Royal Ascot is one of the most famous 5-day horse racing events that takes place annually each June. All of its races occur at the Ascot Racecourse, located in Berkshire, England. Most Brits know about this racing event due to the presence of the King and Queen.
This popular horse racing event attracts more than 300,000 fans each year, most of them dressed up for the occasion with the finest branded clothes. But there is more to it than fancy clothes, which is why we’ll dive into Royal Ascot’s history and the best racing moments.
The Early Days of Royal Ascot Before the Appearance of Bookmakers
It was Queen Anne herself who established the Ascot Racecourse in 1711. She started the first meeting in August of the same year, and the event has been part of the racing calendar ever since. 7 horses competed in heats during the first race, with the fastest one collecting 100 guineas as prize money.
This event didn’t stop there as it continued to grow exponentially during the 18th and 19th centuries. It started to attract more and more aristocrats from all over the kingdom. This increased popularity turned Royal Ascot into a 4-day meeting format in 1807.
A defining moment that reshaped the entire event took place in 1825. It featured the first Royal Procession that involved members of the Royal Family arriving at the meeting in horse-drawn carriages.
The enduring relationship between the monarchy and Royal Ascot grew even stronger during the 19th century, with Queen Victoria being largely responsible for the immense prestige that the event has today. It features some of the most famous horse races in the world, including the Gold Cup, the King’s Stand Stakes, and the Queen Anne Stakes.
In those early days, the event was a strictly local, upper-class affair. Over the centuries, however, its appeal has expanded far beyond Berkshire to become a truly global phenomenon, drawing top trainers and spectators from the United States, Australia, and all corners of Europe. Ireland, in particular, has developed an incredibly deep connection with the meeting, with Irish-trained horses now acting as a dominant force on the turf. In the lead-up to June, international anticipation builds, and racing odds in Ireland are widely pored over by fans keen to see how the local challengers stack up against world-class competition.
Royal Ascot’s Strict Dress Code and Remarkable Fashion
The dress code at Royal Ascot has been a valuable part of the meeting for centuries. Its renowned fashion and style shaped the meeting off the racecourse. Every attendee must follow the strict dress code to gain entrance.
All of this started with the introduction of the Royal Enclosure in the 19th century, bringing formal clothing requirements that remodelled the entire event. But while the men stick to a strict uniform of morning suits, the ladies use the occasion to showcase incredible millinery, turning heads with elegant dresses and spectacular, over-the-top hats.
Royal Ascot’s dress code endured numerous changes during the 19th and 20th centuries. These rapid changes came to an end in the 21st century thanks to the organisers’ formalised dress code.
The modern dress code forces men to wear navy, black, or grey morning suits, ties, top hats, and waistcoats. Ladies need to wear dresses or skirts that fall just above their knees, with straps of 1 inch or greater. Jumpsuits and trouser suits are also part of the women’s dress code.
Best Horse Racing Moments at Royal Ascot
The 300+ years of Royal Ascot history have accumulated hundreds of horse races. But there are some astonishing racing moments that will forever remain in our memory.
Yeats Victory at the Ascot Gold Cup in 2009
An Irish Thoroughbred racehorse called Yeats was the main attraction at the 2009 Royal Ascot. He became the first racehorse to win four consecutive Gold Cups. Yeats accomplished that from 2006 to 2009.
Frankel’s Dominance at the Queen Anne Stakes in 2012
Many horse racing experts label Frankel as one of the best modern racehorses in Royal Ascot’s history. He made a legacy by winning the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes race by 11 lengths. Most fans haven’t seen a more dominant performance on a racecourse.
The 2013 Ascot Gold Cup Win by Estimate
Estimate made history in 2013 as it won the Gold Cup for Queen Elizabeth II. This was the first time a horse owned by a reigning British monarch had won such a race. Many fans remember this as an emotional moment while seeing the late Queen’s unhidden joy.
Choisir’s Win at the 2003 King’s Stand Stakes
A lot of racegoers doubted Choisir’s ability to compete at the 2003 King’s Stand Stakes. This Australian sprinter proved everyone wrong by beating Europe’s best horses with his aggressive speed. A 4-day rest was enough for Choisir to win the Golden Jubilee Stakes.
The 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes Triumph by Black Caviar
An unbeaten Australian horse called Black Caviar caused a spectacle at the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes. She ended up extending her winning streak despite Luke Nolen’s early celebration. This shocking win baffles horse racing fans to this day.
