The History of Ascot Racecourse
Since it was founded in 1711, the Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire has been strongly associated with the Royal Family. 'Her Majesty's Plate' was the first race to ever take place at Ascot, when on August 11th 1711 seven horses competed for the prize purse of 100 guineas.
The Ascot Gold Cup Begins
From 1711 until 1939, the only event to take place at Ascot was the Royal Meeting, an event that still thrives to this day incorporating the world-famous 'Ladies' Day' on the day of the Ascot Gold Cup. It first became a four-day event in 1768, and the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807 further cemented its place in the racing calendar.
Ascot enters Parliament
During this period the British Parliament passed two acts to maintain the tradition of Ascot Racecourse. In 1813, the Act of Enclosure was passed to ensure that Ascot remained a public racecourse, followed by the creation of the Ascot Authority in 1913. The Ascot Authority continues to maintain and manage Ascot Racecourse to the present day.
Ascot Undergoes Major Refurbishment
When Ascot closed for a major redevelopment in September 2004, it remained so for a period of twenty months. The course was reopened on Tuesday 20th June 2006 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
