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Situated in a loop of the river Thames, Royal Windsor is Britains only flat racecourse to stage racing over an almost complete figure of eight circuit.
Due to its proximity to a major royal residence, Windsor witnessed some of the earliest competitive horse racing in Great Britain. In fact, during the sixteenth century, infrequent race meetings with royal patronage were recorded as taking place at nearby Datchet, and in Windsor Great Park.
However, when nearby Ascot racecourse received royal patronage, Windsor became a bit of a back water until 1866, when the modern course was built on Rays Meadow in Windsor.
Discounting the differences in course layout, in terms of its alluvial origin, riverside location, and the tight nature of it's race track, Windsor has marked similarities to the racecourse at Chester, and winners at one usually perform well at the other.
The first flat race meeting on the new course was a two day fixture on the fifth and sixth of June 1866, and national hunt racing was then introduced the following year.
During its formative years, Windsor racecourse was under the management of John Frail. Coming from a family steeped in horse racing tradition, John Frail set about promoting Windsor with gusto, and it soon became established as a major racing venue.
The original positioning of the racecourse in a sheltered upstream loop of the River Thames paid major dividends in the twentieth century, for during both world wars, the British governments of the day realised the need to boost the morale of the population and defenders of London. As a result, Windsor avoided the fate of most British racecourses, and remained open during both periods of world-wide conflict.
However, Windsors proximity to the river Thames has caused the odd problem, like the time lightweight jockey Des Cullen lost control of his mount on the bottom bend, and then ended up having an early bath in the river. Records indicate, he was not the first rider to suffer such a fate, although subsequent perimeter alterations make such incidents unlikely in the future.
Apart from the national hunt fixtures transferred during the Ascot redevelopment in 2005, Windsor Stopped staging its own national hunt meetings in 1998, and moved its emphasis to an expanded number of flat meetings, and this alteration also meant the use of the whole figure of eight track ceased in 2006.
Amongst its twenty six annual fixtures, Windsor stages several important Pattern and Listed races, and during the summer months, the racecourse is also well known for its Monday evening meetings.
Windsor is now only used for flat racing.
The course is unique in the united kingdom, as it is the only flat track to have an overall figure of eight shape. However, it is worth noting, the bottom bend is no longer used for racing, and only acts as a pulling up area.
The total length of the active course is around one mile four furlongs, with a back cross over straight of four furlongs, followed by a sharp top bend with a circumference of approximately two furlongs, and then a cross over home straight of six furlongs. The winning post is situated at the end of the long home straight, and is directly opposite the grandstands.
Six furlong sprint races start at the end of the home straight, and runners immediately encounter the only dip on what is generally a flat and even course.
For races staged over one mile and sixty seven yards, runners start from a small chute just prior to the top bend.
In sprint races of up to six furlongs, high drawn horses have a statistical advantage.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Opposite the Club and Grandstand Enclosures, a giant television screen offers enhanced views of all the racing action.
The Royal Windsor Grandstand is located opposite the winning post, and provides Club ticket holders with superb views of the whole racecourse. Club members have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Castle Restaurant is located on the first floor of the grandstand. It offers
a la carte dining, good service, pleasant surroundings, and good views of the racecourse. Due to its popularity, advance booking is essential.
The club Restaurant is situated in the refurbished surroundings of the old Victorian Grandstand. It serves a modern style menu, and does not require pre booking.
The Buffet Bar is in the conservatory of the Club Grandstand. It serves carvery meals in its Windsor Roast section. While the Deli Bar offers paninis and hot sandwiches. Both of these facilities also possess a full range of drinks.
Situated on the lawn of the enclosure, Greens Bar offers seafood snacks to accompany its selection of champagnes.
The popular Jamstick Bar is located under the steppings of the grandstand.
Viewing is from the main grandstand, which also happens to be opposite the giant television screen.
The Terrace Bar, true to its name, has a terrace which overlooks the parade ring. While the Cellar Bar offers a good selection of beers and champagnes.
The Long Bar has a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits. It also has fast food facilities.
On the paddock lawns there are bar and fast food outlets, including, Barry Cope Seafood, and the Oriental Concession.
This is mainly a picnic area, and it is sensible to arrive early to secure the best views.
For race goers not wishing to picnic, there is a cafeteria which serves a selection of hot and cold foods. There is also a bar facility.
The racecourse car parks have blue badge parking spaces for disabled race goers.
Lift access is available to all floors in the Royal Windsor Grandstand, and there is also access to the ground floor of the Paddock Pavilion.
Raised viewing is available in the Club and Grandstand enclosures.
There are specialist toilet facilities in all enclosures.
Monday 16 May
Monday 23 May
Monday 06 June
Monday 13 June
Monday 20 June
Traffic from the north and east can join the M25. Head for junction 15 of that circular motorway, and then join the M4 westbound, which is signposted for Slough and Reading. Leave the M4 at junction 6, which is signposted for Slough Central, and Windsor and Eton. Take the first left turn for the A332 to Windsor, and then pick up the A308 which is signposted for the racecourse.
Traffic from the west can leave the M4 at junctions 8 and 9. Pick up the A308 towards Windsor and Maidenhead. Stay on this road, and it leads to the racecourse.
Traffic from the south can exit the M3 at junction 3 which is signposted for Woking, Bracknell and Lightwater. Take the first exit at the roundabout and follow the A332 towards Windsor. The road passes through Ascot, and at the second roundabout after Ascot, there is a left hand turn towards Legoland, and Windsor racecourse. Follow the signs from this point.
Car parking is generally free, but there is a charge for the members car park, and also for the picnic area of the Silver Ring.
Windsor and Eton Central railway station is served by trains from Slough, where connections can be obtained to London Paddington and Reading. Windsor and Eton Riverside railway station is served by trains from London Waterloo. Not far from the latter station, there is the French brothers river ferry service, which connects with the jetty at Windsor racecourse.
Windsor and Eton Central railway station is around a mile from the racecourse.
Race goers from the north are advised to travel via London. From the west country, change at Bristol Parkway, Reading, and Slough.
The Greenline 700 and 702 services operate between Windsor and London Victoria bus station. While the 77 service operates between Windsor and Heathrow central bus station.
Heathrow is the nearest London airport, and is only 8 miles from the racecourse.
Royal Windsor Racecourse,
Maidenhead Road,
Windsor,
Berkshire,
Sl4 5JJ.
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 oyal 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/