ROYAL ASCOT 2021

ABOUT ROYAL ASCOT

As The Queen rides in her carriage up the home straight at the start of each day’s racing, she is continuing an association that dates back more than 300 years. It was in 1711 that Queen Anne found an area of heathland that was “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch” and horse racing has taken place there since. The meeting quickly grew in popularity with the aristocracy, although the first Royal Ascot four-day event was not held until 1768. The connection between royalty and the finest festival of flat racing in the world, however, lasts to this day.

The fact that the current monarch is a massive fan of horse racing – her joy when her horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup in 2013 was genuine and unforgettable – certainly helps. Quite apart from its social status, Royal Ascot stands supreme for the sheer quality of its racing. The first four races on the opening day are all Group class and that sets the tone for a fabulous week. The Royal Ascot roll of honour is studded with great names from the history of racing. Among them is Lester Piggott, who rode a record 116 winners at the meeting between 1952 and 1993.

ROYAL ASCOT DRESS CODE

Royal Ascot is an occasion synonymous with style and old-fashioned sartorial elegance among the great and good who flock to this special corner of Berkshire. But what precisely is contained in the Royal Ascot dress code? Let’s look first at the Royal Enclosure, where it’s possible – though highly unlikely – that you will rub shoulders with Her Majesty or one of her entourage. This is, to put it frankly, the poshest part of the course, so gentlemen – never simply “men” – must wear morning dress.

Your long coat must be black, grey or navy blue, you must wear a waistcoat and tie, your top hat needs to be black or grey and your shoes must be black. As for that topper, it can be removed only when indoors or on a balcony.

The Royal Ascot dress code for ladies – never simply “women” – is even more detailed. Dresses and skirts must be of “modest length” – just above the knee or longer. If your dress has straps, they must be at least one inch wide. Your midriff must be covered. And if you wear a trouser suit it must be full-length to the ankle.

Ladies in the Royal Enclosure must wear a hat – or a headpiece with a solid base at least 10cm in diameter. Fascinators are definitely not permitted.

The Queen Anne Enclosure Royal Ascot dress code is a little less formal, but gentlemen must wear a suit and conventional tie, and don’t even think about turning up without socks. Ladies should dress formally, and that includes a hat – but fascinators are allowed here.

WILL THERE BE CROWDS AT ROYAL ASCOT?

The great news for Royal Ascot 2021 is that racegoers will be in attendance again. Last year’s event happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result, was held behind closed doors.

Only 4,000 people (far less than the venue’s full capacity) were set to be allowed into the famous track on each of the five Royal Ascot 2021 dates. That number has now been upped to 12,000 per day, after organisers received the huge boost that the UK Government will use the meeting as a pilot event to test larger crowds.

It means we’ll see the highest number of fans at a UK race meeting since the sport shutdown last March as the pandemic gripped the country. The move will also ensure that thousands of racegoers who had tickets for the 2020 event will be able to go this year.

Only the Royal Enclosure and the Queen Anne Enclosure were slated to be opened originally, but horse racing fans will be delighted that between 1,000 and 1,500 general admission tickets will be on sale for each day between June 15-19. Tickets for the two available enclosures have been snapped up already.

Racegoers have been allowed on tracks since mid-May as the UK emerges slowly and cautiously from the coronavirus restrictions. As we have seen at events in recent weeks, even a small crowd can inject a great deal of atmosphere into a sporting occasion, so 12,000 cheering voices at the Royal Ascot races will undoubtedly be one of the sporting highlights of the year thus far.

It hasn't yet been confirmed if there will be a royal presence at this year's meeting, but organisers say the event will still have the pageantry which makes it one of the most-watched race meetings in the UK and around the world.

ROYAL ASCOT DO’S AND DON’TS

With 35 races across five days of fabulous and highly competitive action, Royal Ascot races present plenty of betting opportunities. But there are a few do’s and don'ts you should follow to have an enjoyable week.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING AT ROYAL ASCOT

Horse racing at Royal Ascot represents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy five days of betting, but we urge you to do so responsibly. It’s really important that you treat this as light-hearted fun, and don’t wager more than you can afford. If you find yourself being tempted to bet beyond your limits, and start taking the sport far too seriously, there are plenty of agencies around to give you help and practical advice. We encourage you to take advantage of the assistance on offer to make sure you are gambling responsibly at all times. If you are ever worried about your levels of gambling, contact organisations such as GamCare that can help you.