Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire is a venue that needs little introduction, having become one of the most iconic horseracing establishments not just in the UK, but the world. Long associated with elegance and prestige, and steeped in rich history and tradition, Ascot is more than just that, and as well as hosting one of the biggest events in the British racing calendar – Royal Ascot, which takes place each summer – it’s also the home of a number of other prestigious events that take place throughout the year, including the QIPCO British Champions Day in October, the thrilling finale to the British flat racing season.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the venue with Great British Racing – the sport’s official marketing and promotional body – for that very racing meet, where I joined them to experience the thrill of the chase from a private box, right on the finish line.
The QIPCO British Champions Day is the finale of the British flat racing season, where an impressive line-up of horses, jockeys and trainers meet on the turf for a final showdown. The QIPCO British Champions Series showcases 35 of the UK’s finest flat races, including three of the world’s top five. The series features at all of the UK’s most iconic flat festivals, from the Derby, St Leger and York’s Ebor Festival, to Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot, presenting unparalleled, quality racing across 10 of the country’s finest racecourses, and includes world-class sporting action across five different categories – Sprint, Mile, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Fillies and Mares.
Six top-class races marked the climax of the series on the ultimate raceday – the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot – where the world’s best compete at the nation’s richest raceday. And this year’s event was certainly a memorable one; not only did I have the chance to see Italian sensation Frankie Dettori – who is relocating to the USA to race after this year after 36 glittering years in the saddle, making it the last opportunity to see Dettori ride in Europe on his final raceday in the continent – thunder home to a stunning double aboard the majestic King of Steel in the QIPCO Champion Stakes, but I also revelled in the lavish trackside celebrations, set against the backdrop of a live performance by Groove Armada, and rubbed shoulders with well-dressed spectators whilst indulging in gourmet dining and plenty of champagne.
It was an opulent experience all round, and served as a reminder of just why Ascot Racecourse really is the epitome of luxury and aspiration – in every way. When it comes to quintessentially British days out, it really doesn’t get much better than this, and if you’re the type who likes to experience sports in the lap of luxury, then there’s no better place.
Rich history and heritage – Royal Ascot
Easily the most notable event to take place at Ascot and to have won the racecourse its iconic status is the world-renowned Royal Ascot meeting – a prestigious event, and a rather regal affair that has been the highlight of not just the British sporting calendar, but also the social calendar, for over 300 years. So esteemed is the event that it attracts affluent guests from across the nation and the globe to its lavish Royal Enclosure, where guests can enjoy privileged prime seating, mouth-watering fine dining cooked, and of course, plenty of free-flowing champagne whilst watching the on-track action unfold. Even members of the British Royal Family attend the event each year, and the pageantry it’s known for means that it has become just as much a showcase for fashion as it has world-class horseracing, with female guests turning out in their finery for Ladies’ Day in a bid to be named Royal Ascot’s best-dressed guest.
The QIPCO British Champions Day, however, is not to be underestimated, and over its 12-year existence, has established itself as the UK’s richest raceday, with over £4 million in prize money. With the excitement inevitably reaching fever pitch and a host of notable guests turning out to cheer on some of Britain’s very finest, it’s easily – from personal experience – one of the most exciting racedays anywhere in the world.
Racing excellence
Of course, the racing itself is the main reason Royal Ascot attracts such an impressive turnout of high-calibre visitors. Ascot Racecourse plays host to some of the most prestigious races on the global stage, notably including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, so it goes without saying that it also attracts some of the very best horses, jockeys and trainers who turn out ready to battle it out to be crowned champion. In a showcase of the finest skill and athleticism, there are few better places to take in some truly edge-of-your seat action, with the talent always of an impressive standard, and millions of pounds changing hands in prize money and bets combined.
Ascot’s diverse racing calendar continues throughout the year, offering a wide spectrum of racing experiences that include everything from exciting jump racing during the jumps season to the adrenaline-fuelled flat racing of the summer months. Which means if you’re more than just a fair weather supporter, the next big race is never far off.
The pinnacle of luxury
It has to be said though, that while racing is of course the main event at Ascot Racecourse on every occasion, the lavish hospitality also plays a starring role. Culinary connoisseurs opting for an elevated experience with one of the plush hospitality packages on offer will find an array of gourmet dining options, with exquisite tasting menus dreamt up by Michelin-starred celebrity chefs. Plus, add to that the sophisticated cocktail and champagne bars where racegoers can get a top up of the very finest bubbly money can buy, and it’s a thoroughly opulent experience from start to finish.
The exclusive hospitality packages on offer include private boxes with sweeping views down over the racecourse to ensure guests never miss a moment of the latest on-track drama, with a range of bespoke hospitality packages on offer to suit the needs of even the most discerning of guests, so if you back a winner on the day then you’ll most certainly be able to celebrate in style. And if not, then the chance to soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying unparalleled luxury and impeccable service feels like a victory in itself.
On QIPCO British Champions Day, I enjoyed a superior vantage point that afforded me privileged vistas of the horses thundering home from my private box’s elevated viewing deck. Located in the members only King Edward VII Enclosure, refreshments were available from the sophisticated Caviar House and Prunier Seafood Bar, which of course went down a treat. There’s also an alcohol-free area at Lavazza on level four of the Grandstand – which arguably has the very best views of all – but personally, I was more than happy raising a toast to the day’s successes with Great British Racing.
As for Royal Ascot, the Royal Enclosure is the place to be – and as the name suggests, it plays host to various royal guests, as well as celebrities, socialites and other affluent guests from across the globe each year.
Racehorse ownership
For aspiring racehorse owners, there was also the first ever QIPCO British Champions Day Goffs Sale ahead of racing, with the leading thoroughbred auction house, Goffs, offering a new boutique horses-in-training sale. Here, five elite horses-in-training were paraded in the ring, with an auction conducted from the winner’s podium.
There’s no denying that seeing your very own racehorse run to victory on the tracks and see your silks carried to glory would almost certainly elevate the Ascot experience even further – and is a great way to get even more involved with the centuries-old tradition of racing. For those looking to begin their journey into ownership, Great British Racing International (GBRI) is a dedicated resource for those looking to begin their journey into British horseracing. GBRI is an impartial, not-for-profit organisation, recognised by British racing’s industry bodies.
