Duchess Liz Wilner Speaks on the Fourth Annual Royal Ascot and Races

By Bixyl Shuftan

On Saturday June 24, the fourth annual Royal Ascot Races will be taking place at Blackhawk Downs from 1 to 3PM SL time. The event will raise funds for the Relay for Life Team ACTS. Liz Wilner, known as the Duchess of Trikassi, talked about the event with the Newser. Of how it got started, "Lady Charik and I were thinkiing of a fine event to do for the RFL cause...we both are great fans of all that is Ascot. So four years ago, we decided to host a Second Life Royal Ascot, recreating the big Royal day at Ascot week. We enlisted the help of the extraordinary Countess Cassie Eldemar to recreate the proper enclosures, which she has done to perfection. Her husband, Lord Oldesoul Eldemar, has been of great assistance in handling all of the kiosks, advertising, and more.

"And in year three, I had the great pleasure of meeting Lady Zinda Blake, owner of Blackhawk Downs. She was very enthusiastic about allowing Ascot to be at her wonderful horse racing sim, and it has been such a joy to have Royal Ascot there. Each year, more and more attend, sponsor, race, and enjoy. Sir Gerrard Winstanley, G., has been our live MC and music director. And each year Royal Ascot is filmed and made to video for enjoyment. G calls all the races, makes commentary throughout, hosts the fabulous after party as well. It's a truly wonderful day of ladies in hats and finery...men in their best top hats and morning suits, races, surprises, great fun.

"And yes...it all starts with the Royal procession, then, 'Let the races begin!' Anyone can sign up to race their horse (nc to me or Olde by June 20th this year, more on that). Last year we had three main races, and then a bonus steeplechase race, followed by a tinies race, which, by the way, went over several laps because the tinies didn't want to stop going around the track (giggle).

"Each race has a kiosk, filled with prizes from sponsors, so people can see the race cards, and select 1st 2nd 3rd places...everyone wins something, the riders and horses are presented with trophies and ribbons in special ceremonies after each race completes. We love our sponsors, as well. They know each prize is a win for RFL, It is free to be a sponsor, should one wish to offer something for the races, a gift certificate, item, or service. Notecard either me or Olde. We have a special sponsor area. And all sponsors are announced live as well, where logos and LMs are displayed, We have a special sponsor area, and all sponsors are announced live as well...where logos and LMs are displayed. It is a signature event for Team ACTS RFL...and people from all over truly enjoy the dressing up, the racing, the great fun of the event. Each year we have more and more people. This year we have more new sponsors as well, in addition to previous sponsors, which is very exciting.

"This is a huge event, and we all work very hard to make it a special fun day,and different from the usual events."

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The Royal Ascot does have a dress code, of which different places have different codes. Although types of avatars don't count as clothing, some nonhuman appearances are going to have difficulty finding items for the Royal Enclosure.

Royal Enclosure:

Ladies are required to wear formal day clothing whilst within the Royal Enclosure as described:
• Dresses and skirts of a length just below the knee or longer
• Dresses and tops with straps of one inch or more
• If a jacket is worn, the dress or top must still comply with the above standard
• Trouser suits of full length and same colour are welcome
• Hats should be worn; alternatively a head piece with a 4 inch base or more is acceptable
Please note the following:
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Enclosure
• Midriffs must be covered

Gentlemen are required to wear either a black or grey morning suit which must include:
• A waistcoat
• A tie or cravat
• A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes
A gentlemen’s top hat may be removed within the refreshment tent, private box or private club.

Grandstand:

Ladies with admission to the grandstand are encouraged to dress as if attending a formal occasion. Please take note of the following:
• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that follows the above guideline.
• Jackets maybe worn, however the dress or top it covers should adhere to the above guideline.
• Midriffs must be covered
• Shorts are not permitted

Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.

Silver Ring and Heath Enclosure:

Although no formal dress code applies in the Silver Ring Enclosure and Heath Enclosure, race goers are encouraged to wear smart clothes.

Please note that bare chests are not permitted at any time.

Blackhawk Heights, Katoteros (77, 180, 1098)

Bixyl Shuftan