Ascot Racecourse Guide
The Royal Ascot festival is well known around the world. The world’s best horses meet at Ascot Racecourse for 5 full days of races. Regularly attended by the Queen, expect to see many of the royal family, with Meghan Markle even making her first appearance. Bet UK have put together a guide for everything you could possibly need to know about Ascot racecourse so you are prepared for the festival.
At Bet UK, you can find the latest horse racing betting odds for all Ascot races, as well as Royal Ascot betting tips over on our online blog.
Where is Ascot racecourse?
Ascot racecourse is in Berkshire in south east England. Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, the racecourse is still commonly associated with the royal family. In 1813, a Parliamentary Act of Enclosure protected the grounds area as a racecourse. The royal family have visited the site yearly since then. The royal family visit used to be the only meeting of the year, but these days, Ascot holds 26 different race days each year. With Ascot being such a famous, well known racecourse, it actually sees 10% of all race course visitors each year. The majority of those 10% will surely be over the 5 day Royal Ascot event.
How to get to Ascot racecourse
Driving to Ascot Racecourse
If you’re driving from London or from the North of England, drive on the M4 until the A332 Windsor bypass, then follow the signs for Ascot. If coming from the West, still travel on the M4, leaving at Junction 10 and again, following the signs towards Ascot. From the South and South East, follow the M3 until Junction 3, taking you onto the A332 towards Bracknell. Ascot will be signposted all along this road. Travelling from the Midlands, take the M40 towards junction 4. Then follow the A404 onto the M4 towards London. Leave the M4 at Junction 6 and follow the signs all the way to Ascot.
Car Parking at Ascot Racecourse
There are 8,000 car parking spaces at Ascot Racecourse. Parking can get busy, so it is advised to prebook a space. Disabled parking is also available, but again it is advised that you prebook. If you booked a full restaurant package for your trip to Ascot, your parking space should be included.
Getting the train to Ascot Racecourse
If you are travelling by train during Royal Ascot, regular trains run from London Waterloo, Reading and Guildford. The train journey only takes just under an hour if coming from London, and just under 30 minutes from Reading. The station is also only about a 10 minute walk from the racecourse so it’s not far away at all.
What is the course like at Ascot racecourse?
The course at Ascot is a triangular, right handed circuit that is 14 furlong long, with the run in being 2 ½ furlongs long. The run in leading up the the finish line is also uphill, so a horse’s stamina will be vital coming into the home stretch. The whole course is hilly, with some parts being fully downhill then leading into a slight rise. There are 2 ‘1 Mile’ course, one is a straight run and the other has a curve toward the end before the home straight. For the curved mile, the corner has become a lot stepper after a redevelopment, making it a much harder run for some.
Racing Meetings At Ascot racecourse
Ascot is of course home to world famous Royal Ascot festival. Races take place over 5 days, with 6 races on each day. Some of the races are some of the oldest in the world, with Thursday’s Gold Cup taking place each year since 1807. The Gold Cup is also one of 3 races in which the trophy is presented by a member of the royal family. The other 2 are also both prestigious and historic races. The Queen’s Vase was first ran in 1838, with the Royal Hunt Cup running yearly since 1843.
More From Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Chase Raceday Betting Tips
Ascot Chase Betting Tips
In the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival, one of the key races where we'll see top festival horses is the Ascot Chase. Contested annually at the royal course in Berkshire, it's normally one of the final preparation races for runners looking to head to the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
The uk horse racing betting markets for this race are packed full of top-class runners, and here at Bet UK, we've looked at today's horse racing betting odds to make our selections and top online horse betting tips.
Our 2023 Ascot Chase Day Betting Tips
Nap Of the Day
Fiddlerontheroof - 2:25 Ascot (Swinley Chase)
The first selection in our UK horse racing betting tips is Colin Tizzard-trained Fiddlerontheroof. A 9/4 chance in the UK horse racing betting online markets for this three-mile race, he was second last time out at Newbury in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase. He also finished a valiant second behind Monkfish at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. His last victory came over a shorter distance, but given he has experience over this distance, we think he'll perform well here.
