Your Guide to Finding Archie Watson's Two-Year-Old Winners

Archie Watson is one horse trainer who who knows where to find the winner's enclosure. In fact, I've read that some punters have critised the Upper Lambourn handler as ''just a two-year-old trainer''. I would consider that a positive than a negative for the reason that most horse trainers do not achieve many winners at any age group. 

I'm sure if all those armchair trainers, and jockeys, had to do if for real, they would soon realise that winning any race is a very elusive thing. 

Since 2016, Saxon Gate has seen an endless supply of winners. Being interested in two-year-old horse racing, I have followed Watson's success and he is probably one of the best trainers to finding debut winners. 

In fact, he recently achieved his 400th UK winner. 

It's fair to say that his juveniles are the focus of much attention and reason why the majority of early-season runners are at the top of the betting. 

It's interesting to consider that a good number of his two-year-olds are relatively cheap purchases. He has a good mix of owners including Qatar Racing, Hambleton Racing and Ontoawinner syndicate who have seen some very talented juveniles.

At the start of each season, it is worth taking note of the stable's debutantes as they are trained to a very high level and mostly lead from the stalls. This is a big advantage for any two-year-old debutante as many of the opposition show signs of inexperienced.

So what are the key features to finding a winners for Archie Watson? 

Over 50% of maiden/stakes winners will come by the end of June. 

The majority of debut winners are priced at odds of 13/2 & less SP. 

It's a similar story with two-year-olds on their second start. 

One of the best pieces of information I can give about Watson's two-year-olds on their first and second start is not to bet on horse at big odds. The statistics suggest they have very little chance of winning. 

In truth, the stable is the focus of many punters and bookmakers which means very few horses are value. However, that doesn't mean you cannot make money from betting on the stable's two-year-olds. But to do this, you will need to look at the specific rather than the general. I would pick the better bred horses early season and try to get in early and take the price rather than wait until near the off. 

Archie Watson is one of the better two-year-old trainers in the country and his style of training for debutantes means not only are his horses fit and well but they have the education to take advantage of the opposition who may need a little more time to learn the ropes. I would suggest that many of Watson's juveniles win their race by leading from the stalls and gaining an easy advantage. 

An exceptional trainer and someone you can rely to win races.  

WINNER Outbox wins at Doncaster under a great ride from @HollieDoyle1 to give us our 400th UK Winner! Well done to his owners @HambletonRacing and to all the team at home! #winner #saxongate pic.twitter.com/N4AgCBFslp

— Archie Watson Racing (@Archie_Watson) March 28, 2021

A Simple Technique to Win at the Casino

Let's face it, since Coronavirus reared its ugly head, life has changed. For starters those who like to visit their brick-and-mortar casino don't know whether they are coming or going. I don't know about you, but I really need to fly to some exotic destination, lay on the beach, and rest. Just forget about the madness. In fact, I'm so bored, my clock has 25 hours, and an extra hand with two fingers sticking up. I'm going to watch that classic Martin Scorsese film Casino (1995), starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci et al. Should put me in a better frame of mind.

With lockdown trapping punters at home - you can't even get out of the house. Fire up your trusty laptop as it's a portal to a world of opportunities. Whether you have a laptop, tablet, phone or whatever you have to transverse the net. To get away from the boredom of solitary confinement make your day a little more tolerable with a little bit of a gamble. Nothing better than a Simple Casino game to pass the time.

I'm sure many of you will be thinking that's not the best idea, well you may need to think again.     

But here's a question: How do you win at the casino?

Each and every game under the casino banner has fixed odds. If you don't know what this means. It means the house edge prices each and every game slightly less than its true odds. The casino needs to make money else it won't be there. 

That doesn't mean you cannot win when gambling at the casino. 

For example, the best kept secret to winning at roulette is to play for an hour and then stop.

You may wonder what is so important about time. However, there is a very good reason. The longer you play the more money you will lose. 

The only way you will win is by getting lucky and when you are a few quid up you should put the money in your pocket and play Kenny Roger's classic song The Gambler. 

In fact, the last 10 times I've played roulette I've actually won money with this approach. Fair enough, the last time saw a loss of £30 but I'm up a couple of hundred. 

As they say, you should bet what you can afford to lose. Or bet big if you want to win more dosh. 

