Friday 4th and Saturday 5th October sees the return of the ever-popular Autumn Racing Weekend and Ascot Beer Festival to Ascot Racecourse.
Racegoers will be treated to a weekend of unforgettable entertainment both on and off the track – from thrilling Flat racing to an extraordinary selection of over 200 real ales, ciders and perries in association with CAMRA, this is one fixture you won’t want to miss.
Ascot’s penultimate Flat meeting of the season offers top-class sport across both days. Most exciting is the UK’s joint-most valuable seven-furlong handicap on the Saturday.
The £180,000 Challenge Cup, triumphantly taken last year by the Jamie Osborne trained Raising Sand, with top female jockey Nicola Currie, is set to provide an equally thrilling card this year.
This, along with five other top-class races on the Saturday, and a six-card day on the Friday, ensures a thrilling atmosphere on the track.
What’s your tipple?
Off the track, the Grandstand will be transformed into a sea of real ale, cider and perry tasting opportunities, with a wide range of casual food outlets offering crowd-pleasing favourites of hearty pies, classic sausage rolls, German sausages, and more.
There will be tasting notes to guide your selections, with commemorative beer glasses and drinks vouchers available on the day (these may also be pre-ordered upon purchase of tickets).
This year, the Festival has also partnered with gin experts For the Love of Gin, to offer an array of over 80 gins from around the world, to be paired and enjoyed with a Fever-Tree mixer. Whether gin is your thing, or you’re more of a beer lover, there really is an option that will put a smile on everyone’s face. Across both days, the Trackside Lawn offers giant lawn games, including skittles and chess where all the family can enjoy the fun.
Saturday also sees the opening of the Ascot Bier Haus (for over 18s only) where litre beer steins and a live Oompah band take centre stage.
A taste of Oktoberfest
Saturday’s racegoers will be treated to further festivities in the Ascot Bier Haus, where an abundance of bratwurst, pretzels, lederhosen and traditional German music will create a Bavarian atmosphere worthy of Oktoberfest itself.
Dip in and out on the day or book a private bench in advance for the best place from which to soak up the festive atmosphere. A wide range of food outlets and bars will be open in both the Queen Anne and King Edward VII Enclosures, whilst ticket upgrades and Fine Dining packages are available to book in advance for this outstanding day out.
Tickets start from £19 per person, with King Edward VII Enclosure tickets from just £23 per person; further group discounts for bookings of 10+. Upgrade and reserve a Private Bench for the day in the Bier Haus for £120 per bench seating up to six. For more information visit ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000.
Fine Dining Experience
Enhance your day with a Fine Dining experience and enjoy the finest foods, wines and Champagnes paired with exemplary service. Stay close to action in the Parade Ring Restaurant where a special three-course à la carte menu is on offer from £207 + VAT per person, plus views of the Parade Ring, a private trackside viewing area and the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Parade Ring ahead of racing.
Alternatively enjoy the stunning vistas of ON 5, the contemporary award-winning restaurant – with views across the racecourse, you won’t miss a thing whilst enjoying a four-course from £232 + VAT per person. For the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity, please enquire about our Private Box options. Fine Dining is very popular so book soon to secure your table. To book call 0344 346 0346 or email [email protected].
Lead Image by Steven Cargill
