Ascot Groups brochure

The World’s Most Famous Racecourse

Fine dining The World’s Most Famous Racecourse

planning your day

2013

2013

Contents

4 Welcome to Royal Ascot

16 Dining options

8 Planning your day

18 Picnics

12 Racecourse plan

20 Upgrade your ticket

14 Dress Code

22 Fixture List

15 Style Guide

2|

ascot.co.uk

2013

3 | ascot group visitors 2013

18 Welcome to royal ascot Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the Flat racing calendar, a truly unique event bringing together the very best of fashion, style, sport and entertainment for five days in June.

The racecourse itself is one of the most celebrated British sporting venues, an established institution with over 300 years of history, pageantry and tradition and a venue where champions are made. When it comes to combining a beautiful setting with world-class horse racing and entertainment, our facilities are in a class of their own and we hope you will make memories to cherish forever.

We are confident Royal Ascot will match your expectations on and off the course but to ensure you get even more from the experience, whether by upgrading to one of the Grandstand Admission clubs or seeking out the best vantage points, we have put this guide together to assist you.

There are 18 ‘Group’ races - racing’s term for the world’s best. You will witness the world’s greatest horses, jockeys and trainers in action.

We look forward to welcoming you in June.

Charles Barnett Chief Executive

4|

ascot.co.uk

2013

5 | ascot group visitors 2013

Planning your day There is more to the Royal Meeting than simply world-class racing. From enjoying the colour and excitement of the fashion and pageantry to basking in the elegant surroundings of the Berkshire track, Royal Ascot is a truly unique occasion.

This overview will help you to get the most out of your day.

9.00am – Car Parks Open

10.30am – Gates Open

Our glorious venue is situated in beautiful wooded countryside next to Windsor Great Park and offers easy access wherever your departure point. It is located close to the M3, M4, M40 and M25 motorways and London Heathrow for international visitors.

Gates open early at 10.30am to allow you time to enjoy the atmosphere before the Royal Procession at 2.00pm. From gates opening you can find your place on one of the elegant lawns where you can enjoy a glass of champagne before the action begins.

Many racegoers take this opportunity to relax with their Racecard or Racing Post and pick their winners for the day. If you have any questions during the day please ask one of the Bowler Hat Stewards who are available around the site.

If you are arriving by car, please note that roads around the racecourse can be congested and a one-way system operates between 10.30am and 2.00pm on all five days. It is important that you follow the designated colour-coded travel signs, which match your car park label instead of your satellite navigation for easy access to your car park. Visit rbwm.gov.uk/web/travel.htm for traffic updates.

There are extensive parking facilities for all cars, limousines, minibuses and coaches. Parking labels should be booked in advance as the best available spaces are sold first. To book your car park label please call 0844 346 3000 or book online at ascot.co.uk. Prices from £20.

On arrival, many racegoers enjoy picnicing in the car parks and you are welcome to bring unbranded awnings, gazebos, tables and chairs. Please note your area is limited to your parking space and hot food and barbecues are not permitted. Food and drink cannot be taken into the Grandstand Admission area so please leave this in the car for your return.

11.00am - Runners and Riders Royal Ascot is one of the most valuable events in the racing calendar and attracts the best horses, jockeys and trainers from around the world.

You can get the inside track on the competitors in a variety of ways, including a free downloadable App and the official Royal Ascot Racecard. The App provides a timetable and handy course map at your fingertips while the Racecard offers details on all of the runners and riders, as well as other useful information.

Racecards are priced at £3.50 and can be bought from any of the blue kiosks around the racecourse, or you can pre-order by calling 0844 346 3000.

For those arriving by train (27 minutes from Reading, 46 minutes from London Waterloo), Ascot station is a seven-minute walk from the Racecourse. For all train times please use National Rail Enquiries.

6|

ascot.co.uk

2013

7 | ascot group visitors 2013

2.00pm – Royal Procession The anticipation grows with the Royal Procession, the official opening to each day. Ascot’s formative years owe much to Queen Anne, who founded the Racecourse in 1711. Now, more than three hundred years later, The Queen comes from Windsor Castle through the Great Park to the racecourse where she enjoys her passion for horse racing. Last year, The Queen’s horse, Estimate, won the Queen’s Vase (Group 3) and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh presented the trophy.

