IT’s Europe’s best attended race meeting, with more than 300,000 people attending over a period of five days in June.
There are 18 group races, with at least one Group One event on each of the five days. Total prize money is likely to be in the region of £7 million. And of course, The Queen and other members of the British Royal Family will be there.
It can only be Royal Ascot, centrepiece of the year at Ascot Racecourse, in Berkshire, which was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, when just seven horses competed for a purse of 100 guineas.
But it is now a major event in the British social calendar attracting worldwide attention not just for its horseracing but also for what the people attending are wearing!
Men must wear black or grey morning suits, with a top hat and while there is more freedom for women, a strict dress code must be observed with only a day dress with hat acceptable and a complete by on bare midriffs or shoulders.
Arguably, the high point of the week is Ladies Day, which is on the Thursday and is when The Gold Cup is run.
There are three enclosures to accommodate guests during Royal Ascot week, the most prestigious of which is the Royal Enclosure, due to likely presence of The Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
There is strict security in the Royal Enclosure and access is restricted. But for those who gain admission there is fine dining and hospitality and a selection of bars.
Throughout the week there are highly prestigious races to be run, with many bearing names that emphasise Ascot’s “Royal” status, including The Queen Anne Stakes, the Queen Mary Stakes, the Windsor Castle Stakes, the Queen’s Vase, the King George V stakes, etc.
For those who like a flutter, the five days of top quality action provide plenty of opportunities for horse racing betting and it is estimated that more than £400 million in bets will be placed.
Competition is fierce between online bookies as well with punters able to take advantage of many free bets and cashback offers.
