History of the Ascot Racecourse
The Royal Ascot race meeting at the Ascot Racecourse is one of Britain’s most famous horse races and dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne. The first race meeting at Ascot was held on 18 June 1711 and it was a three-day meeting. In 1811, racing at Ascot was discontinued due to the Napoleonic Wars. During the inter-war years, Ascot underwent major changes. The old grandstand was demolished and replaced with the new grandstand, and the new one-mile racecourse was also built at that time. The Ascot Racecourse has been the home of Royal Ascot since 1878 when Queen Victoria moved Royal Ascot from the earlier venue at nearby Wimbledon Park.
Types of races held at the Ascot Racecourse
Flat racing - This type of horse racing involves running a straight-line race on a level surface. Winning is dependent on a horse’s speed, fitness, and training, with no other factors like hurdling or going over jumps included. The races held at the Ascot Racecourse are usually between three and six furlongs in distance.
Jump racing - This type of horse racing involves jumping obstacles over fences and walls on a racecourse, with some races including both fences and walls. It is a physically demanding sport, with many of the top jump jockeys also being renowned for their skill on the flat.
Point-to-point - This type of horse racing is held over a variety of terrains, including across fields and on roads. The races range in distance but are usually between five and 12 miles in length.
The gorgeous grounds and beautiful backdrop
The Ascot Racecourse is one of the most famous racecourses in the world. Not only does it have a rich and fascinating history, but it is also situated in idyllic surroundings, with the River Thames nearby. The Ascot Racecourse boasts some of the most beautiful and unique racecourse architecture in the world, with the Grade I listed grandstand at the center of the action. The grandstand was built in 1911 and is one of the oldest and most distinctive stands in Britain. The grandstand is notable for its classic Edwardian architecture with terracotta tiles, ornate turrets, and gabled roofs. The grandstand is also adorned with a beautiful stained-glass window of Queen Alexandra, who was the Queen Consort of King Edward VII at the time. The surrounding racecourse architecture is also truly stunning and is a lovely setting for the exciting flat and jump racing action. The Ascot Racecourse also sits in glorious surroundings, with the River Thames flowing nearby.
Famous horses, trainers, and jockeys at the Ascot Racecourse
- Brigadier Gerard - Brigadier Gerard, who was a black horse, was renowned for winning the St. Leger Stakes and the Ascot Gold Cup. The Brigadier also won the Eclipse Stakes, Grand Prix de Paris, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the Prix du Jockey Club.
- Ribot - Ribot was a black thoroughbred horse that won the St. Leger Stakes, the Ascot Gold Cup, and the Eclipse Stakes. Ribot was renowned for being the only three-year-old horse to win the St. Leger Stakes.
- Rubstic - Rubstic was an Australian thoroughbred racehorse that won the Eclipse Stakes and the Ascot Gold Cup.
- Solon - Solon was an English thoroughbred racehorse that won the Ascot Gold Cup and the Eclipse Stakes.
Popular events at the Ascot Racecourse
- The Royal Ascot race meeting - The Royal Ascot race meeting is a five-day annual horse racing meeting that takes place at the Ascot Racecourse. It is one of the most famous and prestigious racing events in the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Royal Ascot race meeting has been held at the Ascot Racecourse since 1878 and is held in a week in June every year.
- The International Festival of Racing - The International Festival of Racing is a three-day event that takes place at the Ascot Racecourse. It is a fantastic event that offers visitors a wide range of exciting and thrilling experiences.
- The British Racing School - The British Racing School is a fantastic attraction that takes place at the Ascot Racecourse. The British Racing School is a great way to discover the world of racing and experience the excitement of being a jockey.
The Royal Ascot race meeting
The Royal Ascot race meeting is one of the most famous and prestigious racing events in the world. It takes place at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, in a week in June each year. The Royal Ascot race meeting is a five-day meeting and is one of the highlights of the British social calendar. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, including members of the Royal Family. The Royal Ascot race meeting has been held at the Ascot Racecourse since 1878 and is the only British race meeting that is still held in its original venue.
Tips for attending a race at the Ascot Racecourse
- Wear comfortable clothing - You will be standing in the grandstand for long periods, so it is best to wear comfortable clothing, such as trainers, nice jeans, and a t-shirt. - Bring a rain jacket or waterproof jacket - You never know when the weather will change and it is best to be prepared. - Bring a bag to store your belongings - You don’t want to be fumbling around in your pockets in the middle of a race, so it is best to bring a bag in which to store your belongings. - Bring a camera - You will want to remember the experience of attending a race at the Ascot Racecourse. A nice camera is a great way to capture the excitement of the day.
Visiting the Ascot Racecourse
The Ascot Racecourse is located in Surrey, England, and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. If you are traveling to the Ascot Racecourse by car, you will need to get off the M25 and travel on the A3. If you are traveling to the Ascot Racecourse by rail, you can board a train at one of the many nearby stations, including Windsor, Staines, and Reading. If you are traveling to the Ascot Racecourse by air, Heathrow Airport is the closest airport. The Ascot Racecourse is open to visitors throughout the year, with racing taking place from the beginning of March to the end of October. Visitors can expect to pay £25 for admission to the racecourse.
