Located in the small town of Ascot in Berkshire, England, sits a dual-purpose racecourse famous for the annual Royal Ascot event. Hosting 600,000 people per year, 26 days of racing, and the Royal Meeting held every June, Royal Ascot is permanently cemented into the British social calendar. The prestigious venue is set to host their most coveted event, Royal Ascot, this June under social distancing guidelines, with only a few thousand racegoers permitted each day.
In preparation, TA-DAH.TV have given the low down on everything you need to know about the historic racecourse, famous racing events and its royal ties.
ROYAL ASCOT – A VERY ROYAL RACECOURSE
Ascot, as we all have come to know, is famous for their main event Royal Ascot. Hosted in June, this famous social calendar event evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at Ascot in 1768. A 5-day event with the Gold Cup race at its feature on the third day, sees crowds draw in for their busiest and most prestigious event of the year. The 179-acre racecourse is leased from the Crown Estate and only 6 miles from Windsor Castle, so it is no surprise Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attends Ascot more than once a year.
The Royal Meeting, however, is central to the racecourse’s ties with the British Royal Family, seeing a Royal procession each day of the event at 2pm. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the Queen and members of her family arrive down the straight to the sound of the National Anthem – no less.
The 5 days of Royal Ascot are abuzz with visitors of high society, fabulous fashion, elegance, and the best millinery creations your eyes will ever see. Hosting some of the world’s finest racehorses, all in an effort to compete for the grand prize money of more than £6m!
RACES AND EVENTS AT ASCOT
Over the course of a year 26 race days are held at the racecourse. The flat season is held between April and October and includes famous, well-known races such as, the Commonwealth Cup, Kings Stand Stakers, and The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes. Over the many years Ascot has been hosting these flat races, numerous famous horses have taken to the straights such as Frankel, Sagaro, and Dancing Brave. The jumps season then takes over in October until March, where Ascot hosts 8 days of jumps racing. This starts with one of their family race days. Just like the flats, Ascot has welcomed many a famous jumps horse including, Arkle, Sprinter Sacre, and Desert Orchid.
On top of the riveting, fast-paced races, the events at Ascot are also considered huge societal and fashion events. Royal Ascot, as just one example, has become more than just horseracing. Upheld by a strict dress code, the event is a major annual fashion event for visitors. Women and Men are expected to adhere to dress code policy, depending upon their enclosure.
The Royal Enclosure requests guests to respect the dress code by adhering to modest, formal daywear. This includes the desire for hats to be worn. Allowing for some spectacular, eye-catching head pieces on display. You will find a flurry of household designer names like Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Philip Treacy OBE.
HOSPITALITY AND FACILITIES AT ASCOT
Available at all 26 races days on Ascot’s annual calendar is the option to book fine dining hospitality packages. Choose from a deliciously designed à la carte menu by a top-class Michelin starred chef at Royal Ascot. Or treat you, your family, and friends to a three-course menu at any of Ascot’s other 21 race days. For an added sense of luxury and exclusivity, Ascot allow for the booking of private boxes across their race days, allowing guests to be at the heart of the action whilst enjoying impeccable service. – vey cool!
With a choice of packages, guests can select the level of experience they desire from a day at Ascot. Boxes range from 10 seater to 72 seater, so large groups of families and friends or corporate bookings are catered for. Forever incorporating luxury into everything they do, the platinum package includes champagne and canapes on arrival, as well as a 4-course set lunch menu – what more could you want from a day at the races!
ENCLOSURES
There are several different enclosures designed to cater for all needs of visiting racegoers, from top-end hospitality to basic viewing options. All within various prices points with differing facilities.
As expected, the Royal enclosure can be accessed by invite only – during Royal Ascot this area will be used by the British Royal Family. Those entering the royal enclosure are restricted to a strict dress code. This is a high-end experience with the absolute best views of the races and an absolute favourite with celebrities and famous faces, who have close ties with the Royals.
The Windsor enclosure is the perfect alternative for those looking for a premium experience of Ascot without the premium prices. It is also well known for the best views of the royal procession at the Royal Meeting.
For younger racegoers, the newer village enclosure offers the perfect “festival feel” environment. The dress code is more relaxed. Situated in the middle of the track, it offers a new party experience of Royal Ascot, with pop-up bars and dining, there are many options here to enjoy.
With luxurious dining, Royal experiences, high-end race viewing and very British picnics – Ascot is the place to be.