If you’re a horse racing enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Ascot Racecourse. Located in Berkshire, England, this world-renowned racecourse is famous for its annual Royal Ascot meeting, which attracts some of the best thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe. With a history that dates back over 300 years, Ascot is steeped in tradition and prestige, making it a must-visit destination for any racing fan.
But with so much to see and do at Ascot, it can be overwhelming to plan your visit. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a seasoned racegoer or a first-time visitor, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to navigate the course, understand the races, and enjoy the atmosphere. From the best places to watch the action to the top local hotels, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your binoculars and let’s get started!
History of Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse has a rich history dating back to 1711 when Queen Anne first saw the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, which was later renamed Ascot. The Queen declared that it looked like an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch” while out riding. Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, took place on 11th August of the same year. This was the first-ever race to be held at Ascot.
The racecourse has been home to the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting since 1768, which is attended by members of the British Royal Family. The meeting spans five days and features some of the most prestigious races in the world, including the Gold Cup, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and the Queen Anne Stakes. The event is known for its strict dress code and is a highlight of the British social calendar.
In 2004, Ascot Racecourse underwent a massive redevelopment project worth £185 million. The project aimed to modernize the facilities while still retaining the course’s rich history and heritage. The redevelopment included the construction of new grandstands, hospitality boxes, and restaurants, as well as a new parade ring and pre-parade ring. The new facilities can accommodate up to 80,000 spectators, making it one of the largest racecourses in the world.
Located in Berkshire, Ascot Racecourse is easily accessible by road and rail. The nearest train station is Ascot, which is a short walk from the racecourse. The course is also easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site.
Overall, Ascot Racecourse has a rich history and is one of the most prestigious racecourses in the world. Its redevelopment in 2004 has made it a modern and world-class facility while still retaining its rich heritage and history.
The Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is one of the most prestigious and well-known racecourses in the world. Located in Berkshire, England, Ascot is home to both flat and National Hunt racing, with a total of 26 race days throughout the year.
The track at Ascot is a right-handed, galloping course with a straight mile and a round course. The straight mile is known for being one of the fastest in the world, with horses reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The round course is more undulating and includes the famous Swinley Bottom, a challenging section of the track that requires horses to be both fit and agile.
One important factor to consider when betting on races at Ascot is the Ascot draw bias. This refers to the advantage that horses have depending on their starting position on the track. Generally, horses drawn low have an advantage on the straight mile, while those drawn high have an advantage on the round course.
In terms of facilities, Ascot Racecourse is top-notch, with a range of options for racegoers. The King Edward VII Enclosure is the most exclusive area, offering fine dining, champagne bars, and excellent views of the track. The Queen Anne Enclosure is also a popular choice, with a more relaxed atmosphere and a variety of food and drink options.
Overall, Ascot Racecourse is a fantastic venue for horse racing enthusiasts and casual racegoers alike. With its rich history, challenging track, and top-class facilities, it is no wonder that Ascot is considered one of the best racecourses in the world.
Major Races and Events
As one of the most valuable race meetings in the Flat racing season, Ascot Racecourse hosts a number of prestigious races and events that attract thousands of spectators every year. From the world-famous Royal Ascot races to the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, there are plenty of opportunities to witness some of the most exciting and competitive races in the sport.
The Royal Ascot races, held annually in June, are the highlight of the racing calendar and attract racing fans from all over the world. With a history dating back to 1711, the Royal Ascot races are steeped in tradition and offer a unique blend of high-quality racing, fashion, and entertainment. The five-day event features a total of 30 races, including eight Group 1 races such as the Gold Cup, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
The Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races at Royal Ascot and is run over a distance of two miles and four furlongs. The race is open to horses aged four and over and is one of the oldest races in the sport, having been run since 1807. Another major race at Royal Ascot is the King’s Stand Stakes, which is run over a distance of five furlongs and is open to horses aged three and over.
The Royal Hunt Cup is another popular race at Royal Ascot and is run over a distance of one mile. The race is open to horses aged three and over and is known for its competitive nature, with up to 30 horses often taking part. Other notable races at Royal Ascot include the Queen Anne Stakes, the Commonwealth Cup, and the St James’s Palace Stakes.
Outside of the Royal Ascot races, Ascot Racecourse also hosts a number of other high-profile races and events throughout the year. The British Champions Day, held in October, is one of the most valuable race meetings in the world and features a number of Group 1 races such as the Ascot Hurdle, Long Walk Hurdle, and the QIPCO Champion Stakes. The Ascot Chase, Clarence House Chase, and Wokingham Stakes are other major races held at Ascot Racecourse that attract top-class horses and jockeys from around the world.
Overall, whether you are a die-hard racing fan or simply looking for a fun day out, Ascot Racecourse offers something for everyone. With its world-class facilities, stunning setting, and top-quality racing, it is no wonder that Ascot is considered one of the most prestigious racecourses in the world.
Stakes and Group 1 Races
If you’re a fan of top-class racing, then Ascot is the place to be. The course hosts some of the most prestigious Group 1 races in the world, attracting the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the globe.
