King Charles brought a new era to Royal Ascot but Dettori let him down

E ven on a day when Royal Ascot felt even more awash with bunting than ever, and the top hats and collars were suitably stiff and starched, there was a hint of change in the air. A gentle sense of tradition encountering transition after the death of the sport’s greatest patron, Queen Elizabeth II, last year.It was evident as the royal procession bumpily made its way down the straight before the first race, and the regal waves of the King Charles III were met with gentle – rather than rousing applause – although plenty did tip their hats. The racecards also carried a new royal cypher, bearing the double C for Charles and Camilla.

It was evident too as the crowds cheered the sport’s most famous jockey, Frankie Dettori, at what will be his final Royal Ascot before he rides off into the sunset. The headline in Tuesday’s Racing Post had proclaimed it to be the Land of Hope and Dettori. But this was one of those afternoons when the magician waves his wand but the rabbit refuses to leave the hat.Mostly, though, Royal Ascot’s unique ecosystem remains as familiar and unaltered as it ever was. A few months ago the Jockey Club announced a relaxation of its dress code to get more people to go racing. But for a place that is a stickler for rules, this was one Ascot was happy to swerve.In the Royal Enclosure, in particular, the clothing restrictions would make a sergeant major wince. Women are told that their dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer – while men are reminded of the need for a waistcoat and necktie, with patterns of a patriotic nature deemed acceptable. Those unsure of where the line is can visit a room by the entrance which is labelled “dress code enquiries.”Some will roll their eyes at this, as