Royal horse races in england. Ascot Royal Horse Racing
This year's Royal Ascot will take place June 19-23. Royal Ascot is included in the list of the most popular events in the so-called "social season". The term is taken from the everyday life of British aristocrats. Traditionally, during the summer, they host a series of events designed to have a good time and get the kids married. The holiday becomes especially prestigious if the queen or members of the royal family. Racing at Ascot is a great chance to see her for yourself and bet on the color of her hat.
How does Ascot work?
The spectator section of Ascot Racecourse, to put it very simply, consists of four parts. In the main one, which is located at the entrance, they buy food, champagne and make bets. This is a trade zone and everyone can enter it.
Having purchased, spectators with tickets go to their places. There are three "lodges": democratic, middle and royal. Tickets are not sold to the royal, they get here by invitation.
That is, if you want to buy a ticket for the royal races in Ascot, then simply choose from two zones, which in English are called "enclosures".
Which ticket to choose?
Buying is easy. And although there are many accommodation options on the site, in fact, their most important difference is that some are cheaper and others are more expensive.
Windsor Enclosure is the most economical lodge. Tickets here cost £44 per person and you only pay for admission. Food and drinks for you - in the common area at the entrance. This is the most popular platform and usually all the photos of British "ladies" are very hot in hats with raised skirts on the grass from here. There are always a lot of people here and they have fun. Suitable for those who not only tolerate such an atmosphere, but even love it.
"Queen Anne Enclosure" - middle box. There are fewer people here, and the ticket costs £84, also only for admission. Here you pay for the opportunity to breathe more freely and not feel like in the subway. Suitable for those who love peace and tranquility.
In the royal zone, we recall, tickets are not sold. But the jumps themselves are approximately equally visible from all three sites.
There is also an additional type of tickets - "Village Enclosure". Roughly speaking, this is for those who did not have enough tickets. There are broadcast screens here. You won't see anything live.
What day to go?
All days are the same. Except one. June 21 - "Ladies Day". This is the day when the entire British noble public comes to the races. There are more people, the hats are brighter and more extravagant, the lines are longer and the concentration of fun is at its limit.
Do you love this? Get tickets for the 21st. If you want to calmly pose for three hours, you - at some other time.
Do you need coupons and discounts?
Tickets in combination with different types offers and "discounts" at Ascot are very likely to ruin your day. A huge event, thousands of people, this automatically means that even with a pre-paid lunch on the ticket, you can easily spoil your nerves when something goes wrong. Focus on the spot. Then the price will match the quality.
How to get there?
By car or train. You have to pay to park at Ascot. But it is there and quite convenient. It is worth considering that one road leads to Ascot and everyone rides on it during the days of the royal races. That is, there will be traffic jams.
Trains to Ascot from London's Waterloo Station are very frequent and arrive at a point that is a two-minute walk from the entrance to the Hippodrome. Given the traffic, this is very convenient way get to the event. Train tickets can be bought directly at the station from the machine. Naturally, it is better to take back and forth.
Should I bring food for a picnic?
Many take sandwiches and champagne with them and start celebrating on the train. Those who come by car often start this business right in the parking lot in the park. Sit under a tree and boldly start the pre-party.
I want to take my mother's pies with me, take them! And drink champagne on the road! Everyone does it!
In addition, these days the rules on the hippodrome are very humane. You can bring food, blankets and one bottle of champagne per adult.
What's the dress code?
Since the queen is present at the event, there is a certain dress code. And lately they have been updated frequently.
An updated style guide has been released for the Royal Ascot 2018. This year, the list of forbidden outfits for ladies includes bardo tops and fascinator hats.
"Bardo-top" got its name from the Frenchwoman Brigitte Bardot, who very often wore blouses, dresses and sweaters with dropped shoulders. Bare shoulders were part of the actress' signature look. Subsequently, this model of things became known as "bardo-top" and is still very popular.
The fascinator is no longer a veil, but not yet a hat. This is a female headdress, as a rule, decorated with beads, feathers, flowers, fragments of a veil are also present. At Royal Ascot, women's fantasy in this kind of accessories often took the most bizarre forms.
