Adam Whitty
BBC South

The punters grasp their betting slips as they approach, there is a huge amount of tension, big money is on this.

Everything comes into view, and... you've won, unbelievable scenes.

The Queen's hat is the colour you thought it would be.

Image source, PA

People are placing bets on what the follow up to yesterday's lime number will be.

My guess is a real outside bet - no hat.

It could fall off after the Royal party sprint in after the opening of Parliament.

Adam Whitty
BBC South

You just can't get away from Ascot.

As Black Rod entered the House of Commons to request their attendance for the opening of Parliament, Labour MP Dennis Skinner gave his traditional heckle.

"Get your skates on", shouted Mr Skinner. "The first race is at 14:30", referencing our opening race at the Royal meeting today.

Fancy taking a peek at some of the main contenders in the big race at Royal Ascot. Then look no further...

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to play the Mission Impossible theme at Royal Ascot.

This explosives search dog is feeling what we are all feeling right now.

A huge desire to seek shade at all costs.

Right then, that's done.

STEP ON IT!

Adam Whitty
BBC South

The huge news coming out of London from the opening of Parliament is...

The Queen is currently wearing a blue hat.

Will it change by the time she arrives at Ascot?

A nation holds its breath.

Josephine Gordon will bid to become only the second female jockey to ride a winner at the Royal Ascot meeting with two leading chances on Wednesday.

Gay Kelleway, now a trainer herself, triumphed on Sprowston Boy in the Queen Alexandra Stakes 30 years ago.

Gordon, last season's champion apprentice rider, will be on Dream Castle (around 4-1 second favourite) for Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor in the opening Jersey Stakes (14:30 BST).

The 24-year-old will partner the current 5-1 favourite Gymnaste, trained by John Gosden, in the concluding Sandringham Handicap.

A winner would perhaps be appropriate in Women's Sport Week.

Image source, Getty Images

Every day of Royal Ascot 2017 will feature more armed officers and security checks following the London and Manchester terror attacks, police have said.

Image source, PA

Adam Whitty
BBC South

Ascot is coinciding with a sizzling June run not seen in two decades.

If Wednesday's temperature tops 30C - and forecasters confidently predict it will - that will be five days in a row.

The last June that we sweltered for so long was 1995, when the heat affected us so much Robson and Jerome stayed at number one for the entire month.

And if Wednesday reaches 33.9C, it will be the warmest day in any June since 1976 - the classic long hot summer.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital last night as "a precautionary measure", said Buckingham Palace.

He is being treated for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.

Prince Philip had attended the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday alongside The Queen, who will be at the races again today.

"Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot," said a Palace spokesman.

"The Prince of Wales will accompany the Queen to the State Opening. Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon."

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, was admitted to hospital last night as "a precautionary measure", Buckingham Palace says.

Image source, Getty Images

As ever, there are six races of the highest possible quality on this wonderful Wednesday.

It all kicks off at 14:30 BST, just after the Royal Procession.

You can hear live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, with further coverage throughout the day on BBC Radio Berkshire.

Image source, Getty Images

Here's the full running order. All times BST.

14:30: Jersey Stakes (Group 3) 7f

15:05: Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) 5f

15:40: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) 1 mile

16:20: Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) 1 mile 1f 212 yards

17:00: Royal Hunt Cup (Handicap) 1 mile

17:35: Sandringham Handicap (fillies' listed) 1 mile

That being, of course, the race to the best seats at the bar.

We have lift off for the second day of action at Ascot.

Punters are positively pouring into the famous racecourse to delight in the wonderful weather, splendid surroundings and fabulous fashion.

Another exciting day awaits.

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Whitty
BBC South

Many horse trainers have had remarkable lives, but none quite like Mick Channon.

The Berkshire-based trainer has four horses on the card today, including two in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes.

He has had 18 Ascot winners since turning to horse training from being a professional footballer.

Image source, Getty Images

Channon played 46 times for England between 1972 and 1977, scoring 21 goals. He also won the FA Cup with Southampton in 1976.

But he turned his attention to horse racing in 1990, later buying his stables in East Ilsley off The Queen.

He still sees himself as an underdog though, despite having an illustrious career in two different sports, as he has been telling BBC Radio Berkshire.

Adam Whitty
BBC South

The Queen will travel straight from giving the Queen's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament to attend the second day of racing at Ascot later.

Highland Reel heads the runners in today's feature race, the Prince of Wales's Stakes (16:20 BST).

The five-year-old, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore for trainer Aidan O'Brien, bids to follow up his triumph in the Coronation Cup at Epsom earlier this month.

Highland Reel renews rivalry with Jack Hobbs, having finished last behind the John Gosden runner in unsuitably rain-softened conditions in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March.

Image source, Getty Images