ASCOT

Ascot is the home of the world's most famous racecourse. Since 1768 Royal Ascot has been the centerpiece of the British social calendar, on this week each year. All four days this week the Queen would attend the races and it was quite an honor to see her and her Royal Court. A one hour train ride got us to the main gate where a very strict dress code required jackets and ties for men and dresses for women. Julie looked lovely, and fit the part very well as most women wore elaborate hats and formal dresses. I felt like an old goat herder because I wasn't wearing a top hat and tails like most men. Being an X-jockey, Julie was right at home in picking the winners. We placed our bets and won 60 pounds on a 5 pound bet in the first race. She was almost ready to quit her day job, but after the sixth and last race all the money was gone. The tradition after the races was to stay and sing songs with the crowd. Almost everyone stayed so we joined right in, knowing most of the songs. We met a fun couple from London who joined us for most of the day. We would compare this event to the Superbowl, the Kentucky Derby, and a world class fashion show, all in one.....Now that was fun!