As a completely useless gambler, who in any way in life chooses horses based on the colour of the shirt the jockey is wearing, red being my favourite. To perhaps a name that reminds me of something in my life I adore or admire. I often like to stand by the parade ring and admire the horses before every race, as well as trying to decide which one looks relaxed and ready to run! The maximum amount I have ever placed a bet on a horse with is five pounds. Usually it is just the minimum amount. For me the races is about the whole day, the reading the paper, having a cool drink, sunshine, a pretty hat and fun outfit. Perhaps some food and definitely then watching the races. Whether my horses win or lose I get very excited to watch the races!!!!
For many people the crowds and partying are also very important. However there is something more than this. Horse racing is fun for all. A family day out or a quiet day out alone. It’s all about the fun. These events happen all over the country. They are a huge amount of fun in almost all places. Yet there is one County in England where the races are not that much fun. Where the family day and and fun has been lost in a sea disorganised chaos. That would be Royal Ascot. I have been many times but in the last two years both times I have left the event. This year without even going inside.
It is popular and busy. It however in no way compares to other venues, even those that are smaller in nature. In previous years the arrangements were made with private companies to organise. Signage to the event and the sending of tickets, directions and parking were always excellent. I suffer with PTSD as I seem to mention in every post nowadays, so crowded places are very difficult. I therefore always opt to book a hospitality place. These are quieter areas where historically there was tea and coffee, a light lunch, tables, and a viewing area. Fart less crowded than main areas. However for me it is always a really great option.
Smaller venues do not have the facility, but are usually less crowded so it is not really an issue. However Surrey as a County has several racecourse including Ascot that are very busy. They seem to have one thing in common. Women attending without a man for hospitality experiences are treated appallingly. Ascot last year was so awful thatI left the hospitality area as it was no it booked correctly and the male staff member suggested that I could not afford to pay the upgrade. I was so disgusted I walked out. This was the first time I had experienced this at the event. So I returned this year. In fact yesterday.
It was busy as usual. I grabbed my pack that was sent, yet there was no directions for parking this year again !! I have Moggs with me so this is irritating as the event is huge. I arrive outside. The queues are huge but I notice that the signage for car parking is not correct. I drive to the car park from last year. The staff are all stood around. One sat on a garden chair. A large group of staff sat under a gazebo eating a picnic. I show the pack the staff member doesn’t seem to know. I am left sat in the car for half an hour ignored. I eventually pull into a parking space and another male arrives he tells me to give him fourty quid in cash to park for four hours. I show him the ticket. He says ‘oh I don’t know !’
I pull into a parking space and a member wonders over we joke and laugh. I leave Moggs and he assures me she wont get towed !!
I make my way over the bridge with the crowds and look for the hospitality entrance… Not one. I stand with the crowds at the entrance and I notice that this years there is jostling and pushing. It feels uncomfortable and not the previously fun and jovial atmosphere. I open the pack and notice that the identification tag is missing, so I go to reception. They find a replacement he says ‘are you on your own ?’ I joke that my imaginary friend is outside, but as usual I find the question irritating, like if I was a male it would not be asked ! I joke and say it isn’t the same as last year is it where there is no view of the race course. The man looks at me and says ‘yes’ it has been set up at the other end of the race course. I am furious. I booked it on purpose and asked the question. I am so cross I hand him the envelope and say I am leaving. I am NEVER going to be persuaded to return to Ascot again or racing in Surrey. It was both a waste of time and money. There is absolutely no hospitality for women, unless of course they are either with a male, or not attending for hospitality experiences. I have no choice given that I cannot cope easily in crowds.
I have a lovely drive in Moggs back to Hampshire and decide that Surrey can have their racecourse and macho, discriminatory practices. It is not all people, but as a paying guest I expect better! I notice in the paper the King was crying when his horse won. I reflect that I am glad he was crying. As the man responsible for the Royal Ascot, it is a reflection on his management. Attending when it was our Queen managing the event was an absolute delight. These past two years are an absolute disgrace!!