300,000 people from around the world will flock to Royal Ascot this week, making it the third most attended sporting event in the UK.

It is one of the premier race meetings on the global horse-racing calendar since racing began. It draws the best bloodstock, jockeys and trainers from around the world and is probably the most famous fashion parade in sport. For centuries, Royal Ascot has been “the place to be seen” on the social calendar and the fashionistas, networkers and socialites arrive in their droves, some scarcely seeing a horse.

Because Horse Scout is all about sharing our enviable contacts and insider knowledge, we bring you hot-off-the press Royal Ascot insight, directly from ITV’s racing PR team. So here’s a few things you probably don’t know about one of the greatest sporting events on the planet.

The Royals

The Queen first attended Royal Ascot in 1945 at the age of 19, and has had 23 winners there since
Ascot is the only place at which the Queen has ever been seen running in her life
In the earlier days of her historic reign, she used to gallop down the track in the early mornings before racing started – In 1960 she finished fourth to other members of her party of seven in an unofficial ‘race’
Her reign has seen many years of social change, even at Ascot – until 1955 divorcees were not allowed into the Royal Enclosure
Every day The Queen and her procession travel down the straight in front of the stands at precisely 2pm – this year, Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, is hotly tipped to make her Royal Ascot debut

The Fashion

There are four enclosures at Royal Ascot, the Royal Enclosure being the most prestigious. Each has their own strict dress codes
The last few years has seen the rules relaxed somewhat and last year, jumpsuits were successfully introduced in the Royal Enclosure
However, banned for the first time were gentlemen’s ankles and socks are now compulsory for men
Every year the bookies bet on the colour of the Queen’s outfit – and this year they no doubt will be doing the same with the Duchess of Sussex. ITV’s fashion expert, Mark Heyes thinks she will be “low key, sleek and elegant in a pastel shade.”

The Food and Festivities

There is a 100-year waiting list for one of the coveted ‘picnic’ parking spots in the Royal Enclosure’s Car Park One
There are more than 100 bars and food outlets around the racecourse and 225 private boxes, with 39 professional kitchens operating during Royal Ascot
There are three miles of festive bunting – which is over half a mile further than the longest race
60,000 finger sandwiches and 80,000 cups of tea are consumed across the five-day week of Royal Ascot – that’s almost the same number served at the three garden parties the Queen hosts at Buckingham Palace each year
56,000 bottles of champagne, 44,000 bottles of wine and 21,000 jugs of Pimm’s are drunk at Royal Ascot each year, which together is just slightly less than the 128,500 bottles of mineral water. Over the Wimbledon fortnight they drink a mere 29,000 bottles of champagne but 230,000 bottles of water
Despite the festivities, Thames Valley Police described Royal Ascot 2017 as a “well-behaved event” for the 300,000 racegoers

Horse Scout will be playing Paparazzi and if you are lucky enough to join the fun, please do tag us in your snaps and tweets. at the end of racing you may want to join in the communal sing-song with a huge gathering around the bandstand.

If you can’t make it this year, you can join the BAFTA award-winning ITV Racing team at the times below. This is why you should tune in:

Every race live and unrivalled access to the horses, jockeys and connections
Fascinating racing features including ‘AP McCoy meets Aidan O’Brien’
Coverage of the Royal procession every day – who is there and who’s wearing what
The best fashion around the course from vintage to high street to high end with ITV fashion experts, Charlotte Hawkins Mark Heyes

Tuesday 19 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show- 0930-1030
ITV – Live Racing – 1330-1525
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1520-1800

Wednesday 20 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show -0930-1030
ITV – Live Racing – 1330-1800

Thursday 21 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show – 0930-1030
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1330-1800

Friday 22 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show -0930-1030
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1330-1530
ITV – Live Racing – 1520-1800

Saturday 23 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show – 0930-1030
ITV – Live Racing – 1330-1525
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1520-1800

Written by Ellie Kelly

Tag Archives: Royal Ascot

General

WANT TO LOOK LIKE FRANCESCA CUMANI AT ROYAL ASCOT?

June 18, 2020

ITV Racing’s Francesca Cumani & Sarah Kate Byrne are thrilled to launch their Royal Ascot 2020 raffle prize draw! For just £10 you can buy a ticket for the raffle to be drawn on 30th June – Click Here to Enter.

The charity initiative is in support of two charities – JAMES’ PLACE (which is important to both Sarah & Francesca) and KCAT CAMPHILL CALLAN a cause close to Sarah’s heart.

