p.04 Introduction

p.06 A history of Ascot

p.10 Iconic images

p.30 Anecdotes

p.36 Timeline

p.40 Yeats statue to be unveiled

p.42 The ‘Queen Anne’ Rose

p.44 Fashion at Royal Ascot

p.46 My Kingdom for a Horse

p.48 Safari Team - The Colts and Fillies Club horse

p.50 Ascot Tercentenary Ale

p.52 Betfair

p.54 Longines

p.56 Fixture list

p.58 Contacts

2 3 Ascot is commemorating 300 years of racing at the Fuller’s have brewed a limited edition “Tercentenary world famous Berkshire venue throughout 2011. Ale” which will be available at the racecourse In this historic tercentenary year, racegoers are throughout the year. invited to enjoy Ascot’s milestone, where its Ascot’s Colts and Fillies Club for younger racegoers, heritage and royal connections will be celebrated which has over 11,500 members, has adopted a and remembered at the racecourse. race horse, Safari Team, for the forthcoming Flat Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse Season. Safari Team, trained by Peter Winkworth, has been uniquely synonymous in the sporting and will be racing in the club’s official silks which have social world with fashion and style coupled with been designed by club member, Frances Flannagan, the greatest racing over three centuries. aged 9. For one year only, the racecourse has adopted “This year is a true milestone at Ascot as we mark a special commemorative logo, which has been 300 years of tremendous sport and colourful replicated all over the site on flags and banners, history at the Royal Racecourse,” said Charles some of which include beautiful historic images. Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot. A “time-line” has been produced on site and “We are celebrating our tercentenary in many ways in print, marking key events at Ascot since its through the year, perhaps most aptly by unveiling inauguration and also placing them into the wider a statue of Ascot’s greatest equine legend, Yeats, at historical context. the Royal Meeting. One of the most visually compelling additions to “The full tercentenary programme is included in the Royal Meeting in June, always the centrepiece this guide, including information about the “Queen of the racecourse’s year and the focal point of the Anne” Rose, commemorating our founder and the tercentenary celebrations, will be the appearance of first of twelve monarchs to have presided over the the ‘Queen Anne’ Rose, honouring the racecourse’s racecourse.” founder. Royal Ascot will have an eighteenth Group race this year as the Hampton Court Stakes has been promoted to Group Three status and that race has now been renamed the Tercentenary Stakes in perpetuity.

The Italian screen legend, Sophia Loren, graces Royal Ascot, 1966

4 5 There are few sporting venues that can match the rich heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse. Over men of elegance should wear waisted black coats The term seems to have been first used in 1823 the past 300 years, Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution and the centrepiece of the and white cravats with pantaloons. Over the years, when an anonymous poet described the Thursday British social calendar, as well as being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world. The presence this evolved into the wearing of morning suits of the Royal meeting as “‘Ladies’ Day’...when the and patronage of successive generations of royalty have defined so many of the unique traditions that and equally formal clothes for ladies, who must women, like angels, look sweetly divine.” we associate with Ascot today. In fact, without royalty, there would be no Ascot Racecourse. wear hats in the Royal Enclosure. In the nineteenth century it was common for a It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential Gold Cup in 1807. In fact, Royal Ascot was the Although a Royal Stand dates back to the 1790s, small fortune to be spent annually by the most for a racecourse at Ascot three centuries ago and only race meeting held at Ascot until 1939. the Royal Enclosure as we know it today was born fashionable and elegant society ladies on dresses in 1822 when King George IV commissioned a commissioned solely for Royal Ascot, with since then the racecourse has been inextricably Since the very first race meeting three centuries two storey stand to be built with a surrounding their most beautiful and striking outfits saved linked with the British Royal Family. The Royal ago, the presence of royalty and their guests and lawn. Access was by Royal invitation only. Three for parading on the day of the Gold Cup. It is, Ascot meeting traditionally held in June remains attendants meant that Ascot attracted the highest years later in 1825, King George IV also began however, the public not the racecourse who the only “Royal” race meeting in the country. It ranking and most fashionable in society, who came the annual tradition of the Royal Procession. The call it “Ladies’ Day” and although almost every is famous for its Royal Procession in state up the to see and be seen, as well as enjoy the sporting King, leading four other coaches with members racecourse markets a “Ladies’ Day,” the great course, as well as the Royal Enclosure and the pursuit of horseracing. Naturally the fashion to of the Royal party, drove up the centre of the charm of the original is that it has evolved rather party atmosphere of Gold Cup day. attend Ascot filtered down through the social racecourse in front of the delighted crowds and than been created. The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took strata, until by the turn of the century Ascot week this has continued to the present day, remaining place on Saturday 11th August 1711. The had become an established part of all fashionable The Gold Cup is Ascot’s oldest surviving race one of the defining and iconic images of Royal inaugural event was Her Majesty’s Plate, worth society’s summer season. The stylish “great and and today’s winning owners still receive a gold Ascot and of the summer season. 100 guineas and open to any horse over the age good” of the time were guaranteed to spend at trophy which becomes their property. Trophies to of six. This race was almost unrecognisable as the least a week in the vicinity of the racecourse - not The legacy of King George IV, who adored racing be retained by the owner, are only awarded for fast flat racing we see at modern Ascot. Each of just watching the racing, but also enjoying the and particularly attending Ascot week, is still very three races at the Royal Meeting, the other two the seven runners had to carry a weight of 12st extravagant parties and hospitality laid on for their strong at Ascot today. One of the most obvious being the Queen’s Vase, inaugurated in 1838 to and all were English Hunters, very different to pleasure. In fact this tradition continued into the legacies that he left to racing is the racing colours commemorate Queen Victoria’s accession, and the the sleek thoroughbreds that race today. The race early twentieth century, with grand house parties, that he used as Prince Regent, still worn today Royal Hunt Cup, first run in 1843. A member of consisted of three separate four-mile heats, so the breakfasts and balls the norm throughout Royal by the jockeys riding Her Majesty The Queen’s the Royal Family traditionally presents all three of winner would have been a horse with tremendous Ascot week, until the First World War and the horses. The unmistakable combination of purple these prizes. For all the other 27 races, perpetual stamina. Sadly, we have no record of the winner relative austerity of subsequent decades saw the body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and black trophies, many of which are antiques, are awarded of that first race. Today the Queen Anne Stakes is time for such lavish excess come to an end. velvet cap with gold fringe was also used by King and returned to Ascot to be presented each year. Edward VII. still run in memory of Queen Anne’s foundation But much still remains at modern Royal Ascot The tradition of the Royal Ascot picnic is one of the course three centuries ago. and at the racecourse that can be traced directly The Gold Cup still remains the feature race of the which can be traced back to the very earliest race The precise origin of the Royal Meeting is unclear back to early race meetings here. It was around third day of Royal Ascot. It is colloquially known meetings at the course. In the eighteenth and early - it was an event that evolved over time, but we do the time of the first running of the Gold Cup in as “Ladies’ Day” as, in the formative years, it was nineteenth centuries there are accounts of wealthy know that the first four day meeting took place in 1807 that the roots of today’s traditional Royal the dominant day in terms of the racing, attracting racegoers turning up with entire carriages devoted 1768. Royal Ascot week as we now know it really Enclosure dress code emerged. Beau Brummell, the largest crowds and, we can assume from the to Champagne, wine and cigars and even portable started to take shape with the introduction of the a close friend of the Prince Regent, decreed that adoption of the term “Ladies’ Day,” more ladies! ice-houses to transport them in! In the early

6 7 nineteenth century refreshment tents started to be by the Monarch, by the Master of the Royal provided by London’s gentlemen’s clubs and the Buckhounds from 1711 up until 1901, until Lord “smart” London regiments, where invited guests Churchill was appointed as His Majesty’s first could escape the crowds for cool Champagne and Representative. Then in 1913, the Ascot Authority buffets. Ascot catering was always extravagant for was established by an Act of Parliament. His those who could afford it and the tradition of the Majesty’s Representative became Senior Trustee one-hour lunch taken between the first and second (of three) of the Authority with the Clerk of the races continued up until the Second World War. Course acting as Secretary. With the arrival of the motor-car at Ascot in 1912 Today, as Ascot Authority (Holdings) Limited, came the more modern tradition of the picnic Ascot retains these positions, but with the additional in the car park. Even today you can catch sight appointment of non-executive directors, a Chief of butlers, candelabra and silver service at some Executive and departmental directors. Until 2002 of the more lavish picnics, especially in Number Ascot Racecourse was a private trust, with no One and Two Car Parks. In 2006 a Country Life accounts published. In January of that year, as survey found that Royal Ascot is the South of part of the preparation for the redevelopment of England’s most popular picnic spot and the most the racecourse, Ascot incorporated. popular sporting occasion at which to picnic in Ascot Racecourse closed for twenty months on 26 the country. September 2004 for a £220 million redevelopment. In fact it is quite common for berths in Number It was only fitting that The Queen reopened the One Car Park to be passed down informally from racecourse on Tuesday 20th June 2006, marking a generation to generation. new era for this most majestic of places. The way in which Ascot has been run remained almost unchanged until very recent times, and in itself demonstrated the fundamental link between the racecourse and the monarchy. Administration of Ascot has always been handled on behalf of the Crown by a representative appointed

