During the recent Royal Ascot meeting held in Berkshire, reports have emerged highlighting the prevalence of illegal drug use at the prestigious horse racing event, despite security measures aimed at curbing such activity. The five-day event, attended by members of the royal family including King Charles, the Queen, and the Princess of Wales, traditionally draws a well-heeled crowd. However, investigations have revealed widespread traces of substances such as cocaine and ketamine both within the racecourse and in surrounding areas.

Testing conducted last week detected cocaine and ketamine, a Class B drug originally developed as a horse tranquiliser, on various surfaces including toilet cubicles within the Royal Enclosure and other enclosures on site. Swabs taken from ladies’ toilets inside the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure, and the more recently introduced Village Enclosure tested positive for these substances. The Village Enclosure, designed to attract a younger demographic with a more festival-like atmosphere, has seen particular drug activity, reflecting the broader societal trend of increased drug use among younger adults.

Security at Royal Ascot involves sniffer dogs deployed throughout the site, including entry points and public areas such as bars and restrooms. Despite these measures, observers noted multiple instances where individuals were detected by the dogs, some being searched and then allowed entry if no substances were found. Over a 45-minute period, several attendees—typically young and fashionably dressed—were stopped for further searches following alerts from the dogs. Racecourse officials indicated that enhanced security protocols are in place, involving over 20 sniffer dogs, bag checks, stewarding, and amnesty bins. Police also remain on standby, with arrests for offences such as possession of Class A drugs and drink-driving reported to have increased incrementally over recent years.

Behind the scenes, drug use appears to extend beyond the racecourse to the event’s car parks, where wealthy attendees often hold elaborate “picnics.” Witnesses described Car Park One and Two as hubs of early-day socialising, with little or no patrol for drugs. One long-time attendee described a scene resembling a party atmosphere, where significant quantities of cocaine are openly consumed and substance misuse leads to some guests becoming incapacitated during the day.

The changing profile of Royal Ascot’s attendees partially explains the evolving dynamics. Once associated with an older, elite audience, the event has seen an influx of younger visitors as part of deliberate marketing efforts. Nearly half of ticket buyers in 2025 were under 35, a demographic with statistically higher rates of drug consumption. Observers noted that while many come for the sport and social occasion, a segment of the crowd uses the event as an opportunity for recreational drug use, leading to concerns about the impact on the event’s reputation.

Racecourse representatives emphasised their commitment to safety and legal compliance, noting ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and security teams to prevent drug-related offences. Meanwhile, some longtime racegoers expressed disappointment, describing the drug presence as tarnishing what has long been considered a cornerstone of the British social season. As the event continues to evolve, balancing tradition with changing audiences and social behaviours remains a key challenge for organisers.