[note: Daytime tempartures of over 120 degrees farenheit have cooled down the racing season here in Bahrain and elsewhere in the Gulf. So, Erley Turk reminsces about the glory that is the Royal Meeting in hopes that readers will be inspired to make their own journies to Ascot Heath in 1999.]
 
At the risk of starting World War III, Erley Turk would like to suggest that the most prestigous day in horse racing falls in the autumn at the Breeder's Cup. He would also maintain, at the risk of further alienating his readers, that the best two days of racing occur in early October during Arc weekend at Longchamps.

But if there is one event which any and all race fans must attend at least once in there lives, then the four-day Royal Ascot meeting in mid-June is it. (And if it rains on two or more days, then by all means go back the following year.) At first glance, it looks a rather average meeting with "only" three Group I races. "Big deal," you say. Tsk Tsk, such narrow-mindedness will neither get you one step to "horse-racing Heaven" nor to picking a winner.

Before Erley Turk gets you on the way towards those twin goals, he presents his (usual) history lesson. Queen Anne 'founded' the first horse race meeting at (what was later to be known as Royal Ascot) on Ascot Heath on August 11, 1711. It should be noted that racing did not begin in earnest at this location until 1744. The mighty Eclipse ran at Ascot in May, 1769 during his legendary winning streak.

The highlight of the Royal Ascot meeting, for many, is the Gold Cup which was initally ran in 1807. Another favorite race, albeit a mere handicap (like an allowance for us American types), is the Wokingham which appeared in 1813. Indeed, there is loads of history at Royal Ascot and it is refreshing to see the same races run annually over a long period of time which conveys a wonderful sense of tradition. To be sure, Ascot keeps up with the times; one can gain further information on its Website.

To do Royal Ascot correctly, one simply must apply for admission into the Royal Enclosure. Of course, this will necessitate a slight change in your usual race track attire and some homework as well. Men are to be attired in 'morning dress' and can arrive in England with the proper attire in their suitcases. Another idea is to contact the good folks at Moss Bros. (located at Covent Garden and other locations), tell them you wish to rent morning clothes for Royal Ascot, and ask them to send you a brochure and size chart (which you will mail back with a small deposit). Voila, all done.

I am sad to say that Ladies do not have it so easy as calling a shop to 'rent/hire' a dress for four days is not an option. Of course, the easy part may be finding dresses to wear to Ascot, but the real fun begins in matching those dresses with the REQUIRED hats. One could arrive in London early and buy or commission a hat(s); another option is to make and bring your hat from overseas using an empty cake box to protect it (don't laugh, reader, as Erley Turk's mom did this with smashing success.)

Okay, thousands of people arrive for the races via car. All well and good, especially if you want to tailgate/picnic on the infield or the many yards of homes surrounding the race course. For those without autos, there are many trains that depart from London Waterloo station on the racedays. Once you disembark from the trains, gentlemen will find ladies selling carnations for their lapels (and even more importantly, ladies also willing to affix the flowers thus sparing us any clumsy embarassment.) And then one of the highlights of your life commences: the 15 minute walk along the path from the station to the racecourse under the shady trees...retracing the same steps of countless millions of fellow race goers in previous years similarly clad in their best attire. It is likely to be one of the most elegant settings in your life (and likely to be the only time you are 'even' in terms of bets made and bets won.)

The first race on Royal Ascot days goes off at 2:30. One should arrive by 12 noon at the latest (eh, make it 1130 or earlier so you are not rushed) to get your badge, buy your racecards and racing papers, stroll the grounds and locate a suitable place for your pre-race drinks and lunch.

Yes, there are lots of tables in the Royal Enclosure and YES they do fill up quickly. Simply get a table, buy a bottle of the house champagne, and enjoy that one international pastime which requires no practice and at which we all excel: people-watching.

In between sips and glances, you may want to start choosing your selections for the day's six races. True that some like to look at the horses in the parade ring/paddock before they saddle up, but so do hundreds of others (who also head to the betting windows when you do.) It is no fun getting shut out. Happily, the ones at the betting windows will gladly take your money on advance races. Unhappily, most people in front of you are having their first visit to the racecourse betting window. It may take them 5 precious minutes to put a 2 pound win bet on their choice. You and your heart have been duly warned.

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The Queen's procession rides up the course and enters the winner's enclosure around 2PM or so. If this interests you, then be sure to secure your choice viewing spot no later than 1:30.

U.S. race goers complain that "twenty minutes is too much time between races," and so tracks have slotted in televised races from other tracks to fill the time (and to bet on.) After four days consisting of twenty four races at Royal Ascot, E. Turk can assure you that 35 minutes between races is not enough time there. Ideally between races one ought to be able to: get a drink (to celebrate backing an 8-1 winner or bemoan losing on the favorite), watch the reply a few times (while gloating/groaning inside), walk to the parade ring, make a choice, bet the selection, maybe get a bite to eat, and finally head to the viewing area for the race itself. Maybe part of it is the overall unhurried and stress-free atmosphere at Ascot. One doesn't mind there "only" being six races as they all are of top quality, evenly spread out, and viewed at by the most classily-dressed crowd that annually gathers for a race meeting.

Ahh, the races themselves. In these 24 races, there will be events of 5 furlongs, 2 1/2 miles (I think there is also a 2 3/4 mile race), and various distances in between. There are races for of 2 and 3 year old horses and also for their older brethren, many of whom annually show up as if attending a reunion. (There were horses in the 1998 Royal Ascot whom Erley saw back in 1995.) And part of the fun is following the progress of the horses one sees for several years down the road .....two year olds that still make names for themselves at 5 or 6 years of age.

Now the astute reader will have noticed by now that Erley has often spoken of the whole 24 race Royal Ascot package. Granted this is a demanding week, but to the race lover, it is well worth it.

Do it!

A grumble of some horseplayers is that race fields these days seem to consist of fewer and fewer horses. A common complaint might go like, "wif dese small fields, how can I get any odds." Okay Mr.I-want-a-Megafield, get yourself to Royal Ascot and try picking the winner from the 32 horses that regularly compete for the Brittania, Royal Hunt Cup, Wokingham and other handicaps. And don't let me hear you say, "wif dese big fields, how can I pik da winnah?"

Then again, since a badge to the Royal Enclosure may be around $55, funds may not be in ample supply (adding in the champagne, hotel, attire, possible airfare, etc.) In that case, Erley recommends you go on when it is sunny. Narrowing it down, if you have a choice of days, then the first(Tuesday) and fourth (Friday) days are Erley's favorites. But try for all four days (if they are dry) if your stamina holds out. Who knows when you'll be back.