Round one to punters

DAY one of Royal Ascot belonged to the punters after a host of favourites and well-backed winners left bookmakers reeling.

Not only did successful market leaders Scenic Blast (11-4), Mastercraftsman (5-6) and Canford Cliffs (7-4) do the business, but Paco Boy (100-30) and Judgethemoment (13-2) also proved popular.

Relief came as too little too late, despite American raider Strike The Tiger popping up at 33-1 in the concluding Windsor Castle Stakes.