Lucy Watson from MIC
On a dark and rainy Saturday in December, the post-apocalyptic event of the year, Celebrity Race Club’s Ascot Event, took place. Whilst the weather conditions did not present the most persuasive case for travelling for more than an hour to attend the horse races, Warren Brown’s (Director of Celebrity Race Clubs) outstanding reputation for hosting equestrian-themed extravaganzas provided us with all the motivation needed to travel to Ascot.
Upon arriving at the small Berkshire town, approximately 25 miles outside London, we were greeted by the hosts of the event and ushered towards our VIP booth. We were welcomed into Suite 316-318, introduced to some key jet-setters and offered a glass of champagne. True to their name, the delightful bubbly, delicious canapés and luxurious booth meant that the only thing missing from the celebrity experience was a red carpet entrance.
Ascot Racecourse is steeped in history and has welcomed horse-racing fans for over 300 years; therefore, the modern, spacious and airy booths were an unexpected but welcomed feature. However, the newly-developed racing centre managed to retain its “totally British” vibe, to quote a guest of mine who had travelled from Minnesota. Despite it being a sell-out event, the room seemed to be filled to an ideal capacity; there was enough room to feel comfortable, but it was full enough to create every event-planner’s dream ‘buzz’.
Before the first race began, the event hosts and Ed Chamberlin (Sky Sports presenter) made speeches, welcoming the guests to the event, suggesting horses to bet on and even giving the Jet Set Gazette a mention. As soon as these finished, the betting booth in the corner of the room was swamped with seasoned gamblers, horse-racing aficionados and excitable newbies. Money was exchanging hands, receipts were being printed and the tension was so palpable that the atmosphere was probably more representative of a bustling Roman market than that of sleepy Berkshire town. The first race began, and the horses shot off around the picturesque racecourse. The crowds rushed to the balcony and cheered for their individual horses, racing newbies franticly flicked through their various receipts, shouting out various numbers and the thrill-seeking hedonists whispered, “If you win this one, you’re buying the Bollinger, okay?”
The following races continued in a similar manner. However, with the addition of red wine, the shouting gradually grew louder and more excitable, climaxing in the final moments of the fourth race, reaching a frequency that was barely audible to the human ears. I guess you could said that everybody shouted until their voices grew hoarse, if you pardon the pun.
Whilst racing was obviously a key part of the event, the day also presented an opportunity to socialize in luxurious and impressive surroundings. Amongst the attendees was Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson, the show’s protagonist. We caught up with Lucy and asked her about her day, however, we treaded carefully when talking to her, so as to not “get up in her grill”. The petite brunette told the Jet Set Gazette, “This is my first time racing, actually” and informed us that it was “all good fun”. Despite her fierce reputation, she kindly posed for photos with guests and was seen getting into the racing spirit.
Elsewhere at the Racecourse, Christmas festivities were taking place. In the centre of the complex, Christmas carollers were performing for the multitudes of race-goers, and costumed characters, reminiscent of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, were greeting the younger guests.
The day was truly a festive treat for all attending and successfully brought the racing year to an end.
Upon arriving at the small Berkshire town, approximately 25 miles outside London, we were greeted by the hosts of the event and ushered towards our VIP booth. We were welcomed into Suite 316-318, introduced to some key jet-setters and offered a glass of champagne. True to their name, the delightful bubbly, delicious canapés and luxurious booth meant that the only thing missing from the celebrity experience was a red carpet entrance.
Ascot Racecourse is steeped in history and has welcomed horse-racing fans for over 300 years; therefore, the modern, spacious and airy booths were an unexpected but welcomed feature. However, the newly-developed racing centre managed to retain its “totally British” vibe, to quote a guest of mine who had travelled from Minnesota. Despite it being a sell-out event, the room seemed to be filled to an ideal capacity; there was enough room to feel comfortable, but it was full enough to create every event-planner’s dream ‘buzz’.
Before the first race began, the event hosts and Ed Chamberlin (Sky Sports presenter) made speeches, welcoming the guests to the event, suggesting horses to bet on and even giving the Jet Set Gazette a mention. As soon as these finished, the betting booth in the corner of the room was swamped with seasoned gamblers, horse-racing aficionados and excitable newbies. Money was exchanging hands, receipts were being printed and the tension was so palpable that the atmosphere was probably more representative of a bustling Roman market than that of sleepy Berkshire town. The first race began, and the horses shot off around the picturesque racecourse. The crowds rushed to the balcony and cheered for their individual horses, racing newbies franticly flicked through their various receipts, shouting out various numbers and the thrill-seeking hedonists whispered, “If you win this one, you’re buying the Bollinger, okay?”
The following races continued in a similar manner. However, with the addition of red wine, the shouting gradually grew louder and more excitable, climaxing in the final moments of the fourth race, reaching a frequency that was barely audible to the human ears. I guess you could said that everybody shouted until their voices grew hoarse, if you pardon the pun.
Whilst racing was obviously a key part of the event, the day also presented an opportunity to socialize in luxurious and impressive surroundings. Amongst the attendees was Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson, the show’s protagonist. We caught up with Lucy and asked her about her day, however, we treaded carefully when talking to her, so as to not “get up in her grill”. The petite brunette told the Jet Set Gazette, “This is my first time racing, actually” and informed us that it was “all good fun”. Despite her fierce reputation, she kindly posed for photos with guests and was seen getting into the racing spirit.
Elsewhere at the Racecourse, Christmas festivities were taking place. In the centre of the complex, Christmas carollers were performing for the multitudes of race-goers, and costumed characters, reminiscent of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, were greeting the younger guests.
The day was truly a festive treat for all attending and successfully brought the racing year to an end.