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ROYAL ASCOT
EVENT GUIDE
Tue 18th - Sat 22nd June
INTRO
Royal Ascot is an iconic horse racing and social event which deserves a thorough, entertaining and stylish event guide. Look no further. Parker Cars have been taking people to Royal Ascot for the last 35 years and we know a thing or two about the event. Our comprehensive guide covers how to get there, the racecourse, runners & riders, tips, dress code, hospitality, local hotels & restaurants and there is even a sweepstake kit for your team. We've also included a pdf of the complete guide (please see link at the end of the page) and a pdf download of the sweepstake kit
OVERVIEW
royal ascot is the most prestigious race meet of the year!
Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Royal Ascot is more than just a horse racing event; it's a cornerstone of British culture and elegance. As we approach the 2024 edition, anticipation builds for this five-day spectacle of fashion, fine dining, and world-class horse racing.
From June 18 to June 22, Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire will once again welcome race-goers from around the globe to experience this timeless tradition. Royal Ascot is a five-day event featuring 35 races, including eight Group 1 races. Each day has its highlights, with the Gold Cup on Thursday being one of the most anticipated races.
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The opening day sets the tone with races like the Queen Anne Stakes, King's Stand Stakes, and the St James's Palace Stakes. As the week progresses, the excitement builds towards the Gold Cup on Thursday, traditionally known as Ladies' Day. This race, a true test of stamina, is a highlight for many and epitomizes the high stakes and drama of Royal Ascot
LOCATION
Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
Ascot Racecourse is ideally situated in beautiful wooded countryside adjoining Windsor Great Park and about a 50 minute drive from London.
Located close to the M3, M4, M40 & M25 motorways and to London Heathrow for international visitors, Ascot offers easy access for all race-goers wherever their departure point.
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RACECOURSE MAP
Find your way around the racecourse with the Official Map!
THE GRANDSTAND
Main Grandstand: The grandstand at Ascot is a state-of-the-art facility, offering excellent viewing for spectators. It includes several tiers of seating, private boxes, and exclusive hospitality areas.
Panoramic Views: Designed to offer panoramic views of the racecourse, it ensures that attendees can enjoy the races from multiple vantage points, enhancing the overall experience.
THE COURSE
Ascot racecourse is considered the epicentre of British horseracing, hosting 26 days of top class racing including 8 Group 1 Flat races. The track is mixed purposed, with Flat and National Hunt fixtures throughout the year. However, it is at Royal Ascot where the track really sparkles
Course Layout
Ascot Racecourse boasts both straight and round courses for flat racing. The straight mile course hosts races ranging from five furlongs up to one mile in distance. Meanwhile, the round course stages longer races, spanning one mile up to the gruelling two-mile-and-four-furlong marathon of the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup.
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The right-handed round course features a downhill descent into Swinley Bottom followed by a relatively short run-in from the final turn. This sweeping last bend, coupled with the fairly short home straight, can benefit front-running horses and those racing prominently.
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The straight course offers a fair test, where the pace of the race often proves pivotal to a horse's chances. In larger fields of 14 or more runners over five or six furlongs, those drawn towards the higher stall numbers have historically held a slight advantage.
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For National Hunt (jump) racing, Ascot's right-handed course presents a galloping nature. After major re-development work and improved drainage in 2006/07, the course rarely experiences the testing conditions of yesteryear. The chase course tends to favour horses ridden prominently, with the fences providing a stern examination of jumping ability. Prominent racers often thrive on this demanding track.
A LITTLE HISTORY
For over 300 years the Ascot racecourse has been synonymous with prestige, tradition and heritage, with Royal Ascot week taking centre stage. Not only the place to view the best racing and horses in the world, but also the highlight of the social calendar and a very important venue for fashion. The Royal Ascot dress code is synonymous with tradition and conformity but also with style.
With over 300,000 visitors descending upon the course over five days, Royal Ascot is also Britain’s most popular race meeting. Ascot actually started from royal beginnings in 1711, when Queen Anne first saw the potential of the site as a racecourse. Known at the time as East Cote, the first race meeting took place on the 11th of August of that year, and the key race at the inaugural event was Her Majesty’s Plate, with a prize of 100 guineas
In 1901 Winston Churchill took personal charge of vetting applications for entrance into the Royal Enclosure, sorting letters into three baskets marked ‘Certainly’ ‘Perhaps’ and ‘Certainly Not.
