The Royal Ascot 203 is underway, here is your guide to the most prestigious horse race in the world – from horses and jockeys to fashion and fascinators!
As legend goes, in 1711 Queen Anne rode her horse from Windsor Castle to Ascot and said: ‘This would be a fine place for a race!’. And that was it!
Royal Ascot 2023 which is currently underway (20th-24th June) is underway and marks the start of one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, and it takes place every year in June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. The event is a five-day festival of racing, fashion, and fine dining, and it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
It will also be the first time King Charles III will lead the Royal procession a tradition favored by his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The History of Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot has a long and rich history, dating back to 1711 when it was first held by King George I. The event was originally intended as a private race meeting for the royal family and their guests, but it soon opened up to the public and became one of the most popular social events in the British calendar.
The Races
Royal Ascot features a wide variety of races, including flat races, hurdle races, and steeplechase races. The most famous race of the week is the Gold Cup, which is a two-mile steeplechase for four-year-olds and older horses. Other notable races include the Queen Anne Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes, and the St. Leger Stakes.
The Fashion
Royal Ascot is also known for its elaborate fashion, and it is one of the few occasions where women are still expected to wear hats and fascinators. The dress code is strict, and women are not allowed to wear shorts, trousers, or trainers. However this year the rules have been relaxed a little. Men are expected to wear a morning suit or a lounge suit. The Royal Ascot has launched its own lookbook as well.
Here are some of the jockeys and horses to look out for at the Royal Ascot in 2023:
Jockeys
Frankie Dettori
Dettori is one of the most successful jockeys in the world, and he has won 77 races at Royal Ascot. He will be riding a number of top horses at the meeting, including Stradivarius in the Gold Cup. This is his last showing at the Royal Ascot.
William Buick
Buick is another top jockey who has won multiple races at Royal Ascot. He will be riding a number of strong contenders, including Perfect Power in the King’s Stand Stakes.
Ryan Moore
Moore is one of the most consistent jockeys in the world, and he has won 50 races at Royal Ascot. He will be riding a number of well-fancied horses, including Love in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Oisin Murphy
Murphy is the current champion jockey in Britain, and he is always a threat to win at Royal Ascot. He will be riding a number of talented horses, including Broome in the St. Leger Stakes.
HORSES
Stradivarius
Stradivarius is a six-time winner of the Gold Cup, and he is the defending champion. He is still going strong at the age of eight, and he will be a strong favourite to win again in 2023.
Perfect Power
Perfect Power is a five-furlong specialist who has won all of his races this year. He is the favourite to win the King’s Stand Stakes, and he could be the star of the meeting.
Love
Love is a top-class filly who has won two Group 1 races this year. She is the favourite to win the Queen Anne Stakes, and she could be the first filly to win the race since Estimate in 2013.
Broome
Broome is a versatile horse who has won at all distances from six furlongs to two miles. He is the favourite to win the St. Leger Stakes, and he could be the first horse to win the race since Adayar in 2020.
These are just a few of the jockeys and horses to look out for at the Royal Ascot in 2023. It is sure to be a thrilling week of racing, and there will be plenty of winners to cheer for.
