WHAT IS IT

The Royal Ascot Goat Races is an annual charity event held at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, since 1993.  The event is based on the Royal Ascot Races with a Ugandan twist. Similar to the Royal Ascot horse races, there is as much emphasis on fashion, in particular unusual hats with prizes awarded to the best dressed couple, man, woman, and child.Along with goat races, there are hospitality, food huts, Champagne bars, beer gardens as well as kids activities. Unlike other day festivals The Royal Ascot Goat races is a great networking environment and prides itself on creating a great family day out. See you at the races !

The History of the Races

The Royal Ascot Goat Races, held at the Speke Resort on the shores of Lake Victoria, have been an annual Kampala tradition since 1993. It’s arguably the biggest event on the Ugandan social calendar. The Royal Ascot Goat Race in Kampala, began in 1993. When Entebbe Sailing Club considered fund-raising ideas, they adopted the idea of a goat race which started out on the grounds of the Kampala Rugby Club with 400 people in attendance. By 1998, it outgrew this facility and was moved to Speke Resort Munyonyo, in 1999 and grossed ten million Uganda shillings and attracted over 7,000 people in 2005. The Royal Ascot Goat Races was officially registered in 2004 and along with size, the goat race also grew in scale. It quickly evolved into a whole day event modelled on the Royal Ascot horse races in Ascot England and a purse of more than 30 million UGX is awarded to the winning goat’s owners. Similar to the Royal Ascot horse races, there is as much emphasis on dress, in particular unusual hats with  prizes awarded to the best dressed couple, man, woman, and child, as well as to the person wearing the most extravagant hat and best goat name. Spectators can also bet on goats through a preliminary parade around the track and a bettors’ guide that describes each goat, spectators can gauge possible winners. Proceeds from betting go to local charities. Along with goat races, there are hospitality, food huts, Champagne bars, beer gardens as well as kids activities. Unlike other day festivals The Royal Ascot Goat races is a great networking environment and prides itself on creating a great family day out.