The King is likely to attend Royal Ascot 2024
royal procession
Royal Traditions
Significant developments, including the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807 and post-war modernization, cemented its status as a premier racing event. Recent Royal Ascot events have seen consistent attendance by members of the British Royal Family, underscoring its significance in British culture.
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King Charles III has intimated he wants to attend Royal Ascot this year to honour his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was a regular attendee until her passing in 2022, often arriving in the Royal Procession, a highlight of the event.
Other members of the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla, the Prince & Princess of Wales, Princess Anne & Zara Tindall, frequently attend, maintaining the tradition.
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The Royal Procession remains a cherished tradition, with the royals arriving in horse-drawn carriages. This royal presence continues to add a touch of regal splendour and maintains the event's prestigious status. The Royal procession traditionally arrives at 2pm when the King and Queen travel by horse-drawn carriage from Windsor Castle through the Ascot gates and up the racecourse to the enclosures.
RACE SCHEDULE
TUESDAY 18th June
2:30pm: Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
3:05pm: Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
3:45pm: The King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)
4:25pm: St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)
5:05pm: Ascot Stakes
5:40pm: Wolferton Stakes (Listed)
6:15pm: Copper Horse Stakes
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WEDNESDAY 19th June
2:30pm: Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
3:05pm: The Queen’s Vase (Group 2)
3:45pm: Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)
4:25pm: Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)
5:05pm: Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)
5:40pm: The Kensington Palace Stakes
6:15pm: Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
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THURSDAY 20th June
2:30pm: Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
3:05pm: King George V Stakes
3:45pm: Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
4:25pm: Gold Cup (Group 1)
5:05pm: Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
5:40pm: Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
6:15pm: Buckingham Palace Stakes
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FRIDAY 21st June
2:30pm: Albany Stakes (Group 3)
3:05pm: Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)
3:45pm: Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
4:25pm: Duke of Edinburgh Stakes
5:05pm: Sandringham Stakes
5:40pm: King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)
6:15pm: Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes
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SATURDAY 22nd June
2:30pm: Chesham Stakes (Listed)
3:05pm: Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
3:45pm: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
4:25pm: Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
5:05pm: Wokingham Stakes
(Heritage Handicap)
5:40pm: Golden Gates Stakes
6:15pm: Queen Alexandra Stakes
OVERVIEW
Tuesday is spearheaded by the Grade 1 Queen Anne Stakes, which has delivered some iconic winners, including Palace Pier, Frankel and Flambeau.
It also provides a wonderful day for socialising, with the Royal Procession getting underway at 2pm and singing around the bandstand commencing from 6.15pm
OVERVIEW
If the hustle and bustle isn’t your cup of tea, then Wednesday could be the perfect day for you. It’s probably the most relaxed day of the meeting, but there is no compromise on high-quality racing and enjoyment off-track. Wednesday features four graded races this year, including the feature Prince of Wales’s Stakes which boasts an impressive role of honour.
OVERVIEW
High-quality racing meets millinery fashion on Royal Ascot Thursday – colloquially referred to as Ladies’ Day – is a day to see and be seen as race-goers up the style stakes and flaunt their best attire. Royal Ascot Thursday also hosts the most prestigious race of the festival, the Gold Cup. It has produced some of the most historic moments in Ascot history, including Stradivarius winning 3 times (2018, 2019, 2020).
OVERVIEW
Friday has a personality all of its own and is arguably one of the most social days of the meeting, with plenty of racing drama making for the perfect start to a fun weekend.
The penultimate day of Royal Ascot features four graded races and a pair of fiercely competitive handicaps.
OVERVIEW
We’ve reached the climax of Royal Ascot, and the final day is unmissable. Though there is a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, Saturday features an exceptional card, including the newly named Platinum Jubilee Stakes – one of the world’s greatest international sprints. Saturday also hosts the longest race of the British flat racing season, The Queen Alexandra Stakes, which is open to horses over three years old.