Result: 2nd - Vet said gelding lost its left hind shoe, a small error which could have led to the horse not meeting expectations on the day.
Dark Horse of the Day
First Flow - 3:35 (Ascot Chase)
When looking at the betting odds for the 2023 Ascot Chase, there isn't one horse that stands out. Shishkin is one of the favourites but after two bad defeats and Wind Surgery, who knows how he'll ride. Millers Bank has also recently undergone surgery, so we can't say for sure how the horse will perform. Aye Right is without a win in almost two years, so that leaves Pic D'Orhy, Fakir D'Oudairies and First Flow. The latter has recently lost to Pic D'Orhy but stuck around with one of the favourites to warrant a better price than 20/1.
As a horse with a good record at Ascot, First Flow could well be the dark horse here.
Result: UR - It was looking so good for First Flow as the horse started fantastically sitting in second before a mistake saw Jockey David Bass unseated. A harsh result for our Dark Horse of the Day.
Longshot of the Day
Bean In Trouble - 4:10 Ascot
Our longshot of the day in the horse racing betting online markets at Ascot is Bean In Trouble. A 9/1 chance for this race, he's featured strongly for Jonjo O'Neill even though he's been high up the weights, but we feel he'll appreciate softer ground this time rather than heavy, which could help his cause on a tricky Ascot track.
Result: 3rd - Bean In Trouble wasn't in contention to win the race due to Guillemot's excellent performance but the horse did come in third place, meaning a solid win for those that backed the horse each way.
About The Ascot Chase
Raced annually as Ascot, the Ascot Chase is a Grade One race open to horses aged five years and older. Run over two miles and five furlongs and will take in seventeen fences of the Ascot course and the famous Swinley bottom turn. First run in 1995, it has since become a crucial race when selecting runners who may head to Cheltenham and feature in the festival.
In regards to online betting, this is one of the races where the favourite tends to prevail at Ascot racecourse, in the last 10 years, five favourites have won this race and out of the other horses, the highest odds of the winner has sat at 4/1, this was when Dashel Drasher won in 2021 and Balder Succes won in 2015. If the favourite has finished the race, in the last 20 years, they haven't finished any lower than 5th and there hasn't been a winner over 14/1 in that time. So, if you're looking to bet on the Ascot Chase, which is arguably one of the most important jumps fixtures when it comes to the lead up to major races such as the King George VI Chase and the Ryanair Chase, the Ascot Chase is one to keep your eye on.
Ascot Chase Past Winners
Year | Horse | Winning Trainer |
--- | --- | --- | 2023 | Shishkin | Nicky Henderson 2022 | Fakir D'oudairies | Joseph O'Brien 2021 | Dashel Drasher | Jeremy Scott | 2020 | Riders On the Storm| Nigel Twiston-Davies | 2019 | Cyrmane | Paul Nicholls | 2018 | Waiting Patiently | Ruth Jefferson | 2017 | Cue Card | Colin Tizzard | 2016 | Silviniaco Conti | Paul Nicholls | 2015 | Balder Success | Alan King | 2014 | Captain Chris | Philip Hobbs | 2013 | Cue Card | Colin Tizzard | 2012 | Riverside Theatre | Nicky Henderson |
Ascot Chase Winning Trainer Stats
| Trainer | R-W-P |
|---|---|
| Paul Nicholls | 22-3-7 |
| Nicky Henderson | 14-3-5 |
| Alan King | 6-2-3 |
| Nicky Richards | 3-2-3 |
| Philip Hobbs | 7-1-3 |
If you're looking for a specific person to back, trainer Nicky Henderson looks to be a fantastic shout in general when it comes to this race, be sure to check up on the horse before you bet however, Henderson won't send a horse to this race for the sake of it but that doesn't mean it'll be a horse that you would expect to win the Ascot Chase.
