Ascot is the world’s most famous Racecourse.
Over the past 300 years Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar as well as being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.
It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding in 1711, she came upon an area of open heath, not far from Windsor Castle, that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch”.
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| The Queen and the Queen Mother attend Ascot in 1950 |
The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot and is traditionally the busiest day of the week. It is colloquially known as “Ladies’ Day” as, in the formative years, it was the dominant day in terms of the racing, attracting the largest crowds and, it must be assumed from the emergence of the term “Ladies’ Day,” more ladies and lots of HATS!
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| The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret at Ascot |
Her Majesty The Queen, as an owner and breeder of racehorses takes a keen interest in the races. Over the years The Queen has had great success with her own horses.
The Jockeys riding Her Majesty's horses can be distinguished because they wear The Queen's racing colours. These are the same as those of King Edward VII and George IV as Prince Regent - purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and black velvet cap with gold fringe.
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| The Queen and Prince Phillip arriving at Ascot |
The Queen traditionally presents the Gold Cup, which, along with the Royal Hunt Cup and The Queen's Vase.
Ascot Dress Code (Anti-Chavs!)
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| Even if you are a Royal there´s no way you getting in dressed like that! |
Premier Admission Dress Code
Both ladies and gentlemen are asked to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion. Many gentlemen wear a shirt and tie with a jacket or suit. Please note that blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sports attire (including football and rugby shirts, sweatshirts and trainers) are not permitted.
Grandstand Admission Dress Code
Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes no formal dress code applies except that bare chests are not permitted at any time.
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| "Sorry Love, you too chav, I’m afraid you have to leave, before the Queen sees you!!" |
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Royal Ascot: Here cames the Hats
Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and miniskirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour.
Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat. A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.
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"I am a Royal, this year i have learned how a lady should dress"
Princess Zara Phillips at Ascot 2008 |
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