The tradition and reputation of Ascot or Epsom will always stand firm, even in the face of apparent adversity. Not even the threat of Al Qaeda at the beginning of 2014 – listing Cheltenham and Epsom as possible targets of attacks – affected the public’s interest or the emotion involved in the events.
Recently a horse owned by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, was caught in a doping test, and tested positive for morphine. It is not yet clear how Estimate was contaminated, but according to reports from Buckingham Palace it is likely that the cause was food.
The horse, who won at Ascot in 2013 and finished in second place in 2014, seems to have ingested something that contained poppy seeds, which interfered with the final result of the examination. Because of this unfortunate occurrance, the Queen will need to return the awards received and the horse has been stripped of second place.
Ascot, an English institution just like the Queen and the National Lottery, will not be shaken by what happened, much less any other tournament of its kind. It is critically crucial to horse racing and inextricably linked to the culture of England. It is a style of living!
Year after year, generations of families indulge in ritual to follow the racing season and celebrate the finest specimens of horses at present disputes.
Socially, there is no doubt that the prestige of the sport grows every day, especially with the renovation that the new royal family is going through.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge demonstrate enthusiasm in attending the event, with Kate always attentive to fashion and beautiful hats.
Scotland Yard has secured the adoption of all necessary safety measures to ensure that no incident happens and without the surprise factor, they hardly attack. The tradition is maintained.