Last year, the organizers of Royal Ascot allowed women's one-piece jumpsuits. This year, the permission was not canceled, but the length of the trouser part must be up to the ankles.
For men, the only acceptable headgear would be a full gray or black top hat. From men, the style guide requires the mandatory presence of socks.
For ladies:
- Dresses and skirts should be slightly above the knee or longer;
- Shoulder straps and straps on dresses and tops must be 2.54 cm or wider;
- From above, you can put on a jacket, throw on a shawl or stole, but dresses and tops under them should still match the style guide;
- In trouser suits, the top and bottom should match in color. Bottom part must be ankle-deep;
- The trouser part of jumpsuits should be up to the ankles. And the top one - to comply with the regulations of dresses and tops regarding the straps;
- Ladies must wear hats. Alternatively, headgear with a hard base of 10 cm or more in diameter is acceptable;
- Tops, dresses, jumpsuits that are strapless, off the shoulder, tie or tie at the neck are prohibited;
- Waist and stomach should be closed;
- Fascinator hats and hats without a solid base that do not cover 10 cm of the head are not allowed.
- Vest and tie (not a neckerchief or scarf);
- Black or gray cylinder;
- Black shoes must be with socks.
How to bet on a horse?
Nothing special is required. It is necessary to choose a horse, stand in line at the desired kiosk, name the horse's name and bet no matter how much it is a pity. Bets start from a few pounds, so you can safely set aside £10 from your budget for 10 bets and try to win! Betting kiosks are located everywhere.
See the queen and the lords
There is a small lawn in the common trading area. Right in the middle, impossible to miss. It is fenced, you can not go there without a special invitation. But it is here that the Queen and her family members arrive between 11 am and 2 pm. If you take a seat at the fence near the lawn in advance, you can see the queen and wave her hand.
How to bet on a queen's hat?
Before the queen arrives, everyone tries to guess the color of her hat. In the same stalls where they bet on horses, you can leave a couple of pounds and your guess. Will the queen be wearing a yellow headdress or pink? Or maybe she has a purple mood?
From experience: if you point your finger at the sky, then guessing the horse that will win the race is easier than guessing the color of the hat of Elizabeth II. So you don't have to follow fashion. The queen always has her own opinion. Focus on horses.
This year's Royal Ascot will take place June 19-23. Our author Kristina Moskalenko has been visiting Royal Ascot for several years. And for readers, Zima has compiled a list of 10 tips for those who are just discovering the atmosphere of royal racing. Tickets are already on sale, hurry up.
Royal Ascot is included in the list of the most popular events in the so-called “social season”. The term is taken from the everyday life of British aristocrats. Traditionally, during the summer, they host a series of events designed to have a good time and get the kids married. The holiday becomes especially prestigious if the queen or members of the royal family are present. Racing at Ascot is a great chance to see her for yourself and bet on the color of her hat.
How does Ascot work?
The spectator section of Ascot Racecourse, to put it very simply, consists of four parts. In the main one, which is located at the entrance, they buy food, champagne and make bets. This is a trade zone and everyone can enter it.
Having purchased, spectators with tickets go to their places. There are three "lodges": democratic, middle and royal. Tickets are not sold to the royal, they get here by invitation.
That is, if you want to buy a ticket for the Royal Ascot races, then you simply choose from two zones, which in English are called 'enclosures'.
Which ticket to choose?
Buying is easy. And although there are many accommodation options on the site, in fact, their most important difference is that some are cheaper and others are more expensive.
‘Windsor Enclosure’ is the most economical lodge. Tickets here cost £44 per person and you only pay for admission. Food and drinks for you - in the common area at the entrance. This is the most popular platform and usually all the photos of British “ladies” are very hot in hats with raised skirts on the grass from here. There are always a lot of people here and they are having fun. Suitable for those who not only tolerate such an atmosphere, but even love it.
‘Queen Anne Enclosure’ is the middle box. There are fewer people here, and the ticket costs £84, also only for admission. Here you pay for the opportunity to breathe more freely and not feel like in the subway. Suitable for those who love peace and tranquility.
