A warm September sun, the scent of freshly baked brownies in the air, and a roar from the stands as the LK Bennett Lady Amateur Jockeys Handicap sent the first runners thundering down the straight mile — the Big Ascot Food Racing Weekend has officially burst into life at Royal Ascot Racecourse.
As gates opened at 11 am, thousands of racegoers poured into the historic venue, greeted by an irresistible blend of elite flat racing and culinary extravagance. The two-day festival (September 5–6) promises not just fierce competition on the track, but also an unparalleled food experience featuring Michelin-starred live demos, artisan stalls, and the unmistakable buzz of Ascot’s late summer showcase.
Racing Gets Underway with Excitement and High Stakes
The action began at 1:45 pm with the LK Bennett Lady Amateur Jockeys Handicap Stakes, a Class 4 contest for four-year-olds and up over a straight mile, boasting a prize purse of £16,650. While the final result isn’t in yet, the opening race set the perfect tone for a thrilling afternoon.
Next up at 2:20 pm, all eyes turned to the Charbonnel et Walker British EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 3, seven furlongs, £20,000) — an event that has historically unveiled future stars. With memories of Paddington’s breakout win in 2022 still fresh, excitement was palpable among punters and pedigree-watchers alike.
The pace doesn’t slow from there, with a stacked card featuring:
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2:55 pm — Wesco Anixter EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Class 4, Old Mile, £15,000)
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3:30 pm — British EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Class 2, six furlongs, £30,000)
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4:05 pm — Molton Brown Classified Stakes (Class 3, seven furlongs, £20,000)
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4:40 pm — Ascot Iron Stand Membership Handicap Stakes (Class 2, straight mile, £45,000)
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5:15 pm — Sodexo Live! Handicap Stakes (Class 4, seven furlongs, £16,650)
With total prize money exceeding £160,000, trainers, jockeys, and owners have plenty at stake as the opening day unfolds.
A Feast for the Senses: Michelin-Starred Flavours Meet Racing Thrills
Off the track, the Big Ascot Food Racing Weekend has transformed the racecourse into a paradise for foodies. From Wildflour Bakeries’ artisan breads to Ruci’s Sri Lankan delights, and from Chocolate Genie’s handmade truffles to Silent Pool Gin’s craft infusions, culinary indulgence is everywhere you turn.
Crowds are gathering at the Bandstand Kitchen & Bar, where celebrity chef James Tanner is hosting live cooking demos alongside culinary icons like Raymond Blanc OBE and Sarah Frankland. Highlights include:
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1:55 pm – 2:15 pm: Hallgarten & Novum Wine Demonstration
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2:30 pm – 2:55 pm: James Tanner’s Signature Show
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3:05 pm – 3:30 pm: Raymond Blanc OBE
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3:40 pm – 4:05 pm: Sarah Frankland
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4:05 pm – 4:25 pm: Trackside Tipples Cocktail Masterclass with Silent Pool Gin
With music, entertainment, and food tastings flowing all afternoon, Ascot has perfectly blended gourmet indulgence with racing adrenaline.
Day One Thrills Set the Stage for a Spectacular Saturday
Today’s races mark only the beginning. Royal Ascot’s Big Food Racing Weekend continues tomorrow, September 6, promising another round of high-class flat racing, more culinary magic, and even bigger crowds. With the stakes rising, Saturday’s card is set to deliver some of the weekend’s most anticipated showdowns.
For racing fans, food lovers, and families alike, Royal Ascot is serving up an unmissable September celebration.
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