London is served by an array of horse racing courses, for lovers of both flat and jump racing. Yet Windsor is the one that gets the Royal seal of approval and is a must-visit for any racing fans. In the article below, we delve into the history of this fascinating course and prepare you for your first visit to Royal Windsor.
Royal Windsor
What makes Royal Windsor unique is not the royal branding at all. Instead, it is the layout of the course, with it being only one of two figures of eight courses in the United Kingdom. The other is Fontwell Park in West Sussex. However, the full course is rarely in use so many of the runners, even in longer races, only turn right-handed. The full distance is around 1m 4f. It is also situated on a large island, between the main channel of the Thames and the Clewer Mill stream.
There are around 25 racing fixtures per year, that take place between the months of April and October. Two of its most notable races are the August Stakes and the Winter Hill Stakes. The former is open to horses of three years and older and is run over 1 mile 3 furlongs and 99 yards. The latter is a Group 3 flat horse race run over 1 mile and 2 furlongs.
History of Royal Windsor
Records state that there was racing on the island as far back as the reign of Henry VIII. However, officially recorded racing began at the site in 1866. Originally the course was a ground for National Hunt racing, in which horses would jump obstacles as they ran. In the late nineties, this was abandoned and it changed to a predominantly flat course, with some exceptions on rare occasions.
It was recently announced that National Hunt racing will return for the 2024-2025 season. This is most likely in response to the increasing popularity of horse racing as a spectator sport. With more access to it on streaming services, it has seen a new wave of fans who want to experience racing first hand. This can also be seen in how racehorse ownership has had barriers to entry lowered. It is now possible to buy shares in a racehorse for a relatively low amount and keep track of its progress online.
During the 2012 Summer Olympics, it also played a part in the rowing and canoeing events. A temporary bridge linked it with Dorney Lake where the events were held. The racecourse became a hub for those going to and from the events.
By no means is Royal Windsor just for watching horse racing. It is a great night of all-round entertainment, particularly if you can manage to go to one of its themed nights. These can include music and dinner. In fact, it has a range of great hospitality spots. Check this year’s race meetings and see which suits your schedule then settle in for a great day at Royal Windsor.
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