A seemingly never-ending line of racegoers snakes towards the racecourse from Ascot railway station in the 1930s

8 9 The Royal Box in 1950 Yeats Although The Royal Box is a private facility and entry to The first Royal Procession was instituted by King Yeats earns his place in racing history with an Of all the great horses of the modern era, none has the Royal Enclosure has always been by invitation only, George IV in 1825 and now takes place on every unprecedented fourth win in the Gold Cup. become more synonymous with Royal Ascot than Royal Ascot provides an opportunity for spectators to watch day of Royal Ascot. The opportunity for everyone the legendary Yeats who won four Gold Cups in a The Royal Family enjoying a day’s racing, one of their to see The Queen and other members of The row from 2006 to 2009. No horse had ever before best-loved pastimes. Royal Family arrive in state in their open carriages matched this epic achievement. This image shows and then relaxing with their guests in The Royal the magical moment when jockey Johnny Murtagh Box is part of the unique atmosphere that makes and Yeats crossed the Ascot winning line and this meeting so special and memorable. galloped into horseracing history in June 2009.

10 11 A reflection of British Society And they’re off! Today all kinds of people rub shoulders at Ascot – royalty, The unmistakeable voice that aristocracy and stars of sport and entertainment from home brought Ascot to life on the BBC. and abroad mingle with ordinary men and women from There are not only faces of Ascot but voices Listening to Glendenning’s thrilling commentary different backgrounds. too, and Raymond Glendenning’s was one of the was second only to being at Ascot in person, with But at times during Ascot’s 300 year history, In the 1850s and 1860s more trains were needed most evocative in horseracing. Glendenning in the names of horses and jockeys coming faster and reflecting the standards of society at the time, for guests and staff travelling to the increasing fact provided the audio backdrop to many other faster as the race progressed towards a crescendo some public areas did not permit the mixing of number of house parties hosted by the great and sports in his long career as a BBC radio sports as they passed the finishing post. the sexes, or of different social classes. good during Royal Ascot week. But soon the well- commentator, including every FA Cup Final Glendenning was instantly recognisable at Ascot When the new Iron Stand opened in 1859 it was to-do started choosing to travel apart from the from 1946-1963, the football World Cup and the in the 1940s and ‘50s, sporting the distinctive horn- completely barred to women; divorced men could crowds in their own carriages, which also acted Wimbledon Championships. rimmed spectacles and magnificent handlebar enter but were barred from the Royal Enclosure. as private grandstands once they reached the His distinctive broadcasting style of fast-paced moustache that catch the eye in this image from The fashionable London clubs, such as Whites, course. commentary delivered in public school, cut glass 1949. and the “smarter” regiments provided refreshment In this picture from the 1920s, the lucky few in tones would eventually fall out of favour as “BBC His race calls began a tremendous partnership tents, but entry was naturally by invitation only. their private carriage are even further set apart English” in the 1960s and ‘70s, to be replaced with between Ascot and the BBC. Glendenning has from those below them in the crowd by their very more regional and less obviously upper or middle been succeeded behind the microphone by different attire. class accents. But to hear his commentary today several legends of broadcasting, including of is to be instantly transported to a golden era in course, the great Sir Peter O’Sullevan, referred to sports broadcasting, when racing fans would tune affectionately as “The Voice”. into the wireless for an edge of the seat, dramatic evocation of the excitement of the races.

12 13 La Loren leads the field Taking the racing line The Italian screen legend, Sophia Loren, graces A seemingly never-ending line of racegoers Royal Ascot, 1966. snakes towards the racecourse from Ascot Ascot has always played host to famous railway station in the 1930s. international figures. But whereas in the Since the 1830s when the railways opened eighteenth and nineteenth centuries they up the race meeting to the masses, the were most likely to be foreign royalty and journey by train to Ascot has been an international statesmen, in modern times important and exciting start to the eager you are equally likely to see some of the racegoer’s day. biggest names in Hollywood, dressed and In 1873 the Times wrote “Never has the styled by some of the leading names in South Western Railway brought down couture fashion. such a heavy and fashionably filled train In 1922 the Times correspondent wrote as that which dispersed its contents over that “Ascot is notoriously the best place an Ascot radius of some half dozen miles in England to see beautiful women in or more, while the afternoon trains on beautiful clothes,” and as a stunning the Great Western have filled the Royal Sophia Loren so elegantly demonstrated in Borough with bustle and excitement.” this exquisite and classic white ensemble, things have remained unchanged ever since.

14 15 See and be seen The popularity of Ascot soon meant that racegoers demanded the best facilities that they could afford. Three centuries ago, just as today, the most highly In 1961, the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand sought after stands have not only been those opened at a cost of £1 million, containing 280 with the best view, but the places where the most private “dining rooms.” Ascot has genuine claims fashionable people in society have gone to be seen. to having pioneered private corporate hospitality For those not invited to the more exclusive stands boxes within what was a ground-breaking structure and boxes, the grandstands have provided the best at the time. view of the action. The original 18th and early The Grandstand that you see today (pictured) was 19th century stands were temporary structures, a more expensive building to construct at 220 but through time their successors have become times the cost of its predecessor. larger and more sophisticated buildings including all the comforts that racegoers demand.

16 17 Nijinsky Frankie Dettori’s “Magnificent Seven” This picture shows two legends in one - Lester regarded as something of a formality by everyone Shortly before 6pm on Saturday 28th September race, the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Piggott and the great Nijinsky. The partnership else, the concentration on Lester’s face in this 1996, true sporting history was made when Frankie to the closing event, the lowly Class C Gordon arrived at Ascot for the 1970 King George VI image as he calmly settles Nijinsky in the parade Dettori completed an unprecedented seven timer Carter Handicap. The Sporting Life called it and Queen Elizabeth Stakes undefeated having ring embodies the single-minded determination from seven races on the previously unheralded Frankie’s “Magnificent Seven” and the jockey’s won the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and Irish Derby. of the greatest jockey the world has ever seen. four-year-old, Fujiyama Crest. On a day that excitement and disbelief is captured perfectly as Although long odds on for the King George and bookmakers called their worst ever, Dettori won he is pictured entering the winners’ enclosure for everything from Europe’s championship mile the seventh time in this image.

18 19 Grundy and Bustino Brown Jack Arguments concerning who might have been the The phrase victory in defeat has arguably never Brown Jack was a crowd favourite and a household It is almost inconceivable that another horse will best horse ever to race at Ascot will rage on but been so aptly brought to life than in Bustino’s name as well as something of an unlikely Royal ever win at seven Royal Meetings, a fact that to the question “what was the best race?” there gallant attempt under Joe Mercer to add the King Ascot hero, having begun his career as a hurdler, wouldn’t have been lost on his adoring public as will only ever be one answer – Grundy (trained George to his victory in the previous year’s St albeit at the highest level with victory in the 1928 demonstrated in this image. by Peter Walwyn) and Bustino (Major Dick Hern) Leger. As the four year old came to lead turning Champion Hurdle. On the recommendation of in the 1975 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth in off an electric pace set by his two pacemakers, top flat jockey Steve Donoghue, Brown Jack’s Stakes. It is hard to think of another race where he was joined at the furlong pole by the Derby trainer, the Hon. Aubrey Hastings, switched him the runner up is afforded the same legend status winner, Grundy, under Pat Eddery, for one of the to the flat, a decision that saw the partnership as the winner, but when people talk of the 1975 toughest duels the turf has ever seen. This iconic win the 1928 Ascot Stakes and subsequently six King George, they don’t say “Grundy’s King picture shows the finish of Ascot’s greatest ever consecutive renewals of the Queen Alexandra George,” they say “Grundy and Bustino.” race. Stakes between 1929 and 1934.

