Royal Ascot returns: Here's a reminder of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at racing's great event - in pictures

The Dubai Ruler has been a regular at the royal meet

Royal Ascot, the highlight of the British horse racing season, takes place this week, starting on Tuesday.

The five-day meet is usually attended by hundreds of thousands of spectators, race enthusiasts, as well as royalty including Queen Elizabeth II and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, head of the immensely successful Godolphin stable.

The Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has been a regular visitor at the royal meeting for more than 25 years, but with British sport only now restarting following a complete shutdown in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, no spectators will be allowed this time.

Above is a photo gallery of Sheikh Mohammed's visits to Royal Ascot over nearly three decades. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows or swipe left/right on your device.