I must admit, I'm a hardcore roulette player. I simply stick to what are called ''hot numbers'' and stick with them like glue. There's no logic to it but it seems to find winning numbers. Also, I always bets on the same single number until hell freezes over or I lose my little bit of cash. I never, ever, bet more than £50 a time. Basically, if you are going to be lucky, make sure it is a single number at 35/1. Much better than even money black or red. Well, unless, you are betting big and hope beyond hope you win. Walk away. You've seen these people on YouTube who bet every last pound of their savings on black or red. And either cheer like a winner or disappear into the sunset to a life of not-as-good fortune. 

Bet what you can afford to lose.   

I'm not keen on three-card poker. 

Scared of playing blackjack. 

Don't ask me why. 

Some people have a phobia of spiders...

Anyway, if you want to pass the time, have a bit of fun, relaxation, and little bit of a gamble. 

It might be your lucky day.

Photo: Pixabay free no attribution

Alex Bird Vs Phil Bull - Professional Gambler Golden Rules

Golden Betting Rules - Alex Bird: 

1. Change in the going - no bet. From fast ground to soft turns the form book upside down. 

2. Take note of the over-round - the percentage bookmakers take out of the race. With the exchanges, this factor has been helped but on big race days - such as the Grand National - it can still making betting a bad deal. 

3. Bird loved a good each-way bet. He finds an 8 - 10 horse maiden and takes advantage, especially if the favourite was odds-on by betting on the second or third fav. He combines the second and third favourites in each-way combination bets. 

4. He'd note good apprentices. A good apprentice with a 7lb claim can be worth a few lengths. 

5. Don't be first show - the majority of runners drift in the betting from the first show. Taking second show prices will increase your winnings by 10% over a season. 

6. Bird didn't like handicaps. 

7. Also, never bet in three-year-old maidens, particularly those only for fillies.

In association with professionalgamblers.co.uk 


Golden Betting Rules - Phil Bull 

1. Temperament is vital - winning and losing. Treat them the same! Long term counts. 

2. Study the form the same for each race. Don't search for bets - a no bet is a no bet.

3. It's an old maxim  - never bet more than you can afford to lose. Don't attempt to make your fortune in a day.

4. Bet when the odds value. If you think a horse should be 7/1 if its 2/1 don't back it, but if its 10/1 bet. If correct long term, you will make a profit.

5. Don't follow tipsters - work hard to find your own angle (it's not simple). 

6. Never bet a horse ante-post unless you now it will definitely run.

7. Don't bet each-way in either race with big fields or handicaps. One-fifth of the odds is not good value.

Photo: Pixabay free no attribution 

Thursday's 2yo Horse Racing News (19th November)

2:50 Newcastle - 

An intriguing race, which may well be a two-horse race. 

Teona, trained by Roger Varian, will take some beating and considering it is 1/2f it looks a stiff opponents. Whether this daughter of Sea The Star is value at such short odds is a matter of opinion.  

This may be good news for those who are interested in John Gosden's Silver Horn, who is a  very well bred daughter of Golden Horn in the ownership of Nat Rothchilds. She was slightly weak in the betting on debut at Nottingham, in soft ground, but ran with promise giving the impression this step up in distance would be a plus and there should be more to come. If touching each-way odds this May foal could be a viable alternative to the jolly. 

Looking forward to this race. 

3:50 Newcastle - 

It's a strange thing that Tim Fitzgerald doesn't train many two-year-olds but they win on debut. So we will see how The Sedberghian goes. 

One horse that may have a hope of winning on debut, and I'm generally terrified of betting first time out, is David Barron's Rita R. However, there is a caveat regarding the money going down or not. For me the price is key for this daughter of Tagula, who may well need a stiffer trip. So what's the key to seeing a decent run? If priced in single figures, I'd expect a bold show and fair each-way claims. If weak in the market, I'd give this horse a wide birth. 

4:00 Chlesmford - 

I've got my eye on Brian Meehan's Impeach. This chestnut son of No Nay Never cost 80,000 euros at the yearling sales. This colt was noted by the trainer, and that hasn't happened much this season. Considering the stable have a number of talented two-year-olds, this could be a sign of ability. There was good money for this horse on debut which started at 6/1. He ran a fair race beaten under three lengths. There should be improvement to come and Meehan's juveniles often run a big race on their second start. If priced 13/2 and less sp, I would expect this March foal to hit the frame. 