20 21 Clerk of the Course, Sir Nicholas Beaumont, Getting The Royal Box ready in his office (1968-1994) Here Ascot Racecourse grounds staff prepare Here the Clerk of the Course sits surrounded by the Roll The Royal Box for its special visitors in 1930. of Honour of Ascot’s most celebrated and historic race – Since the 18th century, when the temporary wood This was a man whose bootlaces were removed at The Gold Cup. and canvas booths and galleries started going up the end of every working day, washed and ironed Inaugurated in 1807, past winners since that time two weeks before the meeting, the preparation for (or polished if they were leather). Before meetings have included racing greats such as Gladiateur, Royal Ascot has always been extremely thorough. he insisted that every last fallen leaf from the Persimmon, Pretty Polly, St Simon, Sagaro and The gardeners pictured here would have to have large holly hedge which ran around the course be Yeats. From its inception, The Gold Cup has always been particularly meticulous in their work, as picked up. One of his many notices to staff read been the focal point of the Royal Meeting. overseeing them was the legendary Colonel Sir that smoking during working hours was strictly Gordon Carter, Clerk of the Course from 1910- forbidden: “Anyone disobeying this order will be 1941. He demanded outright perfection from his immediately discharged.” workers and for his beloved Ascot.

22 23 The Queen arriving on Surprise, 1961 The essence of style for 300 years The British Royal Family have always had a special Ascot has seen its fair share of era-defining, affinity with Ascot Racecourse. trend setting fashion moments. The Queen often rode out at Ascot Racecourse In the 1860s, poor Consuela, Duchess of time in a decade, “Black Ascot”. The Daily Mirror before she hung up her riding boots and Royal Marlborough found Ascot week “very tiring… described the striking monochrome scene: “The Ascot is, and always has been, the only “Royal” fortunes were yearly spent on dresses selected occupants of the Royal Enclosure were in black… race meeting in Great Britain. It was Queen Anne as appropriate to a graduated scale of elegance save for where ladies wore white flowers or had who first chose it as the ideal place to race horses which reached its climax on Thursday; for fashion strings of pearls as the only ornament”. in 1711. It was the presence and patronage of decreed that one should reserve one’s most It obviously made a lasting impression on a young royalty, as well as some of the finest racing in the sumptuous toilette for the Gold Cup day”. Cecil Beaton, who 54 years later would recreate country, that brought the most fashionable people And it wasn’t just the ladies who gave careful this panorama of black and white costumes to in society, as well as the huge crowds, to Ascot. consideration to their racing turnout. In 1922, showcase his leading lady and one of cinema and when upmarket department store Selfridges fashion’s most enduring icons, Audrey Hepburn. opened its new menswear department, advertising The “Ascot Gavotte” scene in My Fair Lady (1964) focussed on what the fashionable gentleman remains to this day one of the most instantly should wear to Royal Ascot. recognisable and frequently imitated tableaux in But possibly Ascot’s most famous fashion the history of the movies. moment took place at the movies. Following the death of the country’s beloved King Edward VII in May 1910, Royal Ascot became for the second

24 25 Getting to the races was half the adventure The Royal Enclosure Travel to Ascot Racecourse was once a serious undertaking. The highlight of the season for centuries. Today Ascot, 30 miles from London, is an exhilarating The first Royal Box was commissioned by day trip to some of the world’s best racing. However King George IV in 1822 from George Nash 18th century racegoers stayed at Ascot for all four - architect of Buckingham Palace. The small days of the festival, mostly to stay in an enormous enclosure erected around it would eventually encampment near the course. The rich travelled become the Royal Enclosure. Admission was by carriage, whilst the poorer classes walked. The naturally, and strictly, limited to those with a sheer number of spectators was incredible even to personal invitation from His Majesty. contemporary observers. In sunny summers the The Royal Enclosure remains to this day one lines of carriages on the rails were on average five of Ascot’s most famous icons and perfectly and in some places ten carriages deep, stretching for encapsulates the glamour and excitement of nearly a mile. this unique racecourse.

26 27 300 years of going racing No more eating on the hoof Scales A colourful history of racing – with a few surprises. There are picnics, and then there are Ascot picnics. These weighing scales, restored to their original condition in Today a day at Ascot Racecourse is a chance to watch Eating and drinking has for three centuries played 1991, now stand in the Queen Anne Building at Ascot. first class racing whilst also enjoying the unique an important part in the enjoyment of a day at They were miraculously saved from destruction surroundings and atmosphere of the world’s most Ascot. In 1912 the motor-car was first allowed into by the actions of Mr Emlyn Jones of Ascot, who famous racecourse - but visitors here have also seen the racecourse and shortly afterwards the tradition discovered them discarded on a waste dump. some colourful and surprising sights over the past of the picnic in the car park started. Number One However the weighing room has not always been as 300 years. The additional entertainment laid on and Two Car Parks are still generally where the fundamental to the running of Ascot Racecourse for 18th century racegoers included cockfighting, most formal and elaborate picnics take place, with as it is today. It took almost 80 years before prizefighting, wrestling, gaming tents, jugglers, ballad berths in these coveted spots being passed down someone had the idea to adjust the weight carried singers, ladies on stilts and freak shows. from generation to generation in some families. by the runners according to their form in certain races (handicaps) to give them (on paper at least) an equal chance of winning. Until 1790, races had been run in up to four heats on the same day, with the winner having to beat the rest of the field at least twice. For the very first handicap race, the Oatlands Stakes, the weights to be carried were decided 6 months in advance, a quite extraordinary time-lapse by modern standards.

28 29 after year and, although the races were supposed to mansions in the vicinity, and so great is the demand take place every 30 minutes, it was usual for the last for houses for the race week, that the majority of race to conclude at half past six or seven pm! habitable properties are secured months in advance. 5. Winning owner goes home empty handed Ascot week is an elastic term and may include anything between the four days racing and a week Today it is hard to imagine just how dangerous previous or later. After the attractions of the races the roads to and from Ascot could be in the 18th themselves, garden fêtes and dinner parties claim and early 19th centuries - robberies and murders the long evenings...”. were frequent along the route. Wealthy owners and patrons were obvious high-profile targets and 7. A tented village takes shape it was always widely known who had just had a In the 21st century, the term “racecourse” tends successful meeting and would be travelling home to refer not just to the track, but also to the many 1. 18th century health and safety regulations 2. Not just human traffic on the course... with the winning purse in their carriage. buildings and stands surrounding it. In the late Most of the criminals who stalked the Ascot roads 18th century there were no permanent stands or Crowds were not separated from races by strong Today the Ascot track is seen as almost sacred turf buildings at all, so large booths or tents were put posts and rails and by strict access rules as they are but incredibly, even as late as 1920, a large flock were far from our romantic image of the dandy highwayman, although some did try to maintain up - some with galleries. Most were erected by today. We know that in the late 18th century there of sheep - three to four hundred strong - was kept private speculators who each donated 2 guineas were only rough posts and rails on the inside of the on the course between meetings. One of their standards. In 1774 a young highwayman held up a carriage on its way to Ascot and relieved two to the prize fund (or 1 guinea for drinking and track and nothing on the outside. Racegoers were number was sent to the butcher every Monday; the gambling tents). Workmen would start erecting not forbidden from walking on the course, so in meat was then hung in the subway leading under gentlemen of £10. Gallantly, however, he handed back a lady’s purse containing 20 shillings to its the tents a fortnight before, and by the time the hot summers it became more like a dust-track, and the road to the Royal Enclosure and sold to Ascot week of racing started there were about 200 canvas when it rained, like a quagmire. The spectators even employees at a shilling a pound. owner. He was caught on the course the following day and sent to jail – but it is unlikely that the judge booths, 30 or 40 of which had two storeys and a crowded onto the track to get a better view of the 3. Everyone who was anyone had gone to Ascot viewing gallery. race, but Ascot at least didn’t share Newmarket’s would have shown any leniency on account of his tradition for those on horseback to ride in with the By the mid-18th century Ascot Racecourse had moment of chivalry. 8. Violent side shows for the Ascot crowds runners. become so fashionable with the aristocracy and 6. When is a week not a week? The only sport you would expect to see at Royal gentry that the more well-to-do areas of the capital Ascot in 2011 is racing, but boxing and wrestling In 1823 the Duke of York arrived so late that he were nearly deserted of both people and horses In modern times, only a small minority of those had to gallop up the course whilst the first race was closely involved in racing are able to devote were popular additional attractions in the 18th during Royal Ascot. A friend of the Duke of century, and surprisingly violent considering the being run and only just arrived at the Royal Stand Bedford wrote to him in 1760 that when he turned more than one day to Royal Ascot week. In the before the winner passed the finish post. During Georgian era, however, Ascot truly became gentility of the Ascot crowds. On the last day of up in London “everyone was at Ascot heath races the races in 1777, a boxing match was held on the 1827 Oatlands Stakes the crowd pushed onto and I could find no soul to dine or sup with.” a social extravaganza and Ascot “week” was the entire width of the track after they thought extended to before and after the meeting. At the the course, for the huge prize of 500 guineas. Mr the whole field had passed, but one poor straggler By the turn of the century the demand for coach very least, people stayed for all four days of the Woods the weaver beat Mr Selway, a sawyer, who coming up behind couldn’t stop in time - the jockey horses had become so high in the week of Royal festival and more and larger entertainments were unfortunately lost an eye in what was a very bloody was thrown and seriously injured. Ascot that it was almost impossible to find them laid on for them. “Public” breakfasts (only really and violent contest. available for transport anywhere in London. open to the nobility and gentry) were organised And in 1820 a fight was held after the races in front In 1887 crowd control seemed almost as chaotic. Carriages, coaches and wagons of all types, sizes About 300 yards from the finish in the Prince of in the surrounding towns such as Sunninghill and of the betting stand, lasting a gruelling 47 minutes and states of repair were commissioned to transport Windsor, and there were balls laid on every night and 30 rounds. A Mr Gardner was the winner, Wales’s Stakes, a mounted police inspector decided racegoers, and the towns and villages along the way to cross the course as the race went past, causing of Royal Ascot. but apparently “both combatants were severely came out specially to watch the enormous motley punished.” one horse to throw its rider and three others to be caravan pass through. This tradition lasted well into the 20th century, with pulled up to one side. Royal Ascot still the zenith of the social season. 9. Queen Victoria has a smashing day at 4. More courses than horses as Ascot takes The authors of a history of Ascot written in 1902 the races Unique to Ascot, a bell is still rung as the horses a long lunch swing into the straight for races run on the round report that “Ascot, Bracknell and Sunninghill still It is almost impossible to imagine Royal Ascot Course, a tradition which has held the test of At least as far back as the 19th century, racegoers keep carnival during Ascot week.” The book without The Queen. But for almost 40 years after time. Clearly in the past this was an effort to avoid only watched one race before having to stop gives us a flavour of the enviable life of leisure the death of Prince Albert, the mourning Queen dangerous incidents, by warning people still on the for luncheon - a one hour affair including (for enjoyed by the Edwardian privileged classes with Victoria could not bring herself to attend the track. those who could afford it) cold meats, hock and this advice: “To thoroughly enjoy Ascot, there is races she had once so passionately enjoyed, out Champagne. As a result, timekeeping lapsed year no better way than to rent one of the numerous

