Its unique combination of top-class horseracing; stylish summer fashion and traditional royal pageantry makes it one of the most prevalent social occasions of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Royal Ascot.
Racing at Royal Ascot
There simply isn’t a better five days of Flat racing anywhere in the world. It all starts on Tuesday (17 June) with three Group 1 races – the Queen Anne Stakes, the King Charles III Stakes and the St James’s Palace Stakes – taking centre stage on the opening day.
There are another five top-level races in the following four days. The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Wednesday), the Gold Cup (Thursday), Commonwealth Cup (Friday), Coronation Stakes (Friday) and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Saturday) are complimented by a whole host of supporting Group races and some of the most competitive handicaps of the season.
Royal Family at Royal Ascot
One of the things that makes the meeting so special is the regular presence of the Royal Family.
The King and Queen, along with their guests, arrive every day from Windsor Castle in ornate horse-drawn carriages – known as Ascot Landaus – travelling the length of the home straight.
This year will be the 201st year of the Royal Procession. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most impressive sights of the year, with the Royal party couriered into the gleaming Ascot parade ring by a handful of Windsor Grey horses. Queen Elizabeth II was a huge supporter of racing and loved Royal Ascot. Many racegoers would wager as to which colour the Queen’s hat for the day would be as they lined the course to get a glimpse of the Royal Party.
Fashion at Royal Ascot
The most stylish of fashions – elegant dresses and impressive hats – are woven into the very fabric of Royal Ascot and horseracing on the whole.
There are strict rules surrounding the attire worn by guests in the Royal Enclosure and it makes for some stunning scenes. Men are expected to wear full morning dress complete with top hats. There are rules concerning the length and style of women’s dresses, with hats a necessity. Many guests in the other enclosures choose to throw themselves into the spirit, donning similar outfits. Dressing to impress has become a big part of the fun of the week.
Royal Ascot is one of the first dates entered into the diaries of top fashion designers each and every year.
Music at Royal Ascot
There’s so much more than just top-quality horseracing to enjoy at Royal Ascot.
Regardless of which enclosure you choose to spend the day in, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. The Royal Enclosure has a range of musical and artistic entertainment, with Disco Inferno keeping the energy going through into the evening on the main stage in the Village Enclosure this year. One of the not-to-be-missed events is the traditional post-race sing along around the Ascot bandstand. The Band of the Scots Guards and John Park will play a number of fan favourite tunes, such as Land Of Hope And Glory, We’ll Meet Again and My Way.
Everyone is urged to join in and embrace the spirit of one of Britain’s most powerful traditions. If DJ’s, dancefloors and karaoke classics are your thing, then the daily after-party in the Windsor Enclosure is well worth waiting until after racing for.
Food at Royal Ascot
There is plenty to tantalise the tastebuds no matter what you fancy at Royal Ascot. From fine dining created by Michelin-starred chefs to grabbing a snack on the hoof, you will not leave hungry. Whether it is lobster, sushi or the finest steaks you desire, you are guaranteed to be well catered for.
That doesn’t mean you can’t tuck into a succulent burger or enjoy traditional fish and chips! Of course, there’s plenty of bars serving everything from the best champagne to a refreshing soft drink to help you enjoy your day at the Berkshire Racecourse.
As pictured above, some racegoers even choose to enjoy a picnic before taking in an afternoon’s horseracing!
History of Royal Ascot
Racing at Ascot dates all the way back to 1711, when Queen Anne, a lover of horses, saw the potential for a racecourse at East Cote.
In the 314 years that have followed, the course has become one of the most revered and famous tracks in the world. It now attracts horses from all corners of the globe, tempted by the prestige and publicity that comes with having a Royal Ascot runner.
Travel to Royal Ascot
There are a number of ways to get to Royal Ascot. The course is handily placed for road and rail travel, with extensive car parking near to the site itself. Lots of visitors to Ascot choose to enjoy a picnic out of the boot of their car before and after racing, a tradition as long and esteemed as the history of the meeting itself.
Ascot also has its own railway station, with services heading to London Waterloo, Guildford and Reading. The walk from the station to the track takes just over 5 minutes.
Tickets for Royal Ascot
Head to www.ascot.com for full ticket details but hurry – some enclosures are selling out fast.
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