The RIGHT way to do Royal Ascot! Etiquette expert William Hanson reveals how to 'rub shoulders with the upper echelons of society' (just don't call it horse racing)

  • William Hanson talks you through the social rules of Royal Ascot
  • The etiquette expert gives advice on when to go and what to wear
  • He also explains how to make an all import bet at the races  

Once again we are reaching the hoofed peak of the English social season. 

Although it must be remembered that Ascot does hold 26 days of racing a year, it is only this five-day meeting in June that is termed ‘Royal Ascot’.

For those who wish to rub shoulders with the upper echelons of society, please note that whatever you do, don’t call it ‘horse racing’. 

It is just ‘racing’ – as the attitude of the top classes is what on earth else do you race? Cars and motorbikes are certainly not raced.

William Hanson talks you through the rules of Ascot etiquette to see that you make the most of your time there

William Hanson talks you through the rules of Ascot etiquette to see that you make the most of your time there

WHERE'S BEST TO WATCH THE RACE?

To be honest, you may as well stay at home if you are not ‘Royal Enclosure’. This is the invitation-only area of the racecourse where only the best of the best will be found. 

You have to be proposed into the enclosure by someone who is already a member and has been for four years. 

Not everyone is allowed in, and memberships are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

Until 1955, divorcees were not permitted, and still to this day anyone with a criminal record or those who have been declared bankrupt are barred.

Thursday is Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot and always proves a popular day to visit 

Thursday is Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot and always proves a popular day to visit 

WHAT DAY SHOULD ONE ATTEND?

Tuesday is the first racing day and is very popular. Wednesday is the bookmakers favourite and more betting than any other day takes places. 

Thursday is Ladies’ Day, although this is somewhat of a misnomer as men are allowed entry. Friday and Saturday are less busy and quite popular with the young.

WHERE'S THE ROYAL BIT OF ASCOT? 

Before the racing begins, the royal party arrives through the golden gates of Windsor Great Park in open carriages, drawn by Windsor greys. 

(NB: Windsor greys are a type of horse, not senior members of the royal family.) 

The crowds cheer and wave, and men remove their hats as the carriages drive past.

Before the racing begins the royal party arrive in open carriages as the crowd waves them on

Before the racing begins the royal party arrive in open carriages as the crowd waves them on

William says hats are absolutely obligatory and women should never wear a fascinator

William says hats are absolutely obligatory and women should never wear a fascinator

WHERE SHOULD YOU PARK YOUR LUXURY VOLVO? 

There is a certain amount of debate as to what the best car park is at Royal Ascot. Number 1 Car Park is probably the best, and most certainly the smartest place of your luxury picnic with alfresco munchiettes. 

Number 7 Car Park is reserved for Royal Enclosure members only, so this is a socially acceptable car park as well.

WHAT DOES ONE WEAR? 

Dress for the Royal Enclosure is Morning Dress, which is not to be termed ‘Morning Suit’ (as it is not a suit as nothing matches). 

William says that spaghetti straps and exposed midriffs are equally as offensive  

William says that spaghetti straps and exposed midriffs are equally as offensive  

Referring to it as such will immediately show you up as a cad. Your Royal Enclosure status will probably be withdrawn, quicker than you can say ‘Coach Park Number 11’.

Royal Ascot is synonymous with hats: top hats for the men, and often elaborate hats for the women. 

 

The rules have changed in the last few years, and those awful fascinators are no longer allowed. 

There was never anything fascinating about fascinators and the dress code for Ascot has finally realised this. 

You should adopt the same attitude when asked about such things. (NB: You will still see people in fascinators at Royal Ascot, but they will just be Grandstand people, not Royal Enclosure.)

Also not to be worn by or seen on the women are: spaghetti straps, halter necks, off the shoulder outfits or exposed midriffs. 

This would quite limit the cast of The Only Way is Essex. And that is exactly the point.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE SAYING? 

When amongst racing types, talk about ‘The Going’. This is the description of the ground conditions experienced by the horse. Knowledge of this, a more technical aspect of racing, will give you maximum social capital. 

The Going scale is: heavy, soft, good to soft, good, good to firm, firm and hard. The Going is announced around seven days before the meeting. 

If the course is too hard then Clerk of the Course comes out with a watering can to water the course (…sort of).

HOW DOES ONE PLACE A BET? 

You need to place your bet with conviction. You list how much you want to bet, what type of bet (to win or each way), which horse (number and/or name) and the time of the race. 

For example, ‘£10 to win on number 3, Charles’s Fancy, in the 4.25’. Make sure your collect and keep your receipt for if/when you win.

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