2.30pm - 5.35pm - The main event Royal Ascot is a gathering of the world’s best horses and in 2013 we are hoping to see Europe’s best taking on runners from as far afield as the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and South Africa. Can they follow in the footsteps of last year’s historic winners? In 2012 racegoers watched as the world’s top two horses, Frankel – trained by the legendary Sir Henry Cecil in Newmarket – and the talismanic Australian mare Black Caviar, were victorious at a scintillating Royal Meeting.

Upgrade your Royal Ascot Experience

2.00pm – 5.35pm Where to watch the horses Grandstand Admission takes you close to the action and the competitors before, during and after races in four main areas:

This year, Group visitors can choose from three exclusive opportunities to enhance your Royal Ascot experience and make your visit even more special.

The Pre-Parade Ring Watch the horses as they are led around the Pre-Parade Ring. It’s the perfect chance to get close to the horses before they race.

The Parade Ring

The Pavilion Club

The excitement builds pre-race and if you’re still unsure which horse to back, you can take a final look as they enter the Parade Ring 15 minutes before the start. Listen out for the bell, which signifies the jockeys should mount.

New and exclusive for 2013, this stylish area is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Royal Meeting amongst friends or colleagues. Stylish seating, outside bar and private dining options will allow your Group to enjoy Royal Ascot in style. The Club boasts views towards the Plaza Lawns and is a short walk to the track.

The Track The Grandstand comes alive with each race but there is no substitute for experiencing a race from the rails. The noise and atmosphere of the crowd in the grandstand behind you is matched by the thunder of hooves as the horses rush past you towards the finishing line.

Pavilion Club badges are priced at £60 per person including VAT, but must be booked in addition to a Grandstand Admission ticket, from £43 per person. Over 18s only.

The Winners’ Enclosure The Winners’ Enclosure is the perfect place to see jockeys dismount and victorious horses be reunited with their owners and trainers. It is where trophies are presented after each race.

8|

ascot.co.uk

2013

9 | ascot group visitors 2013

300,000

6.00pm-6.30pm Singing Round the Bandstand Prepare your vocal chords for one of the great traditions of Royal Ascot. Singing around the Bandstand has become a permanent fixture of post-race entertainment and the fun starts at 6pm for half an hour – not to be missed.

You will be one of nearly 300,000 visitors during the five days of Royal Ascot.

9.00pm Coach and car parks close.

Keepsake The official Royal Ascot Magazine is a high-quality publication featuring stunning photography and exclusive behind-the-scenes imagery and editorial. The magazine is priced at £7.50. The magazines can be pre-ordered and posted out to you before the event.

Place your bets Whether you are an expert or a novice, having a flutter can add to the excitement of the Royal Ascot experience. Watching your horse go head-to-head down the final straight accompanied by the roar of the crowd is both thrilling and nail-biting in equal measure. The minimum bet at the tote is £2 and there are six races to bet on each day. There are many tote kiosks in the Grandstand Admission area and tote staff are happy to help with a variety of bets which can be placed. You can also place a bet with bookmakers. The minimum bet varies between £2 and £5.

10 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

11 | ascot group visitors 2013

Car Park 9

4

oad

Racecourse plan or R

ds Win

Car Park 8

Car Park

9

Heath Tunnel

SHOP

Car Park

The record breaking number of times Yeats won the Gold Cup, the oldest race at Royal Ascot dating back to 1807.

CORE 4

Royal Enclosure Enquiry Office

CORE 3

CORE 2

CORE 1

7

Silver Ring

1

12

Royal Enclosure Garden Parade Ring Course Road

Pre – Parade Ring

10

Saddling Boxes

TV M4 Reading & West TV A329 Bracknell Royal Enclosure BOOKMAKERS Car Park BOOKMAKERS

Royal Enclosure Enquiry Office

Sovereign’s Gate Ascot High Street

disabled viewing DISABLED VIEWING PRIVATE BOXES PRIVATE BOXES

ROYAL ENCLOSURE BADGEHOLDERS’ AREAArea ONLYOnly ROYAL Royal Enclosure Badgeholders’ ENCLOSURE BADGEHOLDERS’ AREA ONLY PREMIER ADMISSION

Racecourse Reception Ascot Station M4 London & East, Windsor 7 Minutes Walk

Pedestrian access only pathway

2

BETTING FACILITY FACILITY BETTING TV COURSE CROSSING CROSSING POINT POINT COURSE BS BANDSTAND BANDSTAND DISABLED VIEWING VIEWING DISABLED

Ticket Office East & Ticket Collection

Car Park 3

Car Park 4

silver ring racecourse entrance FIRST AID

Grandstand admission AREAS

12 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

13 | ascot group visitors 2013

Dress Code

Style Guide

Royal Ascot is synonymous with glorious fashion and offers the perfect opportunity to dress to impress!

