Tales of the Royal Meeting Trivia Quiz

Answer: Queen Anne

It is said that Queen Anne, who was absolutely crazy about horses, was riding near Windsor Castle one day and found the site upon which the Ascot Racecourse has been located for over three hundred years. The first race there, run on August 11, 1711, was called "Her Majesty's Plate", and consisted of three heats that were each four miles long. Seven horses were entered into this race; the rules stated the entrants could be a mare or gelding, over the age of six, that carried 12 stones, which was roughly equal to 168 pounds today.

While it is known that seven horses competed at the first race, however, the name of the winner was not recorded.

Answer: 2 pm

The tradition of the Royal Procession began with George IV and has continued through the 21st century. The ruling monarch, along with family members and invited guests, enter the racecourse in horse drawn carriages promptly at 2 pm, which is considered to be the beginning of the race day.

While they enter, the Royal Standard is raised. People who want to have a front row seat while watching the Royal Procession are encouraged to find seats available in the Queen Anne Enclosure. The first day of Royal Ascot 2018 caused quite a stir, as it was the first appearance of the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, otherwise known as Henry and Meghan.

Answer: Royal Enclosure

In 2018 race fans were able to choose from four different seating areas at the Royal Ascot. Queen Anne's Enclosure is the best seating for viewing the Royal Procession, as already noted. But make a note - there is a dress code for all the enclosures, although some are not as strict as others! The Village Enclosure is considered to be a more informal seating area as far as the Ascot dress code is concerned, but the most informal dress code is found in the Windsor Enclosure, known as the Silver Ring in the past. Seating within the Royal Enclosure was first commissioned by George IV in 1845; at that time seating was by invitation only of the King. Later application could be made to the monarch's appointed official, who decided if entry into the Royal Enclosure would be allowed. Today, a person may gain permission if they apply to the Royal Enclosure Office and are sponsored by someone who has attended the Royal Enclosure for at least four years. Security is very tight and name badges are required.

Answer: Beau Brummel

Called by some "Britain's most famous fashion icon", for a time Beau Brummel was a favorite of the Prince Regent, who eventually became George IV. During the Regency Period, his style of dress not only influenced the Prince, but other wealthy fellows as well.

In addition to contributing his sense of fashion, Brummel also was known for his cleanliness, including shaving and bathing, which also influenced the upper class of society at the time. For the 1807 Royal Ascot, it was decreed that "men of elegance" should wear waisted black coats, white cravats, and pantaloons. Of course, a few changes have been made over the years; for example, ties are worn now rather than cravats. Brummel, however, is still given the credit today for promoting the style that is associated with the Royal Ascot.

Answer: Top hat

While it is difficult to pin down exactly when fashionable men began wearing a top hat to the Royal Ascot, there is an 1838 picture of Queen Victoria sitting on a horse wearing a top hat. Some sources claim the top hat became popular in the 1850s when Prince Albert began to wear one, although the style has been worn since the 18th century. Also called a "topper", the hat is part of the required dress today for those wishing to sit in the same enclosure as the monarch.

The hat should be either gray or black and cannot have any decorative ribbons or bands on it.

There are also rules as to when the hat can be removed; for example, while indoors in a restaurant or a private box or in any external enclosed seating area the hat may be removed. Black shoes are also required as part of the man's dress, as well as an item added to the list in 2018 - socks! It must be noted here that while men sitting in the premier seating area at the Royal Ascot must wear top hats, it is not required in other areas of the racecourse.

Answer: Fancy dress

On the Style Guide of the Royal Ascot website, each of the seating areas has its own rules; they all, however, contain the statement, "In addition to the specific guidance of the Dress Code, fancy dress, novelty and branded or promotional clothing is not permitted on site". Fancy dress is considered to be a costume that makes a person look like a specific character or theme. Prior to 2013, according to the "HuffPost", the practice of providing items free to those who came to Royal Ascot inappropriately dressed was discontinued. Policing the dress code at the entrance means that some people are not allowed to enter; most are said to be women whose dresses were not of "modest length falling just above the knee".

Of the other choices, jumpsuits and jackets are allowed in the most prestigious enclosure, but hats with a defined base are required for women. Fascinators are permitted in the other enclosures.

Answer: Ascot Authority

Parliament passed an Enclosure Act in 1813 to make sure that the land, Ascot Heath, and the forest, Windsor Forest, around Ascot Racetrack was owned by the Crown, specifically, "which piece of Ground shall be kept and continued as a Racecourse for the Public Use at all times, as it has usually been".

It became a tradition for the Master of the Royal Buckhounds to oversee the property. In 1913 the Ascot Authority Act was passed by Parliament to establish a trust to oversee the use of the property. Since then, two officials, Chairman of the Authority and the Clerk of the Course, are appointed by the monarch to oversee both the racecourse and the races that are held there. Later, other officials, such as a Chief Executive, were also appointed.

Answer: June

It is very apparent that the events at Royal Ascot are steeped in tradition. Since the first race in 1711, changes have been made. In the beginning the only race that was held at the racecourse was Royal Ascot, which is also called the Royal Meeting. That did not change until 1945, when other races began to be held at Ascot.

At that time Royal Ascot was held for four days (the first four day race was held in 1768) in June, as had been the tradition since the 1800s, as it is well known that the weather in England is most pleasant in May and June. Royal Week was increased to five days in 2002 in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, with the races being held from Tuesday through Saturday.

When was the first Royal Meeting held in June? While one source stated it has been held in June since 1911, careful research has revealed that in 1832 it was held In June.

Answer: Ladies' Day

The Gold Cup race was established in 1807, and was considered to be the most prestigious race held on the third day of Royal Week. That year, King George III and Queen Charlotte were in attendance. Traditionally Gold Cup race day is the busiest day of the week; since the early 1800s (one source said 1823) the day the race was held has been called Ladies' Day. Why? According to "Historic UK" there is no particular reason except for the fact that it is the busiest day of races, and the idea is that more ladies attend that day.

In recent years it has become customary for ladies to dress in elaborate hats and clothing. By the way, the winner of the Gold Cup is traditionally presented with the trophy by the monarch. Horses who are four years and older may participate, and the famous horse, Yeats, has won four times!

Answer: William IV

This turned out to be an interesting story. A building called the Royal Stand had been built on the race course in the 1790s for the use of the monarch, but it apparently did not provide much protection. On June 19, 1832, Dennis Collins was arrested for throwing two stones at King William IV while he was at the Royal Stand attending the Royal Meeting.

The first stone missed its mark, but the second stone hit the King in the front of the head. Don't worry, though. Although it created a bit of concern, the stone hit his hat and caused only a small injury. Afraid there was some plot against his life, the King retired from public view for just a short time before reappearing to make sure the crowd knew of his well being.

The attacker ended up being an elderly sailor, who was angry over the loss of his pension. Obviously working alone, Collins, who was almost 70 years old, was immediately easily apprehended as he had lost a leg while serving in the Navy that was replaced with a wooden one.

His pension had apparently been revoked after a stay at Greenwich Hospital, when a complaint was made that he became a bit too mouthy with the ward-keeper there. While he had attempted to rectify the situation going through the proper channels, he hadn't found anyone who would or could help him; consequently, he was existing by begging, mostly at racecourses and fairs. Originally convicted of high treason, Collins was sentenced to death by being drawn and quartered. His sentence was commuted, however, in view of his service in the navy, and the fact that he appeared to be a bit deranged. Instead, he was transported to Van Diemen's Land, where he died in 1834. Since 1845 there has been a designated enclosure and limited access in order to insure the privacy and safety of the Royal Family.