Ascot to observe minute's silence on first day Ascot will fall silent on the first day of the Royal meeting as a mark of respect following the recent tragic events across the country. A minute's silence will on Tuesday be observed across the racecourse after the arrival of the Queen and the Royal party in the Ascot parade ring. Ascot chairman Johnny Weatherby said: "At the beginning of this important week for racing, we at Ascot racecourse wish to pay our respects to the victims and offer support to the families who have been so terribly affected." Ascot is also making a donation of £100,000 to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity and London Fire Relief funds, as well as to local charities. Exit collections on all five days of Royal Ascot will allow racegoers to contribute.
