Exclusive Ascot now just a race for tickets
PERHAPS it was the memories of those mad, fun summer days downing rosé with my friends and nibbling cucumber sandwiches, but when I received an email advising me to apply early for badges to Ascot’s Royal enclosure, I didn’t hesitate. however, I didn’t expect to spend 11 hours in the online queuing system — without success. For the past 20 years, I have seen this event become over-developed and its membership watered down, leaving its once-heralded exclusivity diminished to a race for tickets. But still I was prepared to wait online until midnight. I had reached the top of the queue three times, only for the website to crash before I could enter my membership number. the next morning I phoned the Royal enclosure office to be told the website was having technical issues and to try again in a few days, which contradicted its email advice to me to ‘get your tickets early’. Only a few years ago, Ascot was something to behold. Butlers, maids and drivers attended pop-up dining rooms in Car Park No. 1. Lobsters flown in from Scotland were grilled at the back of Range Rovers. Sumptuous afternoon teas were served with the best champagne after a day cheering until you were hoarse. the Royal enclosure was never about the races. It was a social party and playground for the top notch of society. It was where well-connected people were introduced and ended up marrying the following spring. It took months of preparation to find the perfect hat, dress and wedges — never heels because no one likes sinking into mud in a pair of Jimmy Choo’s. But then things started to change. Ascot was redesigned and rebuilt. the stands were extended and the old guard, fed up with the ‘new obnoxious membership crowd’, left in their droves, telling me: ‘Not this year, we’re heading for goodwood — a better mix of people.’
they were replaced by a more international set. Alas, the wedges were overtaken by eye-watering crocodile-skin 6in heels and the butlers disappeared. the masses descended in their Asos dresses, hunting for that elusive millionaire — how he got his wealth was immaterial. the badge prices used to be £65, but this year they are £195, plus booking fee. the Royal enclosure has a maximum of 12,000 guests, which is 1,000 down on previous years. the idea is to make it more like it used to be. I will be interested to see that — if I ever manage to book my badges!
ABIGAIL RICHTER, London nW10.