30 31 of deference to the fact that her beloved Albert She maintained her elegant and highly fashionable 14. Female racehorse owners – whatever next? allegiance or just fair play towards Mr Oxley, had not enjoyed racing himself. In the last few appearance throughout, and lived in extravagant Even at the end of the 19th century, it was still demanded only his card or nothing, and he was years of her reign she became so opposed even style. However, obviously learning by her own accepted convention that women did not own eventually reinstated by overwhelming popular to The Prince of Wales attending that she banned early mistakes, she encouraged her many female horses in their own right. Some independent- demand. him from staying at Windsor Castle during Ascot clients to practice moderation and only bet small thinking women had started to run horses 17. Ascot trains take the strain week. amounts. under their own names, but Agnes, Duchess of The scale of the rail logistics involved in Writing as Princess Victoria in 1834 her diary 12. Early Ascot racehorses went the extra Montrose, for example, entered her horses under transporting passengers to Ascot in the second half reveals that she was “very much amused indeed” mile...or twelve the pseudonym “Mr Manton.” “Mr Jersey” was of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a week by her first visit to the races. In 1854 she was so The horses which originally raced at Ascot in well-known to be the pseudonym of Lillie Langtry, of unparalleled demand on the railway companies. eager to follow the finishing stages of one race that the early 18th century were hunters, almost celebrated actress and mistress of King Edward she tried to lean out of the window of the box, VII when he was still Prince of Wales. Special trains would run one after another, one unrecognisable from the thoroughbreds we know being made ready as another was filled up and which unfortunately someone had just closed. The today. They were built for strength and endurance 15. A tiny figure in Ascot history glass shattered, but The Queen was unscathed and departed. Over the four days of Royal Ascot, an rather than speed, which was just as well, as in The jockeys we see riding at Ascot today are highly incredible 150 additional special trains were laid joined in the “merriment” of the incident with the those days they carried riders of about twelve rest of the occupants of The Royal Box. trained and professional athletes, but in the 19th on from Waterloo and Paddington. The railway stone. Even more incredible when compared to century there were no real rules regulating who companies didn’t even own enough rolling stock 10. Does anyone know who won that race? the racing of today are the distances involved. could ride at Ascot (as long as they were male, to accommodate the Ascot passengers, so had to Today every jockey has to ride in the colours of his Most races were run over four miles – but not just of course). Even so, the spectators of 1840 were borrow entire trains and extra carriages from three or her horse’s owner, but up until 1783 riders wore once. Instead, each race consisted of usually three rather taken aback to see that one of the starters other railway companies. or more four-mile heats, meaning a horse would whatever they liked, which naturally led to some for the Wokingham Stakes was ridden by an 11 18. Racecards keep the spectator in the dark confusion. That year a rule was made that each routinely race for twelve miles or more during the year old boy, weighing only a little over two stone. jockey had to declare the colours he would ride in course of the day. He admitted this was the first time he had ridden The 21st century race enthusiast would be lost so it could be inserted in the printed papers. 13. From Russia With Love in a race, although he had taken horses out on the without their racecard and its detailed information ...during peacetime at least gallops many times... on form, so we should spare a thought for the race It would still have been hard for spectators to tell audiences of days gone by. It wasn’t until 1888 that one horse from another as it was only in 1897 that In the 21st century, a sporting event like Royal 16. A scandal on the cards it was printed in the booklet format that we would number cloths were seen for the first time at Ascot Ascot has little to do with international politics, but It is hard to imagine today that the major political recognise today. Until then the general racegoer - in fact probably the first time they had been used in centuries past it was a forum in which kings and parties would have any use for the Royal Ascot had to make do with a large and awkward single anywhere. queens could put their allegiances on public display. racecard as a means of propaganda, but in the card, which contained sparse and incomplete 11. An Ascot lady beats the bookies at their In 1844 the Royal Procession included Britain’s politics-obsessed world of the 1840s, that is exactly information. The colours were stated as far as own game staunch ally Tsar Nicholas I, who enjoyed his day’s what they did. possible, but you could not rely on what was racing so much that he insisted on providing the After the First World War, betting enjoyed a huge In 1843, the Tory-supporting Master of the printed as there were no penalties for not declaring, prize each year - the Emperor’s Plate, which would or even changing your colours before a race. surge in popularity. One of Ascot’s most unusual replace the old Gold Cup. Buckhounds transferred the printing of the and successful bookmakers was a woman. Mrs racecards from Mr Oxley, a Whig newspaper There were about a dozen larger format cards Helen Vernet was an heiress who had squandered However the Crimean War broke out ten years owner, to a printer employed by the Tory party. printed for the occupants of the Royal Stand, her entire fortune on gambling once she was old later, pitching Britain against Russia. So although The affair caused such excitement and scandal that which at least had spaces left for the colours and enough to inherit, but had then made the wise the 1854 race card listed the prize for the Gold Cup letters and leading articles appeared in all the main any other information to be written in by hand by decision that it was better to take bets than to as “a piece of plate value 500 sovereigns, the gift newspapers of the day. This meant that Ascot the Secretary after the jockeys had been weighed. make them. So she started taking bets, many from of His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias”, racegoers now had the confusing choice of two women, on her own account in the Members’ no-one was particularly surprised when the trophy different racecards – the official and the unofficial Enclosure and at the Parade Ring - until the did not appear. It was quietly replaced with an old versions. Gold Cup and it goes without saying that the Tsar bookmakers objected. So successful was she that The following year, to dissuade them from buying Ladbrokes suggested she represent them officially. did not receive an invitation to The Royal Box that year. Oxley’s “unofficial” version, the Master of the She soon conducted all of their business on the Buckhounds had leaflets distributed around the rails and made enough to buy herself a partnership course denouncing the Oxley card, and the Great in the company. Western Railway refused to sell them at their stations. But the public, either showing political

