When you think of Ascot, and racing, what do you think about?
June? Sun shining? What colour will Her Majesty’s hat be today? All valid questions, but do you ever consider that there is more to Ascot than just the one “Royal Ascot Week”.
We are lucky enough to live just a few miles away from the race course so know that racing goes on throughout the year and is the perfect backdrop for a day out. We have some really good friends who also don’t live too far away, but we rarely get to catch up with them. Ascot is pretty much the central point for us and we have now developed a bit of a tradition to meet up with them there for a day out. Kathy and I can catch up on what has being going on, grandchildren for her, making gin for me. And Tim and Mr B can have a few pints and try to work out who is going to lose win the most money. This year our annual catch up coincided with another good friend being over from South Africa, a chap we haven’t seen in years, so whilst the annual Kathy/Tim/Mr B and I event is closer to Christmas normally, the arrival of our friend meant we decided to have an additional day out.
Hoorah.
We love it. Parking is free. The dress code is relaxed. Food options don’t leave you needing a second mortgage (hello cheese on toast?! Genius). Children under 18 get in free (as all 26 designated race days throughout the year allow them free entry) and the whole family is provided with a load of entertainment, from fairground rides to face painting. In addition of course to the horses. And on this particular occasion, an incredible firework display at the end of the day’s racing. At the next meeting in December the big man himself will be arriving on his sleigh, accompanied by Mrs Christmas.
More info on that Christmas race day is here: Christmas Racing Weekend Tickets are from £24 if you buy them in advance (again, accompanied children will be free). More face painting, craft activities, story telling from Mrs Christmas, and the most incredible carol service at the end of the day.
Oh and horses.
Of course.
We were struck when we went last weekend at how fabulous the races were. Great racing, and it’s always incredible to really hear the crowd get behind their chosen horse. I have no idea about “the form” or how to pick a winner, I do it based on names. So when I backed Brown Bear simply because Bear is my daughter’s nickname, it hadn’t occurred to me that it was 14/1 And would win
Thank you very much, that was the curry paid for!
We truly love it. “Fun for all the family” is a much used expression but when it comes to Ascot it really couldn’t be more appropriate.
Now to pick some winners for 23rd December.
See you there?
Photo credit to Ascot Racecourse for kind permission to use photograph of horses and Father Christmas (all other photos, are mine)