Leading British Bookies William Hill today toasted The Queens choice of a Blue hat for Ladies Day, celebrating as a number of minor gambles went astray in the process.
Hills had reported above average backing for Her Majesty to take a break from protocol and wear a fascinator rather than a hat for Ladies Day, and a similar plunge earlier in the week on a white hat.
Stung again by the Ascot punters, William Hill faced another right royal gamble in 2007 as a cream hat was backed in from 5-1 to odds-on the morning of Ladies Day. History has proven that money for this event is usually spot on so it was no surprise for Hills as the Queen appeared in the Royal Parade, wearing (you've guessed it) ....cream.
Confusion reigned in 2006 as the Queen's pale hat was virtually undistinguishable in colour on the TV screen. But BBC commentator James Sherwood identified it as 'sea green', with bookies breathing a sigh of relief as the unbacked 20-1 shot gave them respite from the previous years hammering.
The Knavesmire at York may be historically famous for Dick Turpin, but it was the bookmakers who were robbed in 2005 as York Racecourse played host to the Royal meeting while Ascot was redeveloped. Brown - unconsidered as a 33-1 chance - was subject to a massive plunge in the betting on the morning of Ladies Day and the bookies were well and truly tanned as the Queen was sporting a chocolate and beige hat.
BOOKIES BOWLED OVER FOR A QUEEN’S HAT COUP!
Bookies William Hill have seen a right royal gamble on the Queen to take a break from all protocol and wear a fascinator rather than a hat for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot. Hills have reacted by slashing the price for a fascinator from 10-1 to 5-1 second-favourite.
Despite fascinators being a modern trend, the Queen has shown her willingness to embrace new looks when sporting a fascinator at Peter Phillips’ recent wedding.
"It is hard to believe that the Queen would make such a break from traditional headwear but we have been stung on the Queen's hat betting before and money definitely talks.
Despite fascinators being a modern trend, the Queen has shown her willingness to embrace new looks when sporting a fascinator at Peter Phillips’ recent wedding.
"It is hard to believe that the Queen would make such a break from traditional headwear but we have been stung on the Queen's hat betting before and money definitely talks.
To add further weight to the gamble, one of a number of the bets laid was placed by an immaculately dressed lady in one of our poshest shops in central London!", said Hill's spokeswoman Jennie Prest.
For those who think the Queen will decide to stick with a tried & tested hat selection, Hills offer the betting as shown below*
HILLS WILL ALSO be keeping an eye on Royal Flush in the Ascot Gold Cup which could prove a stinging if Royal watchers lump on the 16-1 chance in Thursday’s big race.
For those who think the Queen will decide to stick with a tried & tested hat selection, Hills offer the betting as shown below*
HILLS WILL ALSO be keeping an eye on Royal Flush in the Ascot Gold Cup which could prove a stinging if Royal watchers lump on the 16-1 chance in Thursday’s big race.
Betting on the colour of the Queen's hat has now CLOSED
| 4-1 Blue | 12-1 Brown |
| 4-1 Yellow | 20-1 Black and White |
| 5-1 A Fascinator | 20-1 Red |
| 6-1 Purple | 25-1 Orange |
| 7-1 White | 33-1 Black |
| 8-1 Cream/Beige | 33-1 Grey |
| 8-1 Apricot / Peach | 50-1 Floral Print |
| 10-1 Green | 100-1 Straw |
| 12-1 Turquoise | 500-1 Burberry |
| 12-1 Pink | 500-1 Clear plastic rain bonnet |
| * Prices correct as at 09.30hrs 19th June 2008 | |
For Further details :
David Hood – 07803 233689 Jennie Prest - 7740 735464
Kate Miller – 07725 446317 Graham Sharpe – 07803 23368
David Hood – 07803 233689 Jennie Prest - 7740 735464
Kate Miller – 07725 446317 Graham Sharpe – 07803 23368
What colour might the Queen eventually go for?
To get an idea, click on the picture on the left to see our models wearing a selection of hats that the Queen might wear today.
Hats supplied by Felicity's Hat Hire with franchises Nationwide
To get an idea, click on the picture on the left to see our models wearing a selection of hats that the Queen might wear today.
Hats supplied by Felicity's Hat Hire with franchises Nationwide