In the royal zone, we recall, tickets are not sold. But the jumps themselves are approximately equally visible from all three sites.
There is also an additional ticket type - ‘Village Enclosure’. Roughly speaking, this is for those who did not have enough tickets. There are broadcast screens here. You won't see anything live.
What day to go?
All days are the same. Except one. June 21 - 'Ladies Day'. This is the day when the entire British noble public comes to the races. There are more people, the hats are brighter and more extravagant, the lines are longer and the concentration of fun is at its limit.
Do you love this? Get tickets for the 21st. If you want to calmly pose for three hours, you - at some other time.
Do you need coupons and discounts?
Tickets combined with different types of offers and "discounts" at Ascot will most likely mean that your day will be ruined. A huge event, thousands of people, this automatically means that even with a pre-paid lunch on the ticket, you can easily spoil your nerves when something goes wrong. Focus on the spot. Then the price will match the quality.
How to get there?
By car or train. You have to pay to park at Ascot. But it is there and quite convenient. It is worth considering that one road leads to Ascot and everyone rides on it during the days of the royal races. That is, there will be traffic jams.
Trains to Ascot from London's Waterloo Station are very frequent and arrive at a point two minutes' walk from the Hippodrome entrance. Given the traffic, this is a very convenient way to get to the event. Train tickets can be bought directly at the station from the machine. Naturally, it is better to take back and forth. detailed information link .
Should I bring food for a picnic?
Many take sandwiches and champagne with them and start celebrating on the train. Those who come by car often start this business right in the parking lot in the park. Sit under a tree and boldly start the pre-party.
I want to take my mother's pies with me, take them! And drink champagne on the road! Everyone does it!
In addition, these days the rules on the hippodrome are very humane. You can bring food, blankets and one bottle of champagne per adult.
What's the dress code?
Since the queen is present at the event, there is a certain dress code. And lately they have been updated frequently. Zima has already written about the new style guide.
The basic rules for women are that the knees and shoulders should be covered, the neckline should be modest, the headdress should not be less than 10 cm in diameter.
The rules for men are suit and hat.
In general, if you really want to, you can go in a miniskirt, no one will be lucky to the police, but they can give you an extra skirt, like in monasteries.
Without unnecessary troubles, dress as you would dress for a wedding to ... mom. And don't forget the hat!
How to bet on a horse?
Nothing special is required. It is necessary to choose a horse, stand in line at the desired kiosk, name the horse's name and bet no matter how much it is a pity. Bets start from a few pounds, so you can safely set aside £10 from your budget for 10 bets and try to win! Betting kiosks are located everywhere.
See the queen and the lords
There is a small lawn in the common trading area. Right in the middle, impossible to miss. It is fenced, you can not go there without a special invitation. But it is here that the Queen and her family members arrive between 11 am and 2 pm. If you take a seat at the fence near the lawn in advance, you can see the queen and wave her hand.
How to bet on a queen's hat?
Before the queen arrives, everyone tries to guess the color of her hat. In the same stalls where they bet on horses, you can leave a couple of pounds and your guess. Will the queen be wearing a yellow headdress or pink? Or maybe she has a purple mood?
From experience: if you point your finger at the sky, then guessing the horse that will win the race is easier than guessing the color of the hat of Elizabeth II. So you don't have to follow fashion. The queen always has her own opinion. Focus on horses.
This week, the British Royal Family is in for five days of fun at Royal Ascot. The Queen invites her family to join her at the event every year, but what is it and why is everyone so serious? Ahead of this year's event, here's everything we know about one of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite public events.
This is the highlight of the summer social calendar
Royal Ascot is an annual race held every June at Ascot Racecourse (which is about 30 miles from London). This is one of the most bright events year social calendar, and tickets can cost anywhere from US$50 (for being outdoors) to several thousand (for coveted seating in lodges or hotel suites). The Royal Family visit Ascot every year and the event is known for its heritage and tradition.
Racing fans take it seriously
Image Source: Getty / Alan CrowhurstHowever, this is not just a social event. Royal Ascot is a huge deal in the racing world. The races, which take place over five days, have a total of £7.3 million in prize money (nearly $10 million). The horses and jockeys are some of the most famous in the world, and the owners are some of the richest and most powerful.
