Welcome to our official guide to Ascot racecourse.
We explore this Royal racecourse in detail, looking at its history, the main Royal Ascot meeting, a guide to the track, the major races and fixtures held throughout the year, top local hotel picks, travel information, betting guides and even the weather!
A name associated heavily with the British Royal family, Ascot Racecourse holds a prestige that arguably no other racecourse in the world can match. It hosts 13 of the country’s 36 annual Group 1 horse races and is located just 6 miles from Windsor Castle in Berkshire.
Ascot is owned by an independent firm, Ascot Racecourse Ltd, but was founded by Queen Anne in the 1700s; hence its close association with the Royals.
Currently, Ascot stages race meetings over 26 days of the year, made up of 18 flat racing meetings between May and October and jump racing through the winter months.
Undoubtedly, the Royal meeting (Royal Ascot), held over 5 days in June, is considered ‘the main event’ for the course with high-class racing and a Royal procession down the centre of the course before racing begins.
The stunning Ascot racecourse covers 179 acres of land in beautiful rural Berkshire and is leased on Royal land. As well as the racecourse it is also home to Royal Ascot Cricket Club and Ascot United.
Ascot operates several sustainability measures to work in as ‘green’ a way as possible, including reservoirs in the middle of the track collecting rainwater to cleanse and re-use. Eco-friendly initiatives are being added to the site constantly.
Ascot racecourse is constantly undergoing renovation and development work to ensure its high standards, and the most recent major project completed was the New Ascot Grandstand, which her Majesty the Queen opened in 2006 after a £220m development that took 18 months and was the biggest investment made in British racing history.
Aside from the horse racing events, the restaurants on-site are of outstanding quality and open year-round, boasting 5 Michelin stars and 13 AA rosettes between them!
Ascot Racecourse History
Ascot racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, with the first race, ‘Her Majesty’s Plate’ running in August of that year. The first race prize money was just 100 guineas and seven horses competed. However, Ascot was not to remain entirely just royal for long.
In 1813, Parliament passed an Act to ensure the racecourse would remain public – even though it sat on royal land – as part of Windsor Park.
The racecourse made headlines around the globe with the completion of a major grandstand in 1839 – which cost £10,000 to build (a huge amount at the time!)
A century later in 1913, another Parliamentary Act was passed, and this allowed the racecourse to rest in private ownership: establishing the Ascot Authority, which still oversees activities at the course to this day.
Whilst further redevelopment took place throughout the years, the most major, in 2004 closed the course entirely.
The New Ascot Redevelopment cost £185 million and meant that the course had to be closed for a full 18 months however the results have been brilliant.
Ascot racecourse continues to grow and attract new events and races and shows no signs of slowing its growth and popularity.
The Main Ascot Races and The Royal Ascot Meeting
Ascot Racecourse hosts a number of meetings throughout the year (both flat racing and national hunt) with major races in both disciplines.
The centrepiece of Ascot’s calendar is, however, without doubt, Royal Ascot, which began in 1911 and has grown year-on-year to now welcome a whopping 300,000 racegoers across the five days.
Members of the Royal Family attend every year, and the Royal Enclosure is well-renowned for its celebrity and upper-class attendance (other areas include the Village Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure).
There are 18 horse races on across Royal Ascot and at least one Group 1 race daily.
All of the races at Royal Ascot are fiercely contested, carrying a huge amount of prestige.
The most attended day of Royal Ascot is the Gold Cup, which always takes place on Ladies Day on the Thursday of that week.
The prize money for Royal Ascot is the highest in the world and has exceeded £7million, the main races at Royal Ascot over the five days include:
Wednesday – the Group 1 race of the day is the Prince of Wales Stakes over 10 furlongs and the Group 2 is the Queen Mary Stakes ran over 5 furlongs for 2-year-old fillies.
Thursday – the main race is the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup over 2miles and 4 furlongs and the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes ran over 1mile 4 furlongs.
Friday – two Groups 1s on the Friday, the first is the Commonwealth Cup over 6 furlongs and the second the Coronation Stakes over one mile.
Below are the two maps of the famous Ascot racecourse, the flat and jumps:
The flat racing course, shown above, is a right-handed triangular-shaped, galloping and stiff track.
It has a steep climb out of Swinley Bottom from the back-straight. Per lap measures just over 1mile 6 furlongs on the round course, with 2 and a 1/2f furlong run-in.
There is both a straight mile and also around mile course.
All races run between 5 furlongs and 7 furlongs are run on the straight course.
Jump racing takes place on the above course – on the round course.
The fences are known for being stiff and they take some jumping.
