The Ascot racecourse will be buzzing with enthusiasm as Royal Ascot, held in June 2012, comes closer
The Ascot racecourse becomes an action-packed site when it is time for the Royal Ascot in the middle of the year.
This location is located in the town of Ascot, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. It is often closely associated with the Royal Family of Britain, as it is 6 miles from Windsor Castle.
This racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711.
The first race ever hosted on this was track was “Her Majesty’s Plate” where she offered a purse of 100 guineas.
In 1913, the Ascot Authority was created via an act, and the body manages this race course till date.
From its inception till 1945, the Royal Meeting was a four-day event held at Ascot, but over the years, many fixtures have been added to the meet.
The Royal Ascot is still one of the most prestigious race events held at Ascot. The tradition has been continuing since 1711, and the event is attended by the members of the British Royal Family.
The Prince of Wales attends this event every year. He arrives in a horse-drawn carriage with a procession taking place at the beginning.
This event is high profile as it gets an immense amount of press coverage. The Royal Enclosure is the most important enclosure out of the other three.
Getting access to this enclosure is extremely difficult, and often people have to apply to enter it before hand.
The Royal Ascot is a huge event in the British social calendar, and it features Britain’s best runners, jockeys and trainers. It also gives the bookmakers a huge opportunity to make some big bucks.
Royal Ascot 2012 starts from 19th June, 2012 and goes on till the 23rd of June, 2012. A number of races take place during this period of time along with other social events.
The Ascot Gold Cup is also a significant race that takes place at this track. It covers a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs, and it’s open to runners who are the age of four or older.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth is another highly rated race at this course. It is open to thoroughbreds who are aged three or older. It takes place in July every year, and it is run over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs.
The recent winner of this race is, Nathaniel. Trained by John Gosden, the 4-year-old colt excelled as he defeated race favourite, Workforce, by 2 ¾ lengths on 23rd July, 2011.
The first ever Champions’ Day at Ascot took place on 15th October, 2011. It was considered a success, but the new whip rules created a small degree of controversy.
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