Ascot Chase Betting Stats
When looking at the Ascot Chase, some betting trends of the last renewals stand out, one of which is 71% of runners and winners fell under odds of 10/1 or shorter and 73% of runners placed within their last two starts. It's also worth noting that 89% of runners trained in England when they last won, which is only proven by the lack of Irish trainers on the winning list.
*All odds from Bet UK’s betting markets correct at the time of writing.
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King George Weekend Betting Tips
King George Weekend Tips
After the excitement of Newmarket, we're heading back to Ascot for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. A key part of the British Champions Series, it's the premier mile and half race of the season, with many a Royal Ascot winner choosing to make this meeting their next destination before the Ebor Festival at York.
As we take a look at the key runners and riders on the card, our tipster at Bet UK will be on hand to provide you with top Ascot horse racing betting tips and insight for all the Group 1 races and handicaps so you'll always be in the know.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is the feature race this weekend. The Group One contest often sees the best three-year-olds take on the leading older horses in the division in a clash of generations.
This Saturday’s contest at Ascot looks set to be a thrilling renewal. Here is a look at the race and some of the other highlights on the card.
2024 King George Weekend Betting Tips
We currently do not have King George Weekend tips live on-site for the 2024 event. Alternatively, check out some of the options available below.
King George Weekend Racecards
Looking for the racecards ahead of the King George Weekend at Ascot? Check out the racecards below with the winners of last years event attached.
King George Weekend - Friday Racecard
| Time | Race | 2023 Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 | Fillies' Novice Stakes | Panarea |
| 14:25 | Racing Brown Jack Handicap | Blazeon Five |
| 15:00 | Chapel Down Handicap | Pearle D'Or |
| 15:35 | John Guest Racing Handicap | City Streak |
| 16:10 | Slingsby Gin Handicap | Alhambra Palace |
| 16:45 | October Fillies' Handicap | Woolhampton |
King George Weekend - Saturday Racecard
| Time | Race | 2023 Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 13:15 | Maiden Stakes | Indian Run |
| 13:50 | Princess Margaret Stakes | Sacred Angel |
| 14:25 | Valiant Stakes | Random Harvest |
| 15:00 | International Stakes | Baradar |
| 15:40 | King George VI Stakes | Hukum |
| 16:15 | Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes | Rosallion |
| 16:50 | Betfred Handicap | Ghaly |
| 17:25 | Whispering Angel Handicap | Intrinsic Bond |
About the King George Weekend and King George VI Stakes
Behind Royal Ascot, the King George weekend is without a doubt the most important and historic meeting in the Ascot racing calendar. The first day of racing offers a fantastic show; however, it is the final day that hosts the most prestigious prizes with the likes of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco stakes taking centre stage.
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes is a prestigious horse race held annually at Ascot Racecourse in England. It is one of the most important and iconic flat races in the British horse racing calendar. The race was first run in 1951, taking its name from the reigning monarch, King George VI, and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes is typically held in late July and is open to horses aged three years and older. It covers a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 meters). The race attracts some of the best middle-distance horses from around the world and is known for its competitive field and high-class participants.
The reason the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes has such a long name is because we used to see two separate races with the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and King George VI stakes and now the two races have merged into one during the Qipco King George Weekend.
More Horse Racing Guides
National Hunt Betting Guide
Whether you’re placing a bet at Cheltenham, Kempton or Aintree, the National Hunt Season is full of top-class racing. Not only do we have the main meetings at Bet UK, we also have daily horse racing betting from across the UK and Ireland, so you’ll never miss a hurdle or chase race.
Normally National Hunt racing does run throughout the entire UK horse racing calendar. However, the main events happen between October and April, where the biggest horses in jumps racing will feature in Grade 1 handicaps.
Before placing a bet on any National Hunt Horse racing at Bet UK, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of National Hunt Racing. So, whether you’re looking for a win, place or each way, we’ve got you covered.
In our National Hