It seems hardly a week goes by without Ronnie Wood and his Russian girlfriend Ekaterina Ivanova being pictured revelling in each other's company. The couple, who remain smitten with each other nine months after getting together, shared another loved-up outing this week as they enjoyed a day at the races.
After smooching in the VIP box at Ascot, racing enthusiast Ronnie and his 20-year-old love settled down to watch the big race of the day. And after the Rolling Stones musician's Italian jockey pal Frankie Dettori romped to victory, Ronnie couldn't resist nipping down onto the track to give him a celebratory hug.
The rocker met Frankie eight years ago when the jockey was approached to ride one of Ronnie's racehorses. "Unfortunately it wasn't that good, but I met Ronnie a few times afterwards and he invited me to his 50th birthday party," reveals Frankie about the beginnings of their friendship.
"As it was a 'Cowboys and Indians' party he had a bucking bronco - which they made me get on. And I obviously ended up making a fool of myself," he remembers of the evening.
Ronnie and Ekaterina's closeness adds fuel to reports that 61-year-old Ronnie may soon make a greater commitment to his girlfriend. Once his divorce from Jo, his wife of nearly three decades, comes through next month he's apparently thinking of tying the knot again.
And they would have the blessing of Ekaterina's family it seems. After initial misgivings over the age difference, the pretty blonde's grandmother Lyudmila said: "If he wants to marry Ekaterina, I would be happy for them."
"If it's real love, let them be happy together", added the matriarch, who lives in Kazakhstan.
Photo: Rex
Photo: Rex
