Our family love a good old day out to the races whether its the more casual race days where we wear jeans and the focus is less on fashion and primarily on the bets/booze orrr the glamour race days giving us an excuse to get old dolled up!
We have both visited Ascot Racescourse three times: Once to the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup & Concert and twice to Royal Ascot Ladies Day. Due to our recent visit (Thursday 22nd June) we thought we'd give you all a little peak at our day and why we adore the races so much.
Fashion
When it comes to Royal Ascot you dress to impress. Simple as. This year we threw together a few pieces we already owned and somehow managed to already own matching accessories and fascinators from previous years! - Bargain!
Drinks
Yes they are pricey - a jug of pimms is £36 but hey ho it's all part and parcel plus your luck may be in on the bets so you won't mind buying the round in!
Having said this each group are allowed 1 bottle (sparkling wine or champagne) for every adult in your picnic basket. There were 6 of us, so although we looked like right alchis (especially when we popped the first bottle at 10.45am) it helped save a little at the bar.
Order of events
Gates open 10am
Everyone picks a table/ sets down their picnic benches
Lunch
2pm - The Queen and her Royal Procession rides past
3pm - First Race!
5.30pm - Final Race
6pm - Entertainment
7pm/8pm Finished*
Betting/Races
Now if you have never been to the races before let us educate you on the lingo ;)
Two types of bets when talking to the bookies:
1. To win
2. Each Way
1. The horse you picked will win (if it loses you lose)
2. You get money back if your horse places (1nd, 2nd or 3rd)
Now although option 2 sounds more attractive, option 1 will offer waay more money back if the horse comes first than if it came first and you had betted 'each way'. No risk no gain boo
Tips
Get their early
Bring lunch/picnic then eat from the food outlets for dinner later on
Bring champs
SUNCREAM - amy burnt and we hadn't even realised (blaming that on the Moet)
Ladies bring flats for later
Don't be a cry baby if you're horse loses - there are 6 races man up and give it another go lol
Pick a table thats on the outside as opposed to centre - centre ones are absolute murder to get out of and go to the bar/toilet as you have to maneuver through all the other tables as well as the crowds of people sat at them
Entertainment
Slightly cringey but equally fun band that sing covers of well known songs. Yes we were wailing and swaying to Oasis in our 5 inch heels one minute and yes I managed to get Amy to dab to George Michael. The band only perform between 6-7 (straight after the last race) but it is such a funny atmosphere and everyone in the marquee is either sloshed or just up for a laugh and we love them for it.
*After the entertainment is over people either go home or carry on the evening in Ascot. Before the day even begins the bars and pubs found on the high street and surrounding area are full of racegoers having a cheeky drink before the gates open, same applies for afterwards. The high street is full of people not wanting to go home, we really can't blame them 8pm is quite early.
We both had work the next day (Friday) so we were one of the boring party poopers who headed on home however we are 100% going to stay on afterwards next year and either get a taxi home or stay in a nearby hotel!
Overall
We love love love Royal Ascot and totally recommend it whether you just want an excuse to get suited and booted, want to earn some extra cash OR have a fun day out in the sun you will love it too!
Hopefully see some of you there in 2018!
No comments
Post a Comment