Royal Ascot 2025

If my arrival at my cousins' farm last night felt like a family welcome on Christmas Eve, this morning was a very hot Christmas Day, and this evening Boxing Day. 

Those of us setting off from Somerset to Ascot were up early to stock the cars with all the paraphernalia for our picnic. After all the food, drink, tables, chairs, gazebo, and other essentials (not forgetting the candelabra) were loaded, there was only just enough room for the humans. 

I travelled with Cousin TBay, Mr TBay and Miss TBay. The journey passed quickly. This was mainly because Miss TBay and I chatted nearly all the way. Much of the conversation was about the others who were joining us at the racecourse. I learnt that one family was from North Yorkshire. 'Oh, it would be funny if the mother went to my school', I joked...

Of course, anyone who follows this journal will guess what happened next. Not only was Clare in my middle sister's year, her daughter - one of Miss TBay's best friends - was also a pupil at my school. As soon as Clare told me her maiden name, I remembered her. We had a great time during the picnic (= Christmas dinner) reminiscing about school and our mutual friends. 

Our party of 26 split up for the afternoon (= the post-dinner part of Christmas Day). Cousin TBay, Mr TBay and I formed a small sub-group to head to the grandstand. Over the course of the afternoon we watched the races, placed bets, and saw the placed horses come into the paddock. People-watching was also a fascinating activity. Mr TBay did very well on the horses and came away with a good profit. I lost a little money overall, but was proud to 'win' the Gold Cup with Trawlerman.

By the end of the races, we were all melting in the heat. I couldn't wait to rush back to the car to take off my hat and tights, and change into my trainers. My cousin Mr TBay Junior was so anxious to shed his morning suit and top hat that he shamelessly stripped off in public next to one of the cars before reappearing at the picnic table to join the rest of us for a leftover supper (= Boxing Day) in shorts and a T shirt.

We didn't rush to leave the racecourse, preferring to wait until there was less of a queue at the exit. We eventually reloaded just after 8pm and reached home at 11pm (the delay due mainly to some traffic jams on the M4).

It's been a marvellous day, most enjoyable despite the heat. 

I have blipped our party just before we all split up to head to the grandstand. I'm standing between Miss TBay in red and Clare in yellow. Cousin TBay is on the other side of Miss TBay. I feature in all my finery in the extra, including the dress and jacket that I bought in Wedmore on 12th April.

Exercise today: none.