A Day in the life at Royal Ascot

Culture_

3 July 2024

One of Britain’s most famous racecourses, Ascot holds a special week of races in June each year called Royal Ascot, attended by The King & Queen. Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious and exciting Flat race meetings in the horse racing calendar.

THE INTRODUCTIONS

Hi guys, I’m Daniel aka @danfrmarz. I live in London and work in Finance. Along with my love for sneakers I enjoy collecting Football, NBA, and NFL Jersey’s especially when they match up with my kicks. Interesting fact following a Sunday discussion post this year about things we collect. I’ve started a new page @dripnkicks_ldn where I will be showcasing my jerseys and any other interesting pieces, I own that match my kicks.

Joining me at Royal Ascot this year are Ben and Daryl.

Ben: Hey peeps I’m @Ben_10_Ldn I've been into kicks since the 90s as my older cousin always had the latest fashion and he was someone who I looked up to. Growing up and coming from a Caribbean background I have a strong passion for music it doesn't matter the genre if its catchy I can vibe. Family 1st is my motto and I always make a point to travel to different countries with my Wife and Son to create memories. With that said my other passion is kicks which my Wife hates.

The OS community has brought us together purely, by picking up kicks then going out for a bite to eat and taking some on foot shoots.

Daryl: Big up people I’m @sneakerpapi_og. I’m a sneakerhead since the 80’s, currently a semi-retired business owner. I have a bit more time on my hands now to do other things, as an 80’s sneakerhead I still tend to go for the silhouettes I wore back in the day Air Max 1s and Jordan 1s.

I met Ben and Dan purely through pick-ups and a few others within the group as we all have quite a lot in common our friendship built from that really, sometimes I do feel like the Dad of the group at almost 50 but it’s all part of the banter!

We all know one another via the #offspringhqcommunity 🥇so what started out as small interactions on Instagram or brief meet n greets come pick up day has grown into friends who talk almost every day. This is the power of the #offspringhqcommunity where people have a platform to engage and meet new people who have the same passion! Nowadays head out to eat, go for a drink, touch a lil sneaker event but obviously we’re always in sneakers. So, we kind of just had an epiphany to flip the script.

Yeah, we love our creps but do something where we don’t wear em’ for once. Having attended myself once previously I suggested ‘let’s go Ascot!!’

ROYAL ASCOT

There are four Royal Ascot enclosures, with three of those open to the public. Each en-closure has a required dress code and atmosphere of its own, offering a unique Royal Ascot experience.

In true sneakerhead fashion, wanting a relaxed atmosphere at Royal Ascot, the Windsor Enclosure is the perfect option. Located alongside the Straight Mile on the same side as the Grandstand it puts racegoers at the heart of the action. The Enclosure boasts a vibrant atmosphere with live music, casual dining options and plenty of people enjoying picnics on the lawn. Enjoying close-up views of the Royal Procession and being right there to see the horses romp towards the finish line. Whilst there is no official dress code, guests are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. Upon hearing this you can probably guess the first question by @sneakerpapi_og and @ben_10_Ldn was, “Can we wear our kicks?!” – Classic.

Fast forward to Racing Day we met up nice and early. To get the train from Waterloo to Ascot with a few bottles of bubbly, sandwiches and our fold up chairs. Wanting to ensure we had sufficient time to find a nice spot where we could enjoy the day. The train journey alone, was a big indicator for the good vibrations that would be flowing throughout the day. The carriages were heaving but it wasn’t the normal Monday morning rush hour blues. Spirits were high people were singing, dressed to impress, smiling and sharing any tips they had for races throughout the day!

Once you arrive there’s a short five-minute walk from Ascot station to the racecourse. As we get closer, we were greeted by swarms of people who all look ready to attend a Royal Wedding. Heading up early gave us time to soak in the atmosphere, get started on them sandwiches and sufficient time to be get ready for when the real action begins. First race starts at 14:30.

Royal Ascot Tip – always look for the freeness! This year we took advantage of a provider that offered 3x £10 bets for placing a simple £1. That’s like three races covered and what I like to call a ‘Win-Win’ situation! If you lose you’ve spent a golden nugget but if your luck is up those free bets can be turned into a little sneakers’ money 💰

PSA 🎙️ Gambling can be addictive, if choosing to have a dabble always remember please do so responsibly! With the first race of the day just a few minutes away we all turn to one another and remind ourselves the main target for the day is to have some fun and at least break even.

And just like that we’re off 🐎💨🧲

Race 1: Placed Heaven’s Gate 8/ 1

Race 2: Placed Kind of blue 16/1

Race 3: Win Porta Fortuna 9/2

Now we’re moving. Bubbly is flowing. On to the next one.

Race 4: Placed Ziggy 11/1

Race 5: Bet of the day! Placed Battle Queen 40/1

Race 6: Win Callandagan 11/2

Race 7: De nada. What can I say it’s not Pokémon can’t catch em all.

Welp!! And just like that it was a wrap.

Two winners and four places meant a lil new sneakers money has been made but regardless it wasn’t about the money. It was all about having a good time. The highlight of the day was being surrounded by friends and enjoying the amazing atmosphere that Royal Ascot is famous for.

If anyone’s interested in rolling next year hit us up it was a great day. As the saying goes ‘the more the merrier’. We had sun, bubbles and was looking fresh (if I do say so myself lol).