4:20 Newcastle - 

This race has, potentially, some strength and depth. Legion Of Honour hasn't been seen since June, when finishing second place at Haydock when priced 7/2. This expensive yearling cost 280,000 guineas. There must have been a problem for this absence of almost 150 days. I wouldn't be too concerned with this lay off as Varian is unlikley to return this time of year unless fancying their chance to go well. However, backing an even money shot after time on the sidelines and some opposition may not be the value. 

Archie Watson is an exceptional trainer of two-year-olds and Colonel Faulkner went close to winning on debut when denied by just half a length. I'm expecting a big run. 

Keep an eye on the betting for Charlie Hill's Ariel was beaten  'country mile' on debut when priced 14/1. Racing in the familiar silks of P K Sui, was slow away and the trainer's rep detailed the horse was unsuited by the going and would prefer a 'faster surface'. It's interesting connections took the time to detail this point as it gives the impression they expected more. There has been a little bit of money for this son of Exceed And Excess. If seriously backed, I would consider this a very good sign. 

Best chances today: probably Impeach and Silver Horn if available at each-way prices. 

If Rita R is priced 9/1 and less sp, I would have a small each-way treble with those two noted.

Good luck.

Are You Confident Betting 2YO Horses On Heavy Going?

Every day it's raining. The weatherman calls it precipitation - I call it a pain in the arse!

Over the weekend, Newbury and Doncaster went amiss due to abandonments. The going stick went right up to the handle. 

I'm not sure if it was a blessing or a curse. Do you like betting on very testing going? Betting on my niche of two-year-old horse racing it feels like hard work. It's like donning your wellington boots and literally getting stuck in the mud. The problem with betting on juvenile horse racing is the unknown about so many aspects of these young horses. Sure, you may be convinced on breeding the horse will run on the ground. But until it is proven, we can never be totally sure. 

So should we bet on the testing ground?

I am careful. I always associate soft with big-priced winners. I'm not sure if that is statistically true. However, it always feels that way. It is enough for me to be extra careful with betting on horses at short odds. The trouble with favourite on testing going is that most trainers instruct the jockey to make the most of their experience. This makes perfect logic. But there's a problem with this approach. 

Can you see what it could be?

The trouble with leading or racing prominently when racing on soft going is that many jockeys go a stride too fast. This is a disaster waiting to happen. If they go too fast for conditions the horse, however good, is unlikely to win. In fact, they are likely to tire quickly and fade out of contention. 

When racing on the testing ground it is wise for a trainer to instruct the jockey to sit off the pace. 

I saw a couple of examples of 2yo horses racing a stride too quick at Great Yarmouth. In fact, it was a couple of short-priced favourites. They looked to be going well until the furlong pole when they dropped back like they had been shot. Both finished down the field. I'm confident these horses will show better form on better conditions. 

So I would always be careful when it's raining cats and dogs. 

When betting on favourites you are chancing your luck with a double gamble. Not only winning the race but will the horse be given a poor ride or even go on the going?

My Casino Slot Story - Retro to Modern Age

Back in the day, I remember going on holiday to a small coastal seaside resort called Caister-on-sea, Norfolk, England. It was our family holiday and we couldn't have been happier. A time to enjoy all those pleasures which come with a vacation: sun, sea and a little bit of gambling. Considering I was about seven years olds it was an exciting time.

That's when I went into the arcade and saw this old retro Jenning's Indian Head slot machine. It stood tall on a pedestal, all chrome, lights shining in semi-darkness of what was a smoke-filled room. Remember, this was back in the 70s. Even then the old Jenning's was classed as a vintage machine (boardering on a collectors item). It was one of just a few sitting proudly against the newer models, which for most gamblers, attracted there attention. Just think how this dinosaur of the gambling age would compare with casino slot games such as Mystino slots in an online world. Within my generation, gambling on the slots has literally been transformed. 

From the old to the new. 

I didn't realise at the time I was playing a vintage slot machine that would later in life be worth several thousand pounds. I remember putting a 2p in the slot, pulling the handle (one armed bandit) which took all my strength. And this clunky machine kicked into action, the three reels spinning and one by one coming to a shuddering halt to reveal a win or a loss. 

I'm not sure if I won the jackpot, but I do recall seeing three cherries on the win line and the silver trough filled with lots of copper coins. 

Now in my 50s, I have considered buying one of these old retro slot machines. They are just as much a piece of artwork as a gambling devise, if not a good idea for a money box. It's funny, that as children my dad, who loved to gamble, bought my brother and I a slot machine for our Christmas present. It was a pretty old model from the 70s, not cloaked in chrome, although it was lots of fun. I loved that slot machine. 

