Royal Ascot takes place in June 2022, so it’s time to get your glad rags ready and prepare for one of the blue riband race meetings of the summer. The gentlemen should start to think about purchasing, or hiring, a top hat, morning suit, and waistcoat, while the ladies should start looking at elegant dresses of modest length and a fancy hat. But as we will see, there is something for every budget at Royal Ascot.
Royal Ascot is the most popular race meeting in Great Britain, with 300,000 people attending over the five days. This reflects the popularity of horse racing in general, which has led to the sport being represented in other areas of the entertainment industry. Horse racing is featured in video games, for example, Rival Stars Horse Racing, which gives players the opportunity to own a stable of horses.
The sport is also represented in iGaming in the form of slot games such as Royal Cashgot on Paddy Power Bingo, a horse racing themed slot. Clearly, the popularity and accessibility of horse racing have played a significant role in the success of these games. Vice versa, these games have introduced the sport to new audiences who may well be attending Royal Ascot for the first time this year.
Royal Ascot takes place from Tuesday 14th June to Saturday 18th June 2022. On the Tuesday, the Queen will arrive at 2 pm sharp with other members of the Royal Family for the traditional procession. The meeting will feature three top-quality Group 1 races: The Queen Anne Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes and St James’s Palace Stakes.
The ceremonial guards, known as Greencoats due to their green uniforms, will open the gates each day at 10:30 am and the first race will begin at 2:30 pm. The last race will take place at 6:10 pm. Singing Around the Bandstand will be held each day at 6:40 pm, featuring a military band with racegoers playing the part of the choir.
On Wednesday 15th June, the card will feature the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, alongside three Group 2 races: The Queen Mary Stakes, The Queen’s Vase and The Duke of Cambridge Stakes.
Ladies’ Day is held on Thursday 16th June, featuring high fashion and hats, which are often weird and wonderful.
Friday 17th June features the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup. Last year, the Commonwealth Cup was won by Alcohol Free.
Unfortunately, the Royal Enclosure, which dates back to 1807, is strictly by invitation only, although Town & Country has demonstrated how it is possible to get your hands on a ticket. But you could always treat yourself to tickets to the Queen Anne Enclosure, which provides views of the Parade Ring, a superb perspective of the racing and the Royal Procession and access to Singing Around The Bandstand at 6:40 pm. The dress code in this enclosure is formal and racegoers can enjoy picnics and afternoon tea or take advantage of the plethora of eating options. Anyone who wants to celebrate a winning bet can head for one of the many bars and champagne lounges.
If you are on a budget, the Windsor Enclosure is the best option for you. You can enjoy a picnic on the lawn, get close to the action on the rails and be the first to see the Royal Procession! Racegoers can pre-order a picnic and pick it up on the day. Otherwise, there are a number of bars and eateries dotted around the Windsor Enclosure. While there is no official dress code, racegoers are advised to choose smart daywear and it is worth consulting the Royal Ascot style guide for tips on what to wear.
There is something for everyone at Royal Ascot and racegoers can still get involved in the action if they are on a budget. It is set to be yet another great summer of racing at Royal Ascot.
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