You've seen it in movies and on TV
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann Royal Ascot has a rich history dating back to the reign of Queen Anne in 1711, and Ascot Racecourse has been a well-known part of popular culture for decades. 1964 film “My Fair Lady” features the famous scene filmed at Ascot in which Audrey Hepburn's Eliza Doolittle loses her temper during a race and yells at a horse while standing surrounded by earls and peers.
The Royal Family visits Ascot
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein Queen Elizabeth II visits Royal Ascot every day and is joined by a different member of her family every day. The royal carriage arrives every day, giving everyone a glimpse of the royal family before they reach the royal box.
It gives people the opportunity to get closer to the royal family
After a ride in a carriage, the royal family makes a parade circle on foot. This gives people a rare opportunity to get a close-up view of the royal family.
The queen herself awards the winners
Image Source: Getty / Kirstin Sinclair During the day, the queen will present trophies to the owners of the winning horses. This can sometimes be problematic as the queen herself owns racehorses and they are often among the winners in Royal Ascot races. On the occasions when they win (for example, the Gold Cup in 2013), it does honor to her family members!
Other members of the royal family
Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson Other members of the royal family also help with official duties throughout the day.
We'll see the royals at their best
While Royal Ascot is considered a pretty “cool” event, it is also a chance for the royals to have some fun and show off their outfits and hairstyles.
They really race
Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby/Indigo Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie visit Ascot every year, and it's safe to say they're in every race!
If your name is not on the list, you will not enter.
Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby/Indigo The most sought after area in Royal Ascot is the Royal Enclosure, which surrounds the Royal Box (where the Royal Family and their invited guests watch the races). Tickets to the royal corps are not sold at all, but are instead reserved for members, VIPs, owners and coaches, sponsors and their guests.
Time to plan your outfit
The Royal Corps has a strict dress code. Men are expected to wear morning dress, with a top hat (just a suit won't work). Women must wear hats or headgear of a certain size, and dresses or skirts must have knee-length or longer hemlines and belts of a certain width (as shown here on British TV presenter Holly Willoughby). Strapless dresses, backless dresses, halter styles and spaghetti straps are prohibited.
All about hats
Image Source: Getty / Samir Hussein Thursday at Royal Ascot is known as "Ladies' Day" and that's where the hats come into play. The women vie to be photographed in their standout outfits and the designs range from the sublime. . .
There's no such thing as too much
Image Source: Getty / Stuart S. Wilson To ridiculous! Yes, it's a spaghetti hat!
No one in the whole world is as obsessed with horse racing and hats as the English. If you want proof, check out Royal Ascot, which is traditionally held in the UK in the third week of June. And now you can see Meghan Markle there as a royal daughter-in-law and with a special mission.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex to debut at Royal Ascot 2018At Royal Ascot big story, but on June 19, 2018, another chapter will be inscribed in it, because on this day Meghan Markle will make her debut at the hippodrome. The Duchess of Sussex has this day special mission: she is entrusted to present a prize to the winner of one of the three most rated races of the first day. Royal Ascot has one of the strictest dress codes, especially for those accompanying Her Majesty. So, the Duchess of Sussex tried, as far as she could, to postpone fashion experiments for another time. For her racetrack debut, Meghan opted for a shirt-cut maxi dress by Givenchy (the designer of her wedding attire) and a dainty hat by Philip Treacy, one of Britain's top hat makers.
Royal Ascot is not just the main races under the patronage of the Queen. This is, first of all, a symbol of good old England, a sign that in our changing world there are still traditions that cannot be taken away from the inhabitants of Foggy Albion. Spectacular horse races and incredible hats - two passions of true Englishmen are surprisingly intertwined in this most important and enchanting event of the summer - Royal Ascot.
The royal races in Ascot, a small Berkshire town, are over 300 years old. They were founded by Queen Anne in 1711. Since then, the popularity of Royal Ascot has only grown and today it is the most pompous aristocratic event in the world. Interest in him is also fueled by the royal family, which is always present at the races for all five days. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth II has never missed this event.