The most famous of these races is the Gold Cup, which is run over two and a half miles and is the highlight of the Royal Ascot meeting. Other notable Group 1 races at Ascot include the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Queen Anne Stakes, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
In addition to the Group 1 races, Ascot also hosts a number of high-profile stakes races throughout the year. These include the Commonwealth Cup, the Coronation Stakes, and the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, all of which are open to three-year-old fillies.
For two-year-olds, there are several stakes races to look out for, including the Coventry Stakes, the Queen Mary Stakes, and the Chesham Stakes. Meanwhile, older horses have the opportunity to compete in the Wolferton Stakes, the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, and the Queen Alexandra Stakes, among others.
Overall, Ascot offers a fantastic range of high-quality races for fans of all ages and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual racegoer, there’s something for everyone at this iconic course.
Notable Figures
Ascot Racecourse has been graced by some of the most notable figures in British racing history. From the Queen herself to legendary jockeys and trainers, Ascot has seen it all. Here are some of the most notable figures associated with the course:
Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori is one of the most successful jockeys in the history of Ascot. He has won a total of 70 races at the course, including seven victories in a single day at Royal Ascot in 1996. Dettori is also known for his famous flying dismount, which he performs after every victory.
Ryan Moore
Ryan Moore is another jockey who has had great success at Ascot. He has won a total of 76 races at the course, including multiple victories in some of the biggest races, such as the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Flat Trainers
Some of the most successful flat trainers in the history of British racing have had success at Ascot. These include legendary trainers such as Sir Henry Cecil, who trained the great Frankel to victory in the Queen Anne Stakes in 2012, and Aidan O’Brien, who has trained multiple winners at Royal Ascot.
Owners
Ascot has also seen some of the most successful owners in British racing history. These include the likes of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who owns the Godolphin racing stable, and Khalid Abdullah, who owned the legendary racehorse Frankel.
Overall, Ascot Racecourse has a rich history and has been graced by some of the most notable figures in British racing. Whether it’s the Queen herself or legendary jockeys and trainers, Ascot is a course that is steeped in history and tradition.
Betting at Ascot
If you’re planning to attend a race day at Ascot, you might want to try your luck with some betting. Ascot offers three different ways to place a bet: at one of the Bet With Ascot kiosks, at individual bookmakers based in front of the racetrack, or on your phone on one of our recommended betting apps.
If you’re new to racing or betting, don’t worry – having a flutter at Ascot is simple and easy. You can place a bet on the day of the race or in advance. To place a bet, you’ll need to choose the horse you want to bet on, the type of bet you want to place, and the amount you want to wager.
Before placing a bet, it’s a good idea to do your research. You can find tips and advice online or in racing publications. You can also read up on the horses and jockeys in the race day program.
Remember to gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Ascot Racecourse promotes responsible gambling and has a number of measures in place to help racegoers who may be experiencing problems with gambling.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a first-time bettor, betting at Ascot can be an exciting way to add to your race day experience.
Visitor Information
If you’re planning a visit to Ascot Racecourse, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your experience. Here’s everything you need to know:
Address
Ascot Racecourse is located in Ascot, Berkshire, England. The full address is:
Ascot Racecourse,
High St,
Ascot SL5 7JX,
UK
Facilities
The racecourse has a range of facilities to cater for all visitors. There are numerous bars and restaurants, including the Parade Ring Restaurant, which offers fine dining and views of the Parade Ring. The Grandstand Enclosure has a variety of food and drink options, including cafes, bars and food kiosks. There are also betting shops and cash machines available throughout the racecourse.
Racedays
Ascot Racecourse hosts a variety of racedays throughout the year, including the famous Royal Ascot meeting in June. Other notable racedays include the King George VI Weekend in July and the QIPCO British Champions Day in October. Check the official website for a full list of fixtures.
Grandstand
The Grandstand Enclosure offers excellent views of the racecourse and the Parade Ring. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as betting shops and cash machines.
Parade Ring
The Parade Ring is where the horses are paraded before the race. It’s a great place to get up close to the horses and jockeys. There are also plenty of food and drink options nearby.
Queen Anne Enclosure
The Queen Anne Enclosure is the most prestigious area of the racecourse. It offers exclusive access to the Parade Ring, as well as a range of bars and restaurants. Dress code is formal and hats are mandatory for ladies.
That’s everything you need to know about visiting Ascot Racecourse. Enjoy your day at the races!
International Participation
As one of the most prestigious racecourses in the world, Ascot attracts top-class horses and jockeys from all over the globe. The international participation at Ascot is always high, with horses from Britain, Ireland, France, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States regularly competing in the races.
Horses from Britain and Ireland are always well-represented at Ascot. Many of the top trainers and jockeys in the UK and Ireland compete at the racecourse, and some of the most iconic races in the British racing calendar take place at Ascot. The Royal Ascot meeting, in particular, is a major draw for British and Irish horses, with many of the top races at the meeting restricted to horses from these two countries.
