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The location of Ascot Racecourse has remained unaltered for nearly three centuries, but in that time, former heath land set amongst wooded countryside adjoining the royal residence at Windsor Castle has been converted into one of the most modern and well known racecourses in the world.
The seed of Ascot's fantastic development occurred in spring of 1711, for while riding in her parkland, Queen Anne realised the potential of Ascot Heath as a venue for horse racing, and within a few months of her initial thought, the Queen had ensured the completion of the first ever Ascot racecourse, with the initial races taking place on Saturday 11 August 1711. As thoroughbred breeding was still in its infancy, The very first meeting consisted of three four mile trials for hunter horses and mares, all of whom were over the age of six. It is known a field of seven horses and jockeys competed for the prize of 'Her Majestys Plate'. This included a winners purse of one hundred guineas, which is reputed to have been 'borrowed' from the secret service fund.
As a point of interest, in commemoration of her role in establishing Ascot, the first race at the Royal Ascot Festival in June of each year is the Queen Anne Stakes, and it usually features the very best 'milers' from all over Europe.
After Queen Annes death in 1714, the track she had prepared fell into disrepair, but happily for modern race-goers, King George the seconds son, the Duke of Cumberland, took a keen interest in racing, and he reopened and expanded on Ascot's initial facilities.
By the time George the third came to the throne, Ascot was established as the prime horseracing venue for race-goers who considered themselves to be part of the ''Georgian Society Set'.
During the seventeen nineties, the monarchy had a temporary grandstand built for the royal meeting, and family members, friends, and special guests then received official invitations to join the royal family, and soon, the area became known as the Royal Enclosure, a title it has kept to this day at the June Royal Meeting.
In 1813, parliament introduced an act of enclosure for Ascot Heath, and this meant, although the land remained as a possession of the crown, the designated area of the racecourse could officially be used for horse racing, and access would be readily available to all sections of society.
During the early years of her reign, Queen Victoria was an avid and interested visitor to Royal Ascot. It is said, on one occasion, the monarch became so excited with a thrilling finish, in an attempt to obtain a better view, the queen accidentally broke the window of the royal box.
However, after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, the queen withdrew from public life, and it was left to her son, the Prince of Wales, later Edward the seventh, to set the pattern for the royal meeting at Ascot.
Although wishing to keep its links with an impressive history, Ascot has continually developed its facilities, including the opening of a new landmark Grandstand in 2006.
The racecourse now holds around 26 racing days throughout each year, with the Berkshire venue hosting both Flat and National Hunt meetings, and Ascot offers the highest total of annual prize money of any racecourse in Britain.
The highlights of the Flat season include:
Royal Ascot in June, featuring many Championship Group and Listed races.
In July, The King George the Sixth and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and in September, The Queen Elizabeth the Second Stakes.
With total prize money topping £2 million, the National Hunt highlights include: The Longwalk Hurdle, Victor Chandler Chase, and the Coral Hurdle.
Ascot has five different courses. The long track, round mile, and straight mile, are used for flat racing. There are also separate long courses for hurdlers and steeplechasers.
During the redevelopment in two thousand and four and two thousand and five, the whole flat course was fitted with new drainage.
Special attention was given to the straight mile course. It was moved, with the winning post being relocated forty two metres further North. The new drainage was enhanced by a new subsoil and turf covering. This gives the Straight Course a flat consistent cross section which is ideal for championship flat racing. The old road crossings of the course were also removed, and converted into subways.
Despite its running rail to running rail flatness, from start to finish, the straight course maintains its slight up hill climb. This ensures winning horses have to combine speed with stamina.
Based on the record times for five furlong, six furlong, seven furlong, and one mile races, which have all been set on the straight course in the last few years, it seems the redevelopment of the track has been a positive move.
The flat Long Course is roughly triangular in shape. In extended races, horses gallop right handed around a circuit 1 mile 6 furlongs in circumference. The course begins a downhill run after the turn out of the home straight, and continues its descent until it reaches Swinley Bottom. This is the lowest point of the track, and it is a feature encountered by all horses in races exceeding 1 mile and 2 furlongs in duration. After Swinley Bottom, a chute joins the long course, to create the Round Mile Course. All horses on the round courses require stamina, as the track climbs to the 3 furlong marker, where it joins the straight course, and then gently climbs again to the finishing line.
With its underlying properties, and easy turns, Ascot is considered a prime example of a track for gallopers with stamina.
