Royal Ascot could relax strict dress code as course set to sizzle in 30c heat
The track's official dress code, which include top hat and tails in the Royal Enclosure area, could be relaxed if conditions become too uncomfortable
Royal Ascot is set to sizzle as temperatures could soar beyond 30C over the next four days. A yellow heat health alert has been issued for most of England with the mercury predicted to rise as high as 33C by the weekend.
Ascot is in the area covered by the Met Office warning which came into force on Wednesday and will remain in place until Sunday evening. A yellow warning is the lowest category of alert behind amber and red on the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) system.
With four more days of racing at the royal meeting due to take place on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, officials at Ascot are monitoring developments and have contingencies in place if action is necessary.
The track has cooling equipment on hand for horses and is prepared to relax the strict Royal Enclosure dress code of top hat and tails for me if conditions make it necessary.
A spokesperson for the track said: "Thoroughbred racehorses are able to run in very hot temperatures, including in countries such as Dubai. To ensure their welfare here at Royal Ascot we provide them with lots of water and ice if necessary.
'This includes a mobile bowser which holds 1,000 litres and can be towed anywhere on track, as well as 800 litres at the horse exit. Additionally, there are three misting fans in the unsaddling enclosure with 3,000 litres of iced water, with buckets, sponges, and scrapers.
"We've had days at Royal Ascot over 30C and we have a dedicated team of people to help cool the horses after they've raced."
Regarding the dress code, he continued: 'We will take a common-sense approach to these matters, with customer comfort and safety a top priority. This was demonstrated previously when the dress code wasn't enforced following the arrival of the Royal Procession on the Friday in 2022 as temperatures became uncomfortable.'
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