Royal Ascot and its history
Royal Ascot is one of the most important Royal events of the year. The racecourse was found by Queen Anne. More about the history of this Royal Ascot Racecourse. History The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne , when out riding from Windsor Castle, she came upon an area of open heath that looked, in her words, 'ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch'. Her plans for a new race meeting were subsequently announced in the London Gazette of 12 July 1711. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 guineas will be run for round the new heat on Ascott Common, near Windsor, on Tuesday, August 7th next, by any horse, mare or gelding, being no more than six years old the grass before, as must be certified under the hand of the breeder, carrying 12 St., three heats, to be entered the last day of July, at Mr. Hancock's, at Fern Hill, near the Starting Post. — Announcement of the first race meeting at Ascot, London Gazette (12 July 1711) That first meeting was held on 11 August 1711, th