Traditionally, Royal Ascot is held in the third week of June, from Tuesday to Saturday. By the way, before the races ended on Friday, but due to their popularity, relatively recently it was decided to extend them for another day.
Of course, formally, Royal Ascot is, first of all, horse racing. Moreover, they are very prestigious, and every year this status only increases. For example, if in 2017 prize fund races was 4 million English pounds, then in 2018 the organizers announced an amount of 7.3 million. In total, 18 races will be held in 5 days in 2018, including 6 of the most prestigious ones. Trophies are presented to the winners of these races by members of the royal family. In particular, on the first day of Royal Ascot 2018, one of the cups was delivered by the newlyweds of Sussex ─ Megan and Harry.
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But in fact, Royal Ascot has long turned into a real festival of British life. This is especially noticeable in the zone of commoners, where most of the entertainment venues and food courts are located.
For more than 300 years, the opening ceremony has already been honed to the smallest detail. At 10:30 London time gatekeepers in green jackets (they are called Greencoats) will start letting guests into the stadium, according to tickets (Ascot racetrack is divided into 3 spectator zones) and dress code (more on that later).
At two o'clock in the afternoon, the royal procession leaves for the hippodrome: Her Majesty's carriage, followed by the carriages of other members of the royal family (the appearance of the elders is strictly obligatory, but for the younger ones it is optional). Fun fact: for a year now, bookies have been accepting bets on the color of Elizabeth's hat on the opening day of the race.
By the time Royal Ascot opened on June 19, 2018, bookmakers had accepted £1 million in bets from those eager to guess the color of the Queen's hat. They say it's a record. The leaders were blue and pink. Under the forecasts about the color of the Queen's headdress, they even provide an analytical base. For example, they consider How many times has Her Majesty been in blue Last year, how many times she appeared in pink at the races in different years. For example, since 2005, more than half of Elizabeth's outfits have been one of these shades. However, theory is often far from practice. In 2017, for example, blue was the favorite bet, and the Queen appeared in a lime-colored hat. This year, Her Majesty limited herself to a blue flower on a bright yellow hat. Well, someone got lucky (the one who bet on yellow).
Exactly at 2 pm, Elizabeth announces the Royal Ascot races open and goes with relatives and distinguished guests to the royal box, located in the royal spectator area - to watch the races and place bets (the queen often puts the horses of her stable on the races herself).
On the first day, three royal races are held at once - the very first is traditionally dedicated to the founder of the race, Queen Anne.
Elizabeth II comes to Royal Ascot every day. But in 5 days of racing, you can see many other members of the royal family, and not only the British one. Oriental kings and sheikhs (which is natural) do not miss these races, Sheikha Moza regularly appears at the races, the Danish crown couple, Prince Frederick and Princess Mary, came here several times. But, of course, fans are always waiting for the Cambridge couple to appear at the races, which this event is often ignored, to the chagrin of the public. Now, of course, everyone will be looking forward to the appearance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the races with even greater impatience.
The royal family under the leadership of Her Majesty and a special dress code - this is the formula for the success of Royal Ascot. Thanks to them, these races cannot be confused with any other similar event.
Clothing requirements at Royal Ascot are perhaps the most conservative. Even though the organizers sincerely try to balance between tradition and modern fashion. For example, only in the 70s, ladies were allowed to wear trousers to the races. However, until now, the rules state that these trousers should be part of a trouser suit and cover the leg to the ankle.
The relaxations also affected the styles of dresses. Now the length of the skirt can be slightly above the knee (the key word is “slightly”), while back in the 70s the skirt had to cover the knees completely. Necklines, as before, are prohibited in the royal sector, but dress assistants are already looking through their fingers at the bare shoulders and collarbones of ladies from the mass sector - this phenomenon has become too massive.
Regarding the top of dresses and blouses, there are several introductory ones: too thin (less than 2.5 cm wide) straps, transparent straps, as well as “halters” (a variation of straps with a clasp at the back of the neck) are prohibited. Sleeveless dresses are not allowed. Skirts and jackets are acceptable, provided they are made from the same fabric.