RACE INFO
The Royal Ascot meeting features a world-class lineup of flat races over 5 days. The highlight is the Ascot Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious long distance races dating back to 1807. Other coveted Group 1 events include the Queen Anne Stakes, King's Stand Stakes, St James's Palace Stakes, Prince of Wales's Stakes, and Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The meeting showcases many of Europe's top older horses and 3-year-old classics contenders. Extremely competitive handicaps like the Royal Hunt Cup, Wokingham Stakes and Britannia Stakes draw huge fields. There are also Group races for stayers, sprinters and juveniles.
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While the top level races attract the best from across the globe, there are also several highly-anticipated heritage handicaps. The Ascot Stakes is one of the longest flat races at 2 miles 4 furlongs. The Buckingham Palace Stakes is for stayers. The Windsor Castle Stakes, Norfolk Stakes, Albany Stakes and Chesham Stakes are
important races for 2-year-old prospects. The meeting's mega prize money, incredible atmosphere created by over 300,000 race-goers, and Royal Procession attended by The King (hopefully) make Royal Ascot one of the most unique and unmissable highlights of the sporting summer.
GOLD CUP 'FOCUS'
insider ascot tips
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Stamina is key - look for horses proven over marathon trips and with stout breeding for endurance
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Course form at Ascot can be very important, especially handling the undulating track
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The Gold Cup often suits front-runners or prominent racers given the short run-in
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Horses that stay well and grind out victories tend to have an edge
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High-class 3-year-olds get weight from their elders and can be formidable if up to the trip
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Paying close attention to the going/ground condition is crucial
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Top international shippers from France, Ireland etc. are major factors
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An informed, objective analysis of each contender's latest form cycle is invaluable
gold cup racecard
The Royal Ascot Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious long-distance flat races in the world, run over a distance of about 2 1⁄2 miles (around 4,000 meters). It takes place annually during the Royal Ascot race meeting. The horses, jockeys, trainers and owners can change year to year so please check the form nearer the time.
gold cup odds & race tips
Kyprios, the winner in 2022, is hot favourite to regain the crown for trainer Aidan O'Brien having missed the race last summer. The Irish trainer has won the Ascot Gold Cup a record eight times and could also count on the likes of 16/1 Continuous and 20/1 Tower Of London. Willie Mullins, now the champion jumps trainer in both Ireland and Britain, has yet to win this race but will saddle 8/1 Vauban. Gregory, winner of the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last summer, is 5/1 for John & Thady Gosden, who could also look to 16/1 Sweet William. Coltrane, a course and distance winner and last year's runner-up, is 16/1 and won at Ascot in May for trainer Andrew Balding. Caius Chorister, priced at 16/1, was a head behind in that Sagaro Stakes and could have this race as his target for trainer David Menuisier.
Disclaimer: We know a thing or too about driving but we aren't very good tipsters. Therefore, we have consulted with Bet365 on the 6/6/24 who are much more well informed. Please see link for more tips: https://news.bet365.com/en-gb/article/horse-racing-ascot-gold-cup-all-you-need-to-know/2024060315281086979​
best trainers
After Paddington's win on the opening day of Royal Ascot 2023, Irishman Aidan O'Brien became the most successful trainer in Royal Ascot history. He has trained a record 86 Royal Ascot winners and has been crowned leading trainer at the meeting 12 times. The Ballydoyle supremo is the dominant modern force and holds records in races like the Gold Cup (eight wins), the Coventry Stakes (10 wins) and the St James' Palace Stakes (eight wins).
Sir Michael Stoute is one behind on 82 winners, with Dream Of Dreams' win in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2021 his last success. He had overtaken the previous record of 75 winners, set by the late Sir Henry Cecil.
best jockeys
Lester Piggott – 116 Winners Regarded as the greatest Flat jockey of all-time, Lester Piggott ended his career with 116 Royal Ascot winners. He recorded 116 winners, including 11 Ascot Gold Cup triumphs and seven King's Stand Stakes victories. Piggott passed away in 2022 but his legacy as a top flat jockey will stand the test of time. Frankie Dettori – with 81 Royal Ascot Winners is an iconic figure, especially his . his flying dismount after a winner is famous.
