Royal Ascot 2024 On Track

18 - 22 JUNE 2024

WELCOME

Welcome to On Track, your official guide to the world’s most famous race meeting.

Where equine excellence graces the turf and sartorial elegance takes centre stage across all five days.

From the training yards of Newmarket to Chantilly, Kentucky to Kildare, the world’s finest thoroughbreds will travel to prove themselves on the biggest stage of all.

Throughout these pages you will be able to sample all that there is to enjoy. From magnificent millinery to perfection in culinary form, there is something for everybody to whet the appetite and awaken the senses.

Find out more about the human stars on show and the brands bringing it all to life. Be prepared to take yourself away from the everyday.

For this is not just any race meeting.

This is Royal Ascot 2024.

Neil Callan and Triple Time win the 2023 Queen Anne Stakes.

WORLD -CLAS ACTION

WORLD-CLASS ACTION

As one of the world’s most prestigious race meetings, the action on the track at Royal Ascot is guaranteed to be of the highest quality from start to finish. A record £10 million in prize money will be available across the 35-race programme this year and with 19 Group races, the Royal Meeting represents the greatest concentration of excellence in the calendar.

Across the following pages you will get a flavour of the people and stories that will bring Royal Ascot to life in 2024.

We hope you enjoy the ride.

DOYLE’S ROYAL ASCOT ASCENT

THE SPECTACULAR STORY OF HOLLIE’S GROUNDBREAKING GROUP 1 VICTORY

Every year, Royal Ascot creates extraordinary memories, delivers captivating moments, and pushes the boundaries of both human and equine achievement. In 2023, Hollie Doyle took triumph at the Royal Meeting to an unprecedented level. Bradsell’s victory in the King’s Stand Stakes saw Doyle become the first female jockey to ride a Group 1 winner at the summer showpiece. A memory treasured, a glass ceiling shattered – and a dream fulfilled.

In an exclusive interview with Ascot ahead of the Royal Meeting, Hollie shared just how much she treasures that triumph.

“We ride at Ascot all year round but there’s nothing like Royal Ascot week. It’s our Olympics, that equivalent for jockeys and trainers. We’re always looking for the next superstar to bring us here, it’s the place we all want to be really. It’s a big occasion, not only does the jockey feel the atmosphere but the horse does as well.

“Bradsell loves it here at Ascot, he won here as a two-yearold. He just travelled so amazingly. I asked him the question a long way out and he did it well. He’s such a talented horse. When you get a horse that loves it here, they are so effective on this track.

“On the day I was just delighted as a jockey to ride a Group 1 winner. The female thing didn’t really play on my mind at all, in ten or twenty years nobody can take that away from me, but as a jockey, a Group 1 winner at Royal Ascot is pretty high on the list.”

It’s been a long time coming for Doyle, who was born into a racing family with both parents having ridden for a living. Pony riding soon turned to horse riding for Hollie, who started as an amateur jockey before becoming an apprentice in 2014. But the path to greatness was not an easy one.

“From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a jockey, thankfully it worked out okay! I wasn’t ever pushed towards anything, or told ‘you can’t do that, you can’t do this’, I was left to my own accord to make my own decisions or mistakes. I had no interest in school, I just wanted to get home and get on the back of a horse!

“There were times when I struggled, I went three years only riding six winners, then I made the move to Richard Hannon’s and I was at a point where I thought ‘if I don’t make it here, I’m not good enough’. That was tough. If I hadn’t had that chance then I wouldn’t be anywhere.”

Doyle is one half of racing’s ‘power couple’, being married to fellow star jockey Tom Marquand – the pair met in their early teens and married two years ago. And whilst Doyle’s breakthrough success led to rapturous scenes on the Tuesday of Royal Ascot 2023, it was Marquand’s victory on Desert Hero, owned by Their Majesties The King and The Queen, which really brought the house down two days later.

“Tom was so happy, it was The King’s first winner at Royal Ascot, it was really special. I remember a few weeks later he received a handwritten letter from The King, he was so scared that he had to write back and it took him weeks and weeks to think of what to say! They wrote a few letters to each other. We are going to get it framed! It was nice to see The King have such a thrill out of it as well.

“Cantering up to post, you always have a peek at the Royal Box, you know they’re up there! When you’ve had a winner, the whole world is watching Royal Ascot, it’s the biggest event of the year so it’s extra special. We are so lucky to have support from the Royal Family, they are so passionate about it, so as a sport to have been supported by the Royal Family for so long is pretty significant.”

Hollie Doyle and Bradsell win the 2023 King’s Stand Stakes.

“From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a jockey, thankfully it worked out okay!”

Hollie Doyle became the first female jockey to ride a Group 1 winner at Royal Ascot in 2023.

Hollie Doyle and Bradsell win the 2022 Coventry Stakes.

“I’m still going forward, I’ve got so many more goals. I’m still improving as a rider, I’m always trying to be better.”

It’s not just at the Royal Meeting that Doyle has shone at Ascot. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup offers a unique team-based competition with one team composed entirely of female jockeys. The Ladies team have won the competition in three of the last five years, with Doyle winning the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle award for top jockey in 2023.

“The Shergar Cup is really popular, I’ve been lucky enough to do it a few times now and won the Silver Saddle last year. It’s a very chilled atmosphere, it’s really good fun and nice to have a bit of competition as a team.”

But Doyle isn’t resting on her laurels, seeing plenty more opportunities to shine whilst in the prime of her career.

“I don’t think it will sink in until the end of my career, what I’ve done, because at the moment it’s insignificant to me, because I’m still going forward, I’ve got so many more goals. I’m still improving as a rider, I’m always trying to be better, I know I can compete at the top level with the other jockeys, which is satisfying. You just have to keep looking for the opportunities.

“A few years ago, if you had asked me if I saw myself as a role model, I would have said no. But over the last year or two, I’ve been noticing that a lot of young girls or kids in the pony club have been taking a liking to me, sending me loads of messages or following me on social media, so I do see it as a responsibility to set a good example. Our sport is so open and anyone can get involved, so I feel a bit of responsibility to sell the sport as a whole.”

It hasn’t always been this way for Doyle, or other female jockeys. But in recent years, records have tumbled and the opportunities have continued to come – with countless achievements on the track justifying the continued push for equality within the sport.

“I think the vision of female jockeys has changed thanks to the likes of Hayley Turner, Gay Kelleway, Rachael Blackmore, Nina Carberry, those girls riding over jumps have proven it. For me, the moment Rachael crossed the line in the Grand National I thought ‘conversation over’, but it’s alright for me to say because I’ve had a pretty easy go of things. People like Hayley, Cathy Gannon, and others before me have had it a lot tougher.”

A trail blazer and a record breaker, just like the countless other women that have come before her and continue to fly the flag for female success. Long live the Queens of the Turf.

Hollie Doyle and her first Royal Ascot winner, Scarlet Dragon, in the 2020 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.

QUEENS OF THE TURF

THE HISTORY OF FEMALE JOCKEYS

BREAKING BARRIERS IN BRITISH RACING

Gay Kelleway on Sprowston Boy: “I said to my dad “why don’t you put Lester Piggott on, he’s there, he hasn’t got a ride in the race!” To be fair to the owners, they actually wanted me to ride their horse, which was lovely, because I had won on him so many times. I can remember the day like yesterday. I punched the air, I thought “I’ve done something with my riding career”, that was such an achievement, whether it be for women, or for myself.”

Gay Kelleway becomes the first female jockey to win at Royal Ascot onboard Sprowston Boy in the Queen Alexandra Stakes.

Alex Greaves claims the first British Group 1 win for a female jockey as Ya Malak dead-heats with Coastal Bluff in the Nunthorpe Stakes.

Hayley Turner becomes the first woman to be crowned Britain’s champion apprentice.

Turner and Emma-Jayne Wilson make history as the first female jockeys in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup.

Turner wins the July Cup on Dream Ahead, becoming the first female

to win a domestic Group 1 outright.

jockey

The Ladies team win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for the first time, with Sammy Jo Bell winning the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle.

Hayley Turner on Thanks Be: “My first Royal Ascot winner was my favourite because it was an outsider, a huge field, we thought we had a chance. It was the first since Gay, and selfishly, if it had been one of the other girls I’d have been really disappointed!”

Turner wins the Sandringham Stakes on Thanks Be, becoming the first female jockey to win at Royal Ascot since Kelleway.

Hollie Doyle on Glen Shiel: “It was a really tight photo finish, I didn’t know if I had won or not, I remember pulling up and a few of the lads were saying ‘well done Hols!’ I was in denial! I remember when they called out ‘Glen Shiel’ it was a crazy feeling, I nearly started crying!”

Hollie Doyle rides Glen Shiel to Group 1 victory in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint on QIPCO British Champions Day.

Hollie Doyle on Bradsell: “He loves it here at Ascot, he won here as a twoyear-old. He just travelled so amazingly. I asked him the question a long way out and he did it well. He’s such a talented horse. When you get a horse that loves it here, they are so effective on this track.”

becomes the

Group 1

Doyle

first female

winning jockey at Royal Ascot onboard Bradsell in the King’s Stand Stakes.

2023

The Ladies win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for the third time in the last five runnings, with Doyle winning the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle.

MY FIRST ROYAL ASCOT WINNER: MICK APPLEBY

BY MARCUS TOWNEND

Spend a few minutes in the company of trainer Mick Appleby and you are left in no doubt just how much his first Royal Ascot winner last year with Big Evs meant to him.

It had been quite a journey to the Windsor Castle Stakes for the boy from Barnsley but one with potential to get even better given Big Evs went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in California in November to give Rutland-based Appleby his first Group 1 race success.

Appleby’s training credentials are not in doubt. He has developed a reputation for revitalising racehorses which have struggled to shine in former stables and in March he was crowned champion All-Weather trainer for a remarkable eighth time.

Along the way he has handled some pretty smart performers but Big Evs was a first genuine chance to play at the top table. With his Listed victory at Royal Ascot, then wins in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster, the man who left school at 16 to head for the Northern Racing School in Doncaster made sure he did not waste his first serious Group 1 contender.

Appleby said, “It is still sometimes quite hard to believe what happened. A Royal Ascot winner was something we’d

always wanted. We have had placed horses there and been successful at the track, including at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup meeting. But we had never had a winner at the Royal Meeting.

“To go on and be successful at Glorious Goodwood as well –we had never had a winner there either – and then top it off with the win at the Breeders’ Cup, days like those make all the hard work worth it.”

Appleby’s joy was shared by the sport because the Big Evs story was also compelling and poignant.

Owner Paul Teasdale, who had only just begun supporting Appleby following the retirement of his previous trainer Les Eyre, had named the son of three-time Royal Ascot winner Blue Point after his larger-than-life pal of 40 years Paul Evans who died of lung cancer six months before the Royal Ascot success.

Some of the sport’s biggest operations dangled their cheque books in front of Teasdale and started talking telephone numbers when Big Evs started winning but none could tempt the owner to part with the horse of a lifetime he was so emotionally connected to.

Big Evs had only been in Appleby’s stable for a few weeks when he told Teasdale that he had unearthed a gold nugget.

Jason Hart and Big Evs win the 2023 Windsor Castle Stakes.

“It is still sometimes quite hard to believe what happened.

A Royal Ascot winner was something we’d always wanted.”

Connections of Big Evs celebrate winning the 2023 Windsor Castle Stakes.

Appleby recalled: “We have never really had too many two-year-olds but as soon as we started working Big Evs we knew he was something special. No other two-year-old in the yard could go with him.

“He had to work with good older horses – the likes of Raasel and Annaf – after a month when we started doing proper work with him.

“We thought he’d win on his Redcar debut but on the day if you were drawn stands side you had no chance whatsoever. He had to cut across and do a lot of work early on which probably cost him the race.

“We did fancy him going into Ascot but there was no pressure. It wasn’t like he was favourite. He’d been written off as a no-hoper but I had a little bet on him at 50-1.

“When you watch the Windsor Castle Stakes back he is up near the front all the time but the commentator didn’t pick him up until half-way. He didn’t give us a mention but it was just amazing watching it.”

If the Big Evs story seems unlikely, Appleby’s stretches credulity to its limits. His publican grandfather had taken him racing to Doncaster and Pontefract as a kid so, bereft of ideas what to do when he left school and only weighing seven stone, he went to jockey school.

Appleby’s first job was with Cotswold permit holder Jane Pilkington and every morning he would ride Willie Wumpkins, the retired Cheltenham Festival legend Pilkington had trained to win what is now known as the Pertemps Hurdle Final three times, the last of which was in 1981 aged 13. The gelding also won the 1973 Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle when trained in Ireland.

“He was the horse I learned to ride on and he buried me every day,” Appleby remembers with a smile. “I was 16 and had never left home before. My dad drove me down to Stowon-the-Wold. There were no mobile phones then and I had to cycle to the phone box once a week to ring my mum. It was a good grounding.”

Even then Appleby knew that it was training racehorses rather than riding them that interested him so he worked for a clutch of trainers including Roger Curtis and the eccentric John Manners with a plan in his mind.

He said: “I thought I would work for as many trainers as I could and I don’t think I stayed with any trainer more than two years. People thought it was because I couldn’t hold a job but I wanted to try to pick things up from them all.”

But when he first dipped his toe in the training water, it was a sobering experience.

“I was based near Stratford in a small yard. We had bad horses and no facilities. One of our main gallops was on a grass verge by the side of the road. We couldn’t make it pay.”

What followed for Appleby was a spell as head lad to Andrew Balding and even, when feeling sour about racing, a stint running his father’s bar in Ibiza before the lure of the sport proved too much and he was tempted back.

There were still bumps in the road but Appleby has risen through the ranks in the ultimate results business by successfully trading in the most important currency in racing – winners.

His stable is full with 105 horses and Big Evs’ successes have resulted in Arab owners joining his list of patrons for the first time after being sent three yearlings by Rabbah Bloodstock.

As for Big Evs, Appleby has Royal Ascot in his sights again.

He said: “He has not grown much but he has filled out. He will still have the speed of last year and he has strengthened up over the winter. He could be even better. That is very exciting.”

He made a successful reappearance in the Westow Stakes at York, giving weight and a beating to his rivals, keeping the dream of another victory at the Royal Meeting very much alive for Appleby.

obsession

The 2023 King’s Stand Stakes.

INTRODUCING: THE KING CHARLES III STAKES

HISTORY AWAITS ONCE AGAIN

Amoment in Royal Ascot history will be made when the stalls open at 3.45pm on Tuesday 18th June as the field breaks for the first ever running of The King Charles III Stakes.

Formerly The King’s Stand Stakes, in 2024 the race will become the fifth on the Royal Ascot programme to be named after a British monarch with His Majesty The King joining Queen Anne, King Edward VII, King George V and Queen Elizabeth II on the order of running.

Originally created as The Queen’s Stand Plate in 1860, the race title changed to The King’s Stand Stakes with the accession of King Edward VII in 1901. The initiation of the race only occurred because heavy rain made it impossible for the two-mile Royal Stand Plate to take place so the race was renamed the Queen’s Stand Plate and run over four

furlongs, the only raceable part of the course. Fittingly, a horse named Queen Of The Vale was the first winner.

Nowadays, the £650,000 Group 1 sprint takes place over five furlongs and is one of the highlights on the opening day. Over the years it has been graced by some of the fastest equine athletes the sport has ever seen with Abernant, Dayjur, Lochsong, Sole Power, Blue Point and Battaash all adorning the roll of honour. 12 horses have won the race twice, starting with Woolsthorpe in 1895 and 1897 all the way through to Blue Point in 2018 and 2019.

Appointed as a Group 1 in 1973, the race dropped to a Group 2 in 1988 before being elevated back to the toplevel in 2008. Since then the race has gone from strength to strength, in 2019 it was the top-rated sprint race in the world as Blue Point led home Battaash.

DUAL WINNERS OF THE KING CHARLES III STAKES

Woolsthorpe 1895 and 1897

Kilcock 1898 and 1899

Sundridge 1903 and 1904

Foresight 1908 and 1909

Hornet’s Beauty 1911 and 1913

Diadem 1919 and 1920

Golden Boss 1923 and 1924

Gold Bridge 1933 and 1934

Elbio 1991 and 1993

Equiano 2008 and 2010

Sole Power 2013 and 2014

Blue Point 2018 and 2019

James Doyle and Blue Point win the 2019 King’s Stand Stakes.

