We set off to Ascot early, as we wanted to be sure to get there as the gates were opening at 10:30 am so we didn't miss a thing! That meant leaving Finchley Road at about 8:15 to get to Waterloo Station. We managed to be one of the first to board the train that was next leaving, so we luckily got seats for the 55 minute train ride. However, a lot of people were not so lucky especially those who boarded for Ascot at stops after Waterloo.
Even just on the train ride, I started to get excited seeing everyone in their fancy dress. Suits, ties, dresses, hats, and fascinators meant we were definitely on our way to a British royal party!
My ticket, even it looks fancy!
When we arrived at the race course and made our way into the Silver Ring section, we were in luck and arrived early enough to have a table with chairs to claim as our party area for the day! Definitely glad we left when we did, because the tables went very fast.
The weather was definitely not nice summer weather, as we had to survive several small showers through out the day and a cold wind at times. However, there were brief moments when the sun would shine and a bit of blue sky would come through causing all of the Brits to cheer!
As we were settled in seats by 11 am and the Royal Procession didn't begin until 2 pm, we had some time to relax, have some drinks, eat food, take pictures, and organize our bets for the day!
Next to the race track. You can see the main grandstand building in the background, and the grass race track which is different from the common tracks in Ontario where it is dirt and sand.
Our table, yay for being early! On the left is Jason's friend Dan, then myself, Jenn, and Jason!
Jason's friend Roy, Dan, myself, and Jenn - we are all smiles despite the weather!
Cheers!
Roy and Dan had purchased a newspaper at Waterloo station which had a list of the horses in each race, as well as the list of horses that were favourited. There were 6 races in total. However, we didn't know which horse was what number unless we paid for an official program, so I couldn't bet based on what day it is, which it was a '7' day.
So, the horses I chose were...
Race 1: I Know Your Name
Race 2: Songcraft
Race 3: Sirius Prospect
Race 4: Our Jonathan
Race 5: Art Scholar
In Race 6, we did a table bet on a horse. I didn't get lucky and win in any of the races, but I figured you can't go to the Royal Ascot and not at least take a chance!
Organizing my bets! We placed all of the bets before the race started to avoid waiting in line for each race.
At 1:30 pm, we made our way to the edge of the track to wait for the Royal Procession. I was so excited because it was finally going to be my chance to see the Queen!!
And there she is! It's hard to tell, but she is in that carriage wearing a blue suit. There were other members of the Royal family in the carriages, but the Queen was the one to see!
At 2:30 pm, it was time for the races to begin!
During Race 2, there actually was a horse that stumbled on the track and ended up de-mounting the rider, which I had never seen happen at a horse race before. Although it wasn't something to laugh at, it was quite funny to see the horse carry on racing without a jockey!
However, the horse which did win Race 2, Thomas Chippendale, collapsed and died after the finish line of a heart attack, which Jenn and I found quite sad. However, I am glad that the horse died of natural causes as opposed to suffering a severe injury and having to be shot or put down.
So close to the live action!
A horse and jockey heading to the starting gate!
Some of the horse races wear only 6 furlongs in length, which meant that the horses ran a straight line starting from the left of the track, passed the silver ring, and towards the main grandstand. Other races were longer, so the race went in a full circle, and then came down the silver ring strait to finish near the starting point at the main grandstand.
It was definitely a good day and a great experience to add to my London adventure! I am very glad that I went and enjoyed this day.
Plus, now I feel my London adventure is more complete because I finally saw the Queen!
Here's to the Royal Ascot!
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