Ryan Moore is no stranger to success at Royal Ascot, having won the leading jockey title 10 times, most recently in 2023 with six winners, taking his tally to within three of Dettori. Moore set a post-war record of nine winners for a single Royal Ascot meeting in 2015 and, as stable jockey to O'Brien, his firepower is guaranteed.
directions
Cut out the ‘Horses’ first. Then fold and place in a hat or bowl. Then print out the ‘Drawn by’ grid. Simply ask team members to pick a horse out of the hat and you (sweepstake organiser) records the player name by the horses name on the ‘Drawn by’ grid. To add spice, charge each player £1 and the winner gets £10, second get’s £5 and 3rd gets their money back.
horses
Please cut out each horse entry
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drawn by grid
Please cut out each horse entry
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HOSPITALITY
Royal Ascot offers a range of enclosures, each providing a unique experience and catering to different preferences and styles. Here’s a breakdown of the main enclosures:
Overview: The most prestigious and exclusive enclosure, the Royal Enclosure is steeped in tradition and offers the finest hospitality and amenities.
Dress Code:
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Men: Morning dress, including a waistcoat and tie, black or grey top hat, and black shoes.
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Women: Formal daywear, including dresses and skirts of modest length (just above the knee or longer), with hats or headpieces that have a solid base of 4 inches or more.
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Access: Admission is by invitation only, with membership typically passed down through generations or granted through sponsorship by an existing member.
Overview: Positioned in the middle of the racecourse, the Village Enclosure provides a unique perspective and a more relaxed, yet stylish, atmosphere.
Dress Code: Similar to the Queen Anne Enclosure, with a focus on stylish daywear.
Features: Offers a festival-style atmosphere with live music, DJs, and a range of casual dining options.
Overview: Offering an excellent view of the racing and a vibrant social atmosphere, the Queen Anne Enclosure is a popular choice for many racegoers.
Dress Code:
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Men: Suit with a shirt and tie
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Women: Dresses and skirts of modest length. Fascinators or headpieces are encouraged.
Features: Includes access to the Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure, a variety of bars and restaurants, and live music after racing.
Overview: The most relaxed enclosure, the Windsor Enclosure is ideal for those looking for a more casual day out at the races.
Dress Code: There is no formal dress code, but smart casual attire is encouraged.
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Men: Smart casual, with no requirement for a jacket or tie.
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Women: Smart casual, with summer dresses and comfortable footwear.
Features: Positioned along the home straight, it offers close-up views of the horses and jockeys. It includes a variety of food and drink options and picnic areas.
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & NIGHTLIFE
LocAL RESTAURANTS
OUR FAVOURITE BAR & NIGHTCLUB
bar one, ascot
Address: 1 Ascot High Street, Ascot | Tel: 01344 875123
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Award winning gastro pub on Ascot High Street only a stones throw from the world famous race course
CLUB one, ascot
LOcaL HOTELS
Disclaimer: The prices displayed awere displayed online as of 3/6. However, these prices are subject to change, especially nearer the start of Royal Ascot
Address: 1 Ascot High Street, Ascot | Tel: 01344 875123
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Not only is it a great bar it doubles as a banging nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.
AsCOT - THE PLACE
Ascot, a small town in Berkshire, England, is best known for its famous racecourse, Ascot Racecourse, which hosts the renowned Royal Ascot event each June. The town combines charming rural landscapes
with a variety of upscale amenities, including boutique shops, restaurants, and cozy pubs. Its close proximity to Windsor Great Park and excellent transport links to London make Ascot a desirable location for both residents and visitors.
GENERAL DRESS CODE
The dress code upholds Royal Ascot's tradition and prestige as one of the world's most elegant outdoor events, maintaining a smart dress style throughout the racecourse.
The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code, requiring gentlemen to wear a morning dress comprising a waistcoat, tie, top hat and black shoes, while ladies must don formal daywear with a hat or headpiece featuring a solid base of at least 4 inches in diameter, though strapless and sheer dresses are prohibited. In the Queen Anne Enclosure, gentlemen are mandated to wear a suit with a tie, and ladies must be attired in a formal dress or suit accompanied by a hat, fascinator or substantial headpiece, with trouser suits needing to be full-length and jumpsuits falling below the knee.
The Village Enclosure allows for a more relaxed dress code, though gentlemen still need to sport a suit or jacket paired with a collared shirt and tie, while ladies are encouraged to wear dresses or trouser suits, with hats or headpieces being optional but recommended.
