The event
Royal Ascot is a truly special occasion that brings together approximately 300,000 racegoers from across the globe for five spectacular days of world-class racing, summer style and celebration at Ascot Racecourse. It really is like nowhere else and an experience that I encourage everyone to try at least once – it promises once again to be a spectacular occasion.
This year
In terms of racing we’ve introduced a new Group One race on the Friday of Royal Ascot, the Commonwealth Cup. This will bring the total number of Group races across the week to 18, including eight Group Ones. In terms of fine dining, we’re working with Michelin-starred chefs Phil Howard, Michael Caines and Angela Hartnett for the first time this year, and are delighted to welcome Raymond Blanc back for the second year running to design an exclusive menu for Private Box holders.
Ambience
From the moment you arrive in Ascot during the Royal Meeting you know that you are about to become a part of something special. Each day formally begins with the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm when The Queen and her guests travel down the final straight in front of the Grandstand and into the Parade Ring in horse-drawn landaus.
It’s hard to put the atmosphere into words but it’s electric. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Gold Cup day on Thursday is traditionally the most well-known day as it features the running of The Gold Cup, but it really comes down to which day suits you best and personal preference.
Rub shoulders with
Senior members of The Royal Family always attend. We are also delighted to welcome Twiggy, Ronan Keating, Michael Gambon, Jeremy Irons, Trevor Eves and a host of other names to present winning trophies. There are also many personalities who come as guests across our hospitality areas.
Stay
Pennyhill Park Hotel (London Road, Bagshot, Surrey; +44 1276 471 774; www.pennyhillpark.co.uk), an exclusive hotel and spa in the Surrey countryside is excellent accommodation.
Dine
We are delighted to be working some of the world’s top chefs this year, and who hold seven Michelin stars between them. There are 12 fine dining restaurants for guests to choose from in addition to Private Boxes ensuring there is an experience to suit all tastes and budgets. We have totally refurbished The Parade Ring Restaurant for 2015, which will be spectacular. Alternatively the views from On5 are outstanding. It is an absolute must to try the food in any of our top fine dining restaurants.
Wear
The dress code is different depending which enclosure you’re a guest in. [For more details visit www.ascot.co.uk/dress-code]
Must do
Arrive early and allow yourself plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the racecourse before the day formally begins with Royal Procession. The gates open from 10:30am and there are plenty of places where you can eat, have a drink, study the form or simply watch other racegoers arrive. Spend some time at the Pre-Parade Ring as well as the Parade Ring.
The Pre-Parade Ring is where the horses are walked before they come into the Parade Ring – it’s a wonderful time to see them up close without the crowds around the Parade Ring. Once racing has finished, the day wouldn’t be complete without stopping to take in the traditional singing around the Bandstand that begins following the final race.
