Simply put, Ascot is one of the most famous racecourses in the world. Synonymous with ‘Royal Ascot’, the week-long summer festival, it also hosts Britain’s ‘Champions Day’ and various top jumps races during the winter. Fourteen of Britain’s 38 Group One races, the top level possible in the sport, are hosted at Ascot and that’s only on the Flat. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, the Gold Cup and the Champion Stakes are three of the most important events on the calendar.
Eight of the Group 1 races during the year are all run during Royal Ascot. That has made Ascot the venue for such champions as Frankel to strut their stuff down the years. Over the jumps, the Long Walk Hurdle and the Ascot chase are also of huge importance to the sport.
Ascot’s racecourse was founded back in 1711 when the land was discovered and thought perfect for racing by Queen Anne. A lot of that royal-led pomp and tradition remains to this day. The racecourse at Ascot sits only around six miles from Windsor Castle, right on Ascot’s high street. It’s around 25 miles west of London and well within reach of Heathrow Airport.
Ascot: Racing, Concerts and Lifestyle Events
This is more than just a racing venue. The great space around the track and the first-class visitors’ facilities for makes Ascot Racecourse ideal for non-racing events. Concerts performed by top singers, bands and DJs are a regular occurrence. As well as this, food and drink festivals, corporate events, exhibitions and private functions all form part of what Ascot Racecourse and its owners can offer during the year.
Upcoming Events at Ascot
Recent Events at Ascot
Howden Christmas Racing Weekend
Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot is special. One of the top venues in the country brings together a very special race meeting and event. On the track, the headline act is the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle. Away from the course, seasonal entertainment includes the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer, arts and crafts and story time with Mrs Christmas.
There will be carol singing, the Ascot Brass Band and more. Accompanied under 18’s go free. Racing on each day begins at 12:40, gates being open at 10:45am.
Fireworks Spectacular & Family Raceday
With the Flat racing season and the summer behind us, Ascot turns to jump racing and a spectacular fireworks display for all the family. Right after the clocks go back, Saturday November 1st should be a day to remember.
A dazzling display of pyrotechnics compliments an afternoon of thoroughbred action. More than 20,000 fireworks will be on show during a family-friendly day. Kids under 18 can attend for free with a full paying adult, while fairground rides and great live entertainment is also offered at one of the most famous venues in the world.
The Big Ascot Food & Wine Racing Weekend
Across September 5-6, Ascot hosts a brilliant wine and culinary festival alongside some fine racing. The Big Ascot Food & Wine Racing Weekend offers something for everyone. Guests can try out a plethora of treats from the various food and wine stalls, all while seeing some Michelin-starred chefs do their thing with live cooking demonstrations.
On the track, some of our future stars may be on show. There are 14 races scheduled across the two days, perfect background for sampling some rather fine refreshments.