MAIN Recreation Sports Horse Racing Ascot Week 2021

Situated about 45 minutes from London is an annual display of royal pageantry and high stakes horse racing known as Ascot.

More famously, it's a convenient excuse to dress up, put on outrageous hats, and rub shoulders with the upper crust at one of THE events of the British summer social calendar.

This year, the races and festivities take place at the Ascot Racecourse from Tuesday, June 15th through Saturday, June 19th.

Ascot Gold Cup

Ascot's most prestigious event, the Gold Cup, takes place on Thursday, June 17 with Stradivarius, the Irish thoroughbred at 5-4 odds poised to take his fourth Gold Cup trophy.

Stradivarius' main challengers include Subjectivist at 5-1, Trueshan at 8/1, Tiger Moth and Spanish Mission both at 10-1, and Santiago and Princess Zoe both at 12/1.

Perhaps more famous for non-racing fans, Ladies Day -- with its most famous hat extravaganza -- is scheduled on the same day.

Ascot Week 2021 television schedule - USA

As part of a multi-year deal with Ascot, US broadcaster NBC traditionally provides coverage each day from Tuesday to Saturday for a total of 15 hours of programming, covered by NBC Sports Live Extra, the live streaming service for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs.

All races are televised live in the UK on Channel 4 and Racing UK TV, and in Australia on Channel 7.

All about Ascot

The history of the Royal Ascot races date back to the days of Queen Anne, when the first royal Ascot racecourse was laid out by decree for "horses to gallop at a stretch." This first ever royal race took place on Saturday, August 11, 1711 as jockeys vied for The Queen’s Plate - worth a staggering £100!

Today, the royal romp continues as Queen Elizabeth II and her family attend the week-long race each year.

Visitors to London can watch the royal family leave Windsor Castle during the festive week by standing in the Long Walk (access via Park Street) at approximately 1:30 pm each day. Catch a glimpse as the fleet of cars carrying the Royals emerge from the castle on their way to Ascot..

To better accommodate the modern royal retinue, millions of pounds were spent at a newly revamped Ascot racecourse (in 2006) that made way for new restaurants, bars, and corporate suites.

Plan to attend this year? Remember that race tickets go fast, not only for the UK's hottest horse racing event, but for London and Windsor area hotel bookings, as well.

At Ascot, group and priority admission tickets are on sale at the gate in early autumn of the previous year. General admission tickets later open to the public in November.

Getting to Ascot

Watch for advertisements or check the Internet for travel packages during Ascot Week providing transportation to and from the racecourse each day by car, minibus or private coach. For independent travelers, here are directions by car or train:

By car - From London, take M5 Junction 6 to A332 Windsor by-pass and follow the signs to Ascot.

By train - South West Trains runs regularly scheduled service to Ascot from Reading, Guildford and London Waterloo. The average travel time is 27 minutes from Reading and 52 minutes from London's Waterloo station.

Ascot customs & traditions

For the lucky few who make it into the Royal Enclosure, Ascot dress and conduct codes are strictly enforced during Ascot Week. These include morning coats and top hats for the gentlemen, and hats and day dresses for the ladies (no bare shoulders or midriffs, please.)

Despite the royal connections, the gathering is perhaps more known for designer outfits and spectacular hats including rabid UK press coverage of who wore what on Ladies Day.

Also noteworthy are the Ascot "tailgate" picnics in the parking area, which have nothing to do with sandwiches or barbecue - but more likely champagne and lobster consumed from the back of a limo!

Have fun!

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More about Ascot Week around the Web:

On the Web, discover more history and hats, pictures, results & updates on the annual rite of conspicuous hobnobbing, heraldry & horse racing during Ascot Week ....
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Welcome to Ascot Racecourse - The official site of the horse racing track with current news & information, pictures, feature stories, ticket info & complete fixture schedule.

Royal Ascot - Featuring a secret route map to the Ascot racecourse, with driving directions to help avoid the traditional traffic jams on race days - plus lots of interesting pictures, history and factoids, weather info and recommended nearby hotels.

Royal Ascot horse racing event photo guide - Take the virtual tour, courtesy of UKStudentLife.com with a full picture gallery of racing action, Ascot fashions, and the royal family in attendance.

Royal Ascot History & Cartoon Fun - Interesting & detailed history of the famous race with a picture of the Gold Cup, facts on the extravagant hats worn on Ladies Day, the Royal Enclosure, and related Royal Ascot customs and traditions.

Royal Ascot Fashion Dos and Don'ts - Hats for the ladies, morning coats for the gentlemen, and no gum chewing, thank you. Plus more on social etiquette observed at Ascot week from this archived report from BBC...