History of Royal Ascot and the Grandstand:
It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding in 1711, she came upon an area of open heath, not far from Windsor Castle, that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch.”
It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding in 1711, she came upon an area of open heath, not far from Windsor Castle, that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch.”
The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place on Saturday 11 August 1711. Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, was the inaugural event. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12st and seven runners took part.
Today the tradition does not change – the Queen Anne Stakes continues to be run in memory of the monarch who founded the course nearly three centuries ago. The original Ascot racecourse was laid out by William Lowen, who was assisted by a team of helpers, William Erlybrown, a carpenter, Benjamin Cluchett, a painter, and John Grape, who prepared the paper work for racing.
The first permanent building on the course was constructed in about 1794 by George Slingsby, a Windsor builder. It held 1,650 people and was used until 1838. Today's Royal Ascot grandstand was completed in 2006 following a two year £200 million redevelopment. The official opening of the new grandstand took place on the first day of the Royal Meeting, with an opening speech from Her Majesty The Queen, who owns the racecourse.
Through a combination of style, pomp and tradition Royal Ascot has become the most famous of all the prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. ‘Ladies Day’ is particularly notorious for the infamous hats, attracting legions of devotees each year from all over the world.
