Royal Ascot 2012 day one - in pictures

It's a glorious day in Berkshire and it's no surprise that the journey from the railway station to the course is awash with red, white and blue bunting Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Also near the station is a stall where you can get all the Frankel merchandise you'll ever need Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Outside the main gates are dress code assistants. One holds a hamper containing pashminas ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Which are given to punters that are breaking the dress code, like this lass who is brazenly flaunting her bare shoulders Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The course itself is also awash with red, white and blue Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

As are some titfers Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

There are also more exotic outfits on show such as the birdcage created by milliner Louis Mariette and sported by Anneka Tanaka-Svenska. Wonder if the Racing Post she's being offered is for her to read or for the bottom of the cage? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

No prizes for guessing who this is Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The Queen and Prince Philip acknowledge the crowds as they proceed down the course in the Royal Procession before racing starts Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Crowds pack in and check the form before the first race, the Queen Anne Stakes Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Though in reality there's no point looking at the form as Frankel the wonder horse is in the race and is the firm favourite at 10-1 on Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

You can see why as the unbeaten superstar of British horseracing cruises into the lead over two furlongs out and gallops the opposition into submission Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

As he powers past the winning post he's 11 lengths ahead of second-placed Excelebration Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Jockey Tom Queally seems pleased with Frankel's performance ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

As does trainer Sir Henry Cecil Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Time for a quick drink before the next race starts Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Some more fancy headgear Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

9-1 shot Most Improved, with Keiren Fallon on board, wins the St James Palace Stakes Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Taking a snapshot of a memorable day Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The runners in the fifth race - the Ascot Stakes - head out into the country for one more lap of the course. The race was won by 8-1 shot Simenon, ridden by Ryan Moore Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian