Here’s what London representative of the ISE, Aiste Anasaite-Daubaras, writes about the recent annual horse races in England, at Ascot:
“It’s interesting that I always compare Ascot to Christmas because you look forward to it all year, making plans and ordering hats, but then it comes and goes in the blink of an eye and you have to wait until next year.
Royal Ascot is arguably one of the most significant social events of the year, though in recent years it’s often seen as mere entertainment. But whether you go to see the races themselves, as an invited guest, or to see and be seen, it’s still an incomparable experience.
I don’t even know what attracts me most to Ascot: the cheerful, dressed-up crowd and the bubbles of ice-cold champagne in a glass, the aroma of freshly cut grass and expensive cigars, the harsh staccato of the commentator’s voice, or the thrilling moment as the horses approach the finish line. All of it. And, of course, the parade of extraordinary hats—no lady is allowed into Ascot without one.
Ascot is a high-society event, and only the finest representatives of English society are allowed to attend. However, Russians are also often spotted there—for example, the ISE trainer and etiquette guru Liz Bruyere always appears at Ascot accompanied by the Russian couple Georgy and Tatyana Piskov.
Ascot is good old English tradition, perfect manners, elegance and beauty in all its forms.
by Aisté Anusaité-Daubaras
UK Representative of International School of Etiquette
