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Royal Ascot Racecourse
In addition to a rich history dating back to 1711, Royal Ascot racecourse boasts some of the most advanced racing facilities in the world. The Royal Ascot racecourse was refurbished in 1996 at a cost of £185 million, which included the construction of a futuristic grandstand and improvements in racecourse layout and drainage.
The Royal Ascot racecourse is located on the Ascot Downs in Berkshire, England. The racecourse is located within 6 miles of Windsor Castle, a consequence of Queen Anne’s desire to set up racing facilities in close proximity to the royal residence.
Royal Ascot Racecourse History
Racing facilities were first set up at Ascot racecourse in 1711, when Queen Anne ordered William Lowen to mark out a racecourse on the Ascot Downs, assisted by a painter and a carpenter. The first grandstand was erected on the course in 1794, increasing the racecourse capacity to 1640.
By the 1800s Ascot Racecourse had developed into the racing centre of Berkshire, and the annual Royal Meeting would draw thousands of racing fans. Many commoners attended the festival, prompting parliament to pass the Act of Enclosure in 1813 to protect public access to the racecourse.
Today, Ascot racecourse is managed by a special board of trustees but remains the property of The Crown.
Royal Ascot Racecourse Description
The Ascot Racecourse includes a number of racetracks used for both flat and national hunt racing. Flat racing is hosted on the Swinley Course, a 1 mile 6 furlong triangular track with a steep uphill stretch on the run-in.
Ascot Racecourse features two courses for mile races. The Mile Course extends from the Swinley Course and is notorious for a steep uphill finish. Mile races are also run on the Ascot Racecourse Old Mile course, an L shaped extension to the Swinley course.
A national hunt course, running parallel to the flat racing course, also forms part of Ascot Racecourse. Covering a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs with a 2 furlong uphill run-in, the national hunt course follows the shape of the flat racing course.
The gradient of the Royal Ascot racecourse makes it one of the most demanding racing courses in England, and a favourite amongst stayers. The uphill run-ins are known to favour horses with stamina, and an early lead is no guarantee of success for runners.
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