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Royal Ascot: a betting festival like no other

By Matt | June 14, 2008

THE FLAT racing highlight of the year is upon us. Royal Ascot is a betting festival like no other, and it starts on Tuesday. And this year, you’d quite literally better look smart: Ascot Racecourse has issued a reminder of its dress code for the Royal enclosure, threatening to throw out anybody who dares turn up underdressed.

And you wouldn’t want to be thrown out of this party. Royal Ascot is sunshine, champagne and strawberries – and the highlight of the British horseracing calendar – which is why A Cunning Punt will be publishing a free betting tip every day throughout the festival.

The Cheltenham Festival has an army of backers, and is undoubtedly a great week of betting. But Gloucestershire in March is a poor second to Ascot in glorious June.

Nearly one-quarter of the UK’s 31 Group 1 races are held over the five days of Royal Ascot. Betting on-course far exceeds the £4 million on offer in prize money, and around 10 per cent of all attendances at British racecourses this year will be at the festival (around 275,000 over the five days).

But woe betide anyone trying to get into the Royal Enclosure in a skimpy dress or without the required three-piece morning suit and tails.

According to Ascot racecourse’s website, the warning comes from HM The Queen herself.

The site warns, “Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable.

“Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and / or mini skirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour.

“Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat.”

Furthermore, a new Royal Ascot guide to dress and etiquette has been interpreted by the Daily Mail to mean “no minis, no streaky fake tan and no knickers on show”.

Such is Royal Ascot’s prestige that the dress code reminder was reported as far away as Canada.

Fortunately, most of the races will be screened live on the BBC (or online via William Hill’s bet live service) so the rest of us don’t need to worry.

And we’ll bring you a free betting tip every day during Royal Ascot, starting with the St James’ Palace Stakes on Tuesday.

The latest confrontation for this year’s premier three-year-olds should be won by double-Guineas hero Henrythenavigator. But at ante-post betting odds of around 4/7, I’m happy to oppose him.

And long-shot Stubbs Art, 20/1 with Stan James, looks just the horse for my each-way money. Third behind Henrythenavigator in both the UK and Irish 2,000 Guineas, Stubbs Art should be able to get a place again in the hands of Derby winner Seb Sanders.

Selection