A Day at the Races

Yesterday I was invited to Ascot Races for their first flat meeting of the year (Royal Ascot Trials Day) .

It was mainly Group 3 – two year olds – the big stuff being the Royal Meeting and the Diamond Stakes which come later in the summer.

I was mightily impressed by the new stand and the hospitality on its fifth level.

My host had a connection there and we were given a table overlooking the course and near the viewing balcony.

They served a 4 course meal.

The salmon tartare was particularly tasty but the Navarin of lamb rather dry.

Daffers would have approved of the service.

Most of the races were 5 furlongs or a mile – rather a dash but exciting. It’s signature race – the Gold Cup – is much longer.

An ex-jockey in the restaurant gave some tips. I usually ignore these but he napped 4 winners and some tasty “each ways”.

I followed the Pargie policy of laying the favourites but it’s unsatisfactory to watch a race not wanting a horse to win.

One favourite that did win – both yesterday and in 2023 – was Coltrane in the Longines Sagaro Stakes, a stayer that only just lost out to Frankie Dettori’s “Courage Mon Ami” in the Gold Cup in Royal Week.

It was an elegant racing crowd with men in ties and some women wearing fancy hats and dressed to kill.

My host and I, having attended the expensive hurly-burly that is Royal Ascot, prefer the quiet of a smaller meet and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Most of my “on course bets” failed but, in checking my betting app afterwards, I was ahead of the game.

There are certain British institutions that set the bar for style: Savile Row tailoring, Jermyn Street shirt making, Rolls Royce cars, Church’s brogues.

Ascot can and should be included and we certainly did not feel let down.