Royal Ascot, immortalized by flower girl Eliza Dolittle in the musical "My Fair Lady," is the High Society highlight of an exhausting summer season that stretches from the Chelsea Flower Show to Wimbledon and the Henley Royal Regatta.

For party-going poseurs, it is all about cutting a dash, seizing a brief moment of fashion fame as paparazzi prowl the track in search of the outlandish.

Royal Ascot was once so exclusive that divorcees were banned and ladies had to wear gloves.

Today aristocrats are outnumbered by hedge fund managers and Ascot's "fashion police" are on red alert for any sign of mini-skirts and midriffs which are banned.

Ardent racegoers are there to revel in one of the world's greatest racing festivals.

The socialites just want to be seen.

Royal Ascot is given priceless social cachet by Queen Elizabeth who parades up the course in an open-top landau before racing every day.

In the 18th century, Queen Anne first spotted Ascot's potential when riding in the forest near Windsor Castle.

The course was opened in 1711.

Betting is an essential ingredient in the Ascot cocktail and bookmakers enter into the spirit of the fashion parade - odds are offered every day on the colour of Queen Elizabeth's hat.

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Photos: Reuters, AFP