Words: Freddie Church
Tomorrow, the British summer of sport begins with the opening of Royal Ascot, a famous favourite for horse racing fans around the world. The British do these types of events unbelievably well, and Ascot is no exception. The outfits, the etiquette, the horses: what’s not to love? Here we survey the weeks highlights as the worlds best jockeys and horses go in search of glory.
Tuesday
The opening day of the meeting is often considered the best day of flat racing in the UK, and starts as always with the Queen Anne stakes, the first of eight group one contests. Named after the Monarch who stated the event back in 1711, the race features some of the world’s best flat racing horses, with ‘queen of the turf’ Tepin certainly one to look out for, but with the classically British forecast and the impact this might have on the ground other horses who run better in these conditions promise to make this an enticing opening to Royal Ascot. There are also two more group one races to come, including the King’s Stand Stakes and the St James’ Palace Stakes and that is just for starters gentlemen.
(Photo: Longines)
Wednesday
Often thought of as a more gentle day at the races, Wednesday will feature The Queen Mary Stakes as well as The Duke of Cambridge Stakes. But perhaps the main attraction for the day is the group one Prince of Wales stakes, seen as one of the most important races at Royal Ascot of the modern era and is the richest race of the Royal Ascot meeting. Japanese star A Shin Hikari is one to keep an eye on after a rather impressive showing at the Prix d’Ispahan decimating the rest of the field.
(Photo: Longines)
Thursday
Day Three of Royal Ascot or as it is better known, Ladies Day, is perhaps the most popular day of the entire meeting. Proceedings kick off with the Norfolk stakes where after good run at the National Stakes Global Applause is an exciting contender. However, the highlight is bound to be the Gold Cup, a longer race being run for two miles and four furlongs, this is one that will have you on the edge of your seats gentlemen.
(Photo: Longines)
Friday
The traditional highlight of the day is the Group One Coronation Stakes, known for putting Europe’s best three-year old fillies up against each other for a head-to-head show down that is bound to be quite the spectacle. Another highlight of Friday is the commonwealth cup. Run for the first time in 2015, this six furlong sprint for three year olds attracts some of the best sprinters in the world.
Saturday
Saturday might be the last day of Royal Ascot, but what a fine finale it promises to be, especially with the Diamond Jubilee Stakes taking centre stage, where the worlds best sprinters gather to battle it out over just six furlongs, this is sure to be a close run thing gentlemen.
(Photo: Longines)
Final Thoughts
If you are lucky enough to be heading to Royal Ascot this year and want an accessory that is both timelessly elegant and will make you stand out from the crowd, may we suggest this Longines Master Collection watch. Not only will it look great with your morning suit, but Longines are also the Official Timekeeper of Royal Ascot and as such it is eminently appropriate for just such an event.
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