With the extremely generous support of the 5 milliners Francesca wears during Royal Ascot 2020, Francesca’s 5 different looks from each of the 5 days racing will be raffled off. Sarah has donated the 5 dresses & each of the 5 milliners have agreed to donate their headpieces. Raffle draw winners will also receive a signed photograph from Francesca.

Two bonus prizes for the 6th & 7th tickets drawn have been kindly donated by jeweller Annoushka & shoe designer Emmy London, brands Francesca will be wearing each day of the meeting to compliment the clothing & millinery choices of her stylist Sarah. We are thrilled to be showcasing British brands & small businesses as well as sustainable fashion with the chosen looks.

DAY 1 PRIZE – a headpiece donated by Jess Collett Millinery & a vintage Luisa Spagnoli dress donated by Sarah Kate Byrne.

DAY 2 PRIZE – a headpiece donated by Lock & Co. Hatters & a vintage dress donated by Sarah Kate Byrne.

DAY 3 PRIZE – a headpiece donated by Laura Hanlon Designer & a vintage palazzo jumpsuit donated by Sarah Kate Byrne.

DAY 4 PRIZE – a headpiece donated by Laura O’Hanlon Millinery & a vintage Tulip skirt suit donated by Sarah Kate Byrne.

DAY 5 PRIZE – a headpiece donated by Juliette Botterill Millinery & The Cotswold Hat Club & a dress donated by Sarah Kate Byrne.

BONUS PRIZE 6 – a piece of Annoushka jewellery.

BONUS PRIZE 7 – a pair of ready-to-wear shoes from Emmy London.

Enter the raffle draw by buying tickets for £10 per ticket. You can enter as many times as you like to increase your chances of winning the dress, hat & signed photo as well as the bonus prizes!

The draw will take place on 30th June and the first 5 tickets drawn will win one of the 5 outfits (dress/hat/photo). Winners will pick their chosen outfit in line with the order in which their tickets are drawn. Outfits will be dispatched to the winners thereafter.

Ticket 6 will win the piece of Annoushka jewellery & ticket 7 will win a pair of Emmy London ready-to-wear shoes. Both of these winners will also receive a signed photograph of Francesca.

Written by Horse Scout team member Ellie Kelly.

General

Because it’s Great to be British!

July 20, 2018

Celebrating a great equestrian summer with Horse Scout

We may have lost the football and are about to be politically screwed by the rest of Europe but the UK have plenty to celebrate in the Equestrian world.

For starters, British riders occupy the top three spots in world ranking for eventing. In showjumping and dressage, we still possess the individual Olympic gold medal. In horse racing British trainers, jockeys and breeders continue dominate the sport, as was evident at the Investec Derby, at Royal Ascot and in recent bloodstock auctions.

It has been a brilliant year for our Horse Scout advocates too and we are proud to put our brand behind all of them. William Funnell has just won the Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead on the exciting homebred Billy Buckingham. The pair have also been named as part of the British squad for the Nations Cup at Hickstead later this month. A good result here could see them heading out to Tryon for the FEI World Equestrian Games in September.

Not only is Oliver Townend World Number One event rider, he has an unbelievable three horses listed for the British squad heading to the World Equestrian Games, whilst Emily King recently won the Under 25 National Championships at Bramham.

The busy season is in full flow and we have a long tradition of hosting some of the greatest events in the world. With a most memorable Badminton, Windsor, Bolesworth, The Hickstead Derby and Royal Ascot behind us, we look ahead to the Polo Gold Cup, The Royal International Horse Show, The Festival of Eventing, the London leg of the Global Champions Tour and Burghley. At Horse Scout we have our finger on the pulse and it’s important for us to be in the thick of this sporting action, so we have a presence at all of these events.

We also have some great ticket giveaways and offers coming up so you can celebrate the best of British sport ringside.

Horse Scout are in partnership with the team at The Longines Global Champions Tour for their forthcoming London leg, which takes place at Royal Hospital Chelsea from 3^rd-5^th August. This means we can offer an exclusive 20% discount on tickets over the weekend. Plus we still have limited tickets available to join us in the GC Champions Lounge. Starting from just £50, the premium package offers access to the Champions Lounge Bar, where you can mingle with the riders, chairs and high tables, panoramic views and a free welcome drink. https://www.horsescout.com/longines-gct-london

Written by Ellie Kelly

General

ROYAL ASCOT: What Meghan Markle should know.

June 19, 2018

300,000 people from around the world will flock to Royal Ascot this week, making it the third most attended sporting event in the UK.

