Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot
Ascot Racecourse (“ascot" pronounced , often pronounced ) is a dual-purpose British racecourse, located in Ascot, Berkshire, England, which is used for thoroughbred horse racing. It hosts 13 of Britain’s 36 annual Flat Group 1 horse races and three Grade 1 Jumps races.
Ascot Racecourse is visited by approximately 600,000 people a year, accounting for 10% of all UK racegoers. The racecourse covers 179 acres (72 ha), leased from the Crown Estate and enjoys close associations with the British Royal Family, being founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) from Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II attends Ascot several times a year.
Ascot currently stages 26 days of racing over the course of the year, comprising 18 flat meetings between April and October, and 8 jump meetings between October and March. The Royal Meeting, held in June each year, remains the highlight of the British summer social calendar. The prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is run over the course in July.