It was the best present I ever received. 

How cool that your dad buys you a slot machine. Most parents would have been horrified by the thought of suggesting that children should (or could) gamble if they so wished.

Did it turn me into an addict? 

No. 

It just gave me a realistic idea of what gambling was all about and I rarely play slot machines these days but I have and do.

The greatest aspect of online gambling is that you can do it from your own home, laying in bed if you so wish, in your pjs munching on a BLT, and drinking from a can of beer. Either way, you can try your luck and hope to win some cash. 

It's good to think back to those wonder years of innocently gambling on a slot machine that was probably forty years old and I was just seven. 

A budding gambler if you have ever seen one. 

I look back on that time with fondness as it paved the way to a gambling world of true convenience. 

Which do you prefer: The old retro slot machine or the modern online world?

It's great to have the choice.

Photo: Pixabay free no attribution

When Lady Luck Catches Your Eye

An interesting topic of conversation. 

You know why people have a fascination with gambling? 

Because they think it's easy money. 

I can tell you now if you honestly think you are going to win at gambling by sheer, blind luck then you are correct, it can happen. 

People looking at websites such as Online Casino Deutschland for all the latest free bets, spins and bonuses. They are like the majority of gamblers hoping they will hit the jackpot. 

We've all seen people winning the lottery. Sure, there is some lucky bloke round the corner from your old grans who needed a larger cheque because they couldn't fit all those zeros. 

The old dear who walked into Tesco's and got a scratch card and won a million as she was tucking into a pie. 

Have you ever seen lady luck? Do you know what she looks like, what she wears or her favourite perfume? 

I have this image in mind. She has the style of Coco Channel, her perfume comes from one of those giant bottles you only see in boutique stores. Perfect hair with a flash of purple in the front (pictured, Lady Luck at Great Yarmouth Casino). Without question, she is a beautiful lady. If she brushes past you while buying a scratch card from W H Smiths you will notice that look, touch and sweet, heavenly smell. She is fleeting like willow the wisp, often brushing past one to favour another with a smile on her face. She turns those waiting in line to green-eyed monsters while those she touches feel like a million dollars even if they only get three bells come up on the fruit machine. 

While she is in your presence she is a queen. As she walks past with her head held high, she's a bitch. 

Lady luck will visit everyone at some point in their life. She is only surpassed by skill or knowledge but even then she may make someone a fortune without a moment's thought.

The next time you are about to place a bet, buy a scratch card or play at the casino, stop for a moment, look around and see if she is waiting in the wings. If she comes closer, place a bet because this may be your lucky day. 

She is waiting for you...

12:25 Windsor Racing Tips (13th July)

Monday: Just a quick post to detail my thoughts about this race.

12:25 Windsor - 

A 5f Novice Stakes. Ten juveniles take part on good going. A relatively difficult race to assess and best to let the betting settle - sure it will find a few weak links.

Roger Charlton hasn't had many juveniles race this year and very few have figured at the business end. Creedmoor is a filly, taking on a few colts, so that may be a challenge. A wide draw isn't ideal on this dog-leg sprint. The betting is key for Charlton's debutantes, although he is one of those trainers who can win at speculative odds. However, the chances of this well-bred daughter of Invincible Spirit out of a Group-winning mare would be greatly increased if she started favourite. The stable's debutantes have the tendency to win or finish unplaced. Not the easiest of horses to assess but could be a powerhouse if strong in the market.

Lothian is well respected by Michael Attwater who doesn't have the best string of two-year-olds and never has. However, that doesn't mean he cannot train a winner if he gets the ammunition. This son of Coach House was half fancied on debut, running well from the front, and just outbattled in the closing half furlong. The form of that race has worked out well although he may be better suited to auction class, as, in theory, this is a step up in class. Little went right last time over this course. Time may tell this gelding simply ran his race and wasn't good enough. Certainly, the front two that day looked fair juveniles, with the winner [Tanfantic] running well at Listed class. It looked to me as if Lothian and Eve Johnson Houghton's Coco Bear went a stride too fast. Connections are dropping back in distance which may be a plus or minus. It is never as easy to drop back a furlong as it is to step up. There is always a fear he will be slightly outpaced. 