“It’s a great achievement and hopefully there will be plenty more ahead. You live for Group 1s. It’s a great day to win The King’s Stand.”

-

The race has an amazing habit of delivering historic moments. Trailblazer Choisir was the first Australian-trained horse to win in Britain when successful in 2003 while Hollie Doyle became the first female jockey to win a Group 1 at the Royal Meeting on Bradsell in 2023.

Choisir is one of five Australian winners in total, including Miss Andretti in 2007, whose track record still stands today, and Nature Strip in 2022. Other successful international raiders from outside Europe include Little Bridge from Hong Kong in 2012 and Lady Aurelia for the USA in 2017. This international interest was in part due to the creation of the Global Sprint Challenge in a collaboration between authorities in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Britain. The King’s Stand Stakes was the fifth leg of ten in the series with a $1 million bonus for any horse that could win three Group 1 races in three of the five different countries.

The mighty Lester Piggott stands clear when it comes to jockeys with a remarkable seven wins spread over 28 years starting with Right Boy in 1957 and finishing with Never So Bold in 1985. For three of those victories ‘The Long Fellow’ teamed up with Vincent O’Brien who is the leading trainer still with five winners. Remarkably, his namesake Aidan O’Brien can’t count a victory in this race amongst his record 85 Royal Ascot winners and it is the only Group 1 on the programme he is yet to win.

Perhaps he will change that come June this year but whatever happens, a new and exciting chapter for the race will be written in 2024 with the first winner of the King Charles III Stakes crowned a little over a minute after 3.45pm. History awaits once again.

Hollie Doyle and Bradsell win the 2023 King’s Stand Stakes (left).

VIVE LA FRANCE

SUCCESS BECKONS ONCE AGAIN FOR NATION WITH PROUD ROYAL ASCOT HISTORY

Over the course of its long and storied history, Royal Ascot has often been enlightened and enriched by the success of French trained, bred and owned horses.

French interest and triumph at the Royal Meeting can be tracked all the way back to the mid-1800s when Count Frédéric de Lagrange bred and owned the 1866 Gold Cup winner Gladiateur. In those days, horses were generally perceived to take their nationality from where they were bred and so Gladiateur was very much a French victory despite being trained by Tom Jennings from his Phantom House base in Newmarket.

Jennings had similar joy in The Gold Cup with Mortemer, Henry and Verneuil through the 1870s – the former two racing in the ‘tricolore’ colours of Claude Lefèvre - but the first Royal Ascot winner to actually be based in France came in 1874 when Boiard made the trip across the English Channel from the Chantilly yard of Tom Carter.

Since then, there has been a steady flow of French winners at the Royal Meeting with The Gold Cup in particular proving a rich hunting ground for the stoutly bred stayers from the continent.

In 1946, Caracalla won The Gold Cup for trainer Charles Semblat who also sent over Arbar two years later to take the showpiece event. Both were ridden by Charlie Elliott who subsequently went on to train the winner of The Gold Cup from France in 1954 and 1956 in the shape of Elpenor and Macip – all four of those horses owned by legendary entrepreneur Marcel Boussac. In fact, between 1946 and

1962, French trained horses won the Royal Meeting’s most prestigious race a remarkable nine times.

Of course, the most decorated and famous of French stayers was the François Boutin-trained Sagaro, the first horse to win the Gold Cup three times, between 1975 and 1977. He was beautifully suited to the stamina test that Ascot provides, as summarised by regular partner Lester Piggott who said, “He really was a magnificent stayer, as good as any I rode, and his turn of foot was – for a long-distance performer –phenomenal.” Twelve horses had previously won two Gold Cups in a row – Sagaro and Boutin broke new ground with their historic treble.

Winners from la République are not restricted to the long-distance highlight though. At the opposite end, we have seen speedsters Last Tycoon, Don’t Worry Me and Chineur win the five-furlong King Charles III Stakes, while French raiders won the Prince of Wales’s Stakes three times between 2007 and 2010 in the shape of Manduro, Vision D’Etat and Byword. The first and last of those were trained by the peerless André Fabre who has nine Royal Ascot winners in total.

Solow headlined a sensational French treble in 2015 along with the brilliant Ervedya and Suits You, while Qemah was successful two years running in 2016 and 2017 for the master Jean-Claude Rouget.

In all, during the period from the end of the Second World War to 2017 there were 54 victories for French trained horses but since then it has been slim pickings with Watch Me in 2019 the sole winner.

Maxime Guyon and Solow win the 2015 Queen Anne Stakes.

Lester Piggott and Sagaro win the 1975 Gold Cup.

The pair are greeted by owner Gerald Oldham post-race.

Aurelien Lemaitre and Big Rock streak away in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO).

But that might be about to change. If 2023 is anything to go by then the French are on the rise again and within their ranks last year they possessed two horses in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings in Ace Impact and Big Rock.

Ace Impact, the brilliant Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, has been retired to produce the next generation of French thoroughbreds but Big Rock remains in training and could be one of the star turns at Royal Ascot in 2024. His astonishing victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day, when trained by Christopher Head, earned him the mantle of the world’s best miler.

As the son of the legendary Freddy Head and the nephew of Treve’s trainer Criquette, Christopher is a fifth-generation descendent of the Head family to train at the very top level. His grandfather, Alec, is as revered as they come and enjoyed several Royal Ascot successes in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Freddy won the Queen Anne Stakes with two brilliant milers, Solow and Goldikova, with Christopher adding to a long and prized family history with that Ascot victory last October.

In April, Big Rock was moved by owners Yeguada Centurion from Christopher’s stables to Maurizio Guarnieri, just across Chantilly. The Italian trained in his home country for 30 years, winning two Group 1 races with Shibuni’s Falcon and Aoife Alainn, before moving to La Teste just under a decade ago, then relocating to his current base last year. He’ll be hoping Big Rock can give him his first top-level winner since that Premio Lydia Tesio victory in 2010 – what a story it would be to break that duck with his debut Royal Ascot runner.

Facteur Cheval will also fly the flag for France having already tasted international success this year when winning the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan. Prior to that, he chased home Big Rock in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO) and connections have indicated that the Queen Anne Stakes is their big summer target.

The five-year-old is trained by Jérôme Reynier who said in the aftermath of the win on Dubai World Cup night: “We’re likely to prioritise Royal Ascot and try to write some more history with him there. He performed so well up the straight mile in the QEII that I think we could have a crack at the Queen Anne without any problem.”

That would be some clash to look forward to on 18th June.

Reynier, based in Marseille, is part of a new generation of trainers emerging from France. Along with the old guard of Rouget, Fabre and Francis-Henri Graffard, who have 13 Royal Ascot winners between themhe will hope they can break the French drought at the Royal Meeting and they certainly look to have plenty of firepower to do so.

RON AND RAGSTONE

96-YEAR-OLD FORMER JOCKEY RON HUTCHINSON REFLECTS ON HIS GOLD CUP VICTORY HALF A CENTURY AGO

BY J A MCGRATH

Ron Hutchinson and Ragstone win the 1974 Gold Cup.

Australian jockey Ron Hutchinson rode over 1,000 winners in Europe during a visit that extended to 18 years, yet for him, there is one win that towers above them all — the Gold Cup triumph on Ragstone at the Royal Meeting in 1974.

Hutchinson rode three British Classic winners and three in Ireland, but it was his association with the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk that led to that memorable day at Royal Ascot, when he wore the renowned owner’s sky blue and scarlet silks, guiding a horse with questionable staying powers to a glorious victory in the most exacting long-distance test of them all.

On the 50th anniversary of Ragstone’s Gold Cup, ‘Hutchy,’ as he is universally known, recalls a day when his retaining owners were so overjoyed they broke accepted rules on decorum, baring their emotions and feelings after the race. Breaking all protocol, the Duchess ran out on to the course to lead in their winner.

“The Duke had said to me that the only race he really wanted to win was the Gold Cup at Ascot. I remember him saying ‘You can have the Derby and the other big races, the race I’d love to win is the Gold Cup.’ When Ragstone won, the Duke was absolutely delighted. It was a dream come true for him.

“It was his one ambition as an owner, and I was so happy to be able to help him achieve that. The Gold Cup was in June 1974, and he died the following January. He was 66. Unfortunately, he didn’t have long to appreciate his greatest day on the turf,” he reflects.

Ron Hutchinson is a sprightly 96 years of age, living these days near Cranbourne, an outer suburb of sprawling Melbourne in the southern state of Victoria. He swims half a mile four times a week and regularly attends race meetings at Flemington and Caulfield, where he is a life member and rightly feted in racing circles.

His memory is amazing, his recollection of certain events detailed and historically accurate. He first came to Europe, aged 32, as retained jockey to Paddy Prendergast in Ireland, and although landing a Classic on his first ride in England — the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, aboard the Prendergast-trained Martial — he accepted an offer to ride for the Norfolks.

Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, 16th Duke of Norfolk, was a formidable figure. He had served as Agricultural Secretary for four years in Winston Churchill’s war cabinet, he organised the Coronation of King George VI, then the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He also arranged the funeral of Churchill, as well as taking part in the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales. His responsibilities were vast.

In sporting circles, although a great cricket enthusiast, he was a surprise choice to manage the MCC team to tour Australia in the winter of 1962-63. And, on top of all that, he was also Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot Racecourse for 27 years.

His wife, Lavinia, the Duchess, lived and breathed racing. From a hunting background, she rode out regularly on the gallops in the grounds of Arundel Castle in her younger days. She was hands-on with the horses at Castle Stables, where, in 1966, John Dunlop was to succeed Gordon Smyth as trainer.

The Duchess was also known to like a gamble on her horses. Ron Hutchinson succeeded Scobie Breasley as first jockey to the Norfolks and he fondly recalls mornings riding out at Arundel. “The Duchess would very often greet us as we came off the gallops and she would invite me to breakfast, where she would sit and take notes as I reported what I had seen and felt in those workouts with their horses. She wanted my version of what she had seen.”

Bernard Fitzalan-Howard at Ascot on the day of Ragstone’s victory in 1974.

Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, Her Majesty’s Representative (1945 - 1972), at Ascot in 1961.

Ron never regretted leaving Ireland after his initial stint with Prendergast. “I liked Ireland very, very much but the cold weather was hard to take. I had been approached by Bernard van Cutsem (the trainer of Park Top, the 1969 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner), who asked whether I would be interested in riding for his friends the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk.

“Essentially, it was to be their number two jockey because Scobie was their first choice and had ridden them many winners. I would ride the horses in their first few runs and then Scobie would take over on the big day. This went on for a season or so, then the Duke said, ‘This is unfair on Ron, and Scobie is approaching 50, so Ron can ride them all.’ I ended up riding for them for 17 years,” he recalls.

It was fortuitous for Ron, who was clearly held in the highest regard at Arundel. As a matter of interest, John Dunlop, who went on to train 10 Classic winners and was champion in 1995, would later discourage the practice of his raceday jockeys coming to Castle Stables to ride out in the mornings.

Ragstone, who was to become the banner horse for the Duke of Norfolk, was not an overnight staying star, though when lifting the Gold Cup he was recording his seventh win on the trot. His progression through the ranks was gradual, one step at a time, and his prep races for his Royal Ascot assignment included victories in the Aston Park Stakes at Newbury and the Henry II Stakes at Sandown Park. His tendency to pull hard in his races was seen as a drawback over two and a half miles.

Ron takes up the Gold Cup story: “We thought he had a good chance. While he wasn’t a great staying horse, he was a useful one. He hadn’t gone beyond a mile and three-quarters and there were doubts about whether he would stay the trip. So the Duke decided to buy a horse called Hornet as a pacemaker for Ragstone.

“It worked out well. I sat behind Hornet and followed him, and at the right point in the straight, I pulled out and went past him. It was straightforward after that. Tommy Carter did a great job on the pacemaker. It worked out exactly as we thought it would. Our worry beforehand was that Ragstone could get excited. But he was cool on the day. It was meant to be.”

The excitement generated post-race carried on into the night. “There was a great party that night and everyone associated with the horse and the stable was invited. It was a very happy day for the Duke and Duchess and all of us,” he adds.

Ron Hutchinson and Ragstone, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, as well as John Dunlop are all celebrated on this 50th anniversary of one of the memorable triumphs for the Ascot establishment.

In his relaxed Aussie tones, Ron Hutchinson concludes: “It is wonderful to think we can still look back on such a great day. 50 years is a long time…and I’m still here. I think most of them have gone to God. I cherish those memories of that day at Royal Ascot so much.”

Ron Hutchinson at his home in Melbourne, Australia.

GR.1 WINNING 2YO

Bought as a yearling for $90,000 at the Keenland September Yearling Sale.

Trained by Andrew Balding in Berkshire, Kameko was the winner of the Futurity Stakes, Gr.1 in the fastest time in the history of the race.

RECORD-BREAKING CLASSIC WINNER

As a 3yo, Kameko won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, Gr.1 in the fastest time in history, and the Joel Stakes, Gr.2 before retiring to stand at Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire.

2024 sees Kameko’s first 2yos hit the racecourse.

Trainers of his first 2yos include Andrew Balding, Archie Watson, Ed Bethell, Ed Dunlop, Ed Walker, Eve Johnson Houghton, Hugo Palmer, James Ferguson, John and Thady Gosden, Kevin Ryan, Rae Guest, Richard Hannon, Roger Varian, Simon & Ed Crisford, William Haggas, etc.

WATCH THE RACE WATCH THE RACE

THE JOURNEY

OVER 300 YEARS OF HISTORY HAVE SHAPED ASCOT RACECOURSE INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY

1711

Queen Anne finds a place for “horses to gallop at full stretch”

It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding she came upon an area of open heath that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch.” Charles, Duke of Somerset instructed Sir William Wyndham, Master of the Royal Buckhounds, to have the open heath cleared of scrub and gorse in preparation for a race meeting.

The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place on 11 August 1711. Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, was the inaugural event. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12st and seven runners took part. The success of Her Majesty’s Plate in August meant the second meeting followed soon after in September.

1744

The Greencoats

It is said that when Queen Anne was in residence at Windsor Castle, she imported a large quantity of green velour material from France, in which she dressed her “Yeoman Prickers,” who were armed with pikes to move people out of the way at the races! That particular practice doesn’t sit comfortably with the modern-day customer service ethic but the outfits are remembered with today’s “Greencoats”, the ceremonial guard for His Majesty The King at Ascot, wearing the livery.

1752

An exodus from London

By 1752 the popularity of attending the racing at Ascot was becoming apparent in social circles, prompting the Duke of Bedford to write that when arriving in London ‘I could find no soul to dine or sup with.’

1783

The colours and the glory

Until 1783, jockeys were permitted to wear whatever they liked when racing and although racing colours were first used in 1762, they were not compulsory. This caused a great deal of confusion when attempting to pin down the winner of a race so, two decades after they were first introduced, it became mandatory and jockeys were required to wear the colours of the horse’s owners.

Late 18th century

The rise of the topper

The Royal Enclosure is synonymous with top hats. They were initially popular with all social classes in the late 18th century before developing into a symbol of urban respectability. Silk top hats made from hatters’ plush are now so rare - with no looms capable of producing the traditional material anymore – that vintage models in wearable condition are in great demand. As peoples’ heads in the past were smaller, larger vintage hats are even harder to find and are extremely desirable.

Early 19th century

A dress code emerges

The beginnings of a dress code can be traced back to the early 19th century when Beau Brummel, a close friend of the Prince Regent, decreed that men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons. Mr Brummel is credited with introducing, and establishing as fashion, the modern suit, worn with a necktie. He established the mode of dress for men that rejected overly ornate fashions for one of understated, but perfectly fitted and tailored bespoke garments. He claimed he took five hours a day to dress and recommended that boots be polished with champagne.

1807

The inaugural Gold Cup

What is now known as Royal Ascot started to take shape with The Gold Cup in 1807, Ascot’s oldest surviving race. The winning owner still receives a gold trophy to keep, with a new trophy being created each year.

