O’Brien won the race four times in succession with Yeats between 2006 and 2009, and Fame And Glory, the 11-8 favorite, galloped to a three-length win in the two-and-a-half mile race.

“He has so much class and class makes them stay, a race like this is the ultimate test of class,” O’Brien said.

“Class is hard to replace and Jamie and I have been very happy with him all year.”

O’Brien said Fame And Glory would be aimed again at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October, a race he finished fifth in last year.

Showers have not dampened the spirits of hat-wearing horse-racing enthusiasts, who turned out in droves for Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot.

Ornate hats were out in full force at the event as much about fashion as about the racing. One group of friends wore hats in the shape of different birds as a nod to the 18th century; butterflies and roses adorned the crowns of other racegoers present at the course.

The main fashion-must have for the rain drenched morning was an umbrella — though the sun poked through Thursday afternoon.

Queen Elizabeth II, clad in pink, was present at the races for the third day in a row. Princesses Anne and Beatrice were among the other royals present for the races, which are marking their 300th year.