The ascending racecourse in Berkshire, England, the lawns of Ascot Racecourse, comes alive every June with excellence and exclusivity in world-class horse racing, as it plays host to stands where heritage meets prestige and high society. The five-day event that has been since 1711 does not hold just a principal position in the British social calendar but worldwide in admired, unmatched displays of world horse racing and elegance.
Here, Royal Ascot is simply synonymous with royal patronage, personifying a history that spans well over centuries. Founded at the behest of Queen Anne and patronized by every British monarch since, it remains to this very day a testament to regal influence and British heritage. Each day, the Royal Procession enlivens his day, which, headed by King Charles III from 2024, makes the tradition that started in 1825. Thus, royalty also brings about an added charm to the place, combining the theatre of high-stakes racing with British royal pageantry.
At the heart of Royal Ascot lies the quality of the racing program, as the historically rich well of Group 1 races reverberates throughout the world, drawing the best horses, trainers, and jockeys. The 2024 installment claims an in-excess-of £10 million purse that is hugely relevant across eight Group 1 contests, every single one increasing the worth to the established reputation. From the prestigious Gold Cup on Ladies' Day to the truly sensational Platinum Jubilee Stakes on the last day, each race is a collage of great skill, strategy, and passion for the sport.
The rhythm of the week is one of the first things that captures the seasoned racing enthusiast and casual spectator in one:
The fifth day of the week, Saturday, also brings the week to a close with the Hardwicke Stakes and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, suitably drawing the curtain on a week of the best and classiest racing that has ever graced the face of the earth.
Royal Ascot is more than just racing; it's a master class in style and elegance. The dress code, carefully followed by the racegoers each day, makes for a smattering of sartorial elegance mirroring the high esteem of the event's atmosphere. From the exclusive confines of the Royal Enclosure to the vibrant atmosphere of the Queen Anne Enclosure, hospitality offers make sure that guests are given nothing but luxury from start to finish.
Royal Ascot 2024 was to give pride of place to its recognition as one of the world's leading racing events, with a record £10 million in prize money across the eight Group 1 contests. No less than £1 million is waiting for the winner of each race, topped jointly by the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, both worth £1 million. Aside from the obvious lucre, these races are a champions test area. They draw the best horses and present the finest level of racing skill and strategy. The prize funds in such large amounts do more than secure, on both occasions, the crème de la crème of world competition—such attention lends added value to Royal Ascot's position in the calendar and continues to showcase the event as a pinnacle position that creates a huge amount of interest among established professionals and young, emerging talent in the equestrian world.
Although Royal Ascot is steeped in tradition, the appeal of its reach stretches far beyond the English countryside. With global television coverage in a staggering excess of 200 countries, it manages to hold audiences all around the world, showcasing some of the best of British culture and sporting excellence. It represents prestige and proves to be a magnet of international interest for visitors from every corner of the globe, attracted to the event.
Royal Ascot is not only about pulsating excitement in the racecourse or lavish fashion but also steeped in fabulous traditions and remarkable statistics:
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As Royal Ascot 2024 approaches, the world is at the edge in anticipation of not just thrilling races and the thrill of stiff competition, but also the cultural pageantry and timelessness in elegance. From the era of its creation by Queen Anne until now, being Britain's most valuable meeting, Royal Ascot still insists on excellence in horse racing and refinement in society. If you are a racing enthusiast, a fashionista, or just one who loves everything classic, Royal Ascot has something completely different and exudes charm and excellence beyond eras to enchant and enamor the rest of the world.
Your might enjoy this article Royal Ascot: Time To Dress Up.
You can find more interesting stories in our section on Racing & Wagering.
By the EIE Editorial Staff
Horses have earned their fame for a multitude of reasons, both for their contributions to human history and for their inherent qualities that have captured our imagination. Here's a list of our most memorable horses.
1. Black Beauty: This fictional horse is the star of the beloved children's novel of the same name by Anna Sewell. The story tells the tale of a black stallion who is mistreated by various owners but ultimately finds a happy ending. Black Beauty's story is a powerful indictment of cruelty to animals and remains a popular choice for young readers.
Black Beauty (1994)
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The fates of horses, and the people who own and command them, are revealed as Black Beauty narrates the circle of his life. Director: Caroline Thompson, Writers: Anna Sewell (novel), Caroline Thompson (screenplay), Stars: Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Docs Keepin Time
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
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2. The Black: “The Black” is the name of the stunning fictional Arabian stallion from the book series from Walter Farley which was later made into a beautifully filmed masterpiece in 1979. In the movie, this powerful black stallion forms a unique bond with a young boy, Alec Ramsay, when they are both shipwrecked on a deserted island. The boy later races The Black against the best racehorses in the country.
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
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The Black Stallion (1979)
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While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. Director: Carroll Ballard, Writers: Melissa Mathison (screenplay), Jeanne Rosenberg (screenplay), Stars: Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr
3. Man o' War: Nicknamed "Big Red," Man o' War was another champion racehorse who dominated the early 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He won 20 of his 21 starts, established seven track records for speed over various distances, and raced at odds as short as 1–100. He died on November 1, 1947, at age 30 after an apparent heart attack. He was so popular that his funeral was broadcast live on NBC Radio.