In two thousand and four, and two thousand and five, the National Hunt track also had its finishing straight rebuilt. Like its flat counterpart, it was also moved northwards.
Being situated inside the flat course, the national hunt course is also triangular in shape. Horses run right handed around a circuit just under 1 mile 6 furlongs in circumference.
The steeplechase course has ten fences, laid out in the following pattern: two plain fences, followed by a ditch and a water jump, then two more plain fences, another open ditch fence, and three more plain fences. The fences are considered to be stiff obstacles, but the easy turns of the track suit gallopers.
However, too much speed on the down hill fences before Swinley Bottom can cause falls from over momentum, so a proven jumper is preferred. In addition, the two up hill obstacles in the home straight, dictate most eventual winners at Ascot must have the ability to lay up with the pace.
The Hurdle Course has 7 flights per circuit, with the final two obstacles being in the finishing straight. Once again the course suits gallopers with stamina.
The facilities available to Owners and Trainers are not covered below. To obtain full information, you are advised to contact the racecourse, see CONTACT DETAILS below.
The new Grandstand was initially completed in 2006. Further improvements were then undertaken in 2007 so as to try to maximise the viewing experience for every race goer seated in the stand.
The large capacity of the racecourse is further extended during the Royal Meeting when temporary stands are built onto the east and west ends of the permanent Grandstand.
In all areas of the racecourse, there are restaurants and bars catering for every kind of taste. All the bars are now named after famous winning horses from Ascot’s illustrious racing history, so visitors can choose their favourite.
Ticket holders have access to the grandstand, parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse. Subject to early booking, Day Members can make reservations for seating facing the winning post.
For dining at the racecourse, the most prestigious option is the Parade Ring Restaurant, to be found in the Members Enclosure. It is considered to be the jewel in the crown of the new grandstand’. Overlooking the eight thousand capacity paddock, and also the winners enclosure, it boasts its own viewing balcony, plus an exclusive seating area, which is located adjacent to the royal box. Private parties of a minimum of two, or up to twelve, can be assured of receiving top quality 'a la carte' food, drink, and service. For full details, Members and Day Members should telephone, 01344 87 84 84.
Day Members can also book one of a number of hospitality packages in the Ascot Pavilion, or the Old Paddock Restaurant. For full details contact the hospitality line on, 0870 727 1234.
N.B. As a matter of choice, most patrons of the Members Enclosure dress smartly for every Ascot race day, but day members are politely reminded, the Members Enclosure becomes the Royal Enclosure during the Royal Ascot festival. As such, it has a set code of dress. Gentlemen should wear black or grey morning suit, accompanied by a top hat. Service uniform is also acceptable.
Ladies in the Royal Enclosure are positively encouraged to wear inventive fashion. However, they must also ensure their shoulders, and crown of the head, remain covered at all times.
For Members or Day Members seeking a bespoke racing package including; up market transport, quality accommodation, and extras, why not contact our Racingsight Travel Experts on 0191 417 8744, and explain your needs.
This is the largest enclosure on the course, and it provides ample seating facilities, all of which offer excellent views of the preliminaries, plus all the racing action. Although seating is free during most of the year, it is in such demand during the royal meeting, paddock and grandstand seating has to be booked in advance.
Visitors in these areas can enjoy a range of food and drink facilities.
Subject to availability, a three course lunch can be booked in the Arundel Restaurant. Also, like Day Members, these ticket holders can purchase packages in the Ascot Pavilion.
Race goers in these areas are requested to dress smartly, especially during Royal Ascot.
During the royal meeting, a two thousand seat temporary grandstand is built in the Silver Ring. Naturally, this greatly improves views of the racing action. The temporary seating facility is enhanced by a very large TV monitor, providing multi angled views of all the racing activity. The screen is used during many of the other major race meetings.
At normal meetings, viewing is from the enclosure grounds, and along the running rails. However, there is no access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
Food and drink facilities in the Silver Ring have been improved over recent years, and several bars are backed up in the food department by hot and cold snack kiosks.
Ascot prides itself on its disabled friendly policy. The racecourse company has a designated Access Officer, who can deal with special requirements and queries, either by prior contact, or on the day of a race meeting. The contact telephone number is, 01344 87 85 17.
The course has disabled parking spaces near to the entrances, but these should be booked well in advance, particularly for Royal Ascot.
There are access gates alongside turnstiles, and wheelchair access to all areas.
Overlooking the parade ring, and at various locations on the lawns, the racecourse company has provided designated viewing areas. These special facilities ensure our disabled visitors obtain good vista’s of all the action.
