Royal Ascot 2025 got off to a lively and rather boozy start, with racegoers descending on Berkshire in high spirits—and even higher heels.
While some came for the racing, many were clearly there for the party, as the opening day saw everything from polished fashion to tipsy tumbles.
Fashion Meets Fun on the Racecourse
As always, the event brought out the glamour.
Guests arrived in elegant summer dresses, towering heels, and sharply tailored suits, with the scene resembling a catwalk as much as a racetrack.
One standout even embraced the patriotic spirit by wearing a full Union Jack outfit.
But as the day wore on—and the drinks flowed—many attendees ditched their fancy footwear for a barefoot stroll on the grass.
By the time the sun was high, Ascot had fully transformed from high society event to an all-out social celebration.
Boozy Revelry and the High Price of Indulgence
It didn’t take long for some racegoers to start feeling the effects of the heat—and the alcohol.
One punter was seen slumped over a steel barrier dangerously close to traffic, while another was spotted being attended to by police.
And it’s not just the heat that’ll make you dizzy—the drink prices were eye-watering.
A 1.5-litre bottle of Cuvee Dom Perignon Blanc came in at a staggering £560.
Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial was priced at £250, and even a bottle of Whispering Angel rosé—just £22.50 at Tesco—was selling for £75 at the venue.
Pint Lovers Also Feeling the Pinch
Beer fans weren’t spared from the high prices either. A pint of Peroni or Guinness was £7.80, while Grolsch was a slightly more “budget-friendly” £7.
Even non-alcoholic options didn’t offer much relief, with alcohol-free Peroni at £5.50.
Premium cider and ales also clocked in at around the £7–£7.80 mark.
Food That’s Filling, If Not Frugal
On the food front, things were slightly more palatable.
Bacon cheeseburgers were available for £12.50, while standard cheeseburgers and veggie mushroom burgers cost £11.50.
Hot dogs came in at £9.50, offering at least a relatively reasonable meal option compared to the drinks list.
Field of Gold Delivers a Stunning Victory
While the crowd let loose off the track, things were heating up on it too.
Field Of Gold, the 8-11 favourite ridden by Colin Keane for trainers John and Thady Gosden, dominated in the St James’s Palace Stakes—winning with flair and securing a legacy moment eleven years after his sire’s triumph on the same track.
A Royal Runner Falls Short
It wasn’t a winning day for royalty, though. King Charles III’s horse, Reaching High, failed to deliver in the Ascot Stakes.
Despite being heavily favoured at 11/4 and trained by Irish superstar Willie Mullins, the horse was beaten by a head by Ascending, guided by jockey Ryan Moore.
Interestingly, Reaching High has royal roots—bred from Estimate, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Ascot Gold Cup-winning mare from 2013.
This marked the first time a horse owned by a reigning British monarch was trained in Ireland.
A Festival That’s About More Than Just Horses
Royal Ascot continues through to Saturday, and if Day One was any indication, it’s going to be a mix of high fashion, high spirits, and sky-high prices.
While the horses may be the stars of the track, the crowd—heels in hand and champagne in tow—are clearly making the most of the spectacle too.