Racegoers braved the torrential rain to brush shoulders with the stars at the first day of Royal Ascot yesterday.

The downpour might have dampened the ground for the jockeys but it certainly didn't dampen the spirits - though many rainsoaked racegoers donned waterproof ponchos, choosing to forgo their place in the fashion stakes.

More than 30mm of rain has fallen at the course since Friday and the ground was officially described as soft after another 4mm of rain fell overnight.

Up to 280,000 racegoers are expected at Royal Ascot until the annual meeting's close on Saturday.

In the afternoon, Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family made the traditional procession up Ascot's Straight Mile towards the finishing post in an open-top carriage - a brave decision given the wet weather, though the sun made a brief appearance in time for their arrival. 

We'll have pictures from day two today and Ladies Day on Thursday so keep an on the Bracknell News website for updates. 

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