Royal Ascot 2011 Has Been Crazy

For 300 years, it has been the highlight of the summer calendar for the well-off and well-connected.

But these days, it seems, the enclosures and stands of Royal Ascot are becoming increasingly popular with a much less distinguished breed of racegoer.

A quick glance across the terraces reveals a sea of flesh and unsightly tattoos – of women in cheap, tawdry dresses and men who have shunned the expected top hat.

Now go to the Daily Mail to see some classy brawling. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a guy in a tux use a bottle of $200 champagne as a weapon. You wouldn’t expect an event that features so many silly hats, the Queen of England and Elizabeth Hurley to ever get so crazy, but it has. And I believe there is a direct correlation between the crass attitudes and the absence of top hats. It’s a slippery slope my friends.

[Top two images: Getty, Brawl pic: Daily Mail]