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The royal family caused further media hysteria recently after the announcement that the second royal tween is on the way. But even more scandalous is the fact that, apparently, the Queen’s horse Estimate has been stripped of second place at this year’s Ascot Gold Cup because of a doping scandal. The five-year-old tested positive for morphine in July, which spokepersons have claimed was the result of contaminated feed. Experts are asking: ‘Is Estimate the ultimate party animal?’ (Ed: No. Just no.)
This drama alone would be enough for us here at Vada to head down to the races – but add in extravagant costumes, daytime drinking and horses with names that’d make drag queens blush, and frankly the temptation becomes irresistible.
The Ascot Gold Cup may have been and gone this summer, but there’s still a lot left on the racing calendar before we hang up our fascinators for 2014. Here’s a look at some of the best racing events you can still catch before the year is out.
Tattersalls Millions Day
Largely regarded by horse racing experts as one of the most famous race courses out there, Newmarket Racecourse will be playing host to the Tattersalls Millions Day on Saturday 4 October. The event will form part of Newmarket’s much anticipated autumn season and will feature memorable races such as the £500,000 Tattersalls Millions 2 Year Old Trophy and the Group 1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes.
Ascot Camra Beer Festival
For fans of both horse racing and beer quaffing, the Ascot Camra Beer Festival will return to the aforementioned Ascot Racecourse on Friday 3 October and Saturday 4 October. The event will give race-goers more than just an exciting day of flat racing – there’ll also be a boozy booty of more than 240 real ales, ciders and perries for keen beer drinkers to try. With top class racing, fashion and festivities, this brings a whole new meaning to Ascot.
The Showcase
Regular visitors to Cheltenham racecourse will notice that a lot has changed since the course closed its doors in April. The first stages of a £45 million development will be ‘showcased’ at The Showcase event on Friday 17 October and Saturday 18 October, which will feature leading horses, jockeys and trainers in a competitive jump racing event. For those who have never been to Cheltenham before, tours will also be offered to show off some of the site’s new facilities.
The Open
Without a doubt, one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar is The Open, which takes place once again at Cheltenham between Friday 14 November and Sunday 16 November. The event promises racing fans three days of world class racing, as well as the opportunity to peruse the retail offerings at The Open Shopping Village. As the second biggest race meeting in the Cheltenham calendar, The Open offers hospitality like no other amongst stunning surroundings.
