Ascot Racecourse

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot is the world's most famous racecourse and stages top quality Flat and Jump racing throughout the year. The highlight is Royal Ascot week in June, which combines tradition, pageantry, style and fashion with five days of the greatest horseracing in the world.

2004 will be the final year before Ascot closes temporarily to embark on an exciting redevelopment programme. The 2004 race programme is unaffected by the redevelopment until the Ascot Festival meeting in September. Racing will then cease immediately after the meeting so that the main building works can begin. During the shutdown period, Ascot's major events will take place elsewhere, including Royal Ascot 2005, which will be staged at York racecourse.