Ladies day at the races

Only ever been to ladies day at Ascot but we were in the cheap seats. If you like horse racing then it's fab, but can be expensive.

Depends on your hens.

I know some of my friends have gone and had a good time, but it really isn't my cup of tea. I think that horse racing is cruel and dangerous, and don't gamble, so I wouldn't get very excited about it. Others may enjoy it more.

I planned ladies day for my besties hen and we had a fabulous time! To keep it cheap we opted for the county enclosure, so you take you're own bits and peices, between us all we had everything covered from food, drink, picnic blankets and we still got dressed up to the nines it was great.

Maybe you could consider a cruelty free activity for your hen? I understand some people think horse racing isn't cruel, but if you're on the fence already then it's worth throwing out there as a thought.

I don't see where the OP says she is 'on the fence' over it being cruel or not?

No, sorry, I meant she's on the fence as to whether to go to horse racing or not.

I think the races is a great day out and as long as no one is opposed to it, would be a fab hen do. I went to ascot a couple of years ago. I saw no horses! I got drunk and had a whale of a time in my pretty dress and hat. As you can see.

I like the races. I live near Newmarket so could go more often than I do. I don't know much about form etc. but I know a bit about horses. I only bet a small amount £1-2 per race but all in the day costs ~£100 I'd say for the ticket, wine, lunch and a couple of bets. I've not taken my own stuff as not all races allow picnics in the grounds but that would save some money. It is a great excuse to dress up and have a day in the sunshine (fingers crossed!)

We went to Punchestown a few weeks ago for my friend's hen, was a great day. We had tickets to one of the enclosures so had inside places to go (which was good as it's freezing!).

Agree that it can add up to an expensive day though, we paid 35 euros for entry to the enclosure, then I bet on races so another 25 euros then drinks were about 6 euros each.

OMG Rod I LOVE this dress! (And it goes very nicely with that jug of Pimms!)

I don't really have a strong view on horse racing, although it upsets me that some horses get injured and have to be put down. I admit I am not well enough informed in either camps to give an opinion. However I would still go if someone invited me and have also heard of lots of people going to Ascot and not actually seeing any of the racing (similar with going to Henley regatta and not seeing any of the rowing).

Apologies ID, I picked you up wrong.

As others have said - if everyone is happy to go then it could be a great hen do! ( It's what I am doing for mine, but it's a surprise!)

I've been to Ladie's Day at Ascot on a hen party and it was great. We were in the 'cheap seats' and it was still £50 a ticket. We took our own picnic, and booze. Also if you are in the parts that don't allow a picnic, you can have it beforehand in the carpark - a lot of people were doing that!

Thanks, do you want it? I'm gonna put it on ebay!

Thanks do you want it? I'm gonna put it on ebay!

This happened to me too one year, but as I was there for the people watching I couldn't care less! Loving that bottle of VC Rod ?

Oh yes! What size is it? Wait I shall PM you to save de-railing the whole thread.

S'alright. My own fault for posting and working at the same time

I echo what Rod said. I have been to Ascot twice, but on the Friday, not Ladies day. I loved it both times and the atmosphere in the bars afterwards was great. I never saw any races either, just lots of champagne. We went in the Grandstand.

RK I got the email but cant for the life of me figure out how to reply?!

Can you post your email and I will email you then you can delete it? Or are you on FB? x

Haha ok! Email address is (deleted) I'm on facebook but have never figured out how to join the HOF area?

Got ya. you can delete. I will explain about facebook x

Thanks for the replies, really excited now!

I'm jumping in to derail too!

Rod - is that a Dorothy Perkins dress? I'm sure this is the one I was looking for, it was mega popular and nowhere had my sizes! I looked in about 4 shops and they only had size 18+! You look gorgeous in it!

Yes it is! Its a couple of years old now. x

I've been a few times and most of the time haven't seen one horse!! I agree that the non ladies days are better and have a better atmosphere. In terms of which tickets it does depend on how dressed up you want to be. In the more expensive enclosures you will all need to dress according to the policy. Some are stricter than others. This is where the champagne bars are in the ones I have been to. If you have tickets to the posher enclosure you can still go through to the normal enclosure. However, from memory in the posher enclosure you can't take any food or drink in with you. There were also bigger queues at the bars and less places to sit down at the couple I have been to.

The normal grandstand enclosure is more relaxed. Lots of people dress up but some people are a bit more casual. So it depends on the group you are taking as to which will be more suitable. If you are booking a meal you may not care about being able to take in your own food etc so it might come down to cost. Factor in the cost of people possibly needing hat hire etc (depending on policy) in the posh enclosure and buying all food and drink there not just the cost of the tickets.

Tip - if you wear heels buy some of those plastic heel guard things to stop your heels sinking in the grass and ruining them. You put them on the end of the heel tip. Or wear wedges. Also take some flats with you as you might be on your feet all day so if you are anything like me your feet will be killing you!

Have a great time and don't forget to flash some pics afterwards. I love a good race outfit.