The sun was shining, spirits were high, and fashion took center stage as Royal Ascot got underway in Berkshire on Tuesday.
What started as a glamorous and traditional day at the races quickly turned into a booze-filled celebration, complete with elegant outfits, sky-high drink prices, and a few guests letting loose a little too early.
All Dressed Up… At Least to Start
Racegoers arrived dressed to the nines — think flowy summer dresses, towering heels, and polished suits.
The dress code, always a highlight of Royal Ascot, made a strong showing early in the day.
But as temperatures rose and champagne flowed, some of that elegance melted away.
Heels were kicked off, shoes were swapped for bare feet, and smart jackets were soon carried over shoulders instead of worn.
Pricey Pours and Boozy Moments
While many came to enjoy the racing, the party atmosphere quickly took over.
Drinks were everywhere — and they didn’t come cheap.
A bottle of Dom Perignon Cuvee Blanc? That’ll cost you £560.
Even a more modest bottle of Moet and Chandon Brut Imperial starts at £210.
Beer drinkers weren’t spared either. A pint of Guinness or Peroni cost £7.80, while a Grolsch came in just under at £7. Cocktails? £14 a pop.
Even a non-alcoholic version would set you back at least £9.
Not Everyone Made It to the Finish Line
As expected at a long, sun-soaked day of drinking, a few guests struggled to pace themselves.
One racegoer had to be assisted by police. Another was spotted slumped over a metal barrier, just inches from a busy road.
Despite the glitz and formality, the scenes felt more like a summer festival by late afternoon.
Picnic-Style Recovery and Patriotism on Display
As the day wore on, groups of friends settled onto the grass with their bubbly, shoes off and spirits still high.
One woman proudly wore a Union Jack dress, fully embracing the British flair of the occasion.
Another was seen sporting the flag across her chest — an unofficial uniform for Ascot’s carefree revelers.
Tucking In Between Bets
Surprisingly, the food wasn’t as steeply priced as the drinks.
A bacon cheeseburger was on offer for £12.50, while hot dogs were a more manageable £9.50.
Vegetarian options like mushroom burgers were also available for around £11.50.
With food and drinks in hand, racegoers turned their attention to the day’s main attraction — the races.
Field of Gold Lives Up to His Name
On the track, the 8-11 favorite Field Of Gold didn’t disappoint.
Ridden by Colin Keane and trained by John and Thady Gosden, the colt delivered a dominant performance in the St James’s Palace Stakes — a win that echoed his father’s victory on the same track over a decade ago.
A Royal Letdown in the Ascot Stakes
King Charles III’s horse, Reaching High, bred from Queen Elizabeth II’s champion Estimate, didn’t have quite the same luck.
Despite being a hot favorite at 11/4, the horse finished behind Ascending, who won the race by a head under jockey Ryan Moore.
This was a historic moment as Reaching High was the first Royal runner to be trained in Ireland — by none other than National Hunt star Willie Mullins.
More to Come at Royal Ascot
With the festival continuing through Saturday, thousands more are expected to flock to Berkshire for more fashion, fizz, and flat racing.
While the dress code might start out strict and the prices steep, the vibe by mid-afternoon says it all: Royal Ascot is as much about the party as it is about the ponies.
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