|
An internationally renowned occasion that combines classic style,
panache and elegance with five days of enthralling sporting action,
this year’s Royal Meeting takes place from Tuesday 15th to Saturday
19th June.
The spectacular fashions on display are matched only by the quality
on the track, as elite thoroughbreds and champion jockeys compete
for some of the highest accolades in horseracing.
Subject to the planning process, this is likely to be the final
Royal Meeting before Ascot closes temporarily to embark on an
exciting redevelopment programme. Don’t miss your chance to visit
this historic racecourse and celebrate the end of an era.
More than 300,000 people visit the racecourse during Royal Ascot
week, making this Europe’s most popular race meeting. With over £3
million in prize money on offer and a total of sixteen Group races
over the five days, the quality of the horseracing is simply
outstanding.
The spectacular programme on the opening day features two Group One
contests, the Queen Anne Stakes won last year by Dubai Destination
and the St James’s Palace Stakes which sees the season’s finest
three-year-old colts competing in a race that traditionally features
winners of the early season Classics.
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, over one and a quarter miles, forms
the centrepiece on Wednesday and is often the scene for a
scintillating clash between the best older horses.
First run in 1807, the Gold Cup is the highlight on Thursday and
over the last two centuries has provided the ultimate test for
Europe’s top stayers.
Friday includes The Coronation Stakes for three-year-old fillies –
often a target for winners of the English, Irish and French 1,000
Guineas and won last year by Classic heroine Russian Rhythm.
Royal Ascot Saturday was the scene of a historic achievement in
2003, when Australian sprinter scored a double by adding the Group
One Jubilee Stakes to his King’s Stand victory earlier in the week.
Tickets for Royal Ascot 2004 continue to sell fast, so book now to
guarantee your place at this magnificent sporting and social
occasion. For more information call 01344 876 876 or visit
www.ascot.co.uk .
Hospitality
For a truly unforgettable day out, why not celebrate Royal Ascot in
style and comfort by taking advantage of the excellent hospitality
facilities available?
With an unrivalled choice of entertaining opportunities for
companies and individuals, Royal Ascot is also the perfect place to
entertain clients, colleagues or friends. Savour the superb cuisine
and first class service in refined and luxurious surroundings
overlooking the beautiful Berkshire countryside.
You and your guests can soak up the exhilarating atmosphere of Royal
Ascot, with a range of carefully tailored packages designed to suit
all tastes and budgets. To find out more about the range of
hospitality packages available, call 01344 878 555 or visit
www.ascot.co.uk
2004 Season
The Royal Meeting is undoubtedly the centrepiece of Ascot’s year,
but it is just the start of a busy summer of racing at the world’s
most famous racecourse.
The summer season starts in style with Ascot Live on Friday 9th &
Saturday 10th July, continuing the popular series of free music
concerts after racing. Two Brit nominated artists, Amy Winehouse and
Mis-Teeq, headline the July dates this year. The racing is also top
quality, featuring the Sony Handicap Stakes and Group Three Michael
Page International Silver Trophy. There’s no better way to make the
most of the summer sunshine.
De Beers Diamond Day on Saturday 24th July is the jewel in Ascot’s
summer season and second only to Royal Ascot in terms of prestige
and style. Over one million pounds in prize-money is on offer, with
the Group One King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes the
highlight on a sparkling day’s racing. This is consistently rated
one of the top races in the world, won in the past by such legends
as Nijinsky, Brigadier Gerard and Shergar.
The international flavour then continues the following day as a
taste of the Far East comes to Berkshire. Hong Kong Day on Sunday
25th July features magnificent oriental displays and attractions to
complement the top class horseracing action, featuring the richest
five-furlong handicap in Europe – the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint.
A fantastic entertainment programme between races includes dragon
and lion dancing, acrobatics, Kung Fu and traditional Chinese music.
This is a wonderful day out for the whole family to enjoy. An area
of the Grandstand is transformed into a Hong Kong Village, featuring
demonstrations of many ancient arts and crafts – from fortune
telling to calligraphy and noodle making.
The Blue Square Shergar Cup on Saturday 7th August is the premier
team competition in horseracing, where the very best jockeys from
Great Britain and Ireland take on top riders from the Rest of the
World in a thrilling contest over six races.
After their defeat in 2002, the international stars returned more
determined than ever to win back the coveted trophy. Led by their
captain, Frankie Dettori, the Rest of the World team scored a
decisive victory to level the series at two wins apiece. The rivalry
is sure to be as intense as ever as the two teams battle to gain the
upper hand once again.
On this unique raceday everybody has the chance to meet the jockeys
and sporting celebrities taking part. Then after the exhilarating
showdown, racegoers are invited to join in the celebrations with a
free live music concert in the Paddock. This year, top pop act the
Sugababes will entertain the crowds as they party on into the
sunset.
The five days of the Royal Meeting marks the start of the hottest
racing you will find anywhere this summer.
For further details on any of these days or to make a booking, call
01344 876 876 or visit
www.ascot.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