1813

A racecourse for the public

Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure. This Act ensured that Ascot Heath, although the property of the Crown, would be kept and used as a racecourse for the public in the future. Racing at Ascot was now secure.

1822

An enclosure fit for a King

Although a Royal Stand dates back to the 1790’s, the Royal Enclosure that current regulars are used to was born in 1822 when King George IV commissioned a two-storey stand to be built with a surrounding lawn. Access was by invitation of The King where he entertained his friends in style.

1825

A Royal Procession begins

King George IV’s greatest legacy to Royal Ascot was the Royal Procession. The King leading four other coaches with members of the Royal Family drove up the Straight Mile in front of the crowds. A diarist of the day commented; ‘the whole thing looked very splendid.’

1840

The tale of the 11-year-old boy

The jockeys we see riding at Ascot today are highly trained professional athletes but in the 19th century there were no real rules regulating who could ride. Even so, the spectators in 1840 were rather taken aback to see that one of the starters for the Wokingham Stakes was ridden by an 11-yearold boy. He admitted to never having raced before, although he did have experience of taking horses out on the gallops. Unfortunately, there is no reference to who won the race.

1856

The decline of the highway robber

The railway was brought to Ascot in 1856 marking the beginning of the end of a perilous journey for racegoers. Until then the racegoers travelled by carriage, at the great risk of Highway Robbery, or walked. Railway travel increased and by 1873 The Times wrote “Never has the South Western Railway brought such a heavy and fashionably filled train as that which dispersed its contents over an Ascot radius’’. It was not until 1912 that the motorcar was first sighted at Royal Ascot.

1873

The phenomenon

The first victory at Ascot for riding phenomenon Fred Archer. Over 14 years, he rode 80 winners at the racecourse.

1901

‘Certainly’ ‘Perhaps’ and ‘Certainly not’!

The racecourse was run on behalf of the Sovereign by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds until that role was disbanded in 1901 and a new role created, that of the King’s representative. The first man to undertake this role was Viscount Churchill. He is reputed to have taken personal charge of vetting applications for entrance into the Royal Enclosure, sorting letters into three baskets marked ‘Certainly’ ‘Perhaps’ and ‘Certainly Not.’

1910

Black Ascot

1910 was the year of ‘Black Ascot’. King Edward VII, who was a great supporter of racing, died shortly before the event. It was deemed appropriate that the races be conducted in mourning with racegoers all dressed in black. The Daily Mirror described the striking monochrome scene: “The occupants of the Royal Enclosure were in black save for where ladies wore white flowers or had strings of pearls.”

1910

Sir Gordon’s shoelaces

Sir Gordon Carter served as Clerk of the Course from 1910 until his death in 1941. He was a particular man who every night had his shoelaces washed and ironed, but Sir Gordon’s correctness and military discipline brought Ascot no end of benefit. During Royal Ascot, Sir Gordon would change outfit five times a day, starting with riding kit in the morning and ending in evening dress for a dinner of iced melon, soup, fish, entrée, water ice, saddle of lamb, sweet, savoury and dessert, followed by coffee, liqueurs and cigars.

1913

His Majesty’s Representative moves in The Ascot Authority was established by an Act of Parliament which moved the day-to-day operations of the racecourse out of the Royal Household. His Majesty’s Representative was appointed Senior Trustee of the Ascot Authority with the Clerk of the Course acting as Secretary.

1920

Not just for the horses

Today the Ascot track is seen as almost sacred turf, but incredibly, even as late as 1920, a large flock of sheep – three to four hundred strong - was kept on the course between meetings.

1926

Expanding

and improving

The Royal Enclosure buildings were extended and a new Iron Stand was erected. Ascot began to install a new watering system, with the facility to dispense around two million gallons of water onto the turf.

1920

‘Fit and proper’ Helen Vernet

Venture into the hustle and bustle of the betting ring at Ascot and beyond and you will see a cluster of both male and female bookmakers shouting the odds.

Until after the First World War, this was the exclusive fiefdom of male odds compilers; that is until the socially connected and upper-class Helen Vernet became the first woman to pass the ‘fit and proper’ character test required to obtain a bookmaker’s licence. As far as pioneers for progress and women’s rights go, hers is a comparatively little-known story, but she takes her own place in Royal Ascot folklore.

1934

Seven in a row

Brown Jack was both a crowd favourite at Royal Ascot and a household name of his time, though his background was highly unusual. After his win in the 1928 Champion Hurdle and following the recommendation of top flat jockey Steve Donoghue, Brown Jack’s trainer, the Hon. Aubrey Hastings, switched him to the flat. It was a decision that paid off handsomely. Donoghue rode the horse to victory in the 1928 Ascot Stakes and subsequently six consecutive renewals of the Queen Alexandra Stakes between 1929 and 1934. It is inconceivable that any other horse will ever win at seven Royal Meetings.

1940

Racing cancelled

This year racing at Ascot was cancelled. The racecourse was commandeered by the army, the Grandstand providing accommodation for gunners of the Royal Artillery. Racing resumed in May 1943.

Late

1950s

The Bowler Hat mutiny

The wearing of Bowler Hats by the Ascot Stewards is one of the most endearing and defining sights of Ascot. In fact, when the racecourse closed for redevelopment in 2004, one of the assurances that the Trustees had to give at the time was that there were no plans to alter the much loved “uniform” when everyone returned in 2006. Ironically, the dress instruction was met with near mutiny when it was introduced in the late 1950s. The trustees had to give pay rises at the time to stop the staff striking over the issue.

1954

Brilliant Aureole

This year Queen Elizabeth II had a famous Royal Ascot triumph with the brilliant Aureole, who had suffered a minor eye injury a few days before the Meeting. When visiting the paddock just before the race, Queen Elizabeth II asked her jockey, Eph Smith, who wore a hearing-aid, whether he would win. The reply came: “Well, Ma’am, we are rather handicapped, the horse is blind in one eye and I’m deaf!”

1955

The rules of divorce relaxed

Today all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds rub shoulders at Ascot – but it wasn’t always this way. When the new Iron Stand opened in 1859 women were not allowed to enter, divorced men could enter but were barred from the Royal Enclosure. In 1955 the rules were relaxed and divorcees were able to enter the Royal Enclosure. However, a redevelopment of the Enclosure shortly before this had added the new Queen’s Lawn. Entrance was by invitation only and the court rules governing divorce still applied. The Iron Stand name lives on today in the Iron Stand Club which is open to anyone who wishes to join.

1965

The introduction of Jumps racing

The Duke of Norfolk was once quoted as saying that Jumps racing would take place at Ascot Racecourse “over my dead body.” The Sunday Times reported a “Flat racing swell” who believe that having jumps racing at Ascot was “like going to the Ritz and ordering fish and chips”. However, in 1965 the first National Hunt meeting took place and in the near 60 years since we have witnessed some sensational racing.

1975

The

race of the century

The 1975 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is known as the race of the century with good reason. Grundy was the 4/5 favourite for the race with Bustino his nearest rival at 4/1. What made the duel so captivating was the way in which each horse rallied to the other’s challenge. The race time smashed the course record by two and a half seconds and it wasn’t until 2010 that it was broken. It was the final act of these two brilliant horses, after which they both enjoyed an honourable retirement. Horse and Hound wrote that “for a moment, two horses and two men came as near to perfection as any of the great ones around whom the history of the Turf is built.”

1970s

A modern tradition arises

After racing finishes at Royal Ascot, the Bandstand plays host to an unmissable sing-along to classics such as Land of Hope and Glory, My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean and We’ll Meet Again. The tradition was introduced by the late Lady Jinny Beaumont, wife of Sir Nicky Beaumont, Clerk of the Course from 1969 to 1994.

1993

41 years of domination

‘Controversial’, ‘maddening’, ‘genius’, ‘greatest’: just a few of the words used by employers and journalists to describe the most successful jockey in Flat racing, and Royal Ascot, history.

In his own Royal Ascot career, Lester Piggott rode 116 winners – his first in 1952 and his last 41 years later in 1993. No other jockey comes close to his record tally, which includes 11 Gold Cups, or close to his full spectrum of attributes as a horseman.

1996

Magnificent Seven

With 81 Royal Ascot victories Frankie Dettori is synonymous with Ascot and his trademark flying dismount has thrilled spectators the world over. It may not have been at Royal Ascot but in 1996 Frankie made racing history when he won all seven races on the card. A magnificent feat that has never been equalled.

2001

Consider your footwear

During the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, the management suggested that racegoers bear in mind the precautionary foot and mouth disinfectant mats on all entrances to the racecourse when considering their footwear. Not everyone listened which made for some interesting pictures in the likes of “Hello” and “Harpers” that year!

2006

Car Park 1 becomes number 1

The car parks at Royal Ascot are far from merely functional with picnics before and after racing forming part of so many people’s day. A Country Life survey in 2006 found Royal Ascot to be the South of England’s most popular picnic spot and the most popular sporting occasion at which to picnic in the country. Berths in Car Park 1 are much sought after and it take many years to get a spot after joining the waiting list.

2006

A major facelift

In 1961, the Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand opened at a cost of £1m, containing 280 private “dining rooms” as Ascot pioneered private corporate hospitality boxes. The Grandstand that you see today was 220 times the cost of its predecessor. Ascot closed for its £200-million redevelopment in 2004 and was reopened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20th June 2006. The Royal Meeting was held at York during the intervening period.

2009

Four in a row for Yeats

Of all the great horses of the modern era, none has become more synonymous with Royal Ascot than the legendary Yeats, who won four Gold Cups in a row from 2006 to 2009. No horse had ever before matched this epic achievement. To ensure his feat will never be forgotten, a statue of him was unveiled in the Parade Ring in 2011 - a fitting honour for arguably the greatest stayer of all time.

2012

Up late down under

When Australia’s talismanic mare Black Caviar won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012 a huge domestic audience tuned in during the middle of the night. She looked fully in command until jockey Luke Nolen inexplicably eased off close to the finish giving all her supporters a few anxious moments, however, she hung on to win what was her 12th win at Group 1 level.

She came – about 10,500 miles, to be precise – and she conquered!

2012

Defining a legacy

Sir Henry Cecil trained a then record 75 winners at Royal Ascot. He had dominated the meeting from the late 1970s through to the mid-90s before enduring a fallow period. Those rocky times were exorcised in his last years, thanks to his training of the wonder horse Frankel. It completed a glorious renaissance, all the more remarkable considering he was battling a terminal illness.

The highest rated horse in Flat racing history, Frankel, retired unbeaten after a career which include five appearances at Ascot and a stunning victory in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot 2012.

2013

Estimate makes Gold Cup history

Throughout her life Queen Elizabeth II was a constant patron of Ascot and enjoyed seeing her horses win 24 races at the Royal Meeting. In 2013, her mare Estimate won the Gold Cup - the first time in the race’s 207-year history that it had been won by a reigning monarch.

his trademark

September 28, 1996.

Frankie Dettori performs

flying dismount celebration from ‘Fujiyama Crest’ after his seventh win from the ‘The Magnificent 7’ race wins in one day on

Johnny Murtagh and Yeats crossed the Ascot winning line into horse racing history in June 2009.

Estimate wins the 2013 Gold Cup for Queen Elizabeth II.

2015

Moore than any other

Quite simply, Ryan Moore is widely acknowledged as one of the finest race-riders in the world. A master of timing and strong in the saddle, Moore has a total of 79 Royal Ascot winners so far and has been leading rider at the Royal Meeting ten times. Incredibly he won nine races at Royal Ascot 2015 –a record for the modern era.

2015

Group 1 Commonwealth Cup added to race programme

Following an extensive review of the European sprinting programme, a new Group 1 six furlong race, the Commonwealth Cup, is added to the Royal Ascot programme.

2016

American runners triumph at Royal Ascot

In 2016, American runners Tepin and Lady Aurelia won the Queen Anne Stakes and Queen Mary Stakes respectively. Lady Aurelia became the first American trained horse to win twice at Royal Ascot with her King’s Stand Stakes victory the following year. Her trainer Wesley Ward became the first American trainer to saddle a winner at Royal Ascot in 2009 when Strike the Tiger won the Windsor Castle at odds of 33-1. He saddled his 12th Royal Ascot winner – Campanelle in the Commonwealth Cup in 2021.

2019

Blue Point completes the double Blue Point, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle for Godolphin, completes the King’s Stand and Diamond Jubilee double in 2019. He became the first horse to win both races in the same year since Choisir in 2003.

2023

The 13th monarch

Royal Ascot takes place for the first time under King Charles III, the 13th monarch to oversee the running of Ascot Racecourse. It was a momentous week with Their Majesties The King & Queen in attendance on all five days and Desert Hero provided a magical moment when winning the King George V Stakes in the Royal silks. The Platinum Jubilee Stakes was permanently renamed as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

2024

The King Charles III Stakes

For the first time, the five-furlong Group 1 on the opening day of Royal Ascot will be run in the name of King Charles III.

Desert Hero wins the 2023 King George V Stakes in the Royal silks.

AMERICAN DREAMS BECOME REALITY AT ROYAL ASCOT

FROM STRIKE THE TIGER TO CRIMSON ADVOCATE - THE HEALTHY STATE OF STATES-BASED RUNNERS AT THE ROYAL MEETING

These days, the captivating celebrations of Royal Ascot are an international indulgence, with interest from all corners of the globe when it comes to the action both on and off the track. And no country outside of Europe has had more success than the United States of America when it comes to an international raid on this treasured turf.

Wesley Ward’s Strike The Tiger was the first from the States to enter the Royal Ascot Winners’ Enclosure when he struck in the Windsor Castle Stakes in 2009. Since then, a further 13 horses have made that journey across the Atlantic and returned a Royal Ascot champion.

The latest of those was Crimson Advocate last year, who won the Queen Mary Stakes in dramatic, unforgettable fashion. George Weaver’s filly won the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Gulfstream Park – in the process, earning her an automatic entry into one of Royal Ascot’s six two-year-old races, as well as a $25,000 equine travel stipend.

That was the inaugural year of the innovative partnership with 1/ST Racing, aimed at encouraging those American turf performers to prove their class across the Atlantic. And

there was no better demonstration of its potential than in the very first running. At the Royal Meeting, Crimson Advocate bounced out of the stalls and made all, holding off the late challenge of Relief Rally and getting the verdict in the photo finish for a breathtaking, wondrous win. Weaver also won the other qualifier, with No Nay Mets taking the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes before finishing ninth in the Norfolk Stakes.

Since that victory, Crimson Advocate has been purchased by Wathnan Racing and ran respectably in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint behind two other Royal Ascot winners, Big Evs and Valiant Force. Plans are in motion to bring her back to the Royal Meeting this year, and double-up just as the legendary Lady Aurelia did in 2016 and 2017.

A phenomenal start to the scheme, which will run once again this year. On May 11th, the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes was won impressively by the Mark Casse debutant Bullet, with Casse intimating that a trip to Royal Ascot might be on the agenda. Jockey Emisael Jaramillo was also victorious on-board Gabaldon just over an hour later in the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes, with trainer Jose D’Angelo equally keen to try his luck at the Royal Meeting.

Jake Ballis from Black Type Thoroughbreds, celebrates Crimson Advocate winning the 2023 Queen Mary Stakes.

“Royal Ascot is Royal Ascot, what can you say? You can feel the electricity when you’re here and how special it is, and it’s a beautiful feather for us to have in our cap. I’ve had some great moments, but this ranks right up there.”

- John R. Velazquez and Crimson Advocate win the 2023 Queen Mary Stakes.

Crimson Advocate holds off the late challenge of Relief Rally.

And following that success, this year Ascot have partnered with Churchill Downs to ensure that the three-year-old generation don’t miss out on the action here in Great Britain. Two races at the 150th Kentucky Derby meeting offered ‘wild card’ entries for races at Royal Ascot, forging a link between the most famous race in the USA and the revered Royal Meeting in the UK.

A runner from the Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in the King Charles III Stakes on the Tuesday, whilst a runner from the Old Forester Turf Classic Stakes will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in either of the Queen Anne Stakes on the Tuesday or the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on the Wednesday. Cogburn won the former race, whilst Program Trading was victorious in the latter.

Fingers crossed that once again we’ll welcome an American challenger to our hallowed turf in June.