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Across all enclosures, bare shoulders, midriffs, shorts, and sandals are not permitted, and fancy or novelty dress and costumes are prohibited. Girls under 16 should be dressed appropriately for a formal occasion.
ROYAL AsCOT LOOKBOOK 2024
In 2023, Royal Ascot introduced a new inspirational Lookbook with fashion ideas for the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, and Village Enclosure. Separate from the unchanged Official Dress Code, it serves as sartorial inspiration for racegoers.
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"No occasion worldwide matches Royal Ascot, where dress codes are woven into the event's fabric," said Alexandra Bertram, Ascot Racecourse's brand and creative lead. "While 2024's dressing rules persist, Daniel W. Fletcher's visionary style elevates this year's Lookbook. Royal Ascot fashion transcends dressing for races; Fletcher curated an authentic aesthetic mirroring Ascot's passion for individuality.
From quintessential 'Royal Ascot' looks embodying heritage, to vintage elegance and relaxed formalwear, there's an ensemble for every style sensibility across enclosures.
Daniel W. Fletcher is a young British fashion designer renowned for his modern tailoring, playful sensibility, and ability to blend traditional menswear codes with contemporary streetwear influences
Lookbook Launch Video
new looks for royal ascot 2024
The Conscious Edit
Bringing back last year’s focus on sustainable alternatives for racing attire, the Conscious edit presents fashion choices that span from environmentally driven labels like Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney to vintage and hired pieces.
Fletcher also made a suit for the edit using a deadstock lightweight tweed, creating a garment that was made and sourced locally to reduce carbon footprint.
The Best Of British Edit
As its name suggests, this section of the Lookbook showcases the work of home-grown talent while also paying tribute to Fletcher’s career and longtime fascination with British heritage. This is one of the more playful edits to come out this year, and is comprised of clashing stripes, doll-like silhouettes, fun accessories and sugary hues. The brands featured include Huntsman and Emilia Wickstead, as well as a bespoke look designed specifically by Fletcher for Ascot with multi coloured stripes inspired by the silks worn by jockeys.
ROYAL ASCOT TITBITS
1. A horse called ‘Estimate’ won the Gold Cup in 2013. The horse was owned by Her Majesty The Queen, and this was the first time in the history of the race that it was won by a reigning monarch.
2. In 2018, Royal Ascot organisers made an important new addition to its dress code. The guidelines stated that all men must now wear socks to the event and if they don’t, they will be refused entry!
3. Ascot Racecourse has some fascinating statistics under its belt. Prize money at the racecourse hit a new high last year at £13.45 million, with more than £7 million paid out at Royal Ascot alone.
4. Each year, around 400 helicopters and 1,000 limousines descend on the venue for Royal Ascot.
5. Visitors to the famous race meeting are a hungry lot too – 240,000 afternoon tea cakes, 60,000 finger sandwiches and 8,000 Cornish crabs are eaten each year at the event!
6. Beau Brummel – a notable fashion influencer of the time – started fashion trends at Royal Ascot. He said that “men of elegance” must wear perfectly tailored waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons to the event. So committed was Beau Brummel to fashion, he apparently took five hours a day to dress and urged people to polish their boots with champagne!
FANCY A TIPPLE
Best Ascot Cocktails Guide
pimms cups
pina colada
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Rose Vodka 30 ml
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Gin 20 ml
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Bottlegreen CoxÂ’s Apple & Plum Cordial 15 ml
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Lime Juice 10 ml
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Sugar Syrup 5 ml
dirty martini
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2oz Three Olives® Vodka
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0.5oz Dry Vermouth
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.5oz Olive Brine
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Add ice, Three Olives® Vodka, dry vermouth and olive brine to a shaking tin, and shake vigorously.
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Fine-strain cocktail into a chilled martini or cocktail coupe. Garnish with Three Olives on a cocktail stick.
mojito
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tsp granulated sugar
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small handful mint leaves, plus extra sprig to serve
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60ml white rum
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Soda water, to taste
FINAL MESSAGE
We sincerely hope you love our guide and it helps you enjoy yourselves at Royal Ascot.
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