The Royal Ascot is one of the biggest weeks of horse racing in Great Britain, if not the world (2014 Triple Crown threat California Chrome was set to run in the meet's Prince of Wales Stakes until a foot bruise forced him to withdraw). It’s got massive purses, top talent and, just spitballing here, hopefully jockeys in Beefeater costumes.
Carl Frampton, seen here in much less formal attire than what he wore at Royal Ascot.
As big as it is for racing, it’s an even bigger happening for the society pages. It’s one of those who’s who type of events where people go to be seen, like an Oscar party, or an airboat outside the Duck Dynasty compound. Formal dress comes into the picture like the fellas are doing Edwardian cosplay—top hat, tails, the works. Let’s just say the cravat industry positively cleans up during the Royal Ascot.
That includes Carl Frampton, who donned his best Burgess Meredith-as-The Penguin finery on June 16. Frampton is training in London as he prepares for his July 18 showdown with Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. in El Paso, Texas, which will air live on CBS (4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT).
#TopHatWankers pic.twitter.com/djLlTQX0V5
— Carl Frampton (@RealCFrampton) June 16, 2015“You get suited and booted. You wear tails and a top hat and stuff. I looked a little bit out of place, if I’m being honest, and I felt a little bit out of place, but it was still a good experience.
Queen Elizabeth II and other royals arrive in horse-drawn carriage every day. She’s gone every year since 1945, and in 2013, her royal highness had a horse, Estimate, that won the meet’s flagship Royal Ascot Gold Cup, which made her the first reigning monarch to have a horse win that event.
Frampton scored a prestigious invite to go watch the ponies from the royal box. Cheap cigar and rolled-up copy of the Daily Racing Form optional, but frowned upon.
Serious view from the Royal Box #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/JwaHWaCEYD
— Carl Frampton (@RealCFrampton) June 16, 2015“I like a little flutter every now and again,” he said. “I’m not a big gambler. I like to have a little bet from time to time, if someone gives me a tip.”
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