THE TIDE WAS HIGH for the RNLI on September 26, bringing lifeboat people from round the coast, and many inland cities, towns and villages as well, to join with racegoers for this year's Ascot Charity Race Day. The six 'maroons', between 2.15 and 4.50, were for the horses on a beautiful autumnal afternoon, with a slight haze to soften the sun, little wind and visability of—well, quite enough furlongs to see the runners approaching right round the course.

By mid morning people were beginning to gather and already members of Ascot branch were at the entrance gates with collecting boxes, while the souvenir caravans manned by Ascot and Central London Committee branches were doing brisk business. In the area just behind the Grand Stand, where an Atlantic 21 was on display.

Southern District branch members scarcely paused all day in the sale of tickets for their District raffle for a Mini car (result, page 132).

An auction luncheon, for which the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Institution, was host, was held in one of the Royal Enclosure restaurants. Most of the lots were stallion nominations from leading studs and the auction, conducted by racing commentators Peter O'Sullevan and Lord Oaksey, raised a wonderful £35,000. The luncheon had been organised by a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Vivian May, chairman of Bridport branch, and guests were also invited by young members of the Mermaid Committee to take part in a £5 draw.

Before racing began, the Royal Navy Ladder Display Team gave a performance opposite the Grand Stand, and as their display ended, the Royal Marine Band began playing in the Grand Stand bandstand.

2.15: And they were off! the first four races, all handicaps, were sponsored: the Ewar Stud Farm Stakes for Apprentices, won by Sir Michael (J.

Black); the Lintas: London Stakes, won by Spanish Dancer (Pat Eddery); the Tote Charity Stakes, won by Missed Blessing (J. Reid), and the Pains- Wessex Handicap, won by Oh Simmie (W. R. Swinburn). They were followed by the Mornington Stakes, won by Centurius (W. R. Swinburn) and the Kensington Palace Stakes, won by Dollar Pocket (D. Atkinson).When racing ended, the Royal Marine Band struck up again, to cheer winners and losers alike as they dispersed after what had proved to be not only a most delightful day, but also a most successful fund-raising event for the lifeboat service. In just one day £63,000 had been raised, and this figure is expected to be even higher when the final total is known..