'I love Rosallion and I'm proud to stand next to him anywhere, win or lose - but this is the time to go big or go home'

Royal Ascot is a marathon rather than a sprint when you are saddling runners every day, but for Richard Hannon the first race on the first day has the potential to make or break his week. 

The trainer of Queen Anne Stakes favourite Rosallion has never been much of a box walker but, when things aren't going to plan during the biggest five days of Flat racing in Britain, even the most relaxed trainers begin to feel the heat. 

"It's a long week no matter what and every 35 minutes or so it feels like you get another kick in the nuts," says Hannon, who has never been one to dress up the facts. "There are more than 100 runners every day and only seven will go home winners.