No socks? Please, we're British - dress code drama can't take the shine off Ascot finale

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It is the final day of a scorching Royal Ascot week and there's something afoot at the famous meeting. Forget the drama on the track, the big story is unfolding at the entrance to the Queen Anne enclosure.

Patrolling by the turnstiles are Phoebe and Katie, wearing badges that read 'Dresscode Assistant'. Both are in cheery spirits midway through Saturday afternoon, despite five days spent fighting the good fight against sockless men.

"We've had a lot of sock issues," Phoebe explains. "People wear these tight-fitting loafers, almost like slippers, and apparently the style is not to wear socks with them."

According to the guidance on Ascot's website, there is no legal loophole for these loafered chancers; 'Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle', reads the clear instruction.

"People get cross when we tell them to have a look at the website," says Katie, with a steely grin that suggests 'dresscode assistant' may well rival 'enhanced interrogation' as a conflict euphemism. 

"We've got a special shop here for them to buy socks and all the proceeds go to the Injured Jockeys Fund so that usually quietens them down."

Gift-shop socks, with the Ascot logo or a horseshoe motif, are on sale for £8 – only 50p more than a portion of cheese on toast from one of the racecourse food vendors.

The hot weather has caused some additional challenges for the dress code corps this week. Puce-faced, sweaty racegoers are gratefully disembarking from their trains at Ascot station. A little earlier, on the platform at London's Vauxhall station, ties are unknotted, fans flap ineffectually and fascinators wilt while we await the Reading train.

The dress code remained in place at Royal Ascot in spite of the sweltering temperaturesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Punters assessing the morning markets may note that Sober is odds-on to win the final race of the meeting. It feels like an incongruously named favourite as the BuzzBallz – potent cherry-flavoured cocktails served in a spherical red can –  are handed round the train carriage.

"Fifteen per cent!" one woman cries. "They're lethal! Where do you get them from, anyway?"

"Just get them from the newsagents," her friend says. Go to Royal Ascot, they said. The pomp, the pageantry . . .

Arriving at the course, there is some welcome cloud cover and a few cooling zephyrs. One gust even blows an elegant frisbee-shaped hat off a lady's head and across the concourse.

The temperature is lower than forecast but, still, nobody is rushing. Conserving energy is the key to success at Ascot, for racegoers as much as for jockeys and horses.

The exceptions to that rule are a couple of children scampering past the whiteboard which displays tipsters' selections. They are unable to resist dragging their hands across the bottom row, wiping out several of the press pack's picks for the Queen Alexandra Stakes. Clearly these kids are on the path of righteousness.

Unlike Sober, there is a more appropriately named winner of the first in the form of Humidity, who triumphs in warm, cloudy conditions. Harry Ru, from west London, is one of the punters cheering on Andrew Balding's runner. 

"We've had a fantastic start to the day," he beams. "We've already won £2.50 and I've bought a bottle of champagne! I was worried about the heat earlier but since we've been here it's been lovely. Just hope the rain holds off now."

Approximately 12 seconds later, the first drops of precipitation hit the steamy brows of the Ascot crowd. It is the briefest and mildest of inconveniences, bringing out the delicate scent of lavender to mingle with the more robust fug of cigar smoke.

Furlongs of Union Jack bunting festoon Ascot but the royal meeting is a proudly international affair. Two Spanish men in their 20s – "We're both called Eduardo!" – spot my press badge and, foolishly, ask for a tip for the next race.

Eduardo number one has lived in England for three years and is relishing his first experience of Royal Ascot.

A racegoer keeps cool with an electric fan on the final day of the royal meetingCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"It's very nice," he says. "We have races in Spain but not in such big spaces and not with the same institutional support. We like the traditions at Ascot and seeing the King support the races."

Sandra and Michael Miles, who have travelled from Swansea, are settling down to enjoy a jug of Pimm's at the Pall Mall bar.

"Our local track is Ffos Las so this is a bit different," says Michael. "Why people wouldn't want to come here, I don't know. It's got everything."

"I wouldn't say we're slumming it this year, " Sandra adds. "But last year we both turned 60 so we had hospitality here, which was fabulous."

"My husband loves racing so as long as I get a seat, I can lose him for the day and we're both happy. I love the atmosphere, looking at the fashion, but I see some women tottering along and just think, 'Take your shoes off, for God's sake!'. I've got some flip-flops in my bag for later."

Nearby an American woman sweetly asks her friend: "Do you want a Band-aid for your baby toe?" There must be a competent farrier around here somewhere.

Lazzat's impromptu lap of honour after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes reflects the jubilant atmosphere at Ascot – an iconic sporting venue with the capacity to knock your (ankle-length) socks off.

A medley of hits from the musical Oliver rings out from the bandstand. Judging by the oohs and aahs that greet the thrilling finish to the Wokingham, plenty of final-day racegoers might echo the urchin's cry of: "Please sir, I want some more."

Read more here:

Lazzat blasts to Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee win for France as Wathnan strike again 

'He's a dream horse' - Godolphin globetrotter Rebel's Romance toughs it out to give Charlie Appleby first Royal Ascot win in three years 

More joy for Kieran Shoemark as Noble Champion runs away with Jersey Stakes 

Money well spent for Wathnan Racing as Humidity makes all to win the Chesham 

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