Jump winners at Ascot tend to be good jumpers with good reserves of stamina, particularly when the course is riding on the easy and soft side.
2022 Ascot Racecourse Fixtures
Here are the current fixtures for Ascot racecourse in 2022:
SBK Clarence House Chase Raceday – 22nd January 2022
Betfair Ascot Chase Raceday – 19th February
Spring Family Raceday – 27th March
Royal Ascot Trials Day – 27th April 2022
May Raceday Weekend – Friday 6th May
Victoria Cup Day – Saturday 7th May 2022
Royal Ascot – 14th June – 18th June
The above are the current Ascot race dates.
Ascot Racecourse Address
The official address of Ascot racecourse is:
Ascot Racecourse
High St
Ascot
SL5 7JX
Phone: 0344 346 3000
How To Get To Ascot Racecourse
The most popular ways to get to Ascot racecourse are the below:
By Car – there are more than 8,000 parking spaces at Ascot racecourse (suitable for cars shorter than limousines!) but it usually does require advance booking.
By Rail – South Western Railways run frequent services to Ascot with increased voracity during major events. It’s less than an hour’s journey from Waterloo and less than half from Reading.
By Bus and Coach – a variety of bus and coach services operate direct to Ascot racecourse, but services vary depending on the time of year.
By Air – over 400 helicopters and 1,000 limos attended Royal Ascot this year, so although well linked by public transport, it’s not for everyone!
By Royal Procession – if you are looking enough to be a member of the Royal Family on your way to the Royal Enclosure!
Tickets for Ascot Races
Tickets for the racing at Ascot are always hugely popular. If you are looking to purchase Village enclosure tickets, Queen Anne enclosure tickets or Windsor enclosure tickets we always recommend doing this in advance as they can sell out well in advance.
We always advise buying directly through their website.
Hotels Near Ascot Racecourse
Despite being such a large draw to the area, there aren’t lots of hotel options for Ascot; because most people return home due to its brilliant transport links. However, there are some great choices if you’re booking in advance, which is advised in you are booking for the Royal meeting and also Champions Day.
The Premier Inn Bagshot Hotel is a brilliant budget option just 20 mins away with rooms starting from just £34; but if you’re looking for something more… royal, then consider the Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa – they’ll even put on a shuttle to get you to the course on race days.
Whichever option you go for, we suggest booking through Booking.com as below which always have some great deals:
Attending Ascot doesn’t mean you have to wager a bet, but it’s all part of the experience of the race day for many racegoers.
If you are betting on the 2022 Royal Ascot Festival you should check out all the major brands’ Royal Ascot Free Bets bonuses in June 2022.
When attending Ascot, there are lots of betting choices for you, let’s race in and take a look:
Online Betting when at Acot
With good wifi and 4G cell connections, online betting is very popular with those who attend the course.
When looking for some online and mobile betting options, check out our comprehensive guides below:
New betting websites – there are lots of new and exciting betting sites around, all offering perks for new customers when betting on Ascot or other sporting events.
Free horse racing bets – if you are a new gambler signing up for an online account you will sometimes get some free bets, always good for your day at the races.
Best mobile betting apps – many people enjoy betting via apps for ease, if this could be for you check out our reviews.
In front of the Grandstand, there are several rows of individual independent bookies, all clearly showing the betting odds offered on all horses for each race.
These bookies at Ascot make the experience even more special; so be sure to nip down and place your bets, everybody can have a flutter and they’ll take most amounts – big and small.
We also recommend having a nosy at the horses while they wander around the Parade Ring before betting because you just might spot the winner or something that takes your eye.
Ascot Racecard and Ascot Tips
The racecards for Ascot races are released the day before the races take place, find out where to view racecards here – tomorrow’s racecards and today’s racecards. In these you will get an advance look at all the runners and riders, some people like to do this and select their horses before getting to the track.
Ascot Racecourse Weather
Punters and race-goers love to keep up with the weather to predict going conditions, especially for Royal Ascot, as well as making sure what they wear is suitable.
Here’s the current weather forecast for Ascot racecourse:
New customers for Royal Ascot at bet365 can claim the Bet of £10 & Get £50 Free Bets sign-up offer. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits for Royal Ascot Festival
The bet 10 get 60 pounds in betting bonuses is a popular 2022 Royal Ascot offer for new punters looking to wager on the Royal Ascot Festival races
New UK customers only. Register using the promo code BETFRED60, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £20 in Free Bets to be used on Sports, £10 in Free Bets to be used on Lotto and 50 Free Spins (20p per spin) credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. Further £20 in Free Bets credited 5 days after settlement. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required.