Night On Earth ran at this course eight days ago and was relatively fancied in the betting. This son of Kodiac found himself in a very stiff race and wasn't really involved behind the easy winner, and a very good-looking colt, Supremecy, trained by Clive Cox. I'm pretty sure connections expected more and they must fancy this drop back in trip will be to his advantage. The Balding stable has been in flying form and that adds to the hopes this colt could have each-way claims if priced in single figure odds. I wouldn't want to bet unless I could get around 7/1 because this could be a hard race to win. A low draw is a positive. I would definitely let the betting settle before betting in this race. 

Nurse Florence is a good-looking filly. She was fancied to go well last time over course and distance but found racing against the colts and a competitive race too much. She was a touch keen and just didn't look as though she was enjoying herself and hanging. The stable has been in good form with their two-year-olds and I am sure they rate this filly better than we have seen so far. This better going could help but she does have something to prove after last time and I wouldn't want to be betting at relatively short odds. 

To add to the dilemma we have a few debutantes from stables who can ready a winner. 

I'm not sure how Marco Botti's Atalis Bay cost just 800 guineas but the stable can go well on debut and win at speculative odds. 

Mick Channon can send out a decent juvenile as seen with Cairn Gorm who won nicely here on debut and followed up under a penalty second start. The betting for Danzart should tell the story. This £18,000 yearling purchase may hold claims if priced 13/2 & less sp. If weak in the market is best watched. 

Silent Approval has a wide draw. Gary Moore can do well with debutantes and money is often a good sign. Very few debutantes win if priced over 10/1. 

Jazzy Socks is well owned and well-bred. Robert Cowell has trained a winner this two-year-old season and has a line to a fair mark from that horse. However, he is a trainer who often seems to struggle to win and I would take a watching brief. 

Power On was fancied to go well on this second start at Newmarket after showing a glimmer of promise at Yarmouth on debut. Paul D'Arzy's colt is a fair-looking juvenile but disappointed last time out and connections have opted for the blinker which may work or be a sign of desperation. He was given an Ascot nomination by connections which may show some sign of confidence but a horse that needs to spring back to life and would have to be big odds to consider. 

Luke Dace's Friday is the rank outsider although he has done well with debutantes at big odds. 

Conclusion: A race I would be careful with. If you don't let the market settle you must need your brain testing. The only reason you wouldn't do that is if you are convinced you have found some value and your horse is likely to be backed. The betting may detail a few weak links which help with the assessment. I will be keeping an eye on Night On Earth as a potential value each-way bet. However, if Creedmoor is strong in the betting it would be enough for me to keep my money in my pocket. This race has a bit of everything going on. In addition, if a few of the debutantes are strong in the market it may be a race to watch. 

Like Father Like Son: Kameko to Follow in Mill Reef's Hooves

The biggest race of the year (for many) is on the horizon. Yes, it's time to get ready for the Epsom Derby that takes place on Saturday, July 4th. 

This historic race is all the more exciting as Andrew Balding has a live chance of emulating the success of his father, Ian, who won the Epsom Derby back in 1971 with Mill Reef who was a serious racehorse and a winning machine of many high-profile contests. 

Kameko won on his two-year-old debut before concluding his formative season with a victory at Doncaster taking the Futurity Trophy Group 1. Even better, he started a belated three-year-old campaign with an all-out win in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas (something that even Mill Reef didn't achieve).

Kameko races in the familiar silks of Qatar Racing Limited and one of the major fancies for the Epsom Derby which takes place this Saturday (4:55). 

Can Andrew Balding emulate the success of Mill Reef who stormed clear of the field in 1971s Derby? 

It could well be a spectacular day for Park House Stables, Kingclere, Newbury. 

Good luck to connections and all those who are betting on the big race. 

Credit: Betway

A guide to Royal Ascot 2020: How will this year's event differ due to COVID-19?

Royal Ascot is going ahead, but it will look very different from previous years. Peter Watton, from matched betting experts OddsMonkey, explains everything you need to know about the event. 

For many racing fans, Royal Ascot is the jewel of the flat season. With 36 races across five action-packing days, and a hefty prize pot that usually runs into several million pounds, the event is one of the most prestigious fixtures in the racing calendar. It's also undoubtedly the most well-heeled meet of the year, and for many attendees, Ascot is as much about fancy frocks, fizz, and famous faces as it is about racing. 

But, although the event will be going ahead this month, it will be rather different to any race day that we've seen before. Due to COVID-19 and the ensuring lockdown restrictions, Royal Ascot will be taking place behind closed doors for the first time in the event's 119-year history, and there will be no live spectators at all. The "royal" presence at Ascot will also be taking a backseat, with the Queen and other high-ranking members of the royal family staying safe at home. 

