Most Famous Race Meeting In The World
The June race meeting at Royal Ascot is the date that every lover of horse racing marks on their calendar. It is the most famous race meeting in the world. It is not just host to some of the best horse races in the world, but it is one of the biggest social events of the year. Over the years it has become increasingly popular and over 300,000 spectators attend the 5 day race meeting. The racing used to take place over four days, running from Tuesday to Friday, but this has been extended in recent years. There was always an Ascot meeting on the Saturday, but it was never part of the Royal Ascot meeting.
Ascot Racecourse Opened in 1711
Queen Anne stumbled across an open heath whilst out riding not far from Windsor Castle in 1711. In August later that year, the first Ascot race meeting took place. The Queen Anne Satkes is still run at Royal Ascot today, in memory of the monarch that discovered the now famous racecourse. Although Ascot racecourse opened in 1711, it is not totally clear when the first Royal Meeting took place. It was 1768 when the first 4 day meeting was run at Ascot. However, it is widely believed that the first true Royal Ascot meeting took place in 1807, which is the year that the Gold Cup was first run.
Ascot Racecourse Redevelopment
In 2004 Ascot Racecourse was closed for redevelopment and the famous racecourse underwent major surgery, for a complete facelift. Out with the old and in with the new. It was not until 2006 that racing returned to Ascot and the Royal meeting resumed. In its absence Royal Ascots meeting had been run at York Racecourse.
Royal Ascot Facilities
There are three enclosures now at Royal Ascot. The Royal Enclosure, General Admission and The Silver Ring. The Royal Enclosure was never open to the genreral public and only members or those recommended or sponsored by members were permitted tickets into the Royal Enclosure. In 2007 though there was much controversy when Royal Enclosure day passes were issued with hospitality pacakges at just over £500 a head. General Admission to the meeting is priced at £56.00 and entry to The Silver Ring is just £17.00. There are many good bars and restaurants at Ascot. The Parade Ring restaurant is the best at the course and is only accessible to Royal Enclosure badge holders during the Royal meeting. General Admission tickets give you access to some great facilities, including the Old Chalet and Carriages restaurants. Advanced booking is advised though.
Royal Ascot Fashions
In recent years Royal Ascot has become an arena for many people to show off their fashions. In a desperate attempt to attract the cameras, you will now see an array of wild outfits and bright colours. Although there are still many retaining that element of class, there is now a high percentage of bright and distasteful fashions on parade. There are still many fantastic fashions on show at Royal Ascot and every year the cameras pick out the best and the the worst.
Royal Ascot Days and Races
ROYAL ASCOT DAY ONE - TUESDAY: The Coventry Stakes, Kings Stand Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes, The Ascot Stakes and Windsor Castle Stakes.
ROYAL ASCOT DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY: The Jersey Stakes, The Windsor Forest Stakes, Prince Of Wales Stakes, Royal Hunt Stakes, Queen Mary Stakes and Sandringham Handicap Stakes .
ROYAL ASCOT (LADIES DAY) DAY THREE - THURSDAY: Norfolk Stakes, Ribblesdale Stakes, Royal Ascot Gold Cup, Britannia Stakes, Hampton Court Stakes and Buckingham Palace Stakes.
ROYAL ASCOT DAY FOUR - FRIDAY: The Albany Stakes, King Edward VII Stakes, Coronation Stakes, Wolferton Handicap Stakes, Queens Vase and the King George V Stakes.
ROYAL ASCOT DAY FIVE - SATURDAY: Chesham Stakes, Hardwicke Stakes, Golden Jubilee Stakes, Wokingham Stakes, Duke of Edinburgh Stakes and Queen Alexandra Stakes.
Royal Ascot Admission Prices 2011
ROYAL ASCOT DAY ONE - TUESDAY: General Admission £59.00 Silver Ring £19.00.
ROYAL ASCOT DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY: General Admission £59.00 Silver Ring £19.00.
ROYAL ASCOT (LADIES DAY) DAY THREE - THURSDAY: General Admission £69.00 Silver Ring £29.00.
ROYAL ASCOT DAY FOUR - FRIDAY: General Admission £69.00 Silver Ring £29.00.
ROYAL ASCOT DAY FIVE - SATURDAY: General Admission £69.00 Silver Ring £29.00.
Royal Ascot Horse Racing Tips