Man o' War (Thoroughbred Legends) by Edward Bowen
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4. Mister Ed: The talking palomino horse of the 1960s sitcom was "Mister Ed." The talking palomino horse, Mr. Ed, was played by a talented horse named Bamboo Harvester. His voice was provided by actor Allan Lane. The show centered around Wilbur Post, the owner (played by Alan Young), who was the only one who could understand Mr. Ed's witty and often sarcastic remarks.
Mister Ed and Me by Alan Young
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5. Misty of Chincoteague: Misty was a fictional horse from the children's novel “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry. The book is inspired by the real-life Chincoteague Pony Swim, a tradition where Chincoteague Island ponies are rounded up and swim across a channel to Assateague Island. In the story, two siblings, Paul and Maureen, befriend a wild mare named Phantom and her foal, Misty.
Misty of Cincoteague
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6. Phar Lap: An Australian racing champion, Phar Lap wasn't just fast; he had a powerful physique. Standing at 17 hands tall with a massive heart (later discovered to be unusually large), his physical attributes contributed to his racing prowess. Phar Lap wasn't just a winner; he was dominant. He won a staggering 37 races out of 51 starts in the 1920s and early 1930s, often beating competitors by significant lengths. His versatility was impressive too, excelling in both long-distance and sprint races. Coinciding with the Great Depression, Phar Lap's victories provided a much-needed morale boost for Australians. His death at a young age from alleged poisoning remains a mystery.
Phar Lap: A True Legend by Michael Reason
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Phar Lap (1983)
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7. Seabiscuit: The undersized racehorse who became a national sensation during the Great Depression. Seabiscuit wasn't a horse owned by the elite. His owner, Charles Howard, wasn't a wealthy man either. Their success story resonated with ordinary people who felt overlooked or underestimated. The bond between Seabiscuit and his jockey, George Woolf, was another captivating aspect of the story. Woolf himself had overcome injuries and setbacks, further mirroring the spirit of resilience. Their teamwork became a source of inspiration. The book by Laura Hillenbrand entitled “Seabiscuit: An American Legend” tells the story of Seabiscuit's transformation from a struggling racehorse to a champion, beating triple crown winner War Admiral in a 1938 match race.
Seabiscuit: An American Legend
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Seabiscuit (2003)
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True story of the undersized Depression-era racehorse whose victories lifted not only the spirits of the team behind it but also those of their nation.
Director: Gary Ross, Writers: Laura Hillenbrand (book), Gary Ross (screenplay), Stars: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks |
8. Secretariat: Another “Big Red!” This chestnut thoroughbred won the 1973 Triple Crown in which his record-breaking times for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes still stand today. Race caller Chic Anderson announced Secretariat was moving like a “tremendous machine” on the way to winning the Triple Crown and Belmont Stakes by a remarkable 31 lengths. Upon his death, it was discovered his heart was twice the size of a normal horse. Many consider Secretariat to be the greatest racehorse of all time.
Secretariat by William Nack
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William Nack (Author). “Secretariat is an elegantly crafted, exhilarating tale of speed and power, grace and greatness, told with such immediacy that the reader is lost in the rush of horses and the clatter and ring of the grandstand.” —Laura Hillenbrand, bestselling author of Seabiscuit. Updated with a new preface by the author. In 1973, Secretariat, the greatest champion in horse-racing history, won the Triple Crown. The only horse to ever grace the covers of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated in the same week, he also still holds the record for the fastest times in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Paperback: 480 pages Publisher: Hyperion; Reissue edition (August 31, 2010) KINDLE EDITION Available
Secretariat (2010)
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Penny Chenery Tweedy and colleagues guide her long-shot but precocious stallion to set, in 1973, the unbeaten record for winning the Triple Crown. Director: Randall Wallace, Writers: Mike Rich, William Nack (book), Stars: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale
9. Silver: The Lone Ranger's loyal white steed, Silver is one of the most recognizable horses in American pop culture. He was a constant companion to the masked hero and helped him fight for justice in the Wild West. Actually, Silver wasn't actually a single horse! While the character of Silver is always a white stallion, multiple horses have portrayed him in the television show. The most famous Silver was likely played by two different horses. The first horse's real name was White Cloud, and the second was named Tarzan's White Banner, later renamed Hi-Yo Silver (after the show's famous catchphrase).
The Lone Ranger (The Classic TV Series)
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10. Trigger: Roy Rogers' golden palomino Trigger was another famous television horse. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows alongside Roy Rogers and was known for his gentle temperament and athletic ability. Trigger’s original name was Golden Cloud. Reportedly after riding the horse just 100 yards, Roy never looked at another, and purchased Golden Cloud on a time payment plan for the amazing sum of $2,500. As Roy recalled, "He would turn on a dime and he'd give you 9 cents change." We thought it was an ecumenical opportunity to see Trigger prior to selling at Christie’s in New York City for the amount of $266,500.
Happy Trails: A Pictorial Celebration of the Life and Times of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
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Which one is your favorite? Did we miss any? Let us know! Send us your article ideas at info@equineinfoexchange.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.