For the visually impaired, an auditory introduction to the racecourse can be obtained at reception, and guide dogs are welcome.
Wheelchairs can be made available at the course, subject to a refundable security deposit of £30.
Finally, specialist toilet facilities have been strategically located on all levels of the Grandstand, the old paddock, the silver ring, the pavilion, and the heath.
Tuesday 14 June – Royal Meeting Day 1
Wednesday 15 June – Royal Meeting Day 2
Thursday 16 June – Royal Meeting Day 3
Friday 17 June – Royal Meeting Day 4
Saturday 18 June – Royal Meeting Final Day
Situated on the A329, to the west of Ascot town, the racecourse is accessible from every direction.
From London, or the North, leave the M4 at junction 6, and join the A332 Windsor bypass, and then follow the signs to Ascot Races.
Traffic from the West should leave the M4 at junction 10, and follow the A329M to Bracknell, and then Ascot Races.
Patrons from the South and East can leave the M3 at junction 3, then follow the a332 to Bracknell, before following the signs to Ascot.
Midlands traffic can follow the M40 southbound, exit at junction 4, pick up the A404, join the M4 at junction 89, head for Heathrow London, and then leave the motorway at junction 6 (and then pick up the Ascot Races on the A332 Windsor by-pass.
N.B. For the Royal Ascot meeting, to aid access, a one way system operates around the racecourse. To avoid congestion, ppatrons are strongly advised to plan their journeys to ensure arrival before twelve noon.
Racecourse car parking rates vary. For most meetings, parking is free in car park 6, with a £6 charge being levied on any vehicle using the other car parks.
For every day of Royal Ascot, the Saturday of the Festival meeting, and other designated premier days, charges are Between £14, and £18 per car, and £45 per limousine.
A half hourly service connects London Waterloo, via Reading, with Ascot station. The travelling times are approximately, twenty seven minutes to Reading, and forty six minutes to London. There is also a regular rail service which connects Ascot station to Guildford.
Ascot station is only one third of a mile from the course, and forms an easy walk.
First bus group run the 701 and 702 Greenline service from London Victoria bus station, which connects with both Ascot and Windsor. In peak times, the buses run every fifteen or twenty minutes. Off peak, they run on an hourly basis.
There is also a local council bus service running between Windsor and Ascot. This service connects, in Windsor, with the 77 service, which runs Between Windsor and London Heathrow airport.
Heathrow airport is only fifteen miles from the racecourse, so, apart from the above Bus service, taxis are a viable alternative.
subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Tel No: 0870 400 8111.
A truly outstanding 4 Star hotel. The Berystede Hotel and Spa has 126 air conditioned rooms, some with outstanding feature and executive facilities. Bedrooms have broadband internet access, mini bar, and many luxurious fittings. The hotel spa includes many exceptional health, fitness, and beauty facilities, and the more energetic can enjoy a swim in our eighteen metre pool.
To ensure the right kind of atmosphere for our race going guests, the Berystede Hotel can offer the outstanding facilities of the Diadem Bar, and in the summer, the Hyperion outdoor restaurant. For further details, use our link below.
http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/berystede/
Located in a quiet residential area opposite the Long Walk to Windsor Castle, The Royal Adelaide Hotel is an elegant Georgian style 4 star hotel. With on site car parking, the hotel is accessible from the M4, M25 and M3, and is just a short drive from Ascot and Windsor racecourses but also close to Kempton making it ideal for the George VI Boxing Day meeting. Transport to and from the racecourses can be easily arranged.
The hotel has historic royal connections, but now offers twenty first century accommodation in close proximity to the quality restaurants, shops and art galleries of Windsor and Eton.
The Royal Adelaide prides itself on its history and exceptional service, and it offers recently refurbished luxury accommodation at affordable prices. All of the hotel's guest rooms offer; air conditioning, remote controlled flat screen televisions, wi-fi internet access, newly refurbished en suite bathrooms, most with bath and shower, and of course, the standard room amenities guests expect in a quality 4 star hotel. There is also 24 hour room service and a same day dry cleaning service.
Open all year, the Long Walk restaurant at the Royal Adelaide offers a superb full English breakfast, and a varied a la carte dinner menu which uses seasonal produce at their best. Alternatively, a light bite, afternoon tea and a wide variety of drinks can be enjoyed in our comfortable and atmospheric bar.
For full details, or to book directly, use the link below.
http://www.theroyaladelaide.com/