Ascot is a small town near Windsor, famous for the Royal Ascot meeting that takes place every June at Ascot Racecourse. Ascot is divided into two regions, North Ascot and South Ascot. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead oversee the entire region.
The Racecourse began in August in 1711. Back then the first race, which was called “Her majesty’s Plate” involved seven horses weighing in at twelve stones each. The bet, also known as the purse, was just one hundred guineas. In 1813 the government made the grounds into a public racecourse and from 1913 to 1945, the Royal Ascot meeting was the only race that took place there every year. After then, other events like the Steeplechase and the hurdles were also added. For two years, Ascot was closed from the September of 2004 due to a redevelopment project. The Allied Irish Bank pumped one hundred and eighty five million pounds into redeveloping the Ascot estate. Finally, after the work was completed Queen Elizabeth opened the grounds on the 20th of June in 2006.
Unfortunately, after this redevelopment people complained that there was too much attention paid towards the commercial aspects of the racecourse like restaurants and corporate hospitality instead of the stands, which limited people’s view of the race. A further ten million improved the view for people at the bottom of the grandstand, even though there was less space for the people viewing from the upper levels.
The Royal Ascot meeting that takes place every year at the Racecourse is a major event in Britain and is unique as many of the celebrities and socialites that attend wear a full morning dress. For women this means wearing highly expensive dresses and mandatory hats and for men this is a top hat and full suit. Its fun to see ladies compete for the most flamboyant hats they can find and to see the traditional distinctions of class that would have been experienced back in the 1700s. This visual display of tradition and formality is one of the appeals for tourists and newcomers alike.
The Royal Ascot five-day racing week attracts over three hundred thousand people, making it the most visited race in Europe and it is highly televised and reported on throughout the world’s media. The event usually features freely flowing champagne and a festive and jolly atmosphere.
Jockeys compete for the Ascot Gold cup on Royal Ascot Day Three (Thursday), which is also known as Ladies Day. There are thirty races at the event and the most famous are the St James Palace Stake and the Queen Anne Stakes on the first day. On the second day are the Prince of Wales Stakes and the Royal Hunt Cup. On day four are the Coronation Stakes. Finally there are also the Golden Jubilee Stakes, the Wokingham Stakes and the Queen Alexandra Stakes. The races are split with six races a day and you can bet on Group races, handicaps and listed races too.