The rich heritage of Royal Ascot has been around for 300 years and this racecourse is now the established national institution of British horseracing.
The racecourse at Ascot began in 1711 when Queen Anne out riding near Windsor found a piece of open land suitable for horses to gallop on.
The first meeting was held on the 11th August in 1711 and the first event was her "Majesty's Plate. This was worth a 100 guineas and open to horses over the age of six. Seven runners took part.
The horses that took part in this race were English Hunters with great stamina. They needed it as each heat was four miles long (the length of the Grand National Course). Unfortunately there is no record of the horse that won that first majestic race.
Three centuries later the Queen Anne Stakes continues to run in memory of the monarch who started the famous Ascot.
The racecourse was developed by a gentleman called William Lowen with the first permanent building being errected around 1794. The building held approximately 1,650 people and was in use until 1838.
The Act of enclosure was passed in 1813 and this ensured that although the racecourse was still crown property it was to be kept and used by the public. This ensured the security of Ascot.
The Straight Mile Gold Cup Day is the feature of Ladies' day. Ladies' day is usually the busiest day of the week and held on the third day of Royal Ascot and is as famous for the hats and outfits as the horses.
It was in 2002 that Ascot ceased to be a private company and became Limited. This was in line with the racecourses redevelopment.
The Queen who breeds and owns racehorses takes a very keen interest in the races and has had amazing success with her own horses. Jockeys riding Her Majesty's horses wear her colours.
The Queens first visit was in May 1945 less than two weeks after VE Day when Ascot held its first fixture after the end of the Second World War. The Queen was 19 years old.
Ascot was closed in September 2004 for a major overhaul and redevelopment programme. The scheme was the largest in Europe and took Royal Ascot into a whole new league of racing experience.
In June 2006 the grandstand was officially opened again by Her Majesty The Queen. The re-development went to plan and was opened on time and within budget.
Ascot appeals to non race goers due to its history and infectious atmosphere. Even if you do not particularly enjoy horse racing you must visit Ascot to absorb the history of this famous course.
The racecourse at Ascot began in 1711 when Queen Anne out riding near Windsor found a piece of open land suitable for horses to gallop on.
The first meeting was held on the 11th August in 1711 and the first event was her "Majesty's Plate. This was worth a 100 guineas and open to horses over the age of six. Seven runners took part.
The horses that took part in this race were English Hunters with great stamina. They needed it as each heat was four miles long (the length of the Grand National Course). Unfortunately there is no record of the horse that won that first majestic race.
Three centuries later the Queen Anne Stakes continues to run in memory of the monarch who started the famous Ascot.
The racecourse was developed by a gentleman called William Lowen with the first permanent building being errected around 1794. The building held approximately 1,650 people and was in use until 1838.
The Act of enclosure was passed in 1813 and this ensured that although the racecourse was still crown property it was to be kept and used by the public. This ensured the security of Ascot.
The Straight Mile Gold Cup Day is the feature of Ladies' day. Ladies' day is usually the busiest day of the week and held on the third day of Royal Ascot and is as famous for the hats and outfits as the horses.
It was in 2002 that Ascot ceased to be a private company and became Limited. This was in line with the racecourses redevelopment.
The Queen who breeds and owns racehorses takes a very keen interest in the races and has had amazing success with her own horses. Jockeys riding Her Majesty's horses wear her colours.
The Queens first visit was in May 1945 less than two weeks after VE Day when Ascot held its first fixture after the end of the Second World War. The Queen was 19 years old.
Ascot was closed in September 2004 for a major overhaul and redevelopment programme. The scheme was the largest in Europe and took Royal Ascot into a whole new league of racing experience.
In June 2006 the grandstand was officially opened again by Her Majesty The Queen. The re-development went to plan and was opened on time and within budget.
Ascot appeals to non race goers due to its history and infectious atmosphere. Even if you do not particularly enjoy horse racing you must visit Ascot to absorb the history of this famous course.
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