32 33 19. Not another two-horse race… complained that the railways had led to meetings extraordinary was that divorcees, male or female, 27. How to make an entrance at Royal Ascot Most racegoers of modern times would feel slightly where “attendance was immense, but…comprised were barred from entry to the enclosure until In the early 1920s, Lord Lonsdale drove every day confused by the type of races on show in the late perhaps an unusual number of that class of 1955. from his rented house in Ascot, up the High Street 18th century, which were very different from those persons who are popularly denominated ‘roughs’.” 24. War horses take time to recover to the racecourse entrance with outriders, drivers run today, not just in their length, but in terms of The Sporting Life was even more unashamedly and footmen, all wearing his distinctive yellow snobbish, commenting that “the hilarious cockney Ascot suspended racing during the Second World who took part. Even by the meeting of 1794, when War, but most people are not aware that the war livery. The processions were so grand that it was Ascot racing had been established for the best part is as much out of his element at Aristocratic Ascot thought by some that he was trying to rival the as a duck on a turnpike lane.” had longer term repercussions on the sport. of a century, there were only six races with three or Although horse racing enjoyed a post war boom, Royal Procession. 22. Who brought that horse in here? more runners. There were three two-horse races, it was certainly not boom-time for the British 28. Carriage clubs make a stylish entrance and in addition ten “private matches” between Of course people still go to Royal Ascot today in racehorse owner. individuals on their own terms. A familiar sight at Royal Ascot is the arrival of their finery to see and be seen, but fashion was In 1946, the first year that racing resumed at Ascot, horsedrawn carriages along the High Street, to the 20. A game gets out of hand such a fundamental part of attending the Royal French horses took the first three places in The sound of hunting horns. These carriages belong Most modern racegoers are content with placing Meeting in the 19th and early 20th centuries that Gold Cup and, in fact, won much of the racing to members of the country’s carriage clubs, who a bet, large or small, on the thrilling outcomes the “promenade” was almost an official part of the that year due largely to having been better fed in stable their horses during racing whilst they enjoy of the day’s racing. But our late 18th century day. In 1823 The Times reported that “fashionable occupied France than in rationed Britain. their club facilities on course prior to departure. counterparts were so obsessed with gambling persons of both sexes promenaded up and down the course between the races.” But the state of the 25. Gentlemen put to work in the Royal 29. Singing round the bandstand that as well as boxing and cock-fighting and other Enclosure entertainments, spectators could wager on cards, course was suffering as a result and so the fashion Ascot’s much loved tradition of “singing round thimbles, and especially on the most popular game parade was moved to the Paddock. These days there is only one real regulation for the bandstand” or “community / traditional of the time – EO, a forerunner of roulette. It was For some, the parading of fashion remained women in the Royal Enclosure, that they wear singing” began in the 1970s under the stewardship so popular that ten marquees existed in the 1790s infinitely more important than that of the horses. formal day dress with a hat. But as late as the 1920s of Lady Beaumont, wife of the then Clerk of the solely for EO gaming, and the results were rarely In 1912 their two worlds collided quite literally in they also had to stick to a number of “unwritten Course, Captain Sir Nicholas Beaumont. The now in the racegoers’ favour, which of course led to the Paddock when a well-known actress’s bright rules” that if broken might bring disrepute on unmissable sing song of British favourites and flag fights. red parasol caused a young racehorse to rear up. themselves or their husbands or chaperones. One waving after racing was an immediate success with was that women should not have direct contact with thousands of racegoers staying on and making it an One of the worst was in 1799 when a scuffle The actress leapt back, stabbing someone with the tip of her parasol. She exclaimed with genuine bookmakers, and so their poor male companions integral part of their day. Now, traditional singing over alleged fixing turned into a fully-fledged riot, were constantly being interrupted to be sent on is listed as part of the day’s formal proceedings in pitching owners of other betting booths against indignance and not a trace of irony, “It’s perfectly scandalous that horses should be allowed in here!” errands between races to place bets on their behalf. the racecard and song books and flags are handed aggrieved customers. It became so serious that the Another archaic rule, enforced by the notoriously round. 23. Churchill takes the battle to the Royal Light Brigade had to be summoned from Windsor fastidious Clerk of the Course Colonel Sir Gordon Enclosure to quell the spreading mayhem and there were many Carter in 1922, was that women could not smoke arrests, some leading to lengthy prison terms. King Edward VII (1901-1910) insisted that the in the Royal Enclosure. 21. Cockneys need not apply Royal Enclosure be even more exclusive than under 26. Staff bowled over by dress code Queen Victoria and ruled that only those who had We are used to Ascot, like all racecourses throughout The wearing of Bowler Hats by the Ascot Britain, being open and welcoming to all who are been presented at Court could be eligible for entry. At that time Viscount Churchill was the King’s Stewards is a tradition that is proudly protected interested in the sport. But the newspapers and and maintained by the longer serving stewards. journals of the 19th century felt no hesitation in Representative at Ascot and had an extraordinary knack of remembering to whom he had sent a However the dress instruction was met with near registering their horror at the sight of the masses mutiny when it was introduced in the late 1950s descending on genteel Ascot by way of the newly voucher. He personally selected those he deemed suitable for entry and was said to have three piles in an attempt to address slipping standards. The extended railway line. Until then Ascot really had trustees had to give pay rises at the time to stop the been regarded as the preserve of the nobility and on his desk, labelled “certainly”, “perhaps” and “certainly not”. staff striking over the issue. When the racecourse gentry. closed for redevelopment in 2004, the management Pierce Egan, the leading reporter of sporting Other rules for entry were quite incredible to our had to assure staff that there were no plans to events of the early and mid-19th century, wrote that modern ears, such as that “no actor or actress alter the much loved “uniform” when everyone before the railways, Ascot had been protected from should be eligible,” although The King himself returned in 2006. “the pollution of sheer cockneyism”. The Times bent this rule at his own discretion. Even more

34 35 storeys with fluted pilasters to look like a Grecian racing with all its faults still remains, I may say, a portico. There are eight or nine stands to either National Institution of the Country”. side. 1882 The Ashes is played for the first time, 1825 King George IV strengthens the link between England lose. Ascot and royalty with the first Royal Procession. 1888 The Racecard appears for the first time in 1826 Ice cream sold at Ascot for the first time. booklet form. Formerly it was printed on a large 1829 Oxford University wins the first boat race. and cumbersome piece of card. 1830 Accession of King William IV. 1897 Number cloths used for the first time at 1834 Queen Victoria’s first attendance at Ascot Ascot – believed to be the first time they are used (as Princess Victoria). Her diary states ‘I was very anywhere. much amused indeed at the races’. 1901 Accession of King Edward VII. 1837 King William IV dies. Accession of his 18 Post of His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot 1711 Queen Anne decides that Ascot Heath is the colours he intends to race in. year old niece as Queen Victoria. created replacing Master of the Buckhounds, with ideal place to race horses. The first race is held on 1790s Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince 1839 Ascot’s first Grandstand opens after a year’s the first incumbent being Viscount Churchill. August 11th in the presence of The Queen and her Regent, decreed that the height of elegance for construction. It holds 1200 people on the ground All three Royal Enclosure stands are demolished court. gentlemen was waisted black coats and white floor and 1800 on the roof. and two new stands erected, with a third built in 1714 Queen Anne dies and the Georgian era begins cravats with pantaloons. Over the years, this has First Henley Royal Regatta held. 1902. This last stand contains the first lifts to be with the accession of King George I. Ascot races evolved into the morning suit we know today. 1845 The area in front of the Royal Stand is installed on a British racecourse. cancelled. 1791 The first handicap race run at Ascot – the enclosed, creating the second most exclusive area 1908 The “Five Shilling Stand” is built, later named 1740 An Act of Parliament is passed to ‘restrain Oatland Stakes. The weights of the runners are after the Royal Stand itself. It was noted that this the Silver Ring Stand. and prevent the excessive increase of Horse adjusted relative to their form. area “will be a great addition to the comfort of The Olympics are held in London. Races’ because horse racing for ‘small prizes or 1793 Ascot’s first permanent stand - The Slingsby Her Majesty’s Stand by keeping a distance of 16 1910 Accession of King George V. Royal Ascot is sums of money had contributed very much to the Stand - is built, accommodating 1650 people. It or 17 yards from Dancers and Balad [sic] Singers Black Ascot, in mourning for King Edward VII, encouragement of idleness, to the impoverishment remains in use until 1838. and other musicians with which a Race Course who had died on May 6th. of many of the meaner sort of the subjects of this 1797 The first top hat is worn in public in London. is infested and will afford an opportunity for the 1912 Racegoers begin to arrive by car and cars are kingdom and the breed of strong and useful horses The large crowd of onlookers who gathered to see Prince or any of Her Majesty’s Guests to inspect allowed to park on the Heath. hath been much prejudiced thereby.’ No racing at this phenomenon landed the wearer a £50 fine for any of the horses without being annoyed by the 1913 Ascot Authority Act makes Her Majesty’s Ascot until 1744. causing a public nuisance. pushing of a Mob, or protected by Police Officers.” Representative Senior Steward of the new 1744 The official notice of racing mentions the 1799 The Light Brigade is summoned to Ascot Thus was born the Royal Enclosure. Authority. Yeoman Prickers who were employed by the Racecourse from Windsor Castle when an 1848 Waterloo Station opens in London. 1914 On August 4th Britain declares war on Master of the Buckhounds. Their association with argument over a bet develops into a fully-fledged 1850 The Flying Dutchman becomes the first horse Germany. Ascot is remembered today in the livery of the riot. to win the Derby and the Gold Cup. 1919 King George V insists that no media “greencoats” or Ascot Gatemen. 1807 The running of the first Gold Cup (as we 1855 The Daily Telegraph is published for the first photography be allowed in the Royal Enclosure as 1749 The first four day meeting is staged in the first would recognise it today), making it the oldest of time. he had a “rooted objection to being snap-shotted”. week of August bringing it in line with the other races that forms today’s Royal Meeting. Master 1856 The railway comes to Ascot with the opening The following year a formal ban was introduced principal racecourses of the time, Newmarket, Jackey beats Hawk by half a length. of the Staines to Wokingham line, causing which still stands today. Epsom and Doncaster. This pattern of days A pavilion is created that becomes the first Royal commentators to lament the loss of “Aristocratic 1926 The buildings in the Royal Enclosure are continued for the Royal Meeting at Ascot with the Stand at Ascot. Entry is subject to the King’s Ascot”. Extra trains are soon being laid on during extended and the new Iron Stand built. Saturday being a heath meeting until the addition invitation. Royal Ascot to deal with the huge numbers of Ascot installs the world’s first watering system that of the extra Royal Day in 2002 to mark the Golden 1811 – 1820 Regency Period: Prince of Wales racegoers. can serve the entire track, able to dispense around Jubilee of The Queen. (future King George IV) assumes control during 1861 Prince Albert dies of typhoid fever on two million gallons of water onto the turf through 1760 Accession of King George III. By this time his father’s illness. December 14th; Queen Victoria enters mourning 5,000 nozzles. Ascot is attracting some of the best horses, and the 1813 An Act of Enclosure places Ascot Heath and and does not return to Ascot for the remainder of 1927 First live sports match is broadcast on the most fashionable society in the country. ‘A large Windsor Forest into the ownership of the Crown. her reign. BBC - the rugby union international England v assemblage of the nobility and gentry attended this 1815 Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of 1869 The Prince of Wales insists to Queen Victoria Wales. meeting’. Waterloo. that the Royal Family retain a presence at the Royal 1934 The immensely popular Brown Jack wins the 1773 Captain James Cook becomes the first 1820 Accession of King George IV. Meeting, writing to her that “It is an opportunity Queen Alexandra Stakes, his final race. He won at European explorer to cross the Artic Circle. 1822 Royal Stand is built, designed by John Nash – for the Royal family to show themselves in public seven Royal Meetings in a row and on twenty-five 1783 Rule passed that each jockey must declare the architect of Buckingham Palace. It consists of two which I am sure you much desire and after all, out of his sixty-five starts.

