Why this year’s QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend at Ascot is the feel-good summer event not to be missed
Gentleman’s Journal has teamed up with Ascot Racecourse to offer you the chance to experience this British-summer highlight in the most celebratory of ways. Here’s everything you need to know…
Words: Josh Lee
In association with:
The QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend, one of the most esteemed annual sporting events in the world, will take place on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd July. Set in Berkshire, at Ascot Racecourse, the two-day feel-good celebration will be anchored around the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, Europe’s midsummer middle-distance headline race that has run for over seven decades. A calling card for the very finest horses across the continent, it has witnessed a roll call of famed victors, including Brigadier Gerard, Mill Reef, and Enable, the only three-time winner.
Though it is a less formal occasion than the Royal Meeting, a traditional royal event that remains a mainstay of the British sporting calendar, it is nonetheless still a celebratory, convivial couple of days. The weekend is widely seen as a showpiece occasion steeped in history, one that exhibits elegant, sophisticated and colourful summer style – from millinery worn by ladies to men in linen suits and Panama hats – where racegoers socialise across the lush lawns with refreshing cocktails and chilled champagne, all under the glorious British sunshine.
The proceedings will kick off on Friday, on which Brown Jack, one of the most decorated horses in Ascot’s history having won at seven Royal Meetings, will be celebrated with a race in his name. Then, Saturday will bear witness to the headline race before the weekend is drawn to a close with live music around the bandstand as the sun starts to set.
The 2021 edition saw William Buick and Adayar gallop to a convincing victory, finishing one-and-three-quarter lengths clear of second-placed Mishriff. And if you want to ensure that you’re there to witness this year’s sporting drama, tickets are now available for both the Friday event (ticket prices from £19; Fine Dining Hospitality from £269+VAT; and racegoers can choose from two enclosures – Queen Anne Enclosure and King Edward VII Enclosure) and the Saturday event (prices from £30; Fine Dining Hospitality from £399+VAT; and racegoers can choose from three enclosures – Queen Anne Enclosure, King Edward VII Enclosure, and Winning Post Enclosure), while group-ticket rates are available when booking for ten or more.
Additionally, to guarantee that you don’t miss out on this year’s occasion, Gentleman’s Journal has collaborated with Ascot Racecourse to offer you the chance to win the ultimate Diamond Weekend experience so that you can experience this highlight of the British summer in the finest way possible.
The notable highlight of the prize includes a table for two at the Parade Ring Restaurant, Ascot’s fine-dining destination known for its first-class wines and champagnes, and seasonal dishes such as carpaccio of tuna with black sesame, pickled ginger, and ponzu dressing; and seared fillet of hake with mussel, samphire, saffron-potato-and-radish ragout, and sorrel beurré blanc.
Better still, with a centrally located level-two position, and with two exclusive private viewing areas – one with a view of the Parade Ring and another overlooking the track – the restaurant also serves up unbeatable vistas.
Expertly balancing an experience full of exemplary service and exceptional food with the thunderous rapture of race-day energy, this is a summer event not to be missed.
For full prize details, see below:
- Private table for two (prize value: £1,197.60)
- Admission to the premier King Edward VII Enclosure
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Three-course à la carte lunch
- Afternoon tea
- Racecard and racing paper
- One carpark label
To enter, please fill out the competition form before 4 July, 2022.
This competition is now closed.
Want more suggestions on where to eat well this year? These are the London restaurants where you should blow your bonus…
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