The Ascot Gavotte
The Ascot Gavotte
“They’re off!” Gorgeously arrayed, the spectators stand motionless, frozen in time on the steps of the grandstand at the racecourse, extravagantly dressed by Cecil Beaton in black and white or shades of grey. It is of course a wonderful scene in the film “My Fair Lady” starring Audrey Hepburn.
I often wonder if Beaton was inspired by the Royal Ascot of 1910 where, following the death of King Edward VII all those attending Ascot dressed in black with the ladies highlighting their gowns with pearls and white roses.
In the film, the race begins and, in unison, the actors slowly turn in a controlled staccato fashion to sing the “Ascot Gavotte”. Immaculately dressed but with no outward emotion they recite “Every duke and earl and peer is here, Everyone who should be here is here. What a smashing, positively dashing Spectacle: The Ascot opening day”.
The more the words of the song relate that “pulses are flashing” or heartbeats are speeding up, the less there is any emotion from those singing. In contrast, of course, the heroine Eliza Doolittle is caught up in the moment and very much alive to it. She shouts in excitement for her chosen horse: “Come on, Dover! Move your bloomin' arse”.
Fortunately, it was far from grey and restrained last week and instead five days of colour and sport. Royal Ascot combines the best horses with pageantry, royalty, glamourous hats and bright outfits, the whole scene lit by the very sunny warm weather.
Everyone was so happy to be there, (Covid having enforced abscence for two years) and everywhere there was the buzz of chatter and laughter as old and new friends were greeted once more. With all the charm of a classic English summer, the large trees offered welcome dappled shade across the well-groomed lawns.
Some of the guests were simply happy to have a wonderful excuse to lunch and converse whilst others were drawn to the gleaming horses walking around the paddock, long supple strides, the hopeful owners and perhaps slightly more realistic trainers. It would all be decided in just a few minutes on the racecourse.
Both Geordie and I spent part of our three days there just quietly leaning against the white surrounds of the pre-parade ring watching and enjoying the scene before deciding on which vantage point to watch the race from. The jockeys appear in time in the main paddock in their colourful silks, fearless and balanced on the horses, everyone on their toes.
The orgins of Ascot or “East Cote” date back to the reign of Queen Anne, who in 1711 saw the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, declaring that was flat and an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch” while out riding. “Her Majesty’s Plate”, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, was thus inaugurated. The race was over four miles so stamina was needed, the jockeys wore what they chose, there were no rules and it was therefore hard to agree the winner.
The Gold Cup dating from 1807 is Ascot’s oldest surviving race. Again is a longer race reflecting the origins of the racecourse and the winning owners still receive a gold trophy which becomes their property. The Queen Anne Stakes was established in 1840 in honour of the founder of the racecourse and echoes the three-hundred-year-old heritage: it is for older horses, over one mile.
The pageantry of the dress code owes much to the friendship between King George IV and Beau Brummell. The latter was born in Downing Street, where his rather successful father worked as private secretary to Lord North (Prime Minister). In 1783, the Brummells bought an estate, Donnington Grove in Berkshire just six miles from Highclere.
Although Brummell’s family was far from grand, the young man was determined to become the best dressed gentleman in London. He succeeded to the point where it was only his opinion that mattered: it was he who influenced who should be given vouchers for the social club Almacks and he could bring someone into fashion by showing them favour or put someone out of fashion by cutting them.
This famous dandy who became a close friend of the Prince Regent (the future King George IV), pronounced that ‘men of elegance’ should wear ‘waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons’. George IV commissioned a two-storey stand to be built with a surrounding lawn and access to it was by invitation of the King. In 1825 when the King led four other coaches with members of the Royal party up the Straight Mile a diarist commented that the ‘whole thing looked very splendid.’
It still does look rather splendid and to return to The Ascot Gavotte:
“What a frenzied moment that was!
Didn't they maintain an exhausting pace?
'Twas a thrilling, absolutely chilling Running of the
Ascot op'ning race”
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64 Comments
I watched everything on Peacock. Very exciting to see the crowd there, all decked out in their finery and the wonderful horses. I loved every minute.
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
GOOD MORNING FROM BRAZIL
TOMORROW IS SUMMER IN ENGLAND. THE BLUE SKY OF ASCOT IN THE PHOTOS ARE THE SAME AS THE CITY WHERE I LIVE .SO HERE IT'S EVERY DAY LIKE THIS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH .HAPPY , LOVELY SUMMER FOR US.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO - SP
BRAZIL
Lovely and cheerful!
