What Royal Ascot racegoers had to buy to avoid breaking rules in intense heat
Royal Ascot concluded on Saturday but some racegoers were caught out by the lesser known dress code rules which left them needing to buy socks if they wanted to attend
Royal Ascot stuck to its dress code as they enforced some of the lesser known rules by telling racegoers that they had to buy socks if they arrived without them. Few were aware that socks were compulsory with several being caught out.
In the Royal Enclosure and men must wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie and also socks. Royal Ascot states that 'socks must be worn at all times' and they should be 'covering the ankle'. Meanwhile ladies have to wear a hat or headpiece with a base of at least four inches.
The dress code is more relaxed in the other two enclosures, but still strictly enforces those rules. Images began doing the rounds on social media of men going into a changing room and buying socks for £5 if they were caught out by the dress code.
The summer event, which is a highlight in the racing calendar, has stuck rigidly to his traditional dress code for years. Despite soaring temperatures this week there was no changes to the rules as the weather resulted in 30 degree days.
It is officially the hottest week of the year and while Ascot provided them with water, their uncompromising dress code stayed intact. Back in 2022 the outfits rules were relaxed slightly due to high temperatures, but this year they instead provided free water at hydration stations whilst bottled water was handed out as people left the venue.
Those who attended on Saturday saw the last of five days racing in Berkshire with the meeting always attracting some of the world's greatest horses. Jockey James Doyle claimed victory in the week's second Group 1 sprint, but had to wait in the winner's enclosure for his horse.
France got the better of Japan with the front-running Lazzat holding off the late charge of Satono Reve in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. But after crossing the line the winning horse ejected Doyle and went for an extended run of the Ascot racecourse.
It led to an unprecedented wait for the winning horse, rider and trainer Jerome Reynier. It was the King and Queen waiting to present the award and Doyle took full responsibility for keeping them waiting.
"I did apologise to the King and Queen when I went to collect my prize," he said. "I told them I should have stayed in Pony Club longer than I did, so we had a good laugh about it! I have to say that's a first for me. It's a shame because it would have been nice to come back with the horse in tow."
The Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes was claimed by the favourite Rebel's Romance as Charlie Appleby enjoyed more success. One of the longest priced winners of the day came in the Jersey Stakes as Noble Champion won at 25/1.
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