The name of Longines has long been associated with sports timekeeping. From the start, the brand was constantly pushing the boundaries of precision in equestrian events and its involvement in the equestrian world progressively intensified. In 1912, a further step was taken when Longines established its first official partnership with a showjumping event in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the discipline.

Throughout the years, countless equestrian competitions have enjoyed the qualities and reliability of the chronograph calibres and automated instruments that Longines had developed to time sports performances. With its legitimacy and expertise, Longines plays an important role today in equestrian sports such as Flat racing, showjumping, dressage, driving and eventing.

Over the years, Longines’ engagement with the equestrian world has been further enhanced by its dedicated support for major equestrian institutions such as the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). With these partnerships, Longines permeates all levels of equestrianism and fosters excellence in flat racing and showjumping by playing a pivotal role in events such as the Longines FEI Rising Star Award, the Longines World’s Best Racehorse and Horse Race Awards and the Longines World’s Best Jockey Award. The brand’s presence at the pinnacle of the sport is often highlighted by its presence in the most demanding competitions such as Royal Ascot, which require the highest level of precision and excellence.

THE STORY OF MOTIVATOR

In the 245-year history of the Betfred Derby, there has only ever been one winner owned by a racing club. In 2005, Motivator delivered the ultimate glory to members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club. This is their story –as told by those involved.

13TH AUGUST 2004

Motivator wins easily on debut at Newmarket…

The Right Hon. Harry Herbert, Club Manager: When Motivator made his debut and he won by seven or eight lengths unextended, we realised for sure that we had something very special.

23RD OCTOBER 2004

Motivator follows up impressively in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster…

John Warren, Bloodstock Advisor: I couldn’t attend, we were trying to huddle round the vehicle to try and tune in to see how he was getting on. That was amazing, that the horse managed to do as well as he did as a two-year-old, he set himself up as a serious prospect as a three-year-old.

Michael Bell, Trainer: I think we were dreaming over the winter, having won the Racing Post Trophy, knowing that we’d really only touched the sides with training him. Everyone says about the pressure of training good horses, trainers live for good horses. I’d love to have another Motivator.

APRIL 2005

Plans are firmly underway for a Derby campaign…

HH: We got Johnny Murtagh over to sit on him [during work], and that was one of the most exciting mornings in my racing career. We went up to see the work, a gloomy-ish morning in Newmarket, and out of the gloom, Motivator stormed clear with Johnny Murtagh doing very little on board.

JW: I can remember us all piling into the cars, and there was silence when he got in the car.

HH: Johnny said, “I think this horse will win the Derby.”

4TH JUNE 2005

Motivator’s date with destiny – and nervous excitement for the members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club…

Keith Brown, Member: When we found out we had a Derby entry, of course that was extremely exciting.

Richard Howard, Member: It was a wonderful day. We were surrounded by 200 other members and their wives, their husbands. We all thought, ‘this is going to happen’!

KB: We positioned ourselves at the finishing line before the end of the previous race!

Liz Cooper-Mitchell, Member: I remember standing next to Harry when Motivator was racing to the post, and the tears just all coming down his face. He was so excited. It was a memorable day.

HH: Johnny Murtagh said to me days, years afterwards – ‘all I kept saying to myself was Johnny, don’t fall off!’ And thank goodness he didn’t!

JW: Someone said there are more owners of Motivator than for every other Derby winner in history.

RH: My wife and I went into the winners’ enclosure which is in front of the stands. It’s only meant for one horse and about 12 people. In the event, 20 of us went in and the other 180 followed!

LCM: I remember The Queen looking over the balcony with John Warren and she was laughing her head off, she was absolutely beside herself with laughter! It was a real party. I’ll never forget it.

Now in its 27th year, the Royal Ascot Racing Club is still providing unforgettable memories and moments of joy…

JW: The whole concept of the club has lasted as long as it has because of the high standards that Ascot provided for the members, and we’ve just been lucky enough to have a few good horses that kept the members engaged and gave them a lot of fun.

LCM: The welcome we’ve had right from day one has been amazing.

RH: I don’t come for the horse racing so much anymore, I don’t come for the food or drink, I come for the camaraderie.

KB: We find in fact some of the youngsters say ‘can you get us tickets, Grandad, then we can bring some of our friends?’ That’s good, because we are introducing a younger generation to racing.

JW: It proved a point of accessibility. It can be done. Ascot set the standard on what can be achieved.

For more information on the Club and how to join, please visit: ascot.com/memberships/royal-ascot-racing-club

AWAY FROM THE TRACK AWAY FROM THE TRACK

AWAY FROM THE TRACK

Royal Ascot is more than a sporting event—it’s a showcase of elegance, tradition, and grandeur. Over five days, Ascot Racecourse bursts with vibrant colour as guests don their finest attire, from extravagant hats to bespoke suits. Fashionistas and trendsetters gather to flaunt their style, while within luxurious hospitality enclosures, culinary delights and champagne flow freely. Step into the world of Royal Ascot and discover a lifestyle beyond the track—a realm where sophistication meets excitement, blending timeless traditions with contemporary flair.

CULINARY EXCELLENCE SOARS

FEATURING 12 MICHELIN STARS AND THREE MICHELIN GREEN STARS

Royal Ascot isn’t merely an event; it’s a celebration of over 300 years of legacy, where food and drink weave seamlessly with the essence of the British summer season, offering an unforgettable journey to all who revel in its splendour. In this tapestry of tradition and innovation, each passing year brings the promise of a more magnificent experience than the last. As preparations for the 2024 event are well underway, anticipation mounts, and whispers of excitement permeate the air. It’s a time when attendees from across the globe gear up to immerse themselves in the opulence and sophistication that define Royal Ascot.

At the heart of the enchantment, the Fine Dining experiences at Royal Ascot shine as one of the main highlights. Here, esteemed chefs from acclaimed establishments are appointed as ‘Chefs in Residence’, entrusted to curate menus that harmoniously blend tradition with innovation, promising each dish to be a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Nestled within the prestigious ambiance of the Royal Enclosure and the elegant Queen Anne Enclosure, a world of culinary excellence unfolds, where every detail is meticulously crafted to delight even the most discerning palates.

This year’s ‘Chefs in Residence’ at Royal Ascot bring with them a remarkable total of 12 Michelin Stars and three Michelin Green Stars, adding to the event’s allure. Their expertise and creativity elevate the dining experience, ensuring that each guest is treated to a gastronomic journey unlike any other. However, for those eager to secure a seat at one of the coveted chef’s tables, it’s advised to act swiftly due to limited availability. For more information and to book your dining experience, visit ascot.com/royal-ascot-fine-dining

Raymond Blanc OBE

Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Tom Shepherd

Simon Rogan

Tom Barnes

Raymond Blanc OBE

Panoramic Restaurant, Royal Enclosure

Renowned chef Raymond Blanc OBE returns to the prestigious Panoramic Restaurant for his ninth year at Royal Ascot. Drawing from his expertise at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Blanc promises an intimate dining experience with a five-course luncheon menu.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen

ON 5, Queen Anne Enclosure

Michelin-starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen makes her Royal Ascot debut at ON 5, offering a four-course luncheon featuring her signature twists on local seasonal ingredients.

Tom Shepherd

The Sandringham, Royal Enclosure

Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd brings his modern British dishes to The Sandringham, offering a flexible dining experience with chef stations serving appetisers, main courses, desserts, and cheese.

Simon Rogan

Parade Ring Restaurant, Royal Enclosure

Eight Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan returns for his fifth year, presenting fresh, local, and seasonal produce in a five-course à la carte luncheon at the Parade Ring Restaurant.

Tom Barnes

The Old Press Room, Royal Enclosure

Former Executive Head Chef at L’Enclume, Tom Barnes returns to The Old Press Room for his third solo appearance, showcasing a specially designed six-course tasting menu.

Tom Booton

The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester, Royal Enclosure Gardens

London’s talented chef Tom Booton returns, infusing classic British cuisine with contemporary flair in the Royal Enclosure Gardens. Expect bold flavours and innovative twists.

James Tanner

The Deck, Queen Anne Enclosure

James Tanner, alongside his brother Chris Tanner, takes charge of The Deck, Royal Ascot’s newest restaurant, offering a three-course culinary journey highlighting British seasonal ingredients.

Tom Booton

James Tanner

ASCOT REDEFINES ELEGANCE

ROYAL ASCOT’S FASHION EVOLUTION

In the archives of British history, few events rival the grandeur and sophistication of Royal Ascot. For over 300 years, this quintessential spectacle of horse racing has remained a beacon of tradition and sartorial excellence. Yet, amidst its storied legacy, a new chapter unfolds as Ascot welcomes its inaugural creative director, the esteemed fashion designer Daniel Fletcher.

The unveiling of the 2024 Royal Ascot Lookbook heralds a historic moment, marking the convergence of tradition and innovation. Under Fletcher's artistic guidance, the timeless elegance synonymous with Ascot receives a contemporary infusion, breathing new life into the age-old tradition of dressing for the races.

At the heart of this groundbreaking collaboration lies Fletcher's distinct vision—a seamless fusion of heritage and modernity. Paying homage to his graduating class at Central Saint Martins, Fletcher infuses the Lookbook with a sense of personal reverence, celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of his peers.

Central to the Lookbook are two bespoke ensembles crafted by Fletcher's eponymous brand, DANIEL w. FLETCHER. These meticulously tailored suits epitomise Fletcher's signature aesthetic, marrying classic refinement with a bold, contemporary edge. As racegoers peruse the pages of the Lookbook, they are invited on a journey of exploration, guided by Fletcher's discerning eye and unparalleled expertise.

Within the pages of the Lookbook, a rich variety of attire unfolds, offering inspiration tailored to all enclosures. From the hallowed grounds of the Royal Enclosure to the Windsor Enclosure, where fashion freedom reigns supreme, Fletcher's curation transcends boundaries, encapsulating the diverse essence of Ascot's fashion landscape.

Daniel Fletcher, Creative Director for Royal Ascot.

“This season, I wanted to bring a fresh take on fashion at the races and the magical world of occasion dressing... For 2024, I want to capture that joy and inspire racegoers to push the boundaries with their own unique style, and to embrace their own creativity.”

— Daniel Fletcher, Creative Director for Royal Ascot

Among the curated edits, 'New Guard' stands as a testament to Fletcher's commitment to championing emerging talent. Drawing from the ranks of independent designers, including his contemporaries from Central Saint Martins, Fletcher showcases a vibrant tapestry of creativity, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines Royal Ascot's evolving narrative.

As racegoers navigate the Lookbook's meticulously crafted edits—from the playful sophistication of 'Best of British' to the conscious elegance of 'The Conscious Edit'—they are encouraged to embrace the art of self-expression. Each ensemble serves as a canvas, inviting individuals to weave their unique narrative amidst the backdrop of Ascot's renowned elegance.

In bringing his vision to life, Fletcher assembled a cadre of creative luminaries, including makeup maestro Andrew Gallimore, hairstylist Hiroshi Matsushita, and photographer extraordinaire James Robjant. Together, they imbue the Lookbook with a sense of cinematic allure, capturing the essence of Royal Ascot's unparalleled splendour.

Reflecting on his creative journey, Daniel Fletcher remarks, "For 2024, I wanted to capture the essence of British heritage and the timeless elegance of Royal Ascot while infusing it with a contemporary twist. From flamboyant maximalism to understated refinement, each ensemble celebrates the rich tapestry of sartorial expression, inviting racegoers to embrace their individuality and creativity."

As the curtain rises on Royal Ascot's latest chapter, one thing remains abundantly clear: Ascot's timeless elegance endures, seamlessly woven into the fabric of British tradition, yet poised on the precipice of a bold new era. With Daniel Fletcher at the helm, the future of Ascot’s style shines brighter than ever before, a testament to the enduring allure of the world's most illustrious racing event.

IN

THE REALM OF RACEDAY

FASHION, DANIEL

OFFERS HIS EXPERTISE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR OUTFIT.

1

Don’t be afraid to be bold

Be bold and creative with your outfit choices. Whether it’s a hat with an unexpected shape or trying out a new silhouette – this is the chance to step out of your comfort zone and push the boundaries by embracing your own sense of style. There are only so many occasions where you can really “go for it” when dressing up, and Ascot is one of them.

2

Don’t avoid classic styles

Being bold doesn’t necessarily mean ignoring the classics. You can never go wrong with a classic top hat and tails or a slip dress, so don’t be afraid to stick to what you know and use that as a base for adding some more adventurous elements. For example, you can create a sharp look by simply beginning with a traditional top hat and tails, and then incorporate a touch of individuality through a contrasting waistcoat, pocket squares, lapel pins, sleeve garters, socks, ties, and sunglasses.

3

Don’t dodge colour

Summer dressing gives us all the chance to experiment with colour, whether it be vibrant floral prints or just a pop of colour with a statement bag. If you’re a minimalist and generally stick to muted colours, this is the chance to switch it up. Think about Ascot as if it was a red-carpet awards ceremony - as an opportunity to channel main character energy and walk the ‘red carpet’.

AFTER THE TRACK

A YEAR IN THE (EXTRAORDINARY) LIFE OF SIDE GLANCE

What happens to horses after they retire from the track? It’s one of the most common questions around racing. The vast majority of thoroughbreds are rehomed and spend their life at grass, grazing in fields and enjoying their wellearned down time. But a second career can beckon for some.

Retraining of Racehorses aims to help equine athletes enjoy a new lease of life through other pursuits, and its Horses For Courses initiative – providing racecourses with an Equine Ambassador - showcases the care and opportunities afforded to racehorses after the track.

Side Glance is Ascot’s Equine Ambassador – if you’ve visited Ascot over the last 12 months there’s a chance you’ve seen him here, greeting racegoers and posing for photos with children.

And after a spectacular career which took him to Dubai, Australia, the USA and Singapore, ‘Sidey’ has been just as well-travelled in the past year, albeit with slightly less time spent on planes!

Leanne White is the proud owner of Side Glance now, having known him as a foal since her time at Kingsclere with Andrew Balding, then travelling around the world with him for his international escapades.

“I don’t know how I would have coped without him,” she says. “Having been with him for so many years you get such a close bond with these horses you travel with because often you’re on your own. They sort of become your best friend.”

“They sort of become your best friend.”

Whilst he might not be competing on the racetrack any more, Sidey has not lost that competitive edge. He’s had a go at side saddle, dressage and jumped over poles, and taken part in Working Hunter sessions locally, even winning his class to the delight of Leanne.

“I think it’s really important for people to understand that these horses can go on and have another career,” Leanne adds. “We saw it in the last Olympics, there were ex-racehorses that were competing. They’re really versatile, with a bit of patience, care and retraining, they can go on and do anything really.”

And he’s certainly kept drawing in the crowds after racing. Sidey has done plenty of school visits in the local area, thrilling the kids with his calm temperament and magnificent aura.

Leanne adds, “The school visits have been fantastic. To see the kids get so excited to see him, and even the ones that are a little bit timid will come up and give him a stroke or a Polo! Hopefully we can inspire the next generation to come into the industry.”

And the older generation have delighted in his presence too, with care home residents even indulging in selfies with our Equine Ambassador!

“That was really special to see them come up to him, and he just stands there and lets them pet him. Thoroughbreds are a really special breed and they know when they are around someone vulnerable,” recalls Leanne.

You might have even seen ‘Sidey’ on some of our Royal Ascot campaign artwork, both in 2023 and 2024. Last year he was the face of the ‘Ascot You’ next to a cycle stand, and this year he was front and centre again – the camera certainly loves him!

It’s been a captivating year for Sidey and Leanne, proving the versatility of these magnificent animals and showing that there’s plenty of life in the thoroughbred post-retirement.

A FUSION OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION

UNVEILING THE 2024 MILLINERY COLLECTIVE

As the world eagerly anticipates the grandeur of Royal Ascot, a new chapter in fashion unfolds with the launch of the 2024 Millinery Collective. Under the visionary leadership of esteemed British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, Royal Ascot embarks on a journey to celebrate the artistry and creativity of millinery like never before.

This year's collection, curated by Fletcher himself, breathes new life into the timeless tradition of hat design. With 12 bespoke creations, each meticulously crafted by a blend of industry veterans and emerging talents, the Collective offers a captivating glimpse into the wonderful world of millinery.

