Royal Ascot Still Regal Even Against 'Headwinds'

Dubai, Saudi Arabia riches hard to match, but director Smith can't fault foreign raiders

- 

ASCOT - The "headwinds" of prize-money and rival racing festivals are even more concerning than they were last year. Nevertheless, the quality of foreign runners at Royal Ascot is "pretty positive", director of racing Nick Smith told AFP.

The five-day meeting - described by Hong Kong-based Australian trainer David Hayes as "Melbourne Cup week on steroids" - which starts on June 17 is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Royal Procession.

Thankfully for the members of the Royal Family and their guests, the carriages are led by horses considerably slower than the splendid thoroughbreds that provide the day's entertainment.

Mixing it with the best of mainstream European talent, there will be runners from Japan, Australia, the United States and "quirky" runners from Norway.

Despite famous victories for Australian horses in years gone by from Choisir's remarkable double to superstar Black Caviar and American star Tepin, it takes both a lot of hard graft and Smith's powers of persuasion to coax their successors back.