Want to know what three of the best racehorse trainers in the world wear to Royal Ascot? Favourbrook of course! With the world’s greatest horse racing event just over a month away, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Andrew Balding, Richard Hannon, and Ralph Beckett into our Pall Mall store to update their look. As we dressed them, we discussed their route into racing, learned what Royal Ascot means to them, and secured their tips for this year’s event.
Favourbrook: Of course we know you all well but could you each introduce yourselves; who are you and why do you do what you do?
Richard Hannon: I’m Richard Hannon and I’m a racehorse trainer because my grandfather was, my dad was, and I’ve got very little imagination. Truthfully, I had the choice to do what I wanted but racehorse training felt natural.
Andrew Balding: I’m Andrew Balding and I’m a racehorse trainer. Rather like Richard, there’s been a family involvement in this industry over four generations across both sides.
Ralph Beckett: I’m Ralph Beckett and I’m a racehorse trainer because I failed all my exams… it’s true!
F: What’s your earliest memory of racing?
RH: Probably being at Kempton on Boxing Day, Desert Orchid’s third or fourth time in a row.. I remember my dad winning the Guineas in 87 and there was quite a big deal around it, but I was playing cricket at school.
AB: My earliest racing memory is the 1981 Derby when Shergar romped home by ten lengths, but the horse that came second was trained by my dad and I vividly remember watching it in the TV room at home and being struck by the sense of excitement.
RB: August Bank Holiday at Newton Abbot, watching jumping, which is not something I do now, but I must have been a toddler.
F: What does Royal Ascot mean to you?
RH: It’s the ultimate show window for the whole business and it’s very capable of bringing people into the sport. We have winners there, we have runners there, and we need to look smart when we’re there so that’s why we’re here.
AB: It means everything. For us, it’s the most important week of the whole year. For all our owners and staff, the reason we race and compete is to have a winner at Royal Ascot.
RB: It’s the most important of our year. Having a winner there is important to us and our business. At the start of the turf season, we work back from Royal Ascot so everything revolves around it.
Navy Ascot Wool Morning Coat
Navy Ascot Wool Morning Coat
Blue Sandham Silk Tie
Blue Sandham Silk Tie
F: Who is the best dressed at Royal Ascot?
RH: It has to be the King, but he needs to come to Favourbrook.
AB: It pains me to say it but Hannon is one of the best dressed. He spends a lot of money, so he should be.
RB: The King’s a good shout, it’s certainly not Richard Hannon.
F: Richard, how do you feel in your Favourbrook Morning Coat?
RH: It’s very comfortable and I feel extremely smart. I’m ready for Royal Ascot. Ordinarily, by the second day, everything’s either been beaten up or I’m bored of it, but hopefully this is a lucky suit.
F: On that note, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2024?
RH: I’ve got a nice horse called Rosallion running in the second race on the first day, his colours are yellow and black, so I’ve got a yellow waistcoat to show support.
AB: I’m looking forward to Coltrane in the Gold Cup, he came second last year and he’s in good form. If he were to come home in front, I wouldn’t need anything else to happen all week.
RB: There’s a fair bit of water to go under the bridge, but in terms of our chances, we’ve got a very nice horse called Valvarno who will probably show up in the Edward VII and he might just be our best chance, alongside Poniros in the King George V Handicap.
.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the most prestigious horticultural event of the year anywhere in the world. Officially, it's a celebration of flora and fauna...
Part of our Four Horsemen series in the run-in to Royal Ascot, we spent some time getting to know the brilliant race horse trainer George...
As part of our Four Horsemen series, we recently chatted with the accomplished bloodstock consultant Billy Jackson-Stops to understand a little more about his part...
Part of our Four Horsemen series leading up to Royal Ascot, we caught up with renowned race horse trainer Harry Charlton...
With Royal Ascot galloping round the bend, we were honoured to welcome into our Pall Mall store four gents at the top of the horse...
Since its founding in 1711 by Queen Anne, Royal Ascot has stood as a pinnacle of British heritage, blending equestrian excellence with unparalleled style and...
Stunning floral dresses and elegant linen coats are on the menu for a busy summer of weddings.
We examine the heritage and how-tos of the most formal garment of them all - the morning coat.
Dress codes can sometimes be confusing. They needn't be. Follow our guide and you'll never fall foul of the rules.
Two new silk cruise suits defy definition, offering bold statement looks inspired by the glamour and colours of the Côte d’Azur.
Over 30,000 people are invited to the Royal Garden parties each year. If you've been lucky enough to get an invitation, we'll show you how...
Discover our new waistcoat slip: a Regency gem of understated elegance. Explore its history and charm in this deep dive into a forgotten but now...
