Racing Diary

Vinnie Jones will captain Britain & Ireland against the Rest of the World in racing's Shergar Cup at Ascot in August.

Hopefully, the footballer-turned-film star will not repeat the high spirits he showed at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. You can sing football songs in France, Vinnie, but they take a dim view of it at Ascot.

Need an omen for Royal Ascot? In My Fair Lady, on at London's National Theatre, a jockey in green and purple hoops wins for Eliza Doolittle. But don't copy everything Ms Doolittle does. Her visit to the races ends in dis-grace when she shouts at the beast carrying her bet: "Move your bleedin' arse."

Terry Haste, of Saville Row's Huntsman, says a "black herringbone morning coat with taped edges and cash-mere-striped trousers with a cream linen waistcoat" is the right look for any gentleman at Royal Ascot.

But Haste risks loosing his head. His fashion tip for top hats is, "any colour so long as it's black".

Prince Charles favours grey. The Tower beckons.

Updown Court in Windlesham, near Ascot, has been sold for £70 million. It includes a cinema, bowling alleys, astroturf football pitch, basketball, tennis and squash courts, swimming pool - and some stables.