SOUL OF SPORT: Khaadem’s 80-1 victory and Frankie Dettori’s swansong at this year’s Royal Ascot showed just why it’s one of the most iconic events in the British sporting calendar… ANDY HOOPER captures the atmosphere and drama in pictures
- Every week on a Monday our Soul of Sport series will take readers behind the scenes at top sporting events
- Andy Hooper travelled to the iconic Ascot Racecourse on Saturday for the final day of this year’s Royal Ascot
- His photographs capture all facets of the day’s action and help to tell the untold stories of the historic event
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For our latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER travelled to Ascot Racecourse for the final day of Royal Ascot on Saturday.
The historic five-day event – which evolved from the first ever four-day race meeting held at the racecourse in 1768 – didn’t disappoint as plenty of drama took place across the week.
Saturday saw another sensational spectacle as Khaadem, an 80-1 outsider, claimed a shock win in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, while this year also saw Ascot say goodbye to the legendary Frankie Dettori ahead of his retirement at the end of the season.
The excitement, anguish and elation of the race was felt by thousands at the sell-out event, with many more watching from afar in what is no doubt one of the greatest occasions in the British sporting calendar.
On this year’s final day, our man captured all the build-up, atmosphere and drama – and it was done using a Nikon Z9 Camera, and 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 400mm lenses.
Thousands of racing fans flocked to Royal Ascot last week for a pulsating five days of racing at the iconic venue in Berkshire
Excited punters cheered on their horses from the raucous stands as they attempted to win big money on the races
A long-distance shot of the start of the Chesham Stakes with a picturesque view of central London deep on the horizon
Smartly and brightly-dressed ladies pose for their picture at Ascot upon arrival ahead of a fun-filled day of entertainment
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla arrive into the parade ring by carriage on Saturday after their win earlier in the week
Racegoers arrive in style to what is Britain’s most valuable race meeting with millions of pounds in prize money up for grabs
Dettori – who is retiring from the sport at the end of the season – ended with an impressive 81 career wins at Royal Ascot
Two Royal Ascot Greencoats stand guard as thousands of racegoers packed into the iconic venue for the festival last week
Punters relax in the highly-prestigious Royal Enclosure – where access is strictly limited – ahead of racing getting underway
Desperate to avoid the searing heat, racegoers did all they could to avoid the sun as they enjoyed drinks at the track
A lady celebrates Khaadem’s 80-1 win in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – the biggest-priced winner in the race’s history
One bookmaker takes a break amid the action-packed day with a significant number of punters trying their luck on a horse
One victorious and very happy punter collects his winnings from the bookies after enjoying success on the event’s final day
The dress code for the event is strict with racegoers in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures required to adhere to rules
A punter shows the tired inside of his top hat which is a family heirloom – an item passed down by a deceased family member
One racegoer shows their love for Dettori by posing with a cardboard cut out of the Italian, who bowed out in style at Ascot
Dressing smart is a major part of the occasion, with two racegoers showing off their attire including the addition of top hats
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