When it comes to the year’s most exciting sporting events, Royal Ascot is up there with the best of them, and is a particular favourite amongst luxury lovers seeking a weekend of indulgence and excess. While there’s no denying that this adrenaline-fuelled horse racing event attracts a crowd who like to party, it’s largely the kind who know how to do it in style, and with thousands of spectators and avid bettors alike flocking to the stands and VIP boxes to watch the action unfold, it remains one of the most highly sought-after events in the sporting calendar.
Kicking off this year on Tuesday, 14th June and running until Saturday, 18th, it isn’t long until the next instalment of this captivating affair is upon us and, once again, we can expect to see an affluent crowd turning out to take in the trackside drama and celebrate all week long.
An esteemed event that even royalty can’t keep away from, the Queen herself, as well as William and Kate, are known to have been in attendance in the past – and this year’s guest list is certain to be just as star-studded.
A prime example of grand British tradition and a showcase of the finer things in life, an impressive prize purse isn’t the only thing that makes Royal Ascot one of the most iconic events in the sporting calendar.
But just what is it about this particular event that has won the hearts of affluent sports fans from across the globe? We asked the experts at leading sports betting site Free Bets to shed some light on its appeal, and the reasons it remains one of the most prestigious luxury events in the world.
Indulgence and excess
Ascot is one of Britain’s most historic racing events, and every year, spectators turn out to watch some of the world’s most expensive thoroughbred horses go head to head in a bid to scoop an impressive £6.5 million prize purse. Worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, the horses seen here, and the results they achieve, are the culmination of intensive training by some of the most skilled professionals from across the globe, with some eye-watering investments made into the process to ensure that each entrant is at the top of its game.
As a result, the event is a favourite amongst flush sports bettors eager to indulge in a flutter, so it isn’t just the horses and their trainers who stand to win big. The excitement and energy that are ever-present throughout the eighteen races of the five-day event set the perfect scene for some extravagant wagers to be placed – with the victorious often seen splashing their winnings on expensive bottles of champagne for their accompanying parties as they pull out all the stops to celebrate.
While the horses themselves and the betting are, of course, two of the main draws of Ascot, the event is also known for its opulent food, drink and entertainment scene – particularly for those splurging on VIP hospitality packages. With Michelin-starred dining available throughout, and of course, plenty more champagne flowing to wash it all down with, guests come to Ascot to be spoiled and treated like royalty, and with world class entertainment from famous DJs and musicians, you can expect a lively atmosphere that’s vibrant, infectious and unwavering for the entire duration – setting the stage for an enjoyable experience all round.
Of course, no prestigious event would be complete with a little bit of people spotting, and Royal Ascot attracts an upscale crowd that often includes celebrities. Guests turn out in their finest in a showcase of some of the world’s most iconic and opulent fashion houses, with designer labels clamouring to dress some of the best-known guests in attendance. Ladies’ Day is a prime example of the opulent dressing you can expect to see here, with hats, fascinators and the highest of Louboutins the order of the day.
Whilst there’s no denying that things at Ascot can, at times, get a little raucous, you can be certain of a classy experience when attending as a VIP, and although an exclusive hospitality package might be pricey, if you’re looking to rub shoulders with the rich and famous and enjoy an opulent experience from start to finish, then it’s undoubtedly worth the spend. After two years of restrictions in light of the global pandemic, this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever before – so if you’ve yet to attend, then 2022 is the perfect time to do it.