Spanning continents and cultures, the Collective showcases a diverse array of designers, from the established luminaries to the rising stars of the millinery scene. Among them, names like Evetta Petty, Rafa Peinador, Nikole Tursi, and Evelyn McDermott stand out, their innovative techniques and sustainable practices pushing the boundaries of hat design.

Yet, the Collective also pays homage to the stalwarts of the industry, with icons such as Stephen Jones OBE, Awon Golding, Noel Stewart, Edwina Ibbotson, and Alison Tod lending their unparalleled expertise to the collection.

Their designs, which have graced the heads of royalty and celebrities alike, serve as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional craftsmanship.

Captured through the lens of acclaimed photographer David Vail, the campaign imagery offers a fresh perspective on millinery, blending contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance. With a focus on the intricate details of each hat and the unparalleled artistry behind them, the visuals invite viewers into a world of beauty and sophistication.

Reflecting on his collaboration with the milliners, Fletcher expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to work with some of the industry's finest talents. His vision of merging tradition with innovation shines through in the eclectic mix of designs, each infused with its own unique charm and character.

As the countdown to Royal Ascot begins, the 2024 Millinery Collective serves as a source of inspiration for racegoers and fashion enthusiasts alike. With its celebration of tradition, innovation, and creativity, it sets the stage for a summer season filled with style and spectacle.

View the Millinery Collective.

“Bringing together some of Britain’s most famed milliners with emerging talent, and designers from around the world has resulted in a beautiful collection to inspire racing style for the summer season.”

— Daniel Fletcher, Creative Director for Royal Ascot

A CULINARY TRADITION

As we step into the timeless sophistication of Royal Ascot, an age-old tradition beckons: the art of dining with elegance. Dating back to the 14th century, picnics found their footing during the Middle Ages, evolving from leisurely repasts for horseback hunters into sophisticated social affairs. The term 'picnic', derived from the French 'pique-nique', embodies communal feasting and conviviality.

Royal Ascot embraces the modern era with a nod to tradition and sophistication. The allure of posh picnics has captivated attendees, who grace the event with sartorial charm and sumptuous spreads rivalling royal banquets. Pre-made picnic hampers offer a luxurious option, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and featuring culinary delights that elevate the experience.

Among these offerings, the Fortnum & Mason picnic stands as a pinnacle of refinement, available to guests in the Queen Anne Enclosure and the Village Enclosure. From smoked trout with crème fraiche to botanical jelly with summer berries, each bite is a symphony of flavours, curated to please discerning palates. The Fortnum & Mason’s Feast picnic offers indulgent delicacies, from duck liver parfait to rare roast beef with tarragon sauce, showcasing culinary craftsmanship.

Vegetarian options abound with the Fortnum’s Garden picnic, celebrating seasonal produce and innovative flavours. Attendees of various enclosures can indulge in British Fine Foods picnics, featuring offerings such as potted trout and venison & pork pie, paying tribute to Britain’s rich culinary heritage.

PICNIC WITH ELEGANCE AT ROYAL ASCOT

To partake in this culinary dream, visit the Ascot website, select Royal Ascot 2024, and filter by specific day and enclosure. Choose your desired picnic hamper and prepare for a gastronomic journey. Amidst the excitement of Royal Ascot, take a moment to savour the exquisite flavours, celebrating the finer things in life through the timeless tradition of dining with discernment.

Join us in embracing the timeless tradition of dining with elegance at Royal Ascot. Let’s savour every moment, every bite, and every conversation as we indulge in the sophisticated art of picnicking. Reserve your picnic today at ascot.com

WHERE STYLE MEETS STORY

ASCOT’S PERSONAL THREADS PODCAST INTRODUCES AN EXCITING LINEUP

In the realm of elegance and style, Ascot Racecourse has long been revered for its sophistication and refinement. From the esteemed Royal Ascot to the timeless fashion showcased on its grounds, Ascot has become synonymous with sartorial excellence. Now, Ascot invites you to experience its world of style and fashion first-hand with the Personal Threads podcast.

Hosted by fashion presenter Scott Wimsett, Personal Threads promises a captivating lineup of guests, each with a unique journey and story to share. From the empowering message of body positivity conveyed by Daisy Lowe to the groundbreaking designs of luminary Daniel Lismore, and the iconic creations of Dame Zandra Rhodes, the podcast delves deep into the fascinating world of fashion, art, and self-expression.

Prepare to be enchanted by the exquisite millinery of Victoria Grant, the sustainable fashion ethos of designer Amy Powney, and the meticulous craftsmanship of bespoke period tailoring with Zack Pinsent. And this is just the beginning. Personal Threads takes you on an extraordinary journey through the life of model and activist Eunice Olumide, whose story promises to inspire listeners from all walks of life.

These compelling episodes, presented by Ascot Racecourse, aim to broaden your horizons and ignite your passion for style and self-expression. Whether you're a devoted fashion enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the art of storytelling, Personal Threads offers something for everyone.

But don't just take our word for it – experience the magic firsthand. Tune in to Personal Threads on all major podcast platforms and embark on a journey of discovery unlike any other.

PROUDLY WORKING TOGETHER

PROUDLY WORKING TOGETHER

Successful collaboration and shared values are at the heart of our strong relationships with Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers. Working with like-minded quality brands enables Ascot and Royal Ascot to remain at the forefront of the global racing industry and we are extremely grateful for the support we receive from each and every one.

We are delighted to be able to share more about our associated brands, their successes, achievements and how we work together over the following pages.

Q&A WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF GEMMA AMOR

SODEXO LIVE!, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

What does it take to deliver the culinary operations at the world’s most prestigious race event? With 300,000 racegoers and over 45,000 meals served during Royal Ascot, the scale is grand. Join us as we go behind the scenes with Executive Chef Gemma Amor.

How long have you been at Ascot Racecourse? How many Royal Ascots will this be?

I’ve been with Ascot for the past 28 years, full-time for 26 years, with two years prior as a casual worker. This upcoming Royal Ascot will mark my 29th with the company.

How did you get into your role?

I started back in 1996 during college work experience. I liked the buzz and thought, ‘Okay, I think this is something for me.’ After trying different roles in restaurants and hotels, I found I really liked this type of catering. I started as a commie and worked my way up to Executive Chef at Ascot.

What does your culinary team look like?

Believe it or not, our team is not very big but it’s mighty. We have Dane Humpleby as the Head Chef of Hospitality, Rob Jones as Head of Major Events and Production, Mathew Shipley as Head Chef of Retail, Charles Moona as our Sous Chef of Fine Dining, Georgie Wilde as Kitchen Manager and Gary Coburn as my Head Kitchen Steward, overseeing stock management and kitchen porters.

On racedays, we bring in 40 to 100 casual base chefs. What that means is they work at race events across the UK. For Royal Ascot, we employ 350 chefs and 20 kitchen porters, that report directly to me.

How do you handle staffing for Royal Ascot, and when does the recruitment process begin?

Recruitment begins in September after the fixture schedule is confirmed. We utilize our database and a refer-a-friend scheme, tapping into networks of individuals eager to participate in such an iconic event.

How does it work with the guest chefs?

It varies from chef to chef. Some guest chefs bring their own teams, while we may send our chefs to their restaurants for development opportunities. Our apprentices also engage with the renowned chefs through programs like the Sodexo Live! apprenticeship, providing invaluable learning experiences. It’s all about collaboration and learning from each other.

When it comes to menu planning, how early do you start, and how do you balance traditional favourites with new dishes?

Menu planning commences in September based on feedback and trends from the previous year. While we maintain signature dishes like Coronation Chicken, we’re always open to innovation while ensuring scalability and balance in our offerings.

We also need to be clever to ensure our plans accommodate the scalability of cooking for anywhere from one to 1000 people per day.

By December, we finalize menus for Royal Ascot, ready for tastings in January, with subsequent tweaks as needed.

What role do local and seasonal ingredients play?

Local is good but when we need a lot of one item, like 10,000 chicken breasts, it’s not always possible, so we tend to use best in season. This means we work with suppliers to get the best quality, even if it’s not all from one farm but instead multiple farms in the same area and always British. It’s all about using products with a good story and supporting local whenever possible.

Could you walk me through a typical day in the kitchen during Royal Ascot?

Days start at 3:30 am to receive deliveries and address any issues before staff arrival at 6:00 am. Prep begins in earnest by 7:00 am, with hospitality areas ready for service by 10:30 am. We aim to complete starters and mains before 2:00 pm, followed by desserts, cheese, and afternoon tea with chefs usually wrapping up between 9:00 and 11:00 pm.

How do you maintain quality and consistency across different dining options?

We rely on tastings and detailed specification manuals for each dish. Production occurs centrally, ensuring uniformity, and we double-check quality before service.

And what about catering for the jockeys?

We cater for jockeys following guidelines from the British Horseraing Authority. It’s crucial to maintain high standards to provide them with the right balance of protein and carbs for peak performance.

Any memorable moments from past Royal Ascots?

Catering for the Royal Box during lockdown was a unique experience. Normally, Royal Box guests dine at Windsor Castle, but circumstances led us to serve them. It was a proud moment for the team.

Lastly, any advice for aspiring chefs?

Respect and teamwork are key. Chase your dreams relentlessly and remember, you’re only as good as the team supporting you. Hard work and determination can lead to incredible achievements, regardless of any obstacles you face.

A few tips from me.

• I was always taught when I was younger, you need to give respect to earn respect.

• If you’ve got dreams, don’t let them be dreams. Make them reality.

• I’m dyslexic and when I was a kid I was basically told by the school that I’d get nowhere. You’ve got to put in the work to get anything out. And now look at me.

• The last one is teamwork. You can’t do anything on your own. You’re only as good as the people behind you.

SERVED AT ROYAL ASCOT

Sodexo Live! operates at Ascot under the 1711 by Ascot brand as the official catering and hospitality partner of the racecourse. Since 1998, the 1711 by Ascot team has been delivering world-class food, beverage and service across racedays and events throughout the year.

During Royal Ascot, Sodexo Live! recruits and manages over 3,000 team members and maintains high service standards through its award-winning training academy.

250,000

5,500

PLANT-BASED STARTERS AND DESSERTS

HAND-FINISHED AFTERNOON TEA PASTRIES

400 kg

CLOTTED CREAM

10,000

CHICKEN BREASTS

10,000

PUNNETS OF MIXED BERRIES

3,000 kg

ENGLISH SIRLOIN OF BEEF JAM

200 kg

DEVOTED TO HONOURING ACCOMPLISHMENT

MOËT & CHANDON, OFFICIAL SPONSOR

“Sharing success and glamour with the world has been our inspiration, our passion, and our raison d’être for nearly three centuries.”

- Moët & Chandon

The legendary Moët & Chandon is celebrating over 280 years as the world’s most loved champagne. For over a quarter of a millennium, the renowned French winemaker has been sharing the magic of champagne across the globe. Every glass overflows with the House’s hallmark values of history, generosity, savoir-faire, success, boldness and elegance—values still at the heart of its global appeal.

Toward the end of the 18th century, Jean-Remy Moët, grandson of founder Claude Moët, became famous as the man who introduced champagne to the world. The important figures of the era, from the Marquise de Pompadour to Napoleon quickly fell in love with the House’s effervescent wine. Moët & Chandon was soon the icon of success and elegance that it remains to this day.

Celebrating life’s triumphant moments with elegance, extraversion and sensorial pleasure is the essence of who they are.

A long history of glamorous fans

From Napoleon’s conquests to royal weddings, from Hollywood’s most dazzling event, the Oscars, to its most exclusive private parties, Moët & Chandon is devoted to honouring accomplishment.

A proud sponsor

“Just as we were there for the important hall-mark occasions in history, we are thrilled to be the official champagne of Royal Ascot; the world’s most spectacular racing event.”

Grand Vintage 2015

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage champagnes are crafted from the grapes of a singular exceptional year, each embodying the unique qualities of that year’s outstanding harvest, meticulously nurtured to perfection by the savoir-faire, experience, and expertise of Moët & Chandon’s Cellar Master.

“Each Grand Vintage is my interpretation of a specific year, and as such, it is unique and will only be seen once... It is not a ‘summary’ of the year but rather my interpretation of what the year represented. Like a photographer who frames a shot. I select the wines that will ultimately compose the final blend.” Benoît Gouez, Moët & Chandon’s Cellar Master.

Grand Vintage 2015, the Maison’s 76th Vintage, and Grand Vintage Rosé 2015, the Maison’s 45th Vintage Rosé, are the result of an uncertain year marked by a period of dramatic heat, with the hottest temperatures the region has seen since 1961. After six years in the cellar, these champagnes have remarkable finesse.

May the champagne’s delicate aromas and flavours enhance every celebration and toast, creating unforgettable memories amidst the prestigious ambiance of Royal Ascot, as you indulge in the remarkable finesse and sophistication of Grand Vintage 2015, a testament to resilience and refinement in the face of uncertainty.

TOASTING TO VICTORY

Moët & Chandon’s illustrious connection to the equestrian realm traces its roots to 1908, a pivotal year marked by the emergence of two exceptional 3-year-old horses, named “Moët” and “Chandon,” under the ownership of Mr. Alfred Simon, the esteemed sales representative of the House in London. Their remarkable triumphs swiftly captured attention within the vibrant UK racing circuit.

Fast forward to 2019, this profound connection flourished even further as Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage proudly became the Official Champagne of Royal Ascot.

Whether you are personally present at the event or indulging in the spectacle from afar, whether toasting to victory or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Royal Ascot promises an unforgettable experience accompanied by a glass of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 Blanc or Rosé.

Visit a Moët & Chandon Bar

Royal Enclosure, Grand Vintage:

1. The Trianon Bar

2. The Orangerie Bar

Queen Anne Enclosure:

3. Maison 1743

4. The Pall Mall Bar

5. Rosé Champagne Bar

BRING THE EXTRAORDINARY TO THE ORDINARY

LK BENNETT, OFFICIAL SPONSOR

INTRODUCING THE LK BENNETT ROYAL ASCOT COLLECTION

Discover LK Bennett’s Royal Ascot ‘24 collection. As an Official Sponsor of Royal Ascot, their London design team have specifically put this range together, with each style suitable for any enclosure.

Known for their expert craftsmanship and signature detailing to create distinctive and luxury pieces, the collection draws inspiration from archives and vintage references. Creating a range full of dresses and occasionwear pieces that bring the extraordinary to the ordinary, no matter the day in question. Find soft, wearable palettes in florals, spots, tiers and frills.

Wear them to the races, but don’t limit their social life. These styles are so much more than just fancy outfits. These are pieces that look just as good for weddings, weekend plans or whenever the occasion calls. Because, why wait?

Don’t fancy a dress? Find alternative options in a luxurious waistcoat and flared cotton trouser duo with dress up potential in the Avery suit. Just add heels and a floral corsage (or two). Or a versatile green two piece with a conversational print that will take you from raceday to the weekend.

And what will we be slipping on our feet? A medley of choice from Italy and Spain. Think elegant platforms to matchback floral print courts. On our arms we’ll be accompanying our outfits with covetable clutches and lucite box bags. What can we say, we like to mix things up…

Looking for the icing on the cake for race side and beyond? Top it all off with a fascinator to help tie together an outfit for all the fancier occasions in your diary.

While at Royal Ascot, why not shop at the LK Bennett Boutique and see the collection in person. Find styles perfect for weddings to weekend plans or just because. Forgotten your fascinator, sunglasses or a flat pair of shoes? Don’t worry – get raceday ready with LK Bennett.

Visit the LK Bennett Boutique in the Queen Anne Enclosure

THE JEWEL IN THE YORKSHIRE CROWN

SLINGSBY GIN, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

Known as The Jewel in the Yorkshire Crown, ‘Harrogate’ arrives at Royal Ascot. William Slingsby (hence gin’s namesake) arrived in Harrogate in 1571 during a grand tour of Europe and discovered the Tewitt Well, the waters of which he recognised possessed similar properties to that at Spa in Belgium.

