An investigation by The Mail on Sunday has uncovered widespread use of cocaine and ketamine at Royal Ascot, a prominent five-day horse racing event attended by members of the Royal Family. Swabs taken across the course, including in the exclusive Royal Enclosure, tested positive for these illegal drugs.
Ketamine, a Class B drug also known as Ket or Special K, which was originally developed as a horse tranquilizer, has seen a significant increase in abuse in Britain, according to the report. The findings emerge at a time when Royal Ascot is actively seeking to attract a younger demographic, with a notable rise in attendees aged 16 to 34. Last year, a third of ticket buyers were in this age group, a figure that rose to nearly half for the current year. Special memberships have been introduced for 18- to 25-year-olds, and areas like the Village Enclosure are promoted with a festival-like atmosphere.
The investigation found evidence of cocaine in toilet cubicles within the Royal Enclosure and the Queen Anne Enclosure on Wednesday, the same day the Princess of Wales and Carole Middleton were present. Traces of cocaine were also found in the toilets of the Pavilion Restaurant in the Queen Anne Enclosure.
In the Village Enclosure, on Thursday evening, a swab of the toilets tested positive for ketamine, and a small plastic bag found on the ground tested positive for cocaine. The report also details instances of young men exhibiting signs of drug use, such as wide-eyed stares and dilated pupils, openly passing a bag of white powder and using toilet cubicles.
Despite enhanced security measures, including the deployment of over 20 sniffer dogs, bag searches, and amnesty bins, the effectiveness of these deterrents appears limited. While drug detection dogs are present at entrances and patrols, and individuals suspected of carrying substances are stopped for searches, some are subsequently allowed entry. In one instance, a man flagged by a dog was searched, details were taken, but he was ultimately permitted to enter.
Racegoers are informed that anyone exhibiting signs of being under the influence of drugs will be removed. However, the investigation suggests these warnings are being disregarded. Car parks, where elaborate picnics and carousing are common, are noted as areas where drug use can occur without immediate detection, as patrols are not present. One regular attendee described the car park scene as "like Glyndebourne meets Ibiza with horses in the background."
This year saw 45 arrests at the festival, a rise from 36 in 2023 and 35 in 2022. These arrests covered offenses including assault, drink-driving, and possession of Class A drugs. Thames Valley Police stated that officers are present to assist with the removal of individuals found hiding or distributing illegal drugs.
A spokesman for Ascot Racecourse emphasized the paramount importance of racegoer safety and security, highlighting the enhanced measures in place and close collaboration with police and security partners. Those found with illegal drugs will be refused entry or expelled.