While this is a big change, there's still plenty to look forward to. For one thing, all race events are still going ahead, so it's a great opportunity to have a flutter. In this article, I'll talk you through the changes to this year's Royal Ascot, along with a few betting tips.

When and where? 

Royal Ascot 2020 will take place from Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th June, at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. However, because of the unprecedented times that we're living through, the event will not be open to the public.

Instead, all races will be broadcast from Ascot on Sky Sports Racing, and ITV1 will be broadcasting live from the event from 1:30pm on each day. The action kicks off at 1.15pm Tuesday to Friday and 12.40pm on Saturday, with the final race each day at 4.40pm. That means you can watch from race two onwards in the comfort of your own home. 

The races 

There are normally 30 races at Royal Ascot, but this year, organisers have added an additional six races to the fixture, including the Copper Horse Handicap, the Golden Gates Handicap and the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap. Some races, including the St James’s Palace Stakes and Coronation Stakes, have been moved to the final day. The itinerary for Group 1 races is as follows: 

Day one - Tuesday, June 16 

The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) 
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) 

Day two - Wednesday, June 17 

The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) 

Day three - Thursday, June 18 

The Gold Cup (Group 1) 

Day four - Friday, June 19 

The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) 

Day five - Saturday, June 2 

The Coronation Stakes (Group 1) 
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) 
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) 

Due to coronavirus, organisers have also been forced to cut the prize fund from £8,000,000 to £3,680,000. All eight Group 1 races will be run for £250,000, with no race run for less than £35,000. All races will also close at the six-day stage and entry fees will be as normal, beginning at 1.25% for Group 1 races. 

Betting tips 

Even though you can't attend the races in person, betting on the fixtures is still as exciting as ever. If you're new to betting at Ascot, then be sure to follow these tips: 

Check the racecard 

There will still be an online race card where you can find details of all the runners, including the favourites. It will also give you a summary of the form and track record of each horse, which you can use to predict how each runner will perform during the race, depending on the going and conditions. So, use this to inform your bets.

Keep an eye on the going 

The "going" (the word for the condition of the course) can affect how different runners perform on the day. Ascot update the going and weather report every day in the lead up to the race, so be sure to keep checking back before you place any bets. 

Have fun 

Sometimes the most exciting bets are those which you make completely at random, so don't be afraid to bet on an outlier just because you have a lucky feeling about their jockey colours or name. 

What else is happening at this year's Royal Ascot? 

While the races are always the highlight, Ascot is as much as about wining, dining, and rubbing shoulders with high society as it is about sport for a lot of attendees. And, while you won’t be able to do these things in person in this year, organisers have prepared a televised schedule of activities, including singalongs, celebrity chef spots, fashion moments, and more, so viewers can join in with the fun at home. 

In place of gourmet meals and picnics in the enclosure, organisers are selling afternoon tea hampers for delivery, so you can recreate the experience at home. And, as is tradition at Royal Ascot, there will still be singing around the bandstand after the final race each day, although this year's singalong sessions will be broadcast live on TV. So, grab a glass of champagne and be sure to tune in to join in with the celebrations. You can learn more about the full schedule of activities on the Royal Ascot site. 

What about the famous dress code? 

Royal Ascot has always been as much about the fashion as it is about the racing, and usually enforces strict dress codes, which vary in formality depending on which enclosure you're in. Now that the races are being broadcast live, you can wear whatever you'd like. So, if you've ever fancied watching the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in your pyjamas, now's your chance! But, if extravagant millinery and fine frocks are all part of the fun for you, you can still get dressed to the nines if you like.

Organisers are encouraging online attendees to wear their best racing outfits at home, and will be running a series of fashion-related competitions and activities across the week. As part of their #StyledWithThanks competition, online attendees can submit a photo of their Ascot headwear to help support a variety of NHS and care charities. It costs £5 to enter, and prizes include luxury and VIP packages for Royal Ascot 2021, with all proceeds are going to a good cause. So, if you're looking for an excuse to get all dressed up, or if you had already bought your race day outfit before the lockdown put a stop to your plans, then it's certainly worth getting involved. 

The outbreak might mean you can't attend Ascot in person this year, but there's still plenty of fun to be had at home. And, with an extra six races this year, there are more betting opportunities than ever.