Wealthy aristocrats of England would flock to the spa town of Harrogate to ‘take the waters’ and stay in the grand Victorian hotels and lodging houses to indulge in fine food and drink. Indeed, the Royal Bath hospital was built in Harrogate in 1932 and people were prescribed ‘spa days’ on the NHS to ‘take the waters’. This was a practice which was in full operation until 1969 when the NHS discontinued this service which resulted in the closure of this facility. Today thousands of visitors come to Harrogate from all over the world to restore their body, mind and soul and they can still visit the Harrogate pump room and the Turkish Baths to ‘take the waters’.

It was the people’s behaviour in their home town to ‘relax, indulge and socialise’ that inspired Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, to establish the Spirit of Harrogate Ltd and create

a gin which would embody all their home town had to offer. And so, in 2015 after 18 different variants to reach the perfect recipe, Slingsby Gin was born.

Mike Carthy says, ‘’We were inspired to craft a product using local botanicals and therefore got in touch with Rudding Park, a beautiful five star country house hotel in Harrogate to supply us with an array of hand picked botanicals, chosen for their restorative and medicinal properties. Fruits were chosen from local suppliers including rhubarb from Wakefield’s famous ‘Rhubarb Triangle’ and gooseberries and blackberries from the market town of Thirsk to make the fruit gins and of course, the waters drawn from the world-famous Harrogate aquifers would also be added.’’

Marcus adds “Furthermore, we wanted to establish a business that would give back to the local community and economy. In 2023 the Spirit of Harrogate donated 1500 bottles of Slingsby gin to over 120 charities. The staff also donated 250 hours of their time to deliver meals on wheels to local residents as part of the ‘Harrogate Neighbours’ charity – something I am really proud of as a business owner”.

BRINGING A TASTE OF YORKSHIRE TO THE SOUTH

Slingsby Gin is now in its third year of being the Official Gin Supplier to Ascot Racecourse and Royal Ascot and the company has very much enjoyed bringing a Taste of Yorkshire to the South. Feedback on the ‘Royal Ascot blush’ cocktail which contains the Slingsby Rhubarb gin is outstanding. Customers love the balanced sweetness of the rhubarb followed by the bitter taste of the pink grapefruit citrus base. Clare Gibson, Commercial Director at Spirit of Harrogate says ‘It’s fabulous for Spirit of Harrogate that so many people have discovered Slingsby Gin whilst being at the races and they continue to seek us out afterwards. I love walking around the racecourse, standing at our gin terrace bar overlooking the Bandstand and seeing everyone having so much fun and drinking our product, it gives me such a sense of pride in our gin!’

Visit a Slingsby Gin Bar

1. The Tepin Bar, Royal Enclosure

2. Gin Terrace, Queen Anne Enclosure

2. Beau Bar, Village Enclosure

DIRT

HALLGARTEN & NOVUM WINES, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

WRITTEN BY

WINE WRITER, TV HOST AND DRINKS COMMUNICATOR, OLLY SMITH

“I feel the earth move under my feet”. The ferocious drama of an exploding volcano is a world away from the near imperceptible unfolding and recycling that gently shapes the living crust of our planet. Dirt isn’t really singular, but we tend to speak of it as though it’s one thing. The myriad physical matter contributing to the creation and character of the soil in a vineyard presents a colossal task of imagination. Who can hope to fully envisage the true scope and scale of its origins? As well as flora, fauna and weather, the silent remains of former inhabitants of this place all play their part. I think that’s why the sites of vineyards always feel poetic to me, gathering things that fall and giving life back through the vines. The soil is an ongoing opportunity, inseparable from the precise spot in which it exists yet always beneath our feet wherever we go.

I’ve always been struck by the impact volcanic soil has on wine. Whether it’s the acidity that flares out from a rich glass of Madeira or the intense finesse of Etna reds, an urgent cadence seems to be present across wines from volcanic soils which leads me to buy, keep and share a lot of them myself. Tokaji is one of my favourites and while it may not be top of everyone’s list, the thrilling zing of a bottle of sweetly charged 5 Puttonyos amplified by noble rot as well as the land of an old volcano is a lifelong delight of mine. The island of Santorini is another favourite, perhaps producing some of the most vivid volcanic wines. Great bottles typically deliver heroic intensity as well as thrilling, bristling zing across reds, whites and sweet wines pristinely charged with mineral-purity.

“I think that’s why the sites of vineyards always feel poetic to me, gathering things that fall and giving life back through the vines.”

I first visited Santorini with Steve Daniel, Head of Buying at Hallgarten & Novum Wines, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, of Gaia Wines, many years ago when Campari was bafflingly unfashionable. Sipping Campari sundowners we discussed the pulse that seemed to pull through the dirt and pep up the fruit of the local vines. The nature of this UNESCO protected soil creates a phylloxera-free environment fostering spectacular vine age on the island which, coupled with different soil densities, elevations and aspects, gifts possibilities to intuitive wine growers and makers. One of the notable influences is the sea surrounding the vineyards on all sides. Yiannis famously experimented with aging his Assyrtiko called Thalassitis (‘from the sea’) underwater with really intriguing evolution, surging texture while still driving pure zing like a trident through the tastebuds. Without Santorini’s magic dirt, I’m not sure the wine would have evolved with quite the same spell-binding tension and focus.

Tasting wines from specific soil types for this piece was a revelation of tension, concentration, length and balance thanks in large part to old vines planted in specific soil.

Soil types, of course, are different from place to place, sometimes footstep to footstep. But a reassuring constant is soil’s ability to recover. It may take time, but a patch of earth that’s been farmed using chemical intervention seems to be able find its way back to balance given enough time. Today, soil and environmental health is a question more and more consumers are tuning in to. Coupled with the idea of the microbial activity in the soil, the symbiotic role played by mycorrhizal networks in the sharing and distribution of nutrients through dirt, the paradox of this silent yet characterful force is the loveliest thing to contemplate over a glass. We can’t escape it, the dirt is the land, the land is our planet and we are all joining forces with it sooner or later along with all beings that have passed before us. One love? I’ll raise a glass to that.

LEADING SPECIALIST WINE MERCHANT

Established in 1933, Hallgarten & Novum Wines celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. As one of the UK’s leading ‘specialist’ wine merchants, Hallgarten imports wines from around the world, supplying the premium hospitality and retail trade across the UK.

Its experienced buying team has constructed a diverse and award-winning portfolio of over 1,100 wines from 24 wine-producing countries. It blends some of the world’s greatest producers from the classic wine growing regions together with innovative, up-and coming wineries and winemakers from the emerging and esoteric winemaking world.

Hallgarten is proud to supply all the wines for Royal Ascot which can be enjoyed at restaurants and bars throughout the racecourse.

THE

POWER OF WINGS

GARRARD, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

British jewellery house Garrard is celebrating 20 years of an icon with the launch of Wings Rising. A collection that has won many hearts over the course of two decades, the new designs usher in a new era for Garrard’s signature Wings motif.

Different from any Wings jewels that have come before, Wings Rising reveals a brand-new bold identity for the dynamic Wings motif. Steering the Wings collection in an exciting new direction, Garrard has updated the lifelike swoop of the original Wings jewels to trace an abstract, winged silhouette with clean lines and angular feathers.

The strength and purity of the lines create a powerful energy that continues Garrard’s trajectory of designing bold, contemporary pieces for the modern woman of today. Representative of strength, independence and freedom, the new jewels are emblematic of the changing shift in culture

that is galvanising women worldwide to purchase jewellery for themselves, to celebrate themselves.

Garrard’s designers had a strong desire to introduce hardstones into the Wings universe and create a brand-new creative signature for the brand. Expanding its palette of stones, favourites including lapis lazuli and pink opal feature alongside more unusual stones such as apple malachite, golden mother of pearl and out-of-this-world meteorite – a first for Garrard.

To capture the movement of a wing in the most unexpected of ways, they experimented with faceting the different hardstones, a technique usually reserved for gemstones. Reflecting the light, the facets bring dimension and volume to Wings Rising slider pendants, earrings and across-thefinger rings.

Celebrating the unique beauty and diversity of the different hardstones, the design team searched for stones that reveal more of their natural states: turquoise displaying varying shades of blue; apple malachite decorated with a polka-dot pattern rather than stripes; lapis lazuli shining with golden flecks of naturally occurring pyrite. By exploring unexpected stones and giving them pyramid-shaped facets, the hardstones are the focus of the jewels and make even more of a statement.

To spotlight Garrard’s ongoing focus on sustainability, three limited-edition Wings Rising jewels have been created with rare slices of faceted, metallic grey Gibeon meteorite. Not of this world, this billion-year-old natural wonder from out of space is believed to have crash-landed on Earth in prehistoric times. Because of its naturally occurring crystalline structure, the criss-crossing patterns are unique to each limited-edition jewel.

For the all-diamond Wings Rising jewels, Garrard’s design team replaced the hardstones with calibré cut diamonds, reinforcing the angular beauty of the designs. Delivering subtle movement and flexibility, the top sections of both the hardstone and calibré diamond pendant and earrings are crafted to keep their shape, while the lower half of the feathers is articulated.

Completing the collection, Wings Rising Mini Icons jewels in polished 18 carat white, yellow and rose gold are designed to elevate every day and every hour. The tips of the pendant, ring, ear climbers and bracelet sparkle with diamonds, with the uplifting energy of the Wings Rising collection condensed into the petite yet powerful designs.

An enhanced focus on sustainability TROPHIES IN A NEW ERA

As the Official Trophies and Silverware Supplier to Royal Ascot, Garrard’s partnership with Royal Ascot continues. Created in recycled silver, a total of 10 winners’ trophies have been made, alongside a series of sporting keepsakes, including snuff boxes and trays which will be presented to winning connections.

AgAIN Silver has been used this year in the creation of the handles and the finials on each of the Royal Ascot trophies. A sustainable, fully traceable metal extracted from recycled X-ray films, AgAIN Silver is the first recycled silver of known provenance on the market.

Two to five grams of silver are found in every kilogram of X-ray film, which are usually kept in storage beyond their legally required retention date, at considerable cost to the healthcare provider, or sent to landfill, at considerable cost to the planet.

In 2023 alone, the Betts Group, which is behind the launch of AgAIN Silver, collected some 300 tonnes of X-rays from UK and Irish hospitals generating hundreds of thousands of pounds for the NHS and other healthcare trusts, through rebates paid for the silver recovered, on top of the storage costs saved by recycling the films. All elements of the X-ray film are recycled, with the extracted silver smelted and then refined separately at the Betts Metals factory in Buxton.

LONGINES AND THE EQUESTRIAN WORLD

LONGINES, OFFICIAL PARTNER

Longines and the equestrian world have enjoyed a long history of close ties with their relentless passion and shared values. Known for the tradition, elegance and performance of its timepieces, the Swiss watch brand also cemented the elite status of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events with its longstanding contributions to the equestrian community. Today, this passion is more alive than ever with the brand’s partnerships with major equestrian institutions and events across the world.

This time, Longines shows its firm dedication to the highly anticipated meeting in horse racing - Royal Ascot. Longines’ passion for the equestrian world dates back to 1869 when the brand created its first equestrian pocket watch found to date. Not long after, in 1878, Longines developed a famous chronograph movement, fitted in a case engraved with a jockey and his mount. Seen on the American racetracks since the late nineteenth century, this type of timepiece proved extremely popular among jockeys and horse-lovers, as it enabled its user to time performances to the second. Designed in the workshops at the factory in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, these first creations marked the beginning of Longines’ very early involvement in the equestrian world.

THE LONGINES BOUTIQUE

The Swiss watch brand invites you to visit the Longines Boutique during this year’s Royal Ascot.

The new 2023 Longines pop-up concept is a extendable portable boutique. It houses a showroom, retail area and storage area.

Longines, Official Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of Royal Ascot, is bringing their newly designed boutique to the Queen Anne Enclosure. This modern pop-up style boutique has travelled internationally to all major Longines timed events and will be at Royal Ascot for the first time.

Based on a 20ft container size, the custom pop-up is transported on a flatbed truck

Let the Longines expert boutique team guide you through a curated shopping experience, browse and try on the latest collections of both men’s and women’s watches.

The extendable pop-up is equiped with airconditioning, alarm system, cameras, automatic sunshade and a safe locker. pop-up boutique

Find us in the Queen Anne Enclosure on the cusp of the Royal Enclosure Gardens.

Visit the Longines Boutique in the Queen Anne Enclosure

STUDIOWORKS LONGINES Pop-Up Boutique --- user guide ---

DRIVEN BY TASTE

FEVER-TREE, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

Since co-founding the brand in 2005, Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow have never stopped searching for the finest ingredients, traveling the globe to find the very best flavours for their drinks. This mindset initially led them on an 18-month adventure from the archives of the British Library to facing the wrong end of a Kalashnikov in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which concluded with the launch of their Premium Indian Tonic Water. Flavour and quality are still the bedrock of the range produced today so let’s take a journey through the origin of the ingredients that contribute to their award-winning mixers.

TAHITI LIME MEXICO

Mexico grows some of the very best citrus fruits; Fever-Tree source Tahiti lime from groves on the opposing Caribbean and Pacific coasts to ensure the liquid is from top-quality, well-ripened fruit year-round.

BITTER ORANGE MEXICO

The bitter orange oils in the range of tonic waters comes from a co-operative of small specialist citrus farmers in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The bitter oranges are grown using Ancient Mayan farming techniques, which revolve around the lunar cycle. It is these trees that bear the fruit from which Fever-Tree extract the finest orange oils.

SICILIAN LEMONS

SICILY

Some of the world’s finest lemons grow in fertile groves in Sicily, extracts of which are used in Fever-Tree’s Sicilian Lemonade and Lemon Tonic Water.

To extract the high-quality oils from the skin of the lemons, Sfumatrice equipment is used to gently press the lemons - normally a process reserved for the perfume industry. Extracting these oils enables the creation of the fresh and zesty flavour for the lemon mixers.

LEMON THYME

PROVENCE, FRANCE

The Mediterranean Tonic includes a handful of essential oils from herbs gathered from around the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Lemon Thyme from Provence is one of the ingredients that provides the tonic with its uniquely floral aroma, boosting the subtle aromas of great vodkas and citrus and herbaceous gins.

QUININE

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Quinine is the key ingredient that creates the gentle bitterness in tonic water. Fever-Tree was named after the colloquial name for the Cinchona tree, the bark of which produces quinine. After discovering early 17th century references in the British library, Charles and Tim located one of the only remaining plantations of original Cinchona Ledgeriana trees (known locally as ‘fever trees’) which produce some of the highest quality quinine in the world, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For Charles and Tim, there was no other option but to source Fever-Tree’s quinine from this area.

SCOTTISH RASPBERRIES STRATHMORE VALLEY, SCOTLAND

Raspberries are from the famous Strathmore Valley in Scotland, which provides the perfect growing conditions for soft fruits. Scottish raspberries were selected for their sharper flavour profile compared to sweeter varieties often sourced from sunnier climates. The raspberries are processed using traditional steam distillation, the process takes place within a 10km radius from where they were hand harvested, to ensure freshness of flavour in the natural raspberry flavourings. The by-product fruit puree is collected and used in the production of other foods, to improve efficiency and reduce food waste!

ELDERFLOWER ENGLAND

To capture the finest elderflower flavour, handpicked flowers are sourced from the English countryside. The elderflowers are hand-collected from the highest quality elder bushes in the UK in the late Spring when the elderflowers are in full bloom. Flowers are picked when they are at their freshest before the petals are distilled into an oil.

RHUBARB ENGLAND

Timperley Early variety of Rhubarb, known for its deliciously sweet but ripe flavour profile, comes from a family farm in England. The strong North Sea breeze and abundance of rain provide the perfect growing conditions. The rhubarb is hand harvested between April and May and processed within hours to ensure maximum freshness of flavour and aroma.

PERFECT FOR A REFRESHING G&T

At Royal Ascot, Fever-Tree’s award-winning mixers ensure that the quality of your drink matches the quality on the track. Perfect for a refreshing G&T and an important ingredient in our on-course signature serves, Fever-Tree mixers enhance the taste of any cocktail or long drink.