The dress code set out below is designed to help racegoers to dress appropriately for the occasion.

We are delighted to bring you the new looks for 2013, featuring outfits that are compliant with the unique dress code.

We invite you to view the images at ascot.co.uk

Ladies Ladies within the main Grandstand enclosure are encouraged to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion.

Ladies are kindly asked to take particular note of the following: • A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times • Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted • Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (i.e. strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted) • Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission dress code • Midriffs must be covered • Shorts are not permitted.

Gentlemen Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.

14 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

15 | ascot group visitors 2013

Dining options

Grundy and Bustino Deli – Grundy and Bustino Lawn The Grundy and Bustino Deli offers a selection of sweet and savoury snacks, including strawberries and cream, afternoon tea and mini-rolls.

Ascot Racecourse also boasts a reputation for high quality food and there are a range of dining options within the Grandstand Admission area.

Seafood Bar – Queen Anne Lawn Providing a selection of traditional English seafood. Champagne is also available.

Bandstand Restaurant

Destination Bars

The Bandstand Restaurant is a relaxed, self-service eatery offering a variety of global foods, salads, and traditional favourites. A light afternoon tea is also available, including sandwiches and scones with Cornish clotted cream.

Dishes in the restaurant are priced from £3. Afternoon tea is £7.80 per person.

Please note that tables are available on a first come, first served basis from 10:30am. Afternoon tea is served from 4:00pm.

Equus Bar A homage to some of the great Group 1 winners at Royal Ascot, this equineinspired bar celebrates world-class racing.

Fashion Bar

Greenyard Grill - Greenyard Lawn

The place to see and be seen at Royal Ascot.

Situated under a canopy of trees, this unique grill offers surf and turf menu options. A variety of wines and champagnes are also available to purchase, complementing the dishes on offer.

Stewards House Cocktail Bar

Pizza Express - Concourse Level, between Cores 3 & 4

Royal Blush Bar

Pizza Express serves up pizza and pasta favourites. Enjoy all of your favourites, from the classic Margherita pizza to a ‘Sloppy Giuseppe’.

Offering Royal Blush, the official cocktail of Royal Ascot, amongst others.

A range of cocktails can be created by our talented mixologists.

Moet & Chandon Bar

Brigadier Gerard Deli - Lawn Level, next to Horsewalk

Enjoy some of the finest champagne in the cool surroundings of the Motivator Lawn.

The Brigadier Gerard Deli offers a selection of sweet and savoury snacks, including strawberries and cream and afternoon tea. A range of alcoholic drinks are also available, including Pimm’s and champagne.

16 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

17 | ascot group visitors 2013

Picnics For those who prefer to dine outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of the racecourse, a range of immaculately packaged ‘Picnic in a Box’ varieties are available.

Picnics must be booked prior to the Royal Meeting and are available for collection on the day. All include salt & pepper, disposable glasses, napkins, cutlery and fresh wipes.

Royal Ascot Picnic Box

Classic Picnic

Classic Vegetarian Picnic

Appetiser

Appetiser

Appetiser

Vegetable crudités and sour cream and chive dip

Rosemary and sea salt focaccia breadsticks with sour cream & coriander dip

Rosemary and sea salt focaccia breadsticks with sour cream & coriander dip

Traditional selection of Scotch egg, cocktail sausages, mini pickle pork pie and Branston Pickle

Starter

Starter

Greek salad with feta cheese and black olives

Niçoise salad with free-range egg

Finger sandwiches of ham, cheese and pickle, egg and cress, smoked salmon and herb cream cheese

Bread roll and butter

Bread roll and butter

Lunch

Lunch

Brie and sundried tomato quiche with potato salad, coleslaw and cherry tomatoes

Coronation chicken with spiced rice salad and a yogurt and mint dressing

Butternut squash and feta pasta with peppers and sun-touched tomatoes with a lemon and herb dressing

Dessert

Dessert

Dessert

Mini chocolate fudge cake

Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon cheesecake

Treat

Blackstick Blue and Sussex Charmer Cheeses with crackers, grapes and chutney

Blackstick Blue and Sussex Charmer Cheeses with crackers, grapes and chutney

Petit Fours

Petit Fours

Served with a chilled bottle of Les Combes Cotes du Ventoux Blanc Cave Terra Ventoux 2010 (375ml) & a chilled bottle of Ascot Water.

