Ascot refunds tickets after ‘shaming’ under-dressed racegoers

Ascot racecourse may have tightened up its dresscode, but it seems it went too far last weekend – marking out those considered below par.

Ascot was forced to make an apology and will refund all premier enclosure tickets after publicly “shaming” under-dressed racegoers.

Stewards placed orange stickers on punters who were not deemed appropriately dressed.

Last week the Berkshire track announced it was tightening its dresscode, not only for the Royal meeting, but also for other fixtures during the season.

During all meetings racegoers in the premier enclosure should be “smart” with a jacket and tie now compulsory for men.

But on Saturday (21 January), the fashion police were out in force, putting small orange stickers on racegoers they deemed were unsuitably dressed.

After uproar Ascot management claim they have seen the error of their ways and admitted a “lack of judgement”.

“It is clear that we let down many of our premier enclosure customers yesterday with a well intentioned but misguided policy,” said Charles Barnett.

“No customer should be expected to pay for such an experience and we have taken the viewthat all premier enclosure visitors yesterday will receive a full refund.

“We have worked very hard for many years to establish ourselves as a benchmark for customerservice and we will not allow our reputation as a welcoming sports venue to be tarnished by an isolated lack of judgement on our part.”

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