The Royal Ascot, never low on offering thrill and excitement
Horse racing is the king’s sport, and thusly some of its most famous race courses date back to this time when this source of entertainment was originated. Some of the oldest, almost ancient race tracks are in the United Kingdom itself, and at the top of
the list is the Ascot race course.
As is the affiliation with royalty, the course is the property of Crown, and is leased out. It is one of the very few venues that provides from flat and jumps racing, giving it the opportunity to operate throughout the season, attract crowds and generate
revenue.
Over a mile and six furlongs, the race track is right-handed. The flat end of the course makes up a rough triangle.
It is the one race course which is honoured by the Royal Procession for all the five days of each third week of June. The Procession signifies ‘let the races begin’. The five days are action and thrill packed with eighteen prestigious races that is coupled
with the enchanting enthusiasm of over 300,000 guests.
With a feature race each day, the racing begins at around 2:30 pm and goes on till nearly 5:30pm.
One of the most important races is named after the founder of the race course, Queen Anne Stakes. Queen Anne proposed the race course in 1711 out of sheer passion for the sport. The racing at the Royal Ascot has not stopped ever since the first seven horses
raced on 11th August, 1711 for ‘Her Majesty’s Plate’. The prize money back then was 100 guineas after which the two classics, 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas are named.
The Golden Jubilee Stakes were renamed just this year to highlight Her Majesty’s milestone to, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
As the race course has promised excitement throughout the season, the ‘Betfair’ weekend is celebrated in July with the card comprising of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. August gets fun filled with the Dubai Duty free Shergar Cup.
The third last month of the season witnesses the contest of the British Champions Day, and draws the curtains with the Christmas meets in December.
The race course has defined careers for all those who are related to it, not only the contestants, but also the sponsors, employees, families, and the ripple effect continues.
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