10 Facts About Ascot racecourse

1.

Over its 300-year history, Ascot racecourse has established itself as a national institution, with Royal Ascot racecourse being the centrepiece of the British summer social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.

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2.

The Ascot racecourse Authority was established in 1913 by a further Act of Parliament, with His Majesty's Representative becoming Senior Trustee.

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3.

The Ascot racecourse was commandeered by the army with the Grandstand providing accommodation for gunners of the Royal Artillery.

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4.

In 2004, Ascot Racecourse was closed for a £220 million redevelopment, the single biggest investment in British Racing.

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5.

Notable jumps races held at Ascot racecourse are The Clarence House Chase, The Ascot racecourse Chase and The Long Walk Hurdle, all Grade 1 contests.

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6.

Royal Ascot racecourse evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at Ascot racecourse in 1768, although the meeting as it is known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807.

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7.

Each of the five days of Royal Ascot racecourse begins with the Royal Procession at 2pm, when the Queen and other members of the royal family arrive down the straight mile in the Royal Landaus, accompanied by the playing of the National Anthem and the raising of the Royal Standard.

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8.

Wednesday of Royal Ascot racecourse provides a relaxed atmosphere off the track and an intense atmosphere on it, with the highlight on the card being the prestigious Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, so memorably won in 2019 by superstars Crystal Ocean and Frankie Dettori.

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9.

Since 2011 Ascot racecourse has staged QIPCO British Champions Day annually in October, now the culmination of the European elite flat racing season.

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10.

The Ascot racecourse was used again for GoldenEye, where the entrance stood in for St Petersburg Airport, and finally in Skyfall where it stood in for Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

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