(photo source)
This year marks the 301st year of Royal Ascot, the most valuable and popular horse race meeting in Europe. From June 19 to June 23, over 30 races will take place and £4.5 million in prize money will be at stake. If you are not one of the 300,000 visitors expected to attend this year’s big event outside of London, try celebrating at home. Aside from sporting a fancy hat or fascinator, be sure to follow the new Royal Ascot dress code. You can also try a few of the most popular Royal Ascot refreshments … according to Ascot’s website, during the 5 days in 2011, Royal Ascot attendees consumed:
- 58,727 bottles of Champagne
- 110,936 glasses of Pimm’s
- 156,656 draught pints of beer
- 40,000 strawberry scones
- 2,000 kilos of fresh lobsters
- 52,500 local spears of asparagus
- 3,300 punets of strawberries
For full racing schedules, runners and riders, style guide, and other information, check out the official Royal Ascot website.
