Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot 

           

             Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and since that time, a further eleven monarchs have leant their patronage to the Royal race course.

           The Royal Meeting, held annually in the third week in June, is steeped in tradition and pageantry and is interwoven into the very fabric of British culture.

           The five-day meeting commences on a Tuesday and each day begins with the Royal Procession - the arrival of The Queen and the Royal party in horse-drawn landaus, which parade along the track in front of the race- goers.

           The Royal Enclosure is at the heart of Royal Ascot. Entry to the enclosure is by sponsorship from an existing member who has attended in four previous years. Within this area, gentlemen are required to wear morning dress with a top hat and ladies must wear formal day wear.

           The Queen takes a close personal interest in the running of Ascot and is kept informed of the order of running and the development of the racing programme at the Royal Meeting.

           John Weatherby has held the formal role of 'Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot' since 2011 and is responsible for all aspects of the Royal Enclosure and the Royal Family's attendance at Ascot.

           Ascot racecourse has been redeveloped twice during The Queen's reign: the first redevelopment was completed in 1964 and the second in 2006, when Her Majesty formally re-opened the new complex. During the second redevelopment, the 2005 Royal Meeting was staged at York Racecourse.

           The Queen has owned 22 winners at Royal Ascot.