Royal Ascot: What to Watch

Royal Ascot is a 5-day race meet that takes place on 18th – 22nd June 2019 at Ascot Racecourse. Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious flat race meetings in the world. The racecourse is situated close to Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II attends the meeting every year and every day of the meet. It is a highlight in the calendar for Royals and racegoers as well as jockeys and trainers.

What to watch

The Royal Family – The Queen and other members of the Royal Family arrive in a Royal Procession made up of open top horse-drawn carriages. The procession starts at Windsor and goes through the racetrack down towards the finishing post at the end part of the racecourse and round into the winner’s enclosure.

Trainers – Royal Ascot brings in the biggest training names including Sir Michael Stout, Aidan O’Brian and Charlie Appleby who trains for Godolphin.

Jockeys – Ryan Moore is likely to be the leading jockey at the meet, for the seventh year running. Crowd favorite Frankie Dettori will surely bring home some winners with James Doyle riding some of the top horses at the meet.

Spectators – There are estimated to be 300,000 visitors to Royal Ascot with three enclosures for members to enjoy. The Royal Enclosure is the most elite and only for badge holders whose invitations are sent out by Her Majesty’s Representative.

Hats – There is a strict dress code in the Royal Enclosure with men required to wear morning suit and a top hat and ladies must wear a dress that meets the rules in terms of length and style as well as an acceptable hat or fascinator. You will be amazed by some of the extravagant hats that people will be wearing especially on Ladies day which is on Thursday.

Horses – There are 30 races over the 5 day meet with a total of £7.3 million prize money to win. Every year the fastest thoroughbreds in the world compete at Royal Ascot. One of the most famous races during the meet is the Gold Cup on the Friday, which Estimate won in 2013 who is owned by the Queen.