I love your blog! Thank you for taking your valuable time to share with us
Greetings from FL Lady Carnarvon,
So glad Ascot Races occurred once again open to all (post Covid) as it is such a wonderful and fun tradition there in England. Thank you again for the historical facts and photos and photos of today.
Glad you were able to attend the days this year and observe a bit of normalcy post Covid save for the sad fact that HRH Queen Elizabeth for the first time ever was not able to attend and ride in the Royal Opening parade given her mobility issues.
We were fortunate to attend when we lived there back in 2014 & 2015 and we were stunned at the amazingly creative and festive dresses so many women wore especially on Ladies Day.
You and Lord Carnarvon dressed accordingly this year for certain!
We were also thrilled to be standing at the railing and were able to see and wave at HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and other royals as they rode by during the opening parade. Then we sat under the Royal Suite to view the race that day and enjoy their high tea lunch. A very fun day out for all especially Jockey winners and owners!
Remain well.
We would love to see your whole outfit; the tease in your photo with your husband shows just enough to know it must have been grand. And, did Highclere have a horse in a race there this year?
Lady Carnarvon lovely pictures of the Ascot gavotte did you and lord Carnarvon have a lovely weekend and l would like to visit highcelere castle thank you for the email and l am fan of Downton abbey
Lady Carnarvon lovely pictures of the Ascot gavotte did you and lord Carnarvon have a lovely weekend thank you for the email and l am fan of Downton abbey
What a spectacular event! You both look amazing! Glad to see the weather cooperated, and you had an enjoyable time after the two year Covid hiatus.
Very nice, just to sit and bring in your surroundings. Your post is very descriptive. I look forward to Mondays. Geordie and you look great.
I still tend to use Eliza’s outburst to myself when a car is moving too slowly in a traffic situation! I believe that scene is etched in everyone’s mind who ever saw the film. So glad the weather cooperated for this year’s race.
Wonderful day!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I know you had a wonderful three days, being out and about, seeing majestic horses run, seeing friends and being able to get all dressed up. Horse races are always so much fun. I would love to see a picture of your hat. I kmow it was stunning.
Have a wonderful week,
Pam
Wonderful experience!
Weather was beautiful
Thank you
Ascot is a wonderful British tradition!
No sadly not this year!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your wonderful insights on Ascot. We in the United States we were lucky enough to watch a televised Ascot. Loved the history you shared with us. Since I follow racing in the U S it was very interesting to see horse racing in England with all its pageantry.
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for bringing all the history of Royal Ascot alive. I loved reading this today and will know so much more when it comes around again.
To participate in an event with such deep historical roots must truly be an honor. By the way, Geordie looks smashing in the top hat. Did you have a picture of the both of you at the event?
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for sharing another bit of fascinating English history. I can just see Queen Anne excitedly deciding about East Cote! From what I’ve read, she was a charming (?) individual!! The pageantry and fashions of the day take us back to calmer times - especially pre-Covid. It’s good knowing you and Geordie will carry on!
Martha G.
What a wonderful event, Eliza’s outburst was just right. You and our husband look great. Wish I could have been there.
fondly Jenny
hi Lady Carnarvon
Love when you post pictures but the one of your husband and you were cut off. Would have loved to see you in this picture!
Thank you Jenny
Good afternoon, Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for the historical aspect of Royal Ascot. Most interesting! Having had the great privilege of attending Ladies Day in the Royal Enclosure last week and in 2019, I wholeheartedly agree that it indeed still looks rather splendid! So much to take in, from the fabulous hats and the incredible horses to the colourful and refreshing cocktails [but did not see Highclere Gin unfortunately], especially during this year's unbelievable heat. Am back in Canada, hoping to return again next year. Love your red hat!!! Best regards.
That's a very interesting full immersion in the world of cinema and horse racing ! Sublime post . The Ascot Gavotte is taken from the musical My fair Lady based on George Bernard Shaw 's Pygmalion play ( 1913). This musical , with costumes by Cecil Beaton and played by Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison , debuted on Broadway in 1956 and was a great success remaining on stage for 2,717 performances, making it the longest-running musical of the period. Then it became a film played by Audrey Hepburn. The gavotte is a French dance and its name comes from French Alps' mountaineers , nicknamed Gavots. Thank you so much for your sublime post! Best regards
I LOVE your hat!
Your history lesson is always much appreciated! Great report - It looked like you had a wonderful colorful outfit on, just a glimpse of it from your selfie with your hubby. Take care- so great that we are able to have celebrations again after two long years - We are enjoying our San Francisco parade with our winning NBA Golden State Warriors basketball team. The crowds are cheering and its all so wonderful!!!
