Not only will Royal Ascot not take place in Berkshire this year, it will not be happening in the City of London. The racing will be at York in June while the Ascot course is rebuilt, but an attempt to recreate the atmosphere of the event at the Honourable Artillery Company's grounds was last week cancelled for lack of support.
The idea was that bankers, instead of roughing it Oop North, could turn up at the HAC in their toppers and tails with their behatted ladies, strut their stuff and place their bets between sitting through lunch and tea. The only things missing would be the long train journey, royalty and the horses â but most people in hospitality tents watch the races on television anyway.
