have come to expect a strong security presence at prominent events and occasions.
"People should be reassured and not alarmed by the security measures that are being put in place.
Radiant Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle arrives at the Royal Ascot with her husband Prince Harry
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"The public provide our additional eyes and ears and I ask them to support my officers and racecourse security by remaining vigilant, keeping their belongings with them and reporting anything suspicious or unusual to staff or by calling 101."
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