36 37 1936 Accession and abdication of King Edward worn at “Black Ascot” in 1910. 1996 Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven. On 28th VIII, accession of King George VI. 1965 Jump racing comes to Ascot on the closure of September Frankie wins all seven races. 1940 Racing at Ascot is cancelled after the outbreak the local Hurst Park. It is deemed a huge success 1997 The Marquess of Hartington (current Duke of war and the course is commandeered by the but the Sunday Times finds a “Flat racing swell” of Devonshire) becomes the Queen’s fourth Army. The Grandstand becomes a barracks for the who believe that having jump racing at Ascot representative at Ascot. Royal Artillery. was “like going to the Ritz and ordering fish and 1998 The Royal Ascot Racing Club is founded. 1946 The Royal Meeting returns to Ascot and a chips”. 2001 Due to the knock on effects of the General country still in recovery. The Royal Enclosure 1966 England win the World Cup Election, the Royal Procession is restricted to two dress code temporarily replaces morning suits with 1967 Her Majesty’s Representative, The Duke of days as horses and carriages are required for the service dress or lounge suits. Whilst the wearing of Norfolk, bans ladies from wearing trouser suits in State Opening of Parliament. lounge suits was quickly rescinded, the wearing of the Royal Enclosure. Foot and Mouth strikes Britain. Cheltenham service dress remains permitted to this day. 1969 Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to set Festival is cancelled, but Royal Ascot goes ahead 1950 The pilot episode of the Archers is broadcast. foot on the moon. with disinfectant mats on all entrances. 1951 The Ascot October meeting includes the first 1973 The first Ladies Race - the Cullinan Diamond 2002 The Royal Meeting is extended to five days Ascot races to be televised live in the UK (BBC). Stakes - is held at Ascot. Caroline Blackwell wins to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The Cork 1952 Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on Hurdy Gurdy. and Orrery Stakes is renamed the Golden Jubilee II. 1975 The “race of the century” between Grundy Stakes. 1955 Rules of divorce are relaxed and divorcees can and Bustino in the King George. The first three 2005 Royal Ascot held at York whilst now enter the Royal Enclosure. placed horses all break the previous course record. redevelopment takes place. 1959 The gatemen at Royal Ascot wear bowler-hats Horse and Hound write that “for a moment, two Motivator, owned by The Royal Ascot Racing Club, for the first time. horses and two men came as near to perfection as wins the Derby. 1961 The Queen Elizabeth II Stand opens at a cost any of the great ones around whom the history of 2006 After twenty months, the new £220 million of around £1 million, holding 13,000 people. the Turf is built”. Ascot Grandstand re-opens at the Royal Meeting. 1963-4 The Members’ Stand opens. 1976 The first commercial Concorde flight takes The new stand is 370 metres long and 57 metres In 1964 the Royal Enclosure doubles in size to a off. wide. capacity of 7,500 people; opening the floodgates 1984 007 at Ascot. Scenes of “A View to a Kill” are Yeats takes The Gold Cup for the first time. to the new “Swinging Sixties” rock, fashion filmed at Ascot. 2007 200th anniversary of The Gold Cup, Yeats and photography aristocracy and also widening 1987 Princess Anne wins the Dresden Diamond wins again. the margin for error in dress, leading racing Stakes on Ten No Trumps, becoming the first 2008 Yeats scores a hat-trick of Gold Cups. commentator Peter O’Sullevan to observe in 1967, member of the Royal Family to ride an Ascot 2009 Yeats wins The Gold Cup for a record fourth “the mini skirt fashion seems to be exploited by winner. time. those least suited to exposure”. Gay Kelleway became the first woman to ride a 2011 Ascot Tercentenary Celebrations. 1964 The film “My Fair Lady” is released. Costume winner at Royal Ascot on Sprowston Boy in the Inaugural British Champions Day at Ascot, 15th designer Cecil Beaton is heavily influenced by the Queen Alexandra Stakes. October. mourning dresses with simple white accessories

38 39 To commemorate the achievement of Ascot’s his head in a very distinctive way and later on in his it is a very large space to keep warm and greatest equine legend, the four-time Gold Cup career, as his neck developed, he became instantly it was a constant battle against the cold winner Yeats, celebrated sculptor Charlie Langton recognisable. He is beautifully proportioned. From to prevent the clay from freezing. Every was commissioned to create a ten per cent over the side he is deep and powerfully built, especially night my Yeats was wrapped up in a New life-size bronze of the horse who dominated through the shoulder he is sinuous and yet every Zealand rug and sleeping bags. Once I Royal Ascot from 2006 to 2009. line flows with an effortless grace. From the front was getting close to being happy with the Yeats, now standing at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, he is streamlined and slender - even his ears are sculpture, the mould making could begin. was owned by Mrs John Magnier and Mrs David close together when pricked. It is easy to see why This was done over the course of ten days Nagle, trained by Aidan O’Brien, and ridden by he had so much success when considering this by three highly skilled mould makers. He Kieren Fallon (2006), Michael Kinane (2007) and combination of power and aerodynamism. was moulded in seven sections (the four Johnny Murtagh (2008 and 2009). The statue will “But the thing that really strikes me about Yeats legs, head, tail and body). The moulds be unveiled at Royal Ascot and in his own words, is how he moves. He is almost regal in his head were then taken to the foundry and a Charlie Langton talks in glowing terms of the carriage and he glides over the ground effortlessly. combination of the lost wax process challenge: I could not have had a better subject for my first and sand casting were used to create the bronze. “The process began last summer with a week of life-size bronze. measuring, sketching and sculpting at Coolmore “Having made a one quarter scale maquette of “I hope more than anything that my Stud. This was the most important stage as I was Yeats I began work on the ten per cent over sculpture does justice to Yeats and that able to get to know Yeats from watching him in life-size version in October 2010. The process those who know him best will think that I his daily routine and then spend time speaking involves a steel armature, on top of which I have captured his presence and character. to the lads and all those that know him well. It added clay - over forty bags were needed (more Yeats is an Ascot legend and I feel was vital that I gained a complete picture of the than one tonne). Over sixty measurements taken extremely privileged to have been chosen horse from those closest to him as I was keen to from Yeats were used along with video footage, to sculpt him.” capture the horse’s character as well as his physical my sketches and maquettes, and I also made trips dimensions. back to Coolmore to refresh my eye. He took over “I had my own very strong mental image of Yeats eight hundred hours to sculpt. parading around the ring at Ascot to add to this “I built a new studio especially for working on this information and therefore I could establish a pose scale so that, vitally, I could have the room to stand that married all these elements. He always carried back and see the work from a distance. However,

