While out riding in 1711, Queen Anne first saw the potential racecourse at Ascot, which at that time was called East Cote. The site wasn’t far from Windsor Castle. On Saturday 11 August 1711, the first race meeting was held. The race was open to any gelding, horse or mare over the age of six, seven horses took part. The price, Her Majesty’s Plate, was said to be worth 100 guineas. Unfortunately there are no records to tell us which horse and jockey won the race.
Over three centuries later, the memory of the founder Queen Anne, is still honoured at Royal Ascot with the Queen Anne Stakes race.
Queen Elizabeth II first visited Ascot in May 1945 as a 19 year old, this was Ascot’s first meet after WW2. She hasn’t missed a year since.
Royal Ascot
Over a five day period in June, Ascot holds the world renowned Royal Ascot meet.
Races include The Queen Anne Stakes, The St James’s Palace Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes, The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, The Gold Cup, The Coronation Stakes and The Golden Jubilee Stakes
The Royal Ascot meeting draws the crowds from near and far with a celebration of unique Britishness. It’s time for the ladies to dust off their most gorgeous and eccentric hats and sip champagne, whilst gentlemen dress in ties, shirts and suits. If you are attending Royal Ascot and have Grandstand Admission hats are not compulsory but many ladies do wear them. Jeans, sport clothing and shorts are most definitely forbidden. The Silver Ring admission has no formal code of dress however, you are absolutely encouraged to wear your smart clothing.
You can apply to the Royal Enclosure Office for admission in to this prestigious location. You will be sent a sponsorship form on which you will need the signature of a person who has attended Royal Ascot inside the Royal Enclosure for four years. These attendances do not have to be in consecutive years.
Should you be lucky enough to get a pass into the enclosure, the dress code is stricter than in the Grandstand or the Silver Ring. Only formal dress is allowed. Ladies must wear either a hat or large fascinator. Miniskirts, halter necks, off the shoulder and any dress with straps less than an inch wide are totally unsuitable. Trouser suits must be of matching colour, matching material and full length, and midriffs must be covered at all times. Gents must wear a morning suit of either black or grey which must include a top hat and waist coat. Top hats must be worn at all times unless you are in a private box, restaurant, private club or that clubs garden, terrace or balcony. Hats can also be taken off within any of the Royal enclosure’s enclosed seating areas within the garden.
As well as the Royal Ascot meeting, Ascot also plays host to September Saturday which is the climax of the flat season at Ascot. This meet features the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes where the world greatest thoroughbreds compete for Europe’s most prestigious mile long race.
Ascot also opens its doors for four family days, one in each month of July, August, September and December. Entertainment for the kids is included as well as behind the scenes tours. Children under the age of 16 gain entrance for free but have to be accompanied by an adult.
Ascot is the finest racecourse in Europe hosting many features and meetings and since its September 2004 redevelopment, it is the largest in Europe and well worth a visit.