Since day one, Fever-Tree have been uncompromising in their commitment to sourcing the world’s finest ingredients for their mixers; all in service of creating the most delicious and best-tasting long mixed drinks. The pursuit of great taste is shared with the world’s best bars and bartenders who recently voted Fever-Tree as the Top Trending and Best-Selling mixer brand for the 10th consecutive year running.

Fever-Tree has recently launched a new range of premium cocktail mixers, including an Espresso Martini, Passionfruit Martini, Margarita & Mojito, as well as a range of sophisticated soft drinks, that can be purchased in bars, restaurants, hotels & retailers across the UK.

Bandstand Lawn Bar, Queen Anne Enclosure

Village Bar, Village Enclosure

RECORD-BREAKING KAMEKO’S FIRST RUNNERS TO HIT THE TRACK

QIPCO, OFFICIAL PARTNER

Along waiting game must be played when it comes to the career of a budding stallion. Kameko, Qatar Racing’s exceptional colt, retired to Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire at the end of 2020 and this season sees the arrival of his first offspring to run on the track.

"For us, this is an absolutely crucial year," says David Redvers, adviser to Qatar Racing’s Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and the manager of Tweenhills.

"We’ve got so much riding on a horse like him, he’s a flagship horse. Operations like ours thrive and grow if they’ve got a stallion that’s generating a good amount of revenue because they’re breeding us good horses and breeding other people good horses."

Kameko claimed Group 1 success as both a two and three-year-old.

Under trainer Andrew Balding’s care, he rounded off a fine first campaign by running away with the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster and on his debut the following season, claimed perhaps the breeding industry's most cherished prize, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, in a record-breaking time. For his owners’ investment branch, it was a special moment.

"To win our own 2000 Guineas, that we’ve been sponsoring for over a decade is exactly what I’d been dreaming of from the day we took it over," Redvers says. "There’s a reason we were sponsoring it as the opening Group 1 of the year, because it is the ultimate-stallion making race.

"I suppose the only disappointment at the time was that none of us were able to celebrate it properly, it was the Covid year and only essential people were at the racecourse. So it had a slightly surreal feel, but that doesn’t mean that he’s held in any lesser affection. He couldn’t hold a more precious place with us."

There’s at least one junior Kameko in the stable of almost every big name in Britain, from John and Thady Gosden to William Haggas, Richard Hannon and Roger Varian. His yearlings were bought for up to €310,000 at auction, making the sire good business for breeders. Around a dozen will be carrying Qatar Racing’s claret and gold braid silks.

"He’ll have around 100 two-year-olds, give or take," Redvers explains. "He hasn’t got as many as some of the other firstseason sires but there’s a lot of quality. We’ve supported him, both with Qatar mares and ours and those of other clients, so we’re giving him a really good chance.

"We’ve got some lovely horses in training by him and at the moment they all appear to be finding things very easy, which is keeping a spring in our step."

Kameko, the US-bred son of Kitten’s Joy, was not expected to produce the sort of youngster ready for the start of the season but Redvers imagines he will be fielding runners by late spring and plenty by early in the summer.

"Our jockey Oisin Murphy went around to sit on some of them and came back to us with very upbeat reports," he says. "He was wanting to be realistic and not get too excited but he loves their attitude.

"The trainers were saying they weren’t expecting their horse to be running before July over seven furlongs and yet they’re finding things so easy they’re telling them they want to go on. It’s really very interesting to find trainers not wanting them to get there too soon. Normally it’s the other way round, having to give them a break because they’re not coping."

Over the years Tweenhills has been home to another Guineas winner, Makfi, and was dealt a cruel blow when Roaring Lion, Qatar Racing’s other son of Kitten’s Joy who landed four consecutive Group 1s including the QIPCOsponsored Irish Champion and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, died after only one covering season.

The pressure is on for Kameko, who was also fourth in a confusingly-run Derby at Epsom and later beat older horses in the Joel Stakes, to prove himself to be a suitable replacement.

"Roaring Lion was a horse of the year, a world champion, while Kameko is a more precocious horse and a Classic winning colt," Redvers says.

"We obviously had a massive hole to fill with Roaring Lion not being around and Kameko also didn’t have a lot more to prove; it’s quite difficult keeping a 2000 Guineas winner in training at four when you’ve shown to everybody that you’re exactly what they want to be using as a stallion.

"For me, he’s as exciting as anything we’ve taken to stud, definitely."

CHAMPIONS IN ACTION

QIPCO proudly sponsors the British Champions Series, a collection of 35 races across the British Flat season which culminates in the season-ending QIPCO British Champions Day, held at Ascot in October. The series was introduced in 2011, with QIPCO sponsoring the initiative since its inception. There are five divisions – Sprint (for six furlongs and under), Mile, Middle Distance (from 1m2f to 1m4f), Fillies & Mares (from one mile to 1m4f), and Long Distance (from 1m6f to 2m4f).

Naturally, Royal Ascot features an abundance of races in the series – at least one race on each day forms part of the programme, with all Group 1s for three-year-olds and upwards contributing to the series. All in all, there are eight contests at Royal Ascot run under the QIPCO British Champions Series banner – more than any other week in the British Flat calendar.

Indeed, Ascot remains the site for catching captivating champions in action yearround. 14 of the series races are run on this revered track – the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes is the British midsummer highlight, rated the fourth best race in the world in 2023, whilst QIPCO British Champions Day features all five series finals – four of them Group 1s.

QIPCO is delighted to celebrate equine excellence and promote the best of British, at Royal Ascot and beyond.

DEFYING THE ODDS

BETFRED, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

It’s one thing backing a winner at Royal Ascot. It’s quite another when that victory is at record-breaking odds. Last year, Valiant Force joined the ranks of legend when he took the Norfolk Stakes at a price of 150/1 – the joint-highest winning starting price in the history of the Royal Meeting. But his triumph was certainly not the first shock we’ve had on Ascot’s treasured turf…

2020 – Nando Parrado (150/1)

That 150/1 record was set just three years earlier in another of the two-year-old races at Royal Ascot. Nando Parrado had finished an unfancied fifth on debut before lining up for the Coventry Stakes 16 days later. Always prominent under Adam Kirby, he held off the late challenge of Qaader to rewrite the record books. This would be his only win before heading to stud, though he did twice finish second in Group 1 company subsequently.

2008 – Flashmans Papers (100/1)

It’s clear by now that the juvenile races at Royal Ascot, with plenty of untapped potential, are ripe for shocks. Flashmans Papers had twice finished placed in maiden company before the 2008 Windsor Castle Stakes – he left that form well behind when running on late to deny favourite Bushranger, winning at odds of 100/1. He’d finish fourth in the Norfolk Stakes two days later at far shorter odds of 10/1. His Royal Ascot win would be the only victory of his career.

1990 – Fox Chapel (100/1)

The first ever triple-figure winner at the Royal Meeting came in the Britannia Handicap, a race over a mile for three-yearolds, in 1990. Fox Chapel had been beaten a total of 25 lengths in his previous two races that season, and started this race at 100/1 from 1lb out of the handicap, with jockey

Gary Hind also putting up 5lb overweight. But this new trip, and softer ground, seemingly brought out the best in him –this was his second, and final, victory on the flat.

2023 – Khaadem (80/1)

If a 150/1 winner wasn’t enough last year, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes threw up an 80/1 victor in Khaadem. The seven-year-old had never finished in the first three in a Group 1 before, and had raced at Ascot three times previously without victory, coming home in fourth in this race in 2020. This time, under a typically patient Jamie Spencer, he ran on late to overhaul fillies Sacred and Highfield Princess, in doing so bagging the biggest triumph of his career.

2009 – Cosmic Sun (66/1)

A ten-race maiden with a disappointing ninth-placed finish over the mile-and-a-half distance last time out, Cosmic Sun was understandably unfancied for the 2009 King George V Stakes, especially from 3lb out of the handicap. But at 66/1 Paul Hanagan guided him to his first victory on the biggest stage in British racing – favourite Zarinski was fourth. Cosmic Sun would gain five more wins in his career, though this was by far his biggest in terms of prize money.

1996

– Amfortas (66/1)

The Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes of 1996 featured jointfavourites in Shantou, third in the Derby two weeks earlier, and Prize Giving, second in a Listed race at Goodwood last time out. When Amfortas – beaten a total of 49 lengths in his three career starts – set out to make the running, there can’t have been too much panic. But he defied his odds of 66/1 to hold off all-comers and record a famous victory. He’d have just one more race, trailing home last in the Irish Derby.

2023 – Khaadem (80/1)

2020 – Nando Parrado (150/1)

COMPETITIVE ODDS

The Official Bookmaker of Royal Ascot and Ascot, Betfred is a trusted and respected global brand in the betting and gaming industry, with nearly 60 years of proud history as a family-owned business.

Well known for its competitive odds, diverse betting options and original promotions it always remains dedicated to its core values of integrity, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Betfred is committed to responsible gambling and has robust measures in place to ensure that its customers enjoy a fair and enjoyable experience within a safe and secure environment, whether betting in person or online.

If you think you’ve found the next long priced Royal Ascot winner you can visit Betfred in one of its shops, online or on course at Ascot in the following locations:

Visit Betfred

1. Grandstand Level 4, Royal Enclosure

2. Grandstand Concourse Level, Queen Anne Enclosure

3. Village Enclosure

4. Windsor Enclosure

LAVAZZA, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

2024 Lavazza Calendar - Photo by Aart Verrips

2024 is a year for big celebrations for Lavazza, from 10 years as the Official Coffee of Ascot to 20 years of sustainability projects around the world with the Giuseppe e Pericle Lavazza Foundation.

As one of the world's leading coffee roasters, Lavazza has been in pursuit of innovation for over 120 years. Born in the heart of Turin in 1895, Lavazza started as a small artisanal coffee company and has since revolutionised coffee culture, spreading it from Italy throughout the world. Similarly, and a reason why the established partnership has worked so well for so long, Royal Ascot has a rich history and legacy that is celebrated each year with visitors and viewers from all over the world.

Throughout the year, Lavazza proudly serves all around the racecourse the smooth La Reserva de ¡Tierra! Colombia blend, sweet yet refined with acidity. This unique blend of Colombian washed Arabica contains coffee from the Meta region, where the Lavazza Foundation supports more than 100 farming families to restore coffee plantations. The ¡Tierra! bar on the ground floor in the Queen Anne Enclosure is a place that was created at Ascot specifically to celebrate stories like this one, that Lavazza makes possible around the world.

In 2004, the non-profit Giuseppe e Pericle Lavazza Foundation was established to coordinate social, environmental and economic projects in coffee-producing communities worldwide. The Foundation’s goal is to turn coffee into opportunities for producer countries and create a high-quality product that respects and protects the environment in a long-term framework of sustainable, social and economic development.

La Reserva de ¡Tierra! stands for a portfolio of coffee sustainability projects all under the umbrella of the Lavazza Foundation, managed directly or in partnership with local organisations and NGOs. At present 33 projects, in 20 countries across three continents, are supported and financed, benefiting almost 190,000 coffee growers.

The variety produced in Colombia is just one example of the impact that this programme has had on local communities, including coffee from the Meta region at the foot of the Andes, where coffee-growing had been abandoned for years due to internal conflict. Thanks to the Lavazza Foundation’s support, farming families were able to restore their plantations using sustainable techniques, providing greater economic security and autonomy for the communities.

The Lavazza Foundation is celebrating in 2024 its twenty year anniversary and this year’s Lavazza Calendar - ‘More than Us’ - vividly reflects the Foundation's extensive involvement in various initiatives globally. From Brazil and Yemen to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guatemala, among other countries, this year’s calendar showcases the diverse array of projects actively supported by the Foundation.

Going beyond its visual allure, the Lavazza Calendar 2024 embodies a heartfelt dedication to sustainability and social accountability. Drawing inspiration from the initiatives of the Lavazza Foundation and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, every image acts as a catalyst for discourse and proactive measures, advocating for gender equality, economic advancement, conscientious consumption, and environmental stewardship.

Lavazza's commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in every cup of coffee served. As the Official Coffee of Royal Ascot, a perfect cup of coffee to complement a day at the races has become an integral part of this iconic event. As Lavazza and Ascot continue their partnership, we can all look forward to more years of exceptional coffee and unforgettable moments.

2024 Lavazza Calendar - Top photo by Daniel Obasi, Bottom photo by Thandiwe Muriu

EXQUISITE ITALIAN COFFEE

Every year for the last decade, Lavazza baristas have tied up their aprons in preparation to serve Lavazza’s authentic Italian coffee as the Official Coffee of Royal Ascot. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the partnership, 10 years of the Lavazza bars being an integral part of the prestigious British racecourse.

In celebration of the milestone, Lavazza and Ascot have announced an extension to their legacy partnership, confirming that Lavazza will continue to fuel racegoers keen to enjoy Lavazza’s exquisite Italian coffees until 2026. This announcement cements the longstanding relationship between Lavazza and Royal Ascot, a natural collaboration based on a common passion for excellence and tradition.

As guests dust off their magnificent millinery creations and don their exquisite fashion, they will be able to sit back and relax again this year at the two incredible Lavazza pop-up bars – Cedar Tree Café in the Queen Anne Enclosure, and Miss Andretti in the Royal Enclosure, not forgetting the permanent bars like Lavazza On 4.

Visit a Lavazza Bar

Royal Enclosure:

1. Miss Andretti by Lavazza

2. La Reserva de Tierra Bar, Grandstand Concourse Level

5. Cedar Tree Café by Lavazza 1 3 2 4 5

3. Lavazza On 4, Grandstand Level 4

Queen Anne Enclosure:

4. Lavazza on the Ivy Wall

LIVE EVERY MOMENT RESPONSIBLY

SPONSOR

PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO 0.0%, OFFICIAL

Brewed in Italy to the original recipe since 1963, Peroni Nastro Azzurro exemplifies the traditions of Italian craftsmanship, passion and flair. Born in Rome, 1963, Birra Peroni brewed what was to become their greatest and most famous export: Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The No 1 premium Italian beer brand globally, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is gently brewed for an effervescent, refreshing, and crisp taste that’s full of life. It is also the UKs No 1 stylish beer and consistently voted as ‘the most loved lager’ by consumers.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro is committed to promoting responsible drinking and supporting increased consumer demand for alcohol-free beverages. In April 2022, they launched Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, which offers the same superior taste of Peroni Nastro Azzurro but 0.0% alcohol. Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% invites consumers to feel free to live every moment, safely, and in style. Inspiring them to enjoy the same experiences but with less alcohol, by providing an aspirational choice which suits their lifestyle.

In 2023, at Royal Ascot Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% encouraged racegoers to “stay on course”. In a unique campaign with Drinkaware, they delivered more than 65k samples to racegoers travelling from Waterloo, alongside promotions on site to encourage moderation at key moments in the day.

As part of the Asahi group, Peroni Nastro Azzurro have a sustainability strategy known as Legacy 2030, thinking not just about today but tomorrow by setting ambitious goals for a positive impact on people and planet. These goals are set out under four pillars:

Climate

By 2030 all their breweries will be carbon neutral with the ultimate goal of a Netzero supply chain by 2050.

Water

By 2025 they will use an average of less than 2.75 litres of water for every litre of beer brewed across all sites.

Packaging

100% of their packaging will be reusable or fully recyclable by 2030.

Ingredients

All of their ingredients will be certified sustainably sourced by 2030.

At the Peroni Nastro Azzurro brewery in Rome, they have already reduced their emissions and water usage by over 30% each with a recent addition of a 660m2 field of solar thermal to provide renewable heat to the brewery. With packaging great strides have been made with 44% of the beer brewed sold in reusable packaging, be it returnable bottles or on tap in pubs. As an extension to the work on packaging Peroni Nastro Azzurro is always trying to reduce waste at events and has had great success at Ascot working together on the returnable cup system.

At Royal Ascot this year, Peroni Nastro Azzurro will be activating in style at The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, where consumers will be able to immerse themselves in an exclusive and premium Italian setting; being able to enjoy the Peroni Nastro Azzurro portfolio, bespoke Peroni Nastro Azzurro cocktails, a personalisation station, a DJ during the quieter race moments and a lot more.

Plus, watch out for 0.0% activity, ranging from sampling to surprise and delight moments for those who join us at The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% will also be available more widely across bars at Ascot, as they continue the journey of being official beer sponsor of Ascot.

