Social Discourse – The Royal Ascot One

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It’s nearly here. The top hats and tails have been measured. The Pimms has been prepared, the tickets sent out, the badges inscribed.

The Royal Family have had their dresses fitted, the carriages are ready, and an army of racegoers have their best outfits – in their own minds at least – prepared. Yes, Royal Ascot is on its way, and in this edition of Social Discourse we are all about the right Royal Affair, and what you think about it.

So without further ado, let’s begin.

 

  1. Do’s and don’t’s

What rules should you follow and what pitfalls should you avoid?

https://twitter.com/Gem1304/status/1140337030947323906

It is worth saying that some of you were not as enthused about the coming week:

From yours truly:

Do:

  • If you’re headed there for the first time, take comfortable shoes. You’d be surprised at how big Ascot is from end to end
  • If you are trying to get good prices and decent each/way terms, bet the night before or in the morning. Raceday markets shorten massively
  • Think about course form. Ascot rewards repeat performers and other courses can correlate well, especially ones with stiff finishes
  • If you are going and haven’t already yet, buy and take a mobile phone charger. In fact, two if you can carry them
  • Think about where the pace is. It can be crucial in races on the straight mile but every race will be affected by it

Don’t

  • Chase: There are five days of racing here and nearly 30 races. Your week is not over after a bad day, and unless you call it quits when ahead, it’s not over after one winner
  • Go too hard too early. There’s nothing wrong with an early pint, but Royal Ascot days are long ones on course
  • Count out a horse completely because of price or draw. Plenty of big fields, especially over 1m4f, have seen high drawn horses win, and we’ve had big priced winners to boot for a ton of races as readers here know
  • Leave it late, especially if you are heading from London Waterloo – there’s a dispute between South West Railway (SWR) and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) over train guards. Some are saying that driving by road might be the best way to do it

 

  1. Memory Lane

Now for a trip down memory lane. Let’s just say that one of you has some rather unique memories of Royal Ascot..

And onto the track based ones…..

 

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And one from the Gentleman’s bookmaker……

 

  1. Crown Jewels

With so many top class races – there are eight Group 1’s alone – it’s sometimes impossible to know where to look. But never fear, Twitter’s here for a crowdsourced guide.

 

The Social Discourse Choice: It was surprising not to see more shouts for the Gold Cup, but the sheer amount of talented two-year-olds we’ve seen means The Coventry has to be my pick.

 

  1. Nap Hands

Here are the naps from the great and good of Twitter:

https://twitter.com/chatman_phil/status/1140309799206305793

And last but never least….

Mine? You’ll have to wait won’t you.

 

  1. Things to look out for….
  • As ever, a bumper international crop, including horses from at least nine countries. This includes sprinters Enzo’s Lad (from New Zealand) and Lim’s Cruiser (Singapore), along with the Japanese mare Deirdre, who has managed to get the race moved for better viewing times at home
  • Included in this is the team of Wesley Ward, eight strong this year and boasts Diamond Jubilee contender Bound for Nowhere amongst a host of juvenile contenders
  • The final crop of the sadly departed Scat Daddy, which includes Sergei Prokofiev (King’s Stand), Qabala (Coronation Stakes), So Perfect (Commonwealth Cup, Jersey Stakes), and Beatboxer (Britannia)
  • The return of last year’s Derby winner Masar, who reappears in the Hardwicke on the final day

 

  1. Horses you can’t wait to see

And if you need any more reason to make today just fly…

 

Good luck, and let the Festivities begin!

– William Kedjanyi

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