Horse racing Days at Royal Ascot: Exactly Why These are Among the Greatest Days Out
It was on a Saturday, 300 years ago in August, a horse race took place on the grounds that would come to be known as Royal Ascot. A stone’s throw from Windsor, this prime real estate was suggested as being the perfect place for a racecourse by Queen Anne in 1711. The Queen Anne Stakes, held every year at this race meeting, honours the vision and passion of Ascot’s founder who was a keen rider herself.
From the first running of the Gold Cup in 1807, Royal Ascot has continued to grow over the years to become the spectacle which it is today. In a grand pageant of tradition and an exploitation of fashion and style, Royal Ascot’s glorious setting is the backdrop for this Royal Meeting and is attended by about 300,000 people with as much as 4 million in prize money on offer and a total of eighteen “Group” races over the five days. With the growing popularity of the racehorse syndicate, racehorse ownership needn’t be restricted only for the elite. Opportunities exist for many who would like to enjoy the exhilaration of being an owner.
The highlight of this prestigious race meeting is the Gold Cup which is held on Day 3. While the race meetings rank as the highest sporting event on the British Calendar, they are nearly eclipsed on Day 3 by Ladies Day, the highest ranking social event on the calendar taking more media and press coverage for the display of fashion.
Attendance of HM Elizabeth II arriving by horse-drawn carriage accompanied by a Royal entourage begins each day with the raising of the Queen’s Royal Standard. Prestigious and exclusive, the Royal Enclosure is a very restricted area available only to the socially elite. First time attendants must be sponsored and all must adhere to a strict dress code. Gentlemen must wear a full morning suit, black or grey, which is to include a waistcoat and top hat. The formal dress for women cannot expose the midriff or the shoulders, with dress length below the knees.
The Actual Races
Over the 5 days of Royal Ascot there are a total of 30 races, including 18 Groups races with at least 1 Group One race each day Group One races are highly regarded and consist of the “Classics” as well as international races of major importance. Among them is the Ascot Gold Cup, the Queen Anne Stakes, Prince of Wales Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes, St. James’ Palace Stakes, Coronation Stakes and the Golden Jubilee Stakes.
The Queen presents the Gold Cup, the Queen’s Vase and the Royal Hunt Cup. Uniquely, these winners can keep their trophies whilst other race winners must return the trophies after a year. Being a member of a racehorse syndicate enables owners to be a part of race days, join their horse in the paddock and should they be lucky enough also enter the winner’s circle.
It is the racehorse trainers job to train a racehorse so it performs to the best of its ability at the races. To find out more about racehorse training visit www.jonjooneillracing.com.
