Ascot Racecards

Ascot Racecourse Guide

About

Ascot racecourse in Berkshire is one of the most famous racecourses in the world, with close royal connections dating back to 1711. It stages top-class Flat racing in the summer and autumn and National Hunt racing through the winter.

The Track & Course

The Flat course is a right-handed, galloping triangle of around a mile and three-quarters, with an uphill finish that rewards horses who stay their trip. There is also a straight mile, used for big-field handicaps such as the Royal Hunt Cup, where the draw and the position of the pace can be important. Jumps races are run on a separate right-handed course inside the Flat track.

Going & Ground

Summer ground is often good or good to firm, especially during Royal Ascot in June, while the October and winter fixtures can ride soft, putting more emphasis on stamina up the closing climb.

Key Races

Royal Ascot in June is the highlight, five days of Group 1 racing that include the Gold Cup, the Queen Anne Stakes and the St James's Palace Stakes. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July and British Champions Day in October are also major fixtures, and the Clarence House Chase is the feature of the winter jumps season.