William Hill’s latest promo is bet £10 get £30 in free bets, an excellent bookies offer for the big races at The Royal Ascot 2022
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
The new sign up offer from Unibet is one of the best new promotions to take advantage of for The Royal Ascot Festival in 2022, bet £10 to receive £40 in free bets
18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first racing bet loses. Wagering: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Sports bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Full T&Cs apply. #AD
Betfair’s free bet bonus is one to take a look at for The 2022 Royal Ascot, offering a totally free £30 bet, available to use for both the Betfair exchange and sportsbook
New customers place £50 worth of bets to receive £20 in free bets. Repeat up to 5 times to receive maximum £100. Min odds 1.2 (1/5). Multiple bets included. Exchange bets excluded. Payment restrictions apply.
With their latest promo, 888 sport’s offer gets new customers 30 pounds when they bet 10, making it a great bonus to make the most of for the races
New customers only – Minimum deposit of £10 using deposit code 30F – A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 placed on any sports market – Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) – Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days – Free bet stakes not included in returns – Deposit method and withdrawal restrictions apply.
One of the best sign up offers for Royal Ascot, this BetVictor promo of bet 10 get 40 is perfect for new customers wanting to place a bet on the horses
18+ New customers only. Deposit, opt in and place a £10 qualifying bet on Horse Racing at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days of opening a new account; excludes cashed out bets. Receive 3x £10 Horse Racing Free Bets, valid on set events only at odds 2.00 or greater. Plus, a £10 Slot Bonus, selected games, wager 20x to withdraw a max of £250. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
Coral’s newest sign up deal for Royal Ascot is for the value of 20 pounds in free bets, a betting offer that’s perfect for those wanting a bet on the big races
18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply.
This bookmakers new promotion is ideal for the horse racing, proving 20 pounds in free bets when you place 5 as a new customer, perfect for The Royal Ascot!
18+ New UK+IRE customers. Paypal and certain deposit types and bet types excluded. Min £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days on sports, stake not returned, restrictions apply.
Parimatch have a new welcome offer of £30 in free bets when you bet £5, which is a great promo to make the most of for The Royal Ascot
18+ New Customers opt in, deposit and bet £5 at odds 2.00+ on Horse Racing within 7 days of registration; excludes cashed out bets. Get 3x £10 Free Bets, set events only at odds 2.00+. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply, see below. | begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Paddy Power are known for their terrific betting offers, and their latest promotion gives customers 10 pound back as cash if the bet doesn’t win!
New Customer Offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £10. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion.
For a brilliant new customer offer for the horse racing, betway’s up to £10 in free bets is an excellent choice
New UK customers only. £10 Min Deposit. 100% matched free bet on your first deposit of £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bets. Debit Card deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way.
The best enclosure at Ascot is of course the Royal Enclosure.
However, It’s all down to personal preference but there are four different enclosures to choose from.
Within these enclosures, race-goers can view all of the action and experience the brilliant atmosphere, including of course the famous Royal procession down the centre of the course.
Can anyone go to Royal Ascot?
Anyone can go to Ascot. It is an event open to the public, although only members are permitted in the the Royal Enclosure.
The Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure are open to the general public but we recommend booking in advance.
What is the main race at Royal Ascot?
The main races at Royal Ascot are the King’s Stand Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Commonwealth Cup, Gold Cup, Queen Anne, Coronation Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Ascot Racecourse Guide Summary
Ascot is a racecourse like no other, with the Royal racecourse playing host to Royal Ascot over a brilliant 5 days (attended yearly by the Royal family who reside in the elite Royal Enclosure).
It also hosts British Champions Day and top-class jump racing throughout the winter months.
With huge prize money and more Group 1 races than any other racecourse, all sat within close proximity to Windsor Castle, it is a jewel in the crown of a nation and the racing world.
Top races include the King George VI, St James Palace, The Gold Cup and King’s Stand Stakes, to name a few. Whilst the royal turf has seen wins for top-class horses across both codes grace its grass from superstar flat champion Frankel to the electric jumper Kauto Star.
A stunning course, fantastic facilities and steeped in history, Ascot is the best British racecourse, whether you are attending the splendid Royal Ascot or a chilly winter jumps meeting, and indeed we believe the best racecourse in the world.
A must visit racecourse and a British Racecourse Guide top pick and one of our Top Ten Racecourses.
Other Racecourses in the United Kingdom & Ireland
Our team as of June 2022 have reviewed the following other racecourses:
As the Founder of British Racecourses, I have a life-long passion for horse racing and have loved the sport as long as I can remember. I am also a keen racehorse owner and have worked in the gambling industry for several years. I set up British Racecourses with the desire to share my passion for racing with other like-minded people.
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