Ascot Races

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Ascot's potential to a be a fine racecourse was first realised by Queen Anne, when in 1711 out riding not far from Windsor Castle she came across an area of open heathland. She turned to her companions and commented that it looked like an ideal place "for horses to gallop at full stretch" and so the Ascot Races began. The first race meeting occurred at Ascot shortly after, on Saturday the 11th of August 1711, and the contest was very different to the Ascot Races we know today - with all the horses of the English Hunters breed, very different to the horses we see racing on the Flat now. Today, though, the tradition itself of Flat racing at Ascot has not changed, with the Queen Anne Stakes still run in memory of the monarch who was the courses founder nearly three hundred years ago. From September 2004 to June 2006, the Ascot Racecourse was part of a major development programme - the most extensive project of its kind ever seen before in Europe. As a result, the Ascot Races now boast a magnificent new track and grandstand that is rumoured to be one of the most spectacular sports stadium structures in the world today. The design of the grandstand is different and remarkable - defined by its spectacular parasol roof which is suspended on 'structural trees'. As a result, the stand itself is flooded with natural light, and the use of glass and aluminium as a primary material in its construction gives the whole structure a bright, modern feel. Ascot is arguably the world's most famous racecourse, and the Ascot Races bring crowds in the thousands. As the racecourse nears its landmark anniversary, the re-developers are keen to push that Ascot can still be old and new - with its old traditions of pageantry and heritage side by side with new modern facilities.

Ascot Races Information

Although the races at Ascot are traditionally flat, it also boasts its famous National Hunt course with both courses right-handed. The flat course is in a triangle, with few undulations. The course covers just over 1m6f all the way round, with a 2 1/2f run-in. The National Hunt Course has stiff fences, and is a real galloping course. The circuit in total is 1m5f. There are cash points available all through the concourse level of the Grandstand. The Ascot Races are a smart occasion, and both ladies and gentlemen are requested to dress accordingly. Jeans, shorts, football or rugby shirts, miniskirts, trainers and bare chests are prohibited.

Getting There

The Ascot Races can be found in the beautiful wooded countryside that adjoins Windsor Great Park - around 50 minutes from London by car or train. Close road links include the M3, M4, M40 and the M25 motorways. If travelling internationally, the London Heathrow airport is also close at hand. If requested in advance, there can be arrangements made for helicopters to land at the course. Travellers by train will be delighted at the frequent services offered to Ascot from London Waterloo, Guildford and Reading, with the average journey time from Waterloo around 46 minutes, and the average from Reading 27 minutes. Ascot Station is a seven minute walk from Ascot Racecourse, although there are plenty of taxis available on race-days.