Ascot
Summary (for full review click link below)
Although Ascot is a dual purpose course, hosting both jump and flat racing, it is primarily known for its flat racing and in particular the Royal meeting in June. The course hosts racing every month of the year, apart from April.
The "round" course is actually triangular in shape, with a chute hosting races up to a mile in length, although just to confuse matters some one mile races are run on the round course. The round course is about 1¾ miles long. Jump races take place exclusively on the round course, which is right handed (clockwise). The straight course is uphill nearly all the way, whilst the round course is basically downhill to the furthest point from where there is a steadily uphill rise to the finish.
Admission:
Ascot generally operates a two or three enclosure policy, depending on the meeting.
The price guide for general meetings is as follows:-
Premier Enclosure £22 - £45, General Enclosure £10 - £25 & Silver Ring £7
For the Royal Meeting things change. The Premier enclosure becomes the Royal Enclosure which is effectively by invitation only.
For the General enclosure admission prices are £54 (Tue and Wed), £60 (Thu) and £58 (Fri and Sat)
For the Silver Ring prices are £15 (Tue and Wed), £22 (Thu) and £20 (Fri and Sat)
There is a dress code at Ascot, obviously the Royal Enclosure has a very strict code, however that shouldn’t concern the average racegoer. The General Enclosure dress regulations at the Royal meeting states “Ladies are required to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion.Many wear hats, although this is not obligatory. Gentlemen are required to wear a shirt and tie, preferably with a suit or jacket. Sports attire, jeans and shorts are not permitted.”
At other meetings, for the Premier Enclosure a smart casual policy applies, with jacket and tie preferred. Jeans, T-shirts and sports attire, including football and rugby shirts, are not permitted. There is no dress code for the general enclosure, however bare chests are not allowed.
Location:
Located to the south west of London, Ascot is in easy reach of the motorway network situated between the M3 and M4 motorways. The course is well signposted from all the major approach routes with additional signage on race days. Even if you know the area well it is still advisable to follow the signposts, even if the route doesn’t appear to be immediately logical …. the routes are designed to ensure optimum traffic flow.
Ease of public transport access: Good (Ascot station is a seven minute walk away)
Suitability for the first time racegoer: very good (unsuitable at the Royal meeting)
Race Meetings 2008 / 2009
2008
Jumps:
November 1st , 21st & 22nd
December 19th & 20th
Flat:
August 9th
September 26th , 27th & 28th
October 11th
2009
Jumps:
January 17th
February 14th
March 27th
October 31st
November 20th & 21st
December 18th & 19th
Flat:
April 29th
May 9th
June 16th , 17th , 18th , 19th & 20th (Royal Meeting)
July 10th , 11th , 24th , 25th & 26th
August 8th
September 25th , 26th & 27th
October 10th
Last Reviewed: June 2008
Web Site:www.ascot.co.uk/
Telephone: 08707 227 227
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