40 41 ‘Queen Anne’ by David Austin, is one of five new This new variety of rose will be planted at Ascot for Notes to Editors rose varieties, which will be officially unveiled all racegoers to enjoy. Subject to the unpredictable David Austin is the internationally recognised, in May at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, English weather, the first blooms of Queen Anne award winning breeder of the English Roses. London. This beautiful pink rose is named after will hopefully be on display in full glory during These combine the beautiful flower forms and the founder of Ascot Racecourse, in celebration Royal Ascot and this rose will continue to bloom fragrances of old roses with the wide colour of the tercentenary anniversary of this national throughout the summer months. It will also take range and repeat-flowering of modern roses. As a institution. its place in the National Collection of English group they offer a rare blend of beauty, fragrance Deciding upon a name for a new English Rose is Roses which is displayed alongside David Austin’s and functionality with an almost indefinable something David Austin sees as an essential part Plant Centre in Albrighton. This new rose will be characteristic – grace. available to view on both the David Austin and of the rose breeding process. Rose lovers write to On the Shropshire border, David Austin and his suggest many hundreds of names each year, which Ascot websites from mid May and will feature in David Austin’s ‘Handbook of Roses’. son, also called David Austin, oversee one of the are considered for one of his new releases. From world’s largest garden rose breeding programmes. so many options, David Austin aims to choose Contact for further information and images 150,000 crosses are made between April and a name that perfectly suits the unique character Jo Riley, David Austin Roses, 01902 376330 July each year and over 250,000 seedlings will of each rose. Many of the rose names celebrate [email protected] germinate the following year. These are grown people or places that have played an important on to flowering size when the rigorous selection part in shaping British heritage. procedure begins. After eight years of field David C.H. Austin says: “‘Queen Anne’ is a rose trials, only the best three to six new varieties will with a very classic Old Rose beauty. The flowers be released each year. The ‘Queen Anne’ rose have something of the charming character of is a wonderful result of this extensive breeding

Bourbon and Centifolia roses, which have long programme. been celebrated by artists. The way the flowers of The medium-sized flowers of ‘Queen Anne’ are a a rose are held on the stem has always fascinated beautiful, pure rose pink, the outer petals slightly me – this makes a very particular and often paler than the central ones. It will quickly form overlooked contribution to its overall character. an upright but still bushy shrub rose, with very Some of our roses have flowers that face upwards, few thorns. The blooms have a most attractive, others are gently nodding, while others are held in rounded Old Rose scent with hints of pear drops. airy sprays. The flowers of my new variety ‘Queen The rose is ideal for rose beds, mixed borders and Anne’ are very beautifully poised on their stems, large decorative planters. and this somehow made me feel that the ideal name would celebrate not only a Queen, but also ‘Queen Anne’ will be available to buy as a potted a sport where poise and grace are so important.” rose at the end of May direct from David Austin Roses. Bare root stock will be available to buy from May onwards for November 2011 despatch.

42 43 To mark the Royal Racecourse’s historic Fashion at Royal Ascot has been produced with tercentenary landmark, James Sherwood, well the full co-operation of Ascot, including access known as part of the BBC’s Royal Ascot fashion to the official archives, and the resulting book is team, has written a superbly illustrated history no less than the definitive account, with over 500 of men’s and ladies’ fashions at Royal Ascot stunning illustrations, of high fashion during the throughout the years. last three centuries. At the heart of Ascot Racecourse is the Royal Publication date: 6 June 2011 Meeting, a national institution and the centrepiece For more information, contact of the British social calendar. Famous worldwide for its unique dress code within the Royal Rosalie Macfarlane Enclosure, attire at this occasion is more important Thames & Hudson Ltd and commented upon than at any other sporting call 020 7845 5102 event. or email [email protected] www.thamesandhudson.com Sherwood traces the history of the Royal Enclosure dress code and also looks at some of the more flamboyant ensembles that have graced Ascot’s famous lawns over the years. James Sherwood is a writer, curator and broadcaster who has written for every British broadsheet for over 20 years as well as contributing to the International Herald Tribune and the NewYork Times. He is the editor-at-large of the international men’s style bible, The Rake and is the author of Savile Row:The Master Tailors of British Bespoke (Thames & Hudson). He is the BBC fashion correspondent at Royal Ascot, a regular presenter on BBC1’s Inside Out, and has presented documentaries about Savile Row, The Savoy and the diamond industry.

44 45 Internationally renowned photographer, Alistair “Working from early morning to late at night the Notes to editors Morrison, will be producing an exhibition of new grandstand can be quiet yet still provides me With over 80 photographs in the Trustee’s photographs to be displayed at Ascot Racecourse, with so many memories. First to arrive are the Collection at The National Portrait Gallery, commemorating its historic tercentenary landmark kitchen staff with their trolleys full, then the jockeys London, Morrison is considered one of the in 2011. and their horses begin to familiarise themselves foremost photographers of the last three The exhibition, titled ‘My Kingdom for a Horse’ with the course and soon follow the TV crews decades, with photographs ranging from great aims to showcase the acclaimed photographer’s and reporters practicing their introductions. As icons of yesteryear like Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir images depicting scenes around the world’s most the mass of visitors arrive, the excitement and the Peter Ustinov and Sir Alec Guiness; influential famous racecourse. From the fashion and tradition anticipation of a great day fills the atmosphere. politicians Baroness Thatcher, Henry Kissinger of the Royal Meeting, to the stewards, stable lads, The tradition, the hats, the dressing up, it all makes and Hillary Clinton to figures of today such as jockeys and racing lovers, the series of photographs for a very special day out which I have enjoyed Dame Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and are a reflection of the diverse characters that have capturing in this unique project.” Tom Cruise. made Ascot such an institution in British culture. The exhibition can be viewed during Royal Ascot This definitive collection records and celebrates in the marquee named My Kingdom for a Horse the heart and soul of Ascot Racecourse in its and around the grounds throughout the year. 300th year. Alistair Morrison said: “My Kingdom for a Horse Contact for further information has been a project of commitment and passion, Alistair Morrison: working closely with Ascot Racecourse for the last [email protected] three years, to create a collection of photographs which depict all facets of character and life at this Website: famous British establishment. From the power of www.alistairmorrison.com the horse, the splendour of the fashion and the thousands of visitors welcomed through the gates, it all makes the racecourse unique and colourful yet still manages to hold onto and complement its all important traditions.

46 47 As Ascot Racecourse celebrates its 300th birthday, Membership of the Colts & Fillies Club is free Family Days in 2011 it’s not just the adults that can be part of the action. for all children aged 16 and under. Every member Sunday 10th April For the 2011 Flat season, the Colts & Fillies Club receives a welcome pack including a special Countryside Alliance Raceday will have a horse in training and everyone is members’ metal badge to be worn at all Family welcome to join the club and follow his progress Days and a pair of binoculars so that Colts & Sunday 24th July from the start of his training programme through Fillies members don’t miss any of the racing Betfair Weekend to, hopefully, winning at the track! action. Club members also receive quarterly ‘Turf Saturday 6th August Safari Team has been kindly loaned to the Colts Talk’ newsletters during the year with updates Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup from Scotty, the Club mascot, informing them of & Fillies Club by the trainer Peter Winkworth, Saturday 29th October forthcoming family fixtures and special events. It and will be trained by Peter, Anton Pearson and United House Group Day the team at Robins Farm Racing Stables, a new will keep members up-to-date with Safari Teams’ purpose built racing yard near Guildford, Surrey. training programme and progress. Safari Team raced four times as a two-year-old and Ascot has five dedicated family days in 2011 as was placed fourth and third before winning on the part of its racing calendar where the emphasis is all-weather track at Lingfield in September. on fun and excitement, with plenty of attractions for both young and old alike. All accompanied Horseracing is brought to a younger audience at children aged 18 and under are admitted free of Ascot through the children’s Colts & Fillies Club. charge to all Ascot’s race meetings, making a family Keen to promote the sport to the next generation day out at Ascot excellent value for money. of racing enthusiasts, the club aims to make the sport more accessible, interesting, educational and fun. Current membership stands at 11,500.