French horses have also enjoyed success at Ascot in recent years. Trainers like Andre Fabre and Jean-Claude Rouget have sent some of their best horses to the racecourse, and French jockeys like Olivier Peslier have ridden winners at Ascot.
Australia is another country that has a strong presence at Ascot. Many of the top Australian horses are trained to run in the major races at the Royal Ascot meeting, and Australian jockeys like Hugh Bowman have enjoyed success at the racecourse.
Hong Kong and Japan are also represented at Ascot, with horses from these countries often competing in the major Group 1 races at the racecourse. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a partnership with Ascot, which allows horses from Hong Kong to compete in the major races at the racecourse. Japanese horses have also had success at Ascot, with the likes of Lord Kanaloa and Deirdre winning Group 1 races at the racecourse.
Finally, the United States is another country that is well-represented at Ascot. American horses have won some of the major races at the racecourse, including the King’s Stand Stakes and the Queen Anne Stakes. American jockeys like Johnny Velazquez have also ridden winners at the racecourse.
Overall, the international participation at Ascot is a testament to the racecourse’s reputation as one of the best in the world. With horses and jockeys from all over the globe competing at the racecourse, Ascot truly is a global event.
Fashion and Royal Ascot
When it comes to Royal Ascot, fashion is just as important as the horse racing itself. The event is known for being a fashion event, and the dress code is strictly enforced.
The dress code for Royal Ascot varies depending on the enclosure you are in. For example, in the Royal Enclosure, men are required to wear a morning suit, which includes a black or grey morning coat, waistcoat, and striped trousers. Women must wear a formal day dress and a hat that covers the crown of the head.
In the Queen Anne Enclosure, the dress code is slightly less formal. Men are required to wear a suit and tie, and women are required to wear a dress or skirt with a hat or fascinator.
During the Royal Procession, which takes place at the beginning of each day, you can expect to see members of the royal family dressed in their finest attire. The procession is led by the Queen’s carriage, followed by carriages carrying other members of the royal family.
One of the most prestigious races at Royal Ascot is the Her Majesty’s Plate, which is named after the Queen. This race is for horses aged four years and older, and it is run over a distance of one mile and four furlongs.
If you are attending Royal Ascot, it is important to dress appropriately and follow the dress code for your enclosure. This will ensure that you are able to fully enjoy the event and take part in the fashion festivities.
The Horses
When it comes to horse racing, the horses are the stars of the show. Ascot racecourse is known for attracting some of the best flat horses in the world, and the races held here are highly competitive.
Flat racing is all about speed, and the horses that race at Ascot need to be able to gallop at high speeds for extended periods of time. Stamina is key, and the best flat horses are able to maintain their pace for longer than their competitors.
In addition to flat racing, Ascot also hosts hurdle and chase races. These races involve jumping over fences and hurdles, and require a different set of skills from the horses. The best hurdle and chase horses are those that are able to jump cleanly and efficiently, without losing too much speed.
Whether you’re watching a flat race or a hurdle race, there’s nothing quite like the sight of a group of horses thundering down the home straight towards the finish line. The excitement and energy of horse racing is truly unique, and Ascot racecourse is one of the best places to experience it.
So, if you’re a fan of horse racing, make sure you don’t miss the chance to see some of the best horses in the world in action at Ascot. With a range of races held throughout the year, there’s always something to see and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Group 1 races at Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot is famous for its eight Group 1 races, which are the most prestigious races of the event. The races range in distance from the five-furlong King’s Stand Stakes to the two and a half mile Gold Cup. The other Group 1 races include the St James’s Palace Stakes, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, the Queen Anne Stakes, the Commonwealth Cup, the Coronation Stakes, and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
What is the layout of the Royal Ascot race track?
The Royal Ascot race track is a right-handed, galloping, triangular circuit of a mile and three-quarters with a run-in of two and a half furlongs. In addition to the round course, Ascot also has a straight mile course, which tends to drain better than the round course.
What is the minimum bet at Ascot Racecourse?
The minimum bet at Ascot Racecourse is £2 for all race meetings, including Royal Ascot.
How much are Royal Ascot tickets for 2024?
Ticket prices for Royal Ascot 2024 have not yet been announced. However, ticket prices for the 2023 event ranged from £37 for general admission to £105 for the Queen Anne Enclosure on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and up to £185 for the Queen Anne Enclosure on Friday and Saturday.
What is the dress code for Ascot Racecourse?
Ascot Racecourse has a strict dress code, which varies depending on the enclosure you are in. The dress code for the Royal Enclosure is the most formal, with men required to wear morning dress and a top hat, and women required to wear formal daywear and a hat. The dress code for the Queen Anne Enclosure is less formal, with men required to wear a suit and tie, and women required to wear formal daywear.
What is the best day to attend Royal Ascot?
The best day to attend Royal Ascot depends on your preferences. Tuesday is traditionally known as the opening day and features the Queen Anne Stakes, while Wednesday is Ladies’ Day and features the Gold Cup. Thursday is known as the most fashionable day, with the highlight being the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup. Friday is known as Coronation Stakes Day, while Saturday is the final day and features the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.