TTN

A gallop into 'the sport of kings'

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By Steve F/common.wikimedia.org

The Ascot Racecourse, just an hour’s drive from London today, was established as early as 1711 by Queen Anne. The centrepiece of Ascot’s racing calendar, Royal Ascot is first thought to have taken place at Ascot in 1768 and is now arguably the world’s most famous race meeting.

Last year, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended day one of Royal Ascot, to witness the spectacular win of one of his horses from Dubai-owned Godolphin stable.

Clearly, this is one event to see and be seen in, with plenty to offer in terms of world-class dining, high fashion and possibly even bumping into any royal families attending the event. Royal Ascot is, needless to say, synonymous with elegance: there is a strict dress code in place, especially for the Royal Enclosure.

So, if your clients like to dress up in their finest, have a good time with friends and mingle with Britain’s finest punters, one of the five race days of the Royal Ascot will make for a great day out.

TTN had the opportunity to attend a race day in Ascot last month – in the Royal Enclosure, no less – and we were surprised to note just how many horses in the races had Arab owners. In fact, such is the interest from the Middle East in horseracing, that all races throughout the Royal Ascot week are televised live in the UAE.

If your clients love horses, are taking riding lessons or own stables, Royal Ascot is obviously a race meet you want to plan for them, as increasingly in recent years, the royal meeting attracts some of the best horses from around the globe – is a sight for sore eyes.

If your clients are not into anything equine, be it riding horses, betting on them or watching a horse race, the Royal Ascot will still prove to be an experience not to be missed. 

Royal Ascot has been attended by British monarchs ever since its inception and at 2pm each day the Royal Procession in which the Queen, along with her family and guests, parade up the Straight Mile into the Parade Ring.

Even if you cannot say hello to the Queen, Royal Ascot is a fancy event. Imagine women in beautiful, elegant dresses with spectacular hats and men dressed to kill in double breasted suits and classic top hats, high-end dining and elaborate afternoon tea service, live entertainment and vast expanses of green grass as far as the eye can see.

While you will see lots of kids at the race meet as it is a family-friendly event, why not leave your kids for the day at Legoland Windsor, just a 15-minute drive from the racecourse and enjoy the day out at the races with friends and family?

There are a select number of private boxes within the Grandstand that can be reserved during the royal meeting. A private box affords guests privacy, exclusivity and impeccable service at the heart of the action but with the flexibility to tailor a royal meeting experience to suit your clients’ tastes.

Whether it’s with friends, family or clients, within the more formal dress code of the Royal Enclosure or simply the Queen Anne Enclosure, the boxes are catered to the very highest standards ranging in capacity from 10 to 108 people. Every box comes with a private bar and dining area, a large flat screen TV and private balcony. Betting facilities are within easy access of all private boxes.

Private boxes in the Queen Anne enclosure start from £810+ per person per race day and in the royal enclosure from £1,250 per person per race day. Entire boxes can be reserved for a single party on request. 

 

* Do you think this is something your clients will enjoy? Write to rashi@tradearabia.ae with your feedback

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