As is true with everything for this trip to the UK, it was a long time in the planning and thanks to Covid a few changes along the way. Obviously we went in 2022 rather than 2020 for starters, but from there where we would stay/how we would get there even the restaurant/hospitality site would change. A key fact stayed the same, we looked forward to it.
Our fellow train passengers going to Ascot
We went to the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2018 so we had a feel for what it would be like to go to a big horse race that is also a social experience. Let's just say the Derby could learn a few things from Royal Ascot. In fairness, that goes both ways. Yes I would go to both races again in a heartbeat.
Front Entrance to the track
Parade Ring
Royal Ascot has dress codes that are required versus the suggestions at Derby. Since we were attending the Royal Enclosure we had the strictest dress codes. Jeff had to wear a morning coat, waistcoat, tie and trousers (specific colors only for the slack and coat), black shoes with socks and a top hat. I had to wear a hat no fascinators, either a dress of modest length - no spaghetti straps, off shoulder or one shoulder, no illusion sleeves or one could wear a trouser pantsuit as long as the jacket and slacks were the same material and full length. Oh minimum size requirements on the hat too. One of our first tasks in England was to get Jeff's outfit ordered way back in late April. I brought the dress and shoes with me and needed a hat. There were hiccups along the way - I was in shock that Jeff who always wears a size large hat got a hat that was too big for him. They also forgot the shoes in the order too - oops. All was fixed less than 24 hours before we were to go to the event. My challenge was I choose to order a rental hat from a lady. It showed up plenty early and looked as promised, but small head Carol was having real trouble getting it to stay in place on my head. I now know several tricks to keep a hat or hairpiece in place, but have to admit 2 days later I still have a sore spot on my head from one end of the headband.
by the track itself early in the day
Track side fashion
We ate and drank extremely well, we betted some and we wandered some. So we saw the Royals come in their fancy coaches pulled by horses, were on the rails for several races and we enjoyed our day. Click below for short video
One thing about the track. I have been to many thoroughbred race tracks and one steeplechase track. Surprisingly this track was an interesting combination of the two. Oh and just like driving they do it in the opposite direction we do! So the track itself is wide - good since one race had 33 horses in it. Like steeplechase, it is all turf and it is longer and has hills and not a perfect oval like a thoroughbred course. The buildings too are quite nice and rather new - this century new in fact so all shiny and pretty.
the track as seen from a high box
another track picture this time close to the finish line
there was some parking in the infield and some people there so there was a designated cross over spot
0 comments:
Post a Comment