48 49 Fuller, Smith & Turner, London’s only traditional Richard Fuller, sales director for Fuller’s, said: Notes to editors brewer, has created a special golden ale to celebrate “There are not many racecourses that could Fuller’s remains on its original site at the Griffin Ascot Racecourse celebrate its 300th birthday in celebrate a 300th birthday, so we are delighted to Brewery in Chiswick, London. The company style. help Ascot Racecourse mark theirs. has two trading divisions - Fuller’s Inns and The Ascot Tercentenary Ale is a brand new, limited “We have a worldwide reputation as a brewer of Fuller’s Beer Company. edition ale which will be available nationally in some of the best beers around, so we thought it Fuller’s Inns runs 360 quality pubs, bars and Budgens, regionally in selected supermarkets and very fitting to create a new one just for Ascot. We hotels across the south of England. The Fuller’s Ascot Racecourse itself, from late April, followed are very proud of our heritage and would like to Beer Company brews London Pride, the UK’s by selected Fuller’s pubs in cask during June. Only think of this partnership as a bit of a nod from leading premium cask ale, as well as a portfolio of 30,000 bottles will be produced so they are sure to one truly English icon to another. award-winning ales such as Chiswick Bitter, ESB be hot property once they go on sale. “Ascot Racecourse is a place full of majesty and 1845. Three of Fuller’s beers - London Pride, Crafted in partnership with the historic horse and history, and we like to think that our Ascot ESB and Chiswick Bitter - have been named as racing venue, and brewed to 5% ABV, Ascot Tercentenary Ale will quickly become part of that CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain, a record Tercentenary Ale is bottle conditioned, meaning legend too.” unmatched by any other brewer. a small amount of yeast remains to enable extra For further information contact In 2005, Fuller’s acquired George Gale & Co., of fermentation in the bottle. It is this fermentation Fuller’s Press Office Horndean, Hampshire. The purchase included which gives the beer a wonderful zing. Combined Phone 0208 996 2048/2175 111 pubs, which were added to the Fuller’s estate, with unmistakable tropical fruit notes, provided together with the Gales portfolio of excellent in part by the hedgerow Sovereign hops, this or email [email protected] Website: www.fullers.co.uk beers, including Seafarers and HSB which are will make Ascot Tercentenary Ale a perfect now brewed to Fuller’s exacting standards in summertime beer. Chiswick. Fuller’s aims to be the benchmark in retailing and brewing by delivering quality, service and pride in everything it does.

50 51 At Betfair we’re all incredibly proud to be working More recently we have announced that we will Betfair continues to invest in the development of with Ascot Racecourse as they celebrate this support the National Association of Stable Staff a first class racing betting experience. Alongside fantastic tercentenary milestone. With Betfair’s campaign to establish a minimum standard of a wider sports site redesign, we have launched first ever market only going live in 2000 we stable staff facilities at Britain’s racecourses. We a number of improvements specific to racing, obviously have a long way to go before we can lay are the first company to provide support to the including an extension of our live video feeds claim to such a famous history! vital role they play within racing and these kinds to Racing UK tracks, and the introduction of It was back in December 2008 that Betfair was of partnerships highlight the commitment we Each Way Multiples. Betfair was the first betting announced as the new sponsor of the King hold to support all areas of the racing industry. company to have an official app in the Apple George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which Betfair is one of the world’s largest international Store, and with the rapid growth of Android was run for £1 million for the first time in 2009 online sports betting providers and pioneered and smartphones we have been working hard to (£850,000 in 2008). Since then the partnership the first successful Betting Exchange in 2000. provide our new and existing customers with all has blossomed and we’ve enjoyed many fantastic Our Exchange, where customers come together of the features that would come to expect from highlights, including turning Ascot pink for the in order to bet at odds sought by themselves or a company that prides itself on technological inaugural Betfair Ascot Chase on Valentine’s Day offered by other customers, has revolutionised the excellence. 2009! betting industry. For all media enquiries please Our support of UK racing is not just about our Driven by world-leading technology the company contact the Betfair Press Office high-profile flagship partnerships. We’re also now processes over five million transactions a day Email: [email protected] committed to spending £3 million over the next from its three million registered customers around Phone: +44 (0) 844 871 0821 three years supporting the grassroots of the the world. Betfair is committed to upholding the industry, a figure which includes sponsorship highest standards of sporting integrity and, in at every racecourse in the UK, every year. We addition to sports betting, Betfair offers a portfolio are especially proud of our sponsorship of the of innovative products including casino, exchange Apprentice and Conditional Jockeys’ Series, which games, arcade and poker. aims to give young jockeys the opportunity to ride out and compete in a field that will hopefully give them the necessary experience to make further strides in their career.

52 53 Over the past 300 years Ascot Racecourse has Mr von Känel, President of Longines, says: Notes to Editors undergone some tremendous regeneration and “There is no other comparable event in the racing Longines started sport timekeeping in 1878. As Longines is delighted to be a part of the new era world to the Royal Meeting. Moreover, Ascot – early as 1912, at The Swiss Federal Gymnastics of this prestigious sporting venue. In 2011, the and even more specifically, Royal Ascot – perfectly Meet in Basel, Longines delivered a world first when luxury watchmaker will continue its role as the suits Longines’ identity expressed through its it introduced an electromechanical timekeeping Official Timekeeper of the flat race season at Ascot, slogan: ‘Elegance is an attitude’.” system based on the broken-wire principle. Then, including Royal Ascot, ensuring technological Contact for further information and images during the Second World War, Longines developed precision and elegance synonymous with both a light-beam finishing line using a photoelectric brands. Lucy Barrett, Longines cell, in the process revolutionising the art of Longines has long term experience in equestrian Phone: 020 7053 2470 timekeeping at a stroke. For Longines President, sport across the globe and therefore it was a natural [email protected] Walter von Kaenel, rising to the challenge and choice when Ascot decided to revolutionise the becoming involved with Ascot was a logical step timing system at the racecourse in 2007 to work for a company steeped in history and sporting closely with the watchmaker. In a year when tradition, as well as reflecting the elegance of Ascot is celebrating its tercentenary, Longines is equestrian sport. Traditionally “Longines has delighted to be the official timekeeper of the flat chosen to support equestrian sports because they season which includes Royal Ascot and also co- transmit a certain style and elegance. Furthermore, sponsor the Royal Ascot Fashion Show, with both equestrian sports demand concentration, precision events embodying perfectly the brand’s key value, and experience. These are the values which form elegance. the very foundation of Longines watch making Longines has been able to apply its expertise to tradition and philosophy”. generate precise, accurate timekeeping for the racecourse, with special software uniquely created to complement the photo finish camera. It allows the operator to read the time as soon as the winner passes the post and works in conjunction with the broadcaster and the Judge.

54 55 April May June

Sunday 10th Friday 6th Tuesday 14th Countryside Alliance Raceday Transformers & Rectifiers Royal Ascot Racenight Wednesday 27th Wednesday 15th Totepool Free Raceday Saturday 7th Royal Ascot Totesport Victoria Cup Day Thursday 16th Royal Ascot

Friday 17th Royal Ascot

Saturday 18th Royal Ascot

July August September

Friday 8th Saturday 6th Saturday 3rd Property Raceday The Dubai Duty Free Ascot Festival of Food Raceday Sherger Cup Saturday 9th Friday 30th Totesport Summer Mile Autumn Meeting Raceday

Friday 22nd Betfair Weekend

Saturday 23rd Betfair Weekend King George Day

Sunday 24th Betfair Weekend

October November December

Sarurday 1st Friday 18th Friday 16th Autumn Meeting November Meeting Christmas Meeting

Saturday 15th Saturday 19th Saturday 17th QIPCO British Champions Day November Meeting Christmas Meeting

Saturday 29th United House Group Day

56 57 For information on policy For non racing media and and all general aspects public relations enquiries Charles Barnett Karen Smith Chief Executive Public Relations Manager [email protected] [email protected] 01344 878501 01344 878430 / 07717 851566

For racing, international, media Images and further details on the tercentenary and public relations enquiries can be obtained from the racecourse, please Nick Smith contact Karen Smith, PR Manager, using the above contact details. Head of Communications & International Racing [email protected] 01344 878524 / 07771 791449 www.ascot.co.uk

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