Royal Ascot belongs to worlds´ modern racecourse. Royal Ascot offers sport activities, special and business events.
It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding in 1711, she came upon an area of open heath, not far from Windsor Castle, that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch.” The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place on Saturday 11 August 1711 and laid foundation of one most important racing event of the world.
The first permanent building was erected in about 1794 by George Slingsby, a Windsor builder. It held 1,600 people and was used until 1838. In 1813, Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure. This Act ensured that Ascot Heath, although the property of the Crown, would be kept and used as a racecourse for the public in the future.
Arguably, the meeting as we know it today started to take shape with the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807. Gold Cup day remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot and is traditionally the busiest day of the week. It is colloquially known as “Ladies’ Day“.
Besides the sport the racecourse has acquired in Ascot important social significance. Because of that Bean Brummell, close friend of Prince Regent, came with proposal that men wear black tailcoat with white tie and trousers. Passing time the fashion has developed and today also ladies are required to dress in a manner appropriate to a formal occasion. Next to Royal tribune grew out in year 1839 Public tribune and the capacity of race-ground raised to 3000 visitors. In 1860 was founded „Iron Stand“– Gentlemen’s´ Club.
In 1913, the Ascot Authority was established by an Act of Parliament. His Majesty’s Representative became Chairman of the Authority with the Clerk of the Course acting as Secretary. Today, as Ascot Authority (Holdings) Limited, Ascot retains both these positions.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh with the member of royal family are taking part in popular horseracing in Royal Ascot. Her Majesty the Queen, as an owner and breeder of racehorses takes a keen interest in the races. Over the years The Queen has had great success with her own horses. The Jockeys riding Her Majesty’s horses can be distinguished because they wear The Queen’s racing colours. These are – purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and black velvet cap with gold fringe. The Queen traditionally gives off trophies for Golden Jubilee Stakes and Gold Cup.
Royal Ascot Today
Royal Ascot attracts over 300,000 race goers each year, what made it most prestige racing in Europe. For winnings is prepared the package of 3, 5 millions pounds for 17 races. Ascot is well-known as a fashion and glamour event. There is a hat competition. Within the racings the most prestige and popular is GOLD CUP, especially by ladies. That’s why is known as Ladies Day, that day ladies are presenting various creations of fashion designers. Severe dress code is required, gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat, and ladies are required to dress in a manner appropriate to a formal occasion. This means that a hat must be worn, strapless dresses are not permitted, midriffs must be covered, and trouser suits must be of full length and of matching colour and material.
Royal Ascot has gone through important redevelopment. It was needed the amount of 210 millions pounds for new Grandstand and racecourse track. Her Majesty the Queen officially opened the racecourse on the opening day of Royal Ascot, Tuesday 20th June 2006. In frame of new changes were built racecourse track, roads, subways under racecourse, irrigation and drainage systems. In 2006 received Ascot the award – Turf project of the year and in 2005 South East Region Tourism Excellence Award. There are planned other changes, which bring more comfortable to visitors of this royal area.
Besides sport Ascot offers new business events. Premises fitted with most modern technics are prepared for yearlong exploitation.
You can arrange here:
- Weddings and Jubilees
- Christmas party
- Conference and Training
- Exhibitions
- Product Launch
- Banqueting
- Special Events