Ascot racecourse is one of the most iconic venues in UK racing and has over 300 years of history behind it. The number of Grade 1 races makes it a key venue in the UK/Irish racing calendar, this is also true of the world famous Royal Ascot race meeting. This event highlights the close connections Ascot has with the British Royal Family and helps the course maintain a glamorous, high-stakes reputation globally.
Ascot was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and has built up close links with high-class racing ever since. Royal Ascot is the best known example and an event with truly global appeal. This is especially true for the eye-catching traditions it includes – from the Royal Procession to the dress code.
The popularity of Ascot as a venue has been helped by the many top jockeys who have shaped its history. Lester Piggot rode over 100 winners at Royal Ascot, whilst Frankie Dettori rode seven winners in one day in 1996. When it comes to horses who have lit up this venue, Frankel in particular stands out.
Prestige is something else which has become synonymous with Ascot and this image helps it attract the world’s best trainers, jockeys and horses.
Ascot’s uniqueness mostly comes down to the layout of its flat course. It has a distinct triangular shape that blends a stiff uphill finish with a short run-in and a right hand turning nature. The famous ‘Straight Mile’ course is a real test of speed and has no turns! Ascots’ unique layout means horses need a blend of speed and stamina to do well, especially in longer races.
The layout also has a real impact for both race and betting strategies. Jockeys for example need to think about how they’ll handle the specific challenges of the track in advance. Punters need to consider how the unique layout of the course impacts jockey/horse performance.
We’ve already mentioned the close links Ascot has with royalty and this is very true for Royal traditions at the course. The Royal Procession at 2pm on the opening day of Royal Ascot is a good example. It involves the reigning Monarch travelling down the Straight Mile in a horse drawn carriage as the National Anthem plays. Strict dress codes are another key tradition of Royal Ascot, this is especially true for Ladies Day.
'## Betting Tips & Strategies for Ascot Races
To get the most from Ascot, use the following Royal Ascot betting tips:
To give punters a proper overview of this course, our Ascot racecourse guide shows the major races to bet on below. All those shown feature a variety of markets to get involved with and competitive odds.
Ascot is the pinnacle of UK horse racing betting and appeals to both casual and serious punters. But why is this?
The world-class action on show is one reason and sees the best trainers, jockeys and horses from around the world battling it out. Ascot betting is also known for its diverse range of markets. Whether it’s outright winners, each-ways or specials, there’s numerous options for all kinds of betting strategies.
The large fields and competitive nature of Ascot races create opportunities for surprise results and enhanced payouts. The prestige of Royal Ascot makes it a thrilling event to get involved with and gives punters another reason to bet at this track.
Probably the best reason to bet on Ascot races though is the unpredictability. The course is such a leveller, and the fields are so large, that the chances for a long-priced horse to place are huge.