5 Essential Reminders for First-Time Royal Ascot Attendee
The Royal Ascot is considered the most prestigious horse racing in the world. It was founded on August 11, 1768. The racecourse is around 179 acres leased from the Crown Estate. The race is held during the last week of June, from Tuesday to Saturday.
It’s Britain’s most valuable horse racing event. It attracts the world’s fastest and finest horses. They will then be competing for millions of pounds in prize money, around seven to eight million
This 2023 the Royal Ascot will be held from June 20 to 24. Approximately 300,000 people are expected to flock to the Ascot Racecourse to witness this Europe’s most famous horse racing event. If you’re a first-time attendee to the Royal Ascot, here are a few essential tips you should remember to have a fabulous time.
Expect A Lot of Horse Racing
Throughout the five-day Royal Ascot, there will be around 500 horse races. Each day offers a unique experience. You can expect that the horse grade and racecourse distance for day one horse races differs from the horse grade and racecourse the following days.
For example, during the opening day of the Royal Ascot, the highlight horse racing is the Grade 1 Queen Anne Stakes. It features horses four years old and older. While on Thursday, the oldest race in the Royal Ascot, the Gold Cup, happens. The world’s elite long-distance horses compete to win this honor in this race.
If you like to spice up your inaugural experience, you could also bet on horse racing, especially at the Gold Cup race. You can check out horse betting Fanduel platforms for an easier way to place your bet and a chance at a bigger return if you win. Just ensure you study the horses’ backgrounds and interact with them during the Parade Ring to know which one to bet.
Know the Schedule
Since the Royal Ascot is a five-day horse racing event, it would benefit you to know the day, time, and location of the race you’d want to watch. If time is limited, this is the best way to maximize your time in the event.
The opening on Tuesday is usually considered the best day for flat racing events. The highlight of this day is the Grade 1 Anne Stakes. Before the start, there is also the Royal Procession starting at 2:00 pm.
Wednesday is undoubtedly the day when you want to win big in betting. There isn’t much bustle on this day, which is perfect for horse betting on high-quality races. One of the big races is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
If you’re really into fashion, Ladies’ Day on Thursday should be part of your itinerary. During this day, millinery fashion meets high-quality racing. Horse racing fans significantly improve their clothes to flaunt their best attire for the Royal Ascot’s oldest race – the Gold Cup.
You should include in your schedule the closing days if you want to feel excited and thrilled. Friday is the most social day of the Royal Ascot, where much racing drama happens. On Saturday, the longest flat horse racing, the Queen Alexandra Stakes, is held.
Expect Royal Family Members in Attendance
Since the Royal Ascot is closely associated with the British royal family, you can expect that many of them will show up daily. They will partake in the Royal Procession, a tradition started by King George IV in 1825, every day before the start of the day’s first race.
After the procession, they will then be seated at the exclusive Royal Enclosure. The monarch will then present to the Gold Cup winner their trophy. However, in the 2013 Royal Ascot, Queen Elizabeth II’s horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup. Instead of her presenting the trophy, it was her second child, Prince Andrew, who presented her the trophy as the owner of the winning horse.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was present almost every year on the third day of the Royal Ascot. She was an avid fan of horses, a character inherited by her children, grandchildren, and their spouses. She even continued to ride horses well in her 90s.
Wear Your Best Formal Daywear
Even though the main focus of the Royal Ascot is horse racing, it’s also one of the biggest and most famous social events of the year. Many racegoers will put their best foot forward, especially on the attires they’ll be wearing.
Aside from that, the Royal Ascot also has one of the strictest dress codes. If you fail to dress appropriately, you can be denied access and entry to the racecourse.
For females, the formal day wear you’ll include a hat, fascinator, or headpiece. Your dress or skirt should be knee-length or longer. Wearing trousers, suits, and jumpsuits is allowed as long as they comply with the dress code.
The male attendees must wear a formal suit, collared shirt, and tie. The jacket and trousers you’ll wear must match in colour and pattern. You must also wear socks covering the ankle at all times.
Secure the Nearest Hotel
To have the best experience, you can also book the nearest hotel if you’re not near Windsor. You’ll avoid traffic to the racecourse or rushing after the event to catch the train home. You can also arrive early and be able to roam around the event area before the races start.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous scheduled horse racing events worldwide, but attending the Royal Ascot is special. It doesn’t only provide high-quality racing and an opportunity to showcase your best attire but also a chance to be in the same event, breathing the same air, with the monarch and other members of the British royal family.
As a first-time attendee to the Royal Ascot, some aspects of the event might overwhelm you. However, if you are familiar with the aforementioned reminders and the Royal Ascot’s culture, you’ll appreciate it more in the long run.