Visit the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Royal Enclosure:

1. Brown Jack Bar, Grandstand Level 4

Queen Anne Enclosure:

2. Desert Orchid, Grandstand Concourse Level

3. Queen Anne Lawn Bar by the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro

4. The Terrace Club featuring the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro

- advanced booking only

TASTE SENSATIONS

MAGNUM, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

Designed to stimulate the senses, look out for the new flavours.

Magnum Euphoria Pink Lemonade A Playful Symphony of Flavors

Magnum Euphoria Pink Lemonade invites Pleasure Seekers to embrace their playful side. Delight in the tangy lemon ice cream that envelops a refreshing raspberry sorbet core. Encased in thick cracking white chocolate, adorned with popping candy and raspberry crunch pieces, this variant offers Pleasure Seekers the freedom to indulge in a moment of bliss at any time.

Magnum Chill Blueberry Cookie

An Unapologetically Indulgent Experience

For those seeking an unapologetically indulgent experience, Magnum Chill Blueberry Cookie is your go-to delight. Dive into the deliciously fruity blueberry sorbet core, embraced by velvety biscuit and vanilla flavour ice cream. Dipped in thick cracking vegan chocolate, with indulgent dark cookie pieces, this variant is a true testament to indulgence without compromise.

ORIGINAL SINCE 1989

Magnum is more than just an ice cream. Masterfully crafted, high quality ingredients create an experience that triggers all 5 senses. From the first crack of chocolate to the very last drop of ice cream on the stick. This Royal Ascot indulge in the perfect combination of thick cracking chocolate and velvety vanilla ice cream. At Royal Ascot all racegoers can find Magnum at ice-cream concessions throughout the enclosures. Keep it classic or elevate your experience with a visit to the exclusive Magnum dipping bar.

Visit the Magnum Dipping Bar in the Royal Enclosure

The bespoke Magnum dipping experience is back! Guests will be able to enjoy a specially created ‘Royal’ Ascot Magnum ice cream or personalise their own bespoke Magnum with a selection of carefully curated toppings. It involves dipping Magnum ice cream into a chocolate of your choice, before selecting from a variety of delicious toppings.

Visit the Magnum Dipping Bar in the Royal Enclosure, Grandstand Level 4

A REFRESHING JOURNEY THROUGH 450 YEARS

HARROGATE SPRING WATER, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

Imagine stepping back in time to the year 1571, where the mineral springs of Harrogate were first discovered by William Slingsby. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Harrogate Spring Water. Back then, Queen Elizabeth I's personal physician, Dr. Bright, hailed the waters for their "medicinal properties," giving birth to the title "The English Spa" for Harrogate.

Fast forward through the centuries, and Harrogate continued to reveal its natural wonders, unveiling more mineral springs including the Chalybeate and Magnesia Springs. Today, Harrogate boasts an astonishing 88 mineral springs, each with its own hydro-geological uniqueness, making it a true marvel of the natural world.

As word of Harrogate's healing waters spread, the town flourished, gaining its own season and attracting visitors from far and wide. The rich, famous, and aristocratic flocked to Harrogate to "take the waters" and immerse themselves in the vibrant social scene. Even renowned English novelist Charles Dickens couldn't resist commenting on the town's allure, describing it as "the queerest place with the strangest people in it, leading the oddest lives of dancing, newspaper reading, and dining!"

Centuries may have passed, but the essence of wellbeing remains timeless. Harrogate Spring Water believes that a balanced life leads to a richer one, and they continue to champion this ethos through their mindful drinking mission.

Drinking life in* is all about celebration and connection. That's why Harrogate Spring Water encourages everyone to approach drinking mindfully, creating opportunities to savour shared experiences and cherish life's moments - with or without alcohol.

But Harrogate Spring Water’s journey doesn't stop there. In addition to its rich history and commitment to wellbeing, the company is dedicated to sustainability and environmental

responsibility. As a B Corporation-certified company, Harrogate Spring Water holds itself to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Over the years, Harrogate Spring Water has taken steps to minimize its environmental impact, adopting a zero-wasteto-landfill policy, moving to 50% recycled plastic across the range, and powering the North Yorkshire-based factory through renewable energy sources.

So, let's raise a glass (of water!) to 450 years of heritage, wellbeing, and community. Remember, please drink mindfully, and let's toast to a Royal Ascot to remember!

A WORLD OF MINDFULNESS

Mindful drinking is an idea gathering pace, with more and more people getting on board and enjoying the wide variety of low and no alcohol options, from beer to wine, cocktails, and of course, water. In fact, in Harrogate Spring Water’s Mindful Drinking survey 2023, 44% of people said they see mindful drinking as a way to bring more moderation into their life.

Harrogate Spring Water is on a mission to encourage mindful drinking, with a destination for racegoers to come together and drink together. The Mindful Drinking Bar by Harrogate Spring Water launched due to this growing trend of people choosing to drink less alcohol and seek out more mindful and healthy alternatives.

The bar was created to be a calming and relaxing place for guests to enjoy a drink while also being mindful of their health and wellbeing. It is now a firm fixture at Royal Ascot, promoting mindfulness and wellness. Guests can enjoy a capsule range of low and no alcohol cocktails, beer or Champagne and double up their drink order with Harrogate Spring Water’s award-winning still and sparkling spring water.

Visit The Mindful Drinking Bar by Harrograte Spring Water in the Queen Anne Enclosure

MEET DAVID HOWDEN

GROUP CEO OF HOWDEN AND THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN HORSE RACING

HOWDEN, OFFICIAL PARTNER

I’ve always had a passion for horses, horse racing and for Royal Ascot in particular. In fact, outside my office, there’s a fantastic picture of the mighty Frankel himself who, of course, ruled unbeaten on the racecourse for several unforgettable seasons. Admittedly, I came to riding late. My sister rode horses. I rode motorbikes. But, as they say, you’re never too old to learn. I started riding after I turned fifty. Let’s just say it was a steep learning curve… Fortunately, my daughters are far more accomplished. All of them ride and one is even on the British Eventing Junior team. Yet, in many ways, the equestrianism is secondary. Racing has given me so much down the years. Friendships for life. A sense of belonging. And a feeling of community. All qualities I wanted to bring to Howden.

Which is why our decision to partner up with Ascot in 2021 made so much sense. This wasn’t just about presenting trophies in the winner’s enclosure or working with legends like Frankie Dettori – brilliant as that has been. It was also about recognising a natural fit between our businesses. After all, we’re both great British companies with huge international reach. We are both on top form - Ascot at the pinnacle of British racing and Howden at the height of British insurance broking. And we both have equine embedded in our DNA.

Nor is Howden only involved in the usual areas of bloodstock insurance. We also provide cancellation and event insurance – the sort of insurance that helped these nationally important events keep running and paying their people during the hard times of the pandemic. And we’re there right down to the grassroots as a partner of the Pony Club as well as British Carriage Driving. No wonder that, spurred on by our Ascot partnership, Howden is now galloping ahead in the racing stakes - sponsoring major meetings with international relevance from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to Australia.

But there’s an even more powerful connection between Ascot and Howden: a shared belief in nurturing talent. While Ascot regularly welcome hundreds of young pony riders from across the country to experience racing on the hallowed turf, we’re taking every opportunity to invite our people here to soak up the unique Ascot atmosphere and get inspired. That includes running career days for hundreds of youngsters from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s a chance for them to listen to guest speakers like our very own Lydia Heywood – an Equine Development Executive – who has a dream to ride for Jamaica in the Olympics.

Last Christmas we also took more than 5,000 of our employees down to the course so they could enjoy jumps racing and Christmas festivities with their families. And this year we’re going to have more people on site in a professional capacity than ever before. From picnicking in the car parks, to using hospitality suites across all the enclosures – guaranteeing our clients and colleagues have a fantastic day out. What’s more, plans are in the pipeline to build a lasting legacy within racing. So, watch this space.

Yet I believe you have to do more than just nurture talent. You have to celebrate it. And let’s face it, if you’re going to toast success there is no better place in the world to come. Whether you’re applauding these incredible horses – remarkable athletes in their own right - or their brave riders and skilled trainers. Or whether you’re raising a glass (or two) to the great staff and fantastic clients who have made our great companies what they are today. So, when we decided to launch our rebrand last October, the same month that Frankie rode King Of Steel to victory in the Champion Stakes, there was only one venue we looked at.

After all, where else will you find fashion, royalty and horses gathered in one place? Where else will you be treated like a King or Queen while watching the Sport of Kings over five glorious days? And where else can you go to see spine-tingling action on the track and leave with magical memories off it? Memories that, like the rides of the magnificent Frankie or the exploits of Frankel the Great, will stay with you for a lifetime.

2023 Howden Ambassador Frankie Dettori celebrates victory after winning the 2023 Champion Stakes.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF HOWDEN

Howden is a leading independent provider of insurance brokerage, risk consulting and employee benefits advice.

Celebrating our 30th anniversary this year, we are a truly global business with 17,500 people based in Europe and the Middle East, Asia and Africa as well as Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.

Headquartered in the UK but with offices in 55 countries, we provide specialist broking expertise to 100 territories.

But we’re here at Ascot because a love of horses is embedded into our company DNA.

In fact, there’s not much our specialist insurance brokers don’t know about equestrian risk – which is why we’re working with everyone from racecourses to racehorse trainers to the owners themselves.

Our passion comes from the very top. Our founder and CEO David Howden is the founder and President of Cornbury Horse Trials.

And through The Howden Way, he is investing in developing the next exciting generation of British event riders.

THE ESCLANS VALLEY

WHISPERING ANGEL, OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

Today’s worldwide reference for Provence rosé, Whispering Angel has become a global icon for this perfectly pink drink.

Made from grapes grown in the Côtes de Provence region, and crafted in the cellars of Caves d’Esclans, this wine is the embodiment of Sacha Lichine’s vision. On acquiring the property in 2006, he had a mission to create the first fine rosé wines the world had ever seen. He enlisted the help of the venerable Patrick Leon, who had previously been Head Winemaker at Chateau Mouton Rothschild, and together they introduced new and innovative winemaking techniques to Provence, which revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this appellation.

This in turn led to the creation of a world class rosé portfolio including The Pale, Whispering Angel, Rock Angel, Château d’Esclans, Les Clans, and Garrus: a new generation of rosés characterized by elegance, depth, richness and complexity.

The Esclans Valley, home to Chateau d’Esclans, is set in the heart of Provence. Through this valley the mythic Mistral wind blows, a wind capable of reaching speeds of over 50mph, blowing over everything in its path. Yet even with its potential for destruction, it is a vital component to the wine making process in this region. Thanks to the strength of the Mistral, cloud cover is easily blown away, ensuring bright, sunny days that are ideal for ripening fruit, and on top of this it also helps to normalize temperatures, ensuring it is neither too cold, nor too hot for the grapes to grow to perfection.

THE HEART OF THE ACTION

Whispering Angel returns to Royal Ascot for a second year as the Official Premium Rosé. All of these wines can be found across many of the restaurants and bars at the racecourse, however the heart of the action will be at Le Mistral by Whispering Angel. This bar, situated next to the famous Bandstand in the Queen Anne Enclosure will bring a little piece of Provence to life and racegoers will be able to enjoy a delicious glass of rosé, whether it be the crowd favourite Whispering Angel, or another delicious wine from the range.

Wine making is ultimately a collaboration with Mother Nature. At Chateau d’Esclans, the wine makers work in harmony with the forces of the elements to produce the very best quality grapes, and subsequently craft the very best quality wines. The Mistral plays an incredibly important part in the creation of the wines, and so Whispering Angel felt that naming a bar after it, at Ascot no less, would be giving it the credit it is truly due. 1

Visit Le Mistral by Whispering Angel in the Queen Anne Enclosure

RAISE A GLASS

We’re delighted to announce that Chapel Down has become the Official English Sparkling Wine of Royal Ascot.

Chapel Down is England’s leading winemaker with a mission to change the way the world thinks about English wine. Based in the Garden of England, its world class winemaking team produces award-winning sparkling wines of exceptional quality.

Fresh and crisp, we invite you to raise a glass of England’s finest at Royal Ascot this year.

Discover the Chapel Down home at its winery estate in Tenterden, Kent, for guided tours and experiences with its team of passionate wine experts.

Learn the process of winemaking from grape to glass, enjoy a guided tour around the vineyards, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant.

The Chapel Down Winery is open to the public throughout the year for guided tours and gift experiences. Just one hour from London by train and with tour prices starting from £30 per person, enjoy a visit to England’s leading wine producer in the heart of the Garden of England.

Book online at www.chapeldown.com

A LIMITED EDITION

From 2024, Chapel Down is the ‘Official English Sparkling Wine’ of Royal Ascot. This is the first time in the 300-year history of Ascot Racecourse that an English wine brand has become an official supplier.

To mark this exciting new partnership, Chapel Down is releasing a limited edition commemorative Royal Ascot sparkling wine. Chapel Down Royal Ascot Edition is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc and Early Pinot Noir, pressed in the Garden of England. With extended ageing on lees, the resulting wine is crisp, fresh and elegant with hints of apple, light red berries and brioche.

‘Extra Brut’ in style, this English sparkling wine is crafted to perfectly accompany such food as seafood platters, grilled white fish or summer chicken dishes. It will be available on site and can also be purchased from the Chapel Down website.

Visit the Yeats Bar by Chapel Down in the Queen Anne Enclosure

WORTH FLYING FOR

Over 40,000 sq. metres of spectacular shopping.

Thousands of limited editions and travel exclusives.

Hundreds of the world’s most desirable brands. But only one glorious destination: Dubai Duty Free.

THE WORLD’S PREMIER INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS’ CHALLENGE

Founded in 1983, Dubai Duty Free recorded first-year sales of US$20 million and has grown into one of the biggest travel retail operators in the world with sales turnover of Dhs7.885 billion or US$2.16 billion in 2023.

Now employing over 5,600 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow. In addition to a remarkable turnover, Dubai Duty Free has continued its investment in the development and expansion of its retail offer both in Dubai International Airport and at Al Maktoum International Airport with the total retail area close to 40,000 square meters.

A supporter of horse racing for more than 25 years, with the sport playing an important role in Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship portfolio, Dubai Duty Free is the title sponsor of four horse racing events in the UK and Ireland.

These include the hugely popular Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup held at Ascot in August, which is widely regarded as the world’s premier international jockeys’ challenge. Dubai Duty Free has been associated with the Shergar Cup as a team sponsor since its inception in 1999 and in 2014 they extended their support to include sponsorship of all six races on the day’s card.

DUBAI DUTY FREE, OFFICIAL SPONSOR

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Jayson Fong Front cover, Back cover

Getty Images

3, 8, 17, 24, 28, 38, 45, 46, 47, 50, 52, 53, 60, 62, 65, 66, 68, 71, 78, 80

Megan Ridgwell

11, 13, 26, 29, 34, 42, 77, 140

Nicole Hains

12, 18, 19, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 100, 137

Francesca Altoft 14, 41

George Selwyn

20

Trevor Jones

21

Shaun Botterill

22

Gareth Cattermole

23

Christoper Lee

25

Georgina Preston 59

Action Images / Scott Heavey Livepic 72

Bill Selwyn 73

David Vail 90, 123, 124, 127

Stephanie O’Callaghan 98, 128, 130, 131

Thomas Alexander 101

James Robjant 103, 106, 110, 111

Sealand Aerial Photography 213

Will Bailey 134

COMING UP AT ASCOT

FLAT SEASON

Summer Mile Racing Weekend

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th July

QIPCO King George Racing Weekend Friday 26th & Saturday 27th July

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Saturday 10th August

September Racing Weekend Friday 6th & Saturday 7th September

Autumn Racing Weekend & Beer Festival Friday 4th & Saturday 5th October

QIPCO British Champions Day Saturday 19th October

JUMPS SEASON

Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday Saturday 2nd November

November Racing Weekend

Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd November

Howden Christmas Racing Weekend Friday 20th & Saturday 21st December

With 26 racedays throughout the year there is an occasion at Ascot for all to enjoy. From the splendour of Royal Ascot to family fun, live music and much more.

Join us and be part of it.

BOOK NOW AT ASCOT.COM