The Royals

The Queen first attended Royal Ascot in 1945 at the age of 19, and has had 23 winners there since
Ascot is the only place at which the Queen has ever been seen running in her life
In the earlier days of her historic reign, she used to gallop down the track in the early mornings before racing started – In 1960 she finished fourth to other members of her party of seven in an unofficial ‘race’
Her reign has seen many years of social change, even at Ascot – until 1955 divorcees were not allowed into the Royal Enclosure
Every day The Queen and her procession travel down the straight in front of the stands at precisely 2pm – this year, Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, is hotly tipped to make her Royal Ascot debut

The Fashion

There are four enclosures at Royal Ascot, the Royal Enclosure being the most prestigious. Each has their own strict dress codes
The last few years has seen the rules relaxed somewhat and last year, jumpsuits were successfully introduced in the Royal Enclosure
However, banned for the first time were gentlemen’s ankles and socks are now compulsory for men
Every year the bookies bet on the colour of the Queen’s outfit – and this year they no doubt will be doing the same with the Duchess of Sussex. ITV’s fashion expert, Mark Heyes thinks she will be “low key, sleek and elegant in a pastel shade.”

The Food and Festivities

There is a 100-year waiting list for one of the coveted ‘picnic’ parking spots in the Royal Enclosure’s Car Park One
There are more than 100 bars and food outlets around the racecourse and 225 private boxes, with 39 professional kitchens operating during Royal Ascot
There are three miles of festive bunting – which is over half a mile further than the longest race
60,000 finger sandwiches and 80,000 cups of tea are consumed across the five-day week of Royal Ascot – that’s almost the same number served at the three garden parties the Queen hosts at Buckingham Palace each year
56,000 bottles of champagne, 44,000 bottles of wine and 21,000 jugs of Pimm’s are drunk at Royal Ascot each year, which together is just slightly less than the 128,500 bottles of mineral water. Over the Wimbledon fortnight they drink a mere 29,000 bottles of champagne but 230,000 bottles of water
Despite the festivities, Thames Valley Police described Royal Ascot 2017 as a “well-behaved event” for the 300,000 racegoers

If you can’t make it this year, you can join the BAFTA award-winning ITV Racing team at the times below. This is why you should tune in:

Every race live and unrivalled access to the horses, jockeys and connections
Fascinating racing features including ‘AP McCoy meets Aidan O’Brien’
Coverage of the Royal procession every day – who is there and who’s wearing what
The best fashion around the course from vintage to high street to high end with ITV fashion experts, Charlotte Hawkins Mark Heyes

Tuesday 19 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show- 0930-1030
ITV – Live Racing – 1330-1525
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1520-1800

Wednesday 20 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show -0930-1030
ITV – Live Racing – 1330-1800

Thursday 21 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show – 0930-1030
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1330-1800

Friday 22 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show -0930-1030
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1330-1530
ITV – Live Racing – 1520-1800

Saturday 23 June:
ITV4 – The Opening Show – 0930-1030
ITV – Live Racing – 1330-1525
ITV4 – Live Racing – 1520-1800

Written by Ellie Kelly

General

Putting the horse before the carriage at The Royal Wedding

May 17, 2018

Putting the horse before the carriage at The Royal Wedding

We can’t get away from the fact it is the Royal Wedding this weekend. The occasion will come with all the pomp, tradition and ceremony as is expected of our nation. So naturally it will involve horses and carriages.

Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had selected the Ascot Landeau carriage for their procession after the wedding on May 19th. This is one of five open-topped carriages of this type, kept by the Royal Mews. The Landaus are used every year for The Queen’s procession during the Royal Meeting at Ascot.

Assuming it is not raining, in which case the enclosed Scottish State Coach will be used, spectators should get a great view of the happy couple. Plus more importantly, a first glimpse of “the dress”. The Crown Equerry Col. Toby Browne describes the Landeau carriage as a “wonderfully bright, small, lovely carriage, very easy for people to see. The passengers can sit up quite high. So there’s lots of visibility for everybody.”

The carriage will be pulled by four grey horses, known as the “Windsor Grey Horses”, with a another two horses acting as “outriders”. The planned horses for the carriage are called Sir Basil, Tyrone, Storm and Milford Haven and the two outriders will be Plymouth and Londonderry.

Windsor Grey horses play an important role in the ceremonial life of The Royal Family and indeed the nation. They have been drawing the carriages of successive Monarchs and Members of The Royal Family since Queen Victoria’s Reign.

On the big day, the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan will leave Windsor Castle via Castle Hill, continuing along the High Street and through Windsor Town, before returning to Windsor Castle via the Long Walk. The carriage will be escorted by several members of the Mounted Regiment of the Household Cavalry.

Written by Ellie Kelly