Only in 2017 was the taboo on overalls for ladies lifted. This historical moment deserved a separate paragraph in the "Style Guide", which specified that the length of the trousers of the overalls remains the same (no more than the ankle), and the top must comply with the requirements for the top of the clothing in the corresponding sector.
Sectors, by the way, four. the Royal Box (it can only be entered at the invitation of Her Majesty, which does not exclude the entrance fee of 300 British pounds), the Queen Anne sector (from 75 to 88 British pounds for entry), the Village sector (about 65 pounds) and the Windsor sector (from 37 to 46 pounds). The strictest dress code is for lodge guests, the most democratic is for those who bought a ticket to the Windsor sector.
In order not to retell all the details of the modern Royal Ascot dress code, we offer you to watch a two-minute video from the organizers. It clearly describes what should be worn on the guests of the race, depending on the sector:
As you might guess, the dress code of the royal races ultimatum declares the presence of a headdress for all visitors, both women and men, making an exception only for children (girls under 12 years old are allowed to be fascinators). Regarding the shape and size of hats, there is even a separate instruction, which specifies the width of the crown, height and even color. At the same time, for women to appear two days in a row in the same hat is bad manners. At the same time, Thursday is traditionally declared as "Women's Day". It is on this day that the Queen chooses the best hat at Royal Ascot. And this is the only day the ladies can wear fancy hats. On other days it is better not to try to shock the Queen.
Considering the status of the event, celebrities are very fond of attending. Liz Hurley, for example, does not miss a single season. But, of course, she is not the only one who does not miss the opportunity to be in the frame against the backdrop of the famous royal hippodrome.
1. Every year, up to 500,000 visitors gather at Ascot Racecourse, led by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the entire royal family. Every year, bookmakers take bets on what color of hat the Queen will appear at the races.
2. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as befits a monarch, did not indulge in excess, going out during the first day of the races in a blue and green hat and a dress made by Peter Enrione, who has been the royal tailor for over thirty years. .
3. According to tradition, there is a Royal Lodge in Ascot, where you can get at the personal invitation of Her Majesty. All those present in the Royal Lodge are required to observe a strict dress code. Pictured, people walk on the lawns in front of the Royal Box on June 15, the first day of Royal Ascot.
4. All ladies at the races are required to wear hats, and for gentlemen, a top hat is mandatory. On the picture: Main character show "Survive at any cost" Beer Grylls with his wife.
5. In the Royal Lodge, a lady must not only wear hats, but also cover her shoulders and wear skirts no shorter than 2 inches above her knees. In the photo: singer and fashion model from Australia Holly Valance.
6. Royal Ascot - the third, after the regatta on the Thames and a significant event in the London social season.
7. The audience in the Royal box annually attracts the attention of all British tabloids. Pictured: Actress Amanda Holden. (Photo: Getty Images)
8. An exception to the strict rules of the dress code of the Royal Lodge is made for foreigners who, if desired, can dress in national clothes. However, Sheikh Mohammed, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, and Princess Haya did not take advantage of this opportunity during the first day of the race this year.
9. Representatives of high society, gathering in the royal box, observe the dress code with pleasure. Pictured: Danielle Lineker, wife of former football star Gary Lineker, in a bodycon dress from Victoria Beckham, hats from Rachel Trevor-Morgan and a clutch from .
10. The variety of hats is really shocking - from sophisticated to outright funny. Pictured: Sophie, Countess of Wessex. (Photo: Getty Images)
11. One of the ladies in the Royal Lodge holds her hat in the strong gusts of wind that raged during the first day of Royal Ascot racing.
12. Those who do not want to obey the etiquette in dress will have to leave the royal tribune, regardless of status and degree of fame, for example, they once "asked" Rod Stewart. In the photo: English TV presenter Susan Perry.
13. Those who invent hats come to the races in Ascot every year to show themselves and their creations and to look at others. Pictured: hat designer Rebecca Johnson wearing a "her own design" hat.
14. Despite the gusts of wind on the first day of the race, Mrs. Edward Claridge appeared with a whole garden of silk delphiniums and hydrangeas.
