Photo Credit: All pictures copyright 2015 Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse.
Royal Ascot 2015
HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH
Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh
arrive in the royal procession at the
racecourse.
his prestigious five-day
event, the highlight of
the Season, was especially
memorable this year
because of the marvellous
weather and because of the
strict enforcement of the
dress code recently
introduced for the Royal
Enclosure. This was to
counter an increasing
slackness especially after
the fascinator was permitted
a few years ago. Ladies now
have to wear headgear of at
least four inches in diameter
and shoulder straps of at
least one inch. I much
enjoyed the fashion on the
first three days though, as
always, there were
disasters.
T
Special Dress Code Assistants
were on hand at the entrances
to check that the code was
obeyed and there was also a
smarter dress code for the
Grandstand.
considered the greatest horse
ever to run at Royal Ascot. The
Queen unveiled an extremely
fine bronze statue of him by
Mark Coreth which overlooks
the Parade Ring.
The royal procession, an
annual feature of this event
since 1825, included a large
number of members of the
royal family including Prince
Harry. Hopefully the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge will
attend before long which will
give this event an even higher
profile.
A spacious new art deco bar
was also named after Frankel
on the first floor of the Royal
Enclosure. This was part of a
general redesign of many of
the bars and restaurants, some
of which were moved. It was a
substantial refurbishment
which increased the seating
available and the redecoration
was colourful and lavish.
This year tribute was paid to
Frankel who was unbeaten in
his fourteen-race career and is
HM Queen Elizabeth II unveils a striking bronze statue, created by
sculptor Mark Coreth, of the legendary racehorse Frankel on the opening
day of Royal Ascot.
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THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK
In her message in the Race
Card, the Queen noted that at
the turn of the century
participants were mainly from
Europe but that Royal Ascot
had now become a truly global
event. There was more success
for Frankie Dettori, which
included his fiftieth win at the
Royal Meeting.
The interior of the Grandstand
was adorned with gorgeous
floral displays giving it a joyous
feel. There was also an
attractive display of memorable
photographs from last year.
I could not remember a
comparable run of fine weather
to rival the first four days and
this warm and sunny spell gave
it a very special cachet as the
ladies could plan their outfits
without hindrance. It was truly
sublime with dazzling colours
and a gloriously hedonistic
ambience.
RICHARD FITZWILLIAMS
Photographs courtesy of Ascot Racecourse.
I was absolutely fascinated to
see hundreds of glorious
picture hats suddenly emerge
simultaneously on the fourth
day, which was easily the most
fashionable. The fifth day also
featured many lovely creations.
A general view of spectators and the racecourse.
Racegoers in the Parade Ring.