Served with a chilled bottle of Les Combes Cotes du Ventoux Blanc Cave Terra Ventoux 2010 (375ml) & a chilled bottle of Ascot Water.

Lunch

Sultana scone with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam Served with a chilled bottle of chardonnay (187.5ml) and a chilled bottle of Ascot Water.

£39.50 per person

£49.50 per person

£49.50 per person

Kenny McPeek, Trainer, Hard Buck, USA

18 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

19 | ascot group visitors 2013

Caviar House & Prunier Picnic

Afternoon Tea for Two

Starter

Afternoon Tea for Two (sub heading)

Balik Tartar Luscious Balik salmon tartar from Norwegian salmon, smoked in Switzerland to an original Russian recipe, served with oat biscuits, and crème fraîche.

Sultana scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam

Free-range egg and spinach, beef and horseradish

Seafood Platter

English strawberries and cream

Dessert

Fresh fruit salad of the season

Last year, 58,727 bottles of champagne were sold, along with 110,936 glasses of Pimms and 156, 656 pints of draught beer.

Racegoers also enjoyed 40,000 scones, 52,500 local spears of asparagus and 3,300 punnets of strawberries.

Finger sandwiches of herb cream cheese and ham, smoked salmon and dill crème fraîche

Lunch

A combination of the finest Balik smoked salmon, Balik gravlax, shrimps, crevettes and king prawns; with green salad, classic potato salad, brown bread and butter, and a selection of seafood and salad dressings.

422,119

Lemon and vanilla sponge cakes Mini chocolate fudge cake Served with a chilled bottle of Jacquart Brut Champagne (375ml) & chilled bottle of Ascot Water

Bitter Chocolates

Served with a chilled half-bottle of Caviar House & Prunier Champagne NV (375ml) & a chilled bottle of Ascot Water.

£00.00 per person

Danny Shum, Trainer of Little Bridge, Hong Kong

20 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

21 | ascot group visitors 2013

179

Upgrade your ticket This year, you can upgrade your Grandstand Admission ticket and choose from two exclusive opportunities to enhance your Royal Ascot experience.

The Pavilion Club

The Furlong Club

New and exclusive for 2013, this stylish Club is a short walk from the Parade Ring and track, making it the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Royal Meeting. The Pavilion boasts elegant seating, a range of tantalising food, an extensive pay bar and betting facilities.

This exclusive venue boasts a private decked terrace, overlooks the finishing straight and is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of champagne. The Club features a stylish interior and offers a range of hot and cold refreshments, private bar and betting facilities.

Ascot covers 179 stunning acres and is looked after by 14 regular ground staff.

To find out more or upgrade your ticket, visit ascot.co.uk

22 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

23 | ascot group visitors 2013

300,000

Racing Calendar

24 |

May

Wednesday 1st Free Raceday Friday 10th (evening) Race, Rattle ‘n’ Roll Racenight Saturday 11th Race, Rattle ‘n’ Roll Raceday featuring Betfred Victoria Cup

F F F

June

Tuesday 18th Wednesday 19th Thursday 20th Friday 21st Saturday 22nd

Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot

F F F F F

July

Friday 12th Saturday 13th Friday 26th Saturday 27th Sunday 28th

Property Raceday First July Saturday Betfair Weekend Betfair Weekend King George Day & Summer Cocktail Party Betfair Weekend Family Fun Day (Family Day)

F F F F F

August

Saturday 10th

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and Concert (Family Day)

F

September Saturday 7th

Festival of Food & Wine Raceday

F

October

Autumn Meeting featuring 7th Ascot CAMRA Beer Festival Autumn Meeting featuring 7th Ascot CAMRA Beer Festival QIPCO British Champions Day

F F F

Friday 4th Saturday 5th Saturday 19th

November Saturday 2nd

Friday 22nd

Saturday 23rd

United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular (Family Day) J November Meeting featuring a Christmas Shopping Village J November Meeting featuring a Christmas Shopping Village J

December Friday 20th

Saturday 21st

Christmas Meeting Christmas Meeting (Family Day)

You will be one of nearly 300,000 visitors during the five days of Royal Ascot.

J J

ascot.co.uk

2013

25 | ascot group visitors 2013

6000 There are around 6,000 staff members working during Royal Ascot, all helping to make your visit a memorable one.

26 |

ascot.co.uk

2013

27 | ascot group visitors 2013

The World’s Most Famous Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse Limited Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX Tel: +44 (0)1344 878 536 Email: groups@ascot.co.uk Web: ascot.co.uk