History Of Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the most renowned horse racing meetings in the world. It takes place at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England over five days in June. The event attracts the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from across the globe.

Here is a look at the history behind the meeting and how it has become such a huge sporting event.

Royal Connection to Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, and it continues to be owned by the Crown Estate. The royal family are regular visitors to the racecourse, as they have a strong interest in the sport.

Many of the major races at Royal Ascot are named after former British monarchs, including the opening race of the week, the Queen Anne Stakes. Modern Games is the +175 favorite in the Royal Ascot betting to win that contest this year.

With the prestige and history Royal Ascot can boast with the royal family connections, it continues to attract the best international horses. One of the leading Royal Ascot tips this year is Australian sprinter Coolangatta. He has dominated many of the sprint races in his home country and he is now set to take on the best of Europe in the King’s Stand Stakes where he is the +300 second favorite to prevail.

Late Queen Elizabeth II Had Runners at The Meeting

The late Queen Elizabeth II was a huge supporter of horse racing, and not only was she a regular visitor to Royal Ascot to represent the royal family, but she was also an owner of some very good horses herself.

One of the finest moments in the history of Royal Ascot was when Queen Elizabeth II won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013 with Estimate. The race, which dates back to 1807, takes place on day three of the meeting, and it is the feature contest of the week. Her runner was ridden to victory by jockey Ryan Moore and in the royal box the Queen was much more animated than she normally is as she cheered the horse to victory.

New Grandstand Opened in 2006

At the cost of £200 million, Ascot Racecourse closed in 2004 for redevelopment which meant the royal meeting had to be moved to York. It took two years for the work to be done, and it included a new grandstand which is considered one of the best of its kind around the world.

Since the new grandstand opened, those in attendance have seen some special moments on the track. In 2009, Yeats won the Ascot Gold Cup for the fourth straight year for Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien. Australian sprinting star Black Caviar lit up the track in 2012 with a phenomenal performance to win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, while in 2019, Blue Point completed the King’s Stand Stakes and Diamond Jubilee Stakes double at the meeting.

This year’s Royal Ascot takes place between June 20-24. There will be a total of 28 races, with all those involved looking to add their names to the history books at the special meeting.