Your horse is reluctant to pick up more than a walk lately -- is she feeling a bit sluggish, or could it be osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) -- also referred to as equine degenerative joint disease (DJD) -- is a common condition horses experience resulting in degeneration of the joints and pain, inflammation, reduced flexibility and range of motion. Osteoarthritis typically affects the synovial and cartilaginous components of joints. Any joint is at risk whether hips, hocks, stifles or knees and fetlocks.
Find answers to FAQs about lameness and arthritis in horses, below.
At what age do horses get arthritis?
Osteoarthritis can impact every horse, no matter their age, breed or discipline. It’s a common misconception that the condition impacts only senior horses, however. Horse owners will need to take preventive steps early on to control their horse’s risk, and manage with prompt diagnosis and proactive treatment, should their horse develop OA over time.
What is the most common cause of lameness in horses?
It is estimated that OA is responsible for up to 60% of all lameness in horses.
How can I tell if my horse is in pain?
“Horses almost never say ‘no.’ Horses can talk, and it is our job to learn how to speak their language and above all, to listen and be their advocate,” said Steve Allday, DVM, an equine lameness specialist with more than 35 years’ experience caring for an impressive list of equine athletes. Dr. Allday also founded and developed the joint supplement line, LubriSyn.
To help address the underrecognized signs of pain in horses, co-authoring Drs. Catherine Torcivia and Sue McDonnell, within the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, published “Equine Discomfort Ethogram.” The report outlines 73 equine discomfort behaviors and grouped them into eight categories: posture and weight-bearing; limb and body movements; head, neck, mouth, and lip movements; attention to area; ear and tail movements; overall demeanor; altered eating or drinking; and vocalizations/audible sounds. Review their published work for detailed illustrations, written descriptions and even videos to best know whether your horse is in pain.
How can you tell if your horse is lame?
Dr. Allday recommends that you lunge or hand-trot your horse and look for a “nod.” If their head goes down when the right front leg goes forward, the problem is in the left front. If they “toe-heel” on their hind legs, it’s a sure-sign there is pain in the heel, frog or other form of lower-limb lameness.
What causes arthritis in horses?
Trauma to the joint, a horse’s conformation defects, their age, improper shoeing and trimming, as well as sequential bone fragments can all cause equine arthritis.
What are the signs of arthritis in horses?
There are a number of signs your horse could be affected by OA, such as lameness or limping, warm or painful, swollen joints, reluctance or difficulty to move, and stiffness in the joints.
Can arthritis in horses become worse over time?
“Osteoarthritis is ubiquitous in all mammals and progressive as a rule,” said Dr. Allday. With proactive treatment, and joint health supplements to prevent the condition from worsening, arthritis in horses can be manageable.
How do you prevent arthritis in horses?
By getting ahead of what problems could arise because of a horse’s conformation or housing/training environments, you can help prevent joint issues.
Incorporate horse joint supplements like LubriSyn HA or Cosequin to support healthy joints and improved mobility.
Prioritize hoof care and keep horses on a regular trim schedule. Learn more about horse hoof care from a lifelong horse farrier.
Keep horses at their optimum weight, as obesity stresses the joints.
Ensure they receive excellent nutrition to encourage strong bones and healthy cartilage.
Limit riding on hard surfaces, if possible, and instead opt for softer footing.
“I put my horses on Lubrisyn as soon as possible,” Dr. Allday said. “I have unwavering statistics, the earlier they go on it, the more they function, and the less necessary it is for me to inject them. I have a rope horse I made over $150,000 on, and I’ve only injected him one time. He has showed up for me every time.”
How do I know if my horse has arthritis?
Owners and riders are excellent diagnosticians of any changes in a horse’s joint health. “This is simply because you know your horse. When I go look at a horse, I’m taking a snapshot of just that moment, while you have known the horse for days and years -- sometimes, his entire life -- before I got there that day,” said Dr. Allday, who recommends giving horses a close once-over when grooming or tacking up for a ride. Look to see if one side is larger than the other. Also, rub the horse’s back and palpate it to make sure it isn’t sore, and always check their hocks for any fluid. Share any new findings with your veterinarian. Should your veterinarian suspect joint problems, it’s likely they will perform a routine lameness evaluation.
Can you ride a horse with arthritis?
The short answer is “Yes,” but it depends. Talk with your veterinarian about your horse’s level of arthritis to know whether with treatment, he recommends the horse being ridden. “OA isn’t the end of their career, but it’s certainly something you have to be on top of, address rapidly and maintain routinely,” said Dr. Allday. “You may even have to go to anti-inflammatories to maintain a horse’s athletic career.”
What is the best treatment for arthritis in horses?
Veterinarians may recommend prescription medications, like Equioxx, Surpass Topical or Adequan i.m. to manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Should OA be diagnosed, your veterinarian will work closely with you on joint health needs to prevent further progression of joint damage, as well as anti-inflammatory treatments available to manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Visit Valley Vet to learn more.
Teresa Kackart demonstrates a safe way to lead a horse from horseback. Brought to you by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA.horse)
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