Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was at Windsor Racecourse with his son Eric when he was interviewed by Matt Chapman
A TV presenter was left surprised by being given the thumbs-up from Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell.
Matt Chapman, who works for Sky Sports Racing, was interviewing the celebrity as he was enjoying a day out his son Eric at Windsor.
At the time the horses and jockeys were in the parade ring for the 6.25pm race, named the Download Fitzdares World Of Sport Podcast Restricted Maiden Stakes.
During an entertaining three minutes, Cowell, a judge for 16 series on BGT, chuckled with Chapman who put his preview of the 14-runner contest on hold.
"I watch you all the time," Cowell told him, introducing 11-year-old Eric, his son with Lauren Silverman.
I'm loving it here. I come here once a year and this is my favourite out of all of them (the racecourses), Windsor.
Chapman, who also works for ITV Racing, said it was his opinion that when Cowell was not working as a judge the shows weren't as good.
Known for his feedback to contestants, shows he has worked on have include Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor and America's Got Talent.
Cowell returned the praise, telling Chapman: "You're very good. You are, that's why I wanted to come and say hi."
The chat was then halted by a potentially risky situation developing, when 250-1 outsider Grey Selkie broke free from his handler and charged round the parade ring.
"Hang on we've got a loose one!" said Chapman, as he and Cowell pair spun round to see jockey Jack Callan trying to bring the debutant under control.
"Oof, we're OK. You can see the drama that can happen in this place. Everything is OK now and everyone seems fine so the panic is over."
Horse and jockey did take part in the race, finishing ninth behind 11-10 favourite Silent City, but not before Chapman joked about stepping in for Ant and Dec on BGT if he could "conjure up a sidekick."
"Seriously I am a huge fan. You do a brilliant job. You are really, really good at what you do," added Cowell.
Chapman lauughed: "That's me sorted, that's the end of Sky Sports Racing for me Gina (Bryce, studio host). Simon is employing me it has been a pleasure!
Dressed in a smart jacket and shirt for the day out, Cowell had worn a puffer jacket and shorts for a cycle around Central London a day earlier.
The music mogul stopped his e-bike to chat to fans by a pub belonging to the chain Brewdog, whose co-founder James Watt is married to big horse racing fan Georgia Toffolo.
She was pictured in an array of stylish outfits for Royal Ascot, including one with a huge white and black feather hat from brand Jane Taylor.
Before her arrival at the course, she asked fans on Instagram: 'My most outrageous Royal Ascot look EVER? are you ready for this?!
'Try it on with Toff for Day 3 and yes, I've officially taken the polka dot trend to the extreme. I couldn't decide on one hat, so naturally… I'm trialing TWO. Which hat are we loving more?!? NEED YOUR HELP xxxx.'
Model Lottie Moss, Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins and Eastenders actor Rudolph Walker were other celebrities in attendance at the fixture.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal procession in the 200th year of the tradition, virtually unchanged since its inception in 1825.