Thank you - I love hats!
It is wonderful to hear all the noise again!
Elegant film ...Audrey Hepburn is an icon for every generation
I do love that scene from My Fair Lady!
Being from Kentucky, the Ascot reminds me very much of our race run always on the first Saturday in May; it too was exciting for everyone to be back together again this year! I would suggest that you and the earl make a visit to the Kentucky Derby some year, I think you'd love it.
Thank you !
I like wearing hats...
We have nearly come - it would be fun
Thank you - Downton has given much pleasure!
It is funny how we missed the absence of pageantry ..
He does look cool!!
I thought I was just fine like that!!!
I would love to go to Ascot to not only the racing but the range of attire that is worn. The dress Princess Catherine wore was lovely and her hat was darling. Sorry that her majesty was unable to attend this year, but l am sure everyone had a great time. It is nice that traditions are maintained and the history you discussed was interesting. Thanks for all of your writing.
Hello Lady Carnarvon.
Did you have a flutter, hoping to win a fortune to help Highclere?
regards
About forty years ago, my ex-husband and I were in England, driving around for two weeks. At one point he pulled over the car to check a map since we were just a bit lost. We were next to what seemed to be a large field, and as I got out to stretch my legs, a big grey horse ambled up to the fence. It was so friendly and kept rubbing its head up against my shoulder. My ex got out of the car to take a picture of me and the horse (which I still have), and to tell me we were very near Ascot. No race to be seen, but a nice memory of the horse with Ascot so nearby.
I agree with Sharon and others.... we would love to see you both in your fine outfits, the tempter was just that! Happy you enjoyed your Ascot days in fine British sunshine!
Perhaps my one of my favorite ‘My Fair Lady’ moments. Delighted to see you attended - confessing to at least a mild wisp of envy.
My very favorite movie!
Audrey Hepburn is an icon!
It was magic to see people again!
It was warm which was very welcome!
I di not win! But I did not lose much!
It is a great place to sit and watch ...
I just had a Facebook post reminding me of four years ago: on 2018-June-19, my daughter and I visited Highclere! As we were having our tea and scones, I asked Luis if there was any chance that you may be passing through the courtyard. He said, "unfortunately not - today they are at Ascot."
Thank you for sharing your home with an adoring public, and your vast knowledge of history through your posts!
Thank you for your Royal Ascot moments. We Americans only dream of your pageantry and customs that go back hundreds of years.
Shelby C.
Lady Carnarvon,
Your husband looked very regal in his top hat.
I wish we could have seen the rest of your beautiful ensemble!
It seemed a wonderful time was had by all.
Wonderful day!
Such an interesting observation. I found it a joy to read!
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon
I'm Portuguese and I was in Ascot in 2018, thinking about going again in 2020...
I'll be back next year, I hope... It's a fantastic Event with a unique atmosphere
I love it!
Maria
Lisbon
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you again, for sharing these wonderful events and making them so visual for those of us who’s were not there. How fortunate you are to have all of these memories to pass on to your friends and family.
I look forward to your next story.
Jossie Esquijarosa
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you again, for sharing these wonderful events and making them so visual for those of us who were not there. It’s so lovely to see the elegant and beautiful fashion worn by all who attend. The hats alone have my imagination working on what one would I wear! How fun.
I look forward to your next story.
Jossie Esquijarosa
A fascinating history of Ascot. I’ve never actually been to Ascot, but I have delighted in the dresses and hats of the women of Windsor who are on their way to Ascot. In 2010 I was blessed to see the Queen in her gleaming Bentley, leaving Windsor Castle on the way to Ascot.
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday's blog and for sharing your day with this readership.
I like both the Broadway and film version of "My Fair Lady".
Very elegant photograph of Lord Carnarvon and yourself(?). It appears you were cut out of the picture, though. Hope it was not intentional.
The horse race closely related to the Ascot in the United States is the Kentucky Derby,
which was held in May (2022) and won by a long-shot horse, RICH STRIKE.
On a side note, our daughter's junior year (high school) pointe solo was the Gavotte.
Until next week, continue to enjoy the summer weather.
Perpetua Crawford
P.S. Today, I found this e-mail in my Junk box. This is the second time it has happened, and I do not know why.
Lady Carnarvon, The excitement at Ascot must have been amazing. To see some of the Royal Family would be a joy for me being an admirer of all of them. I just love going to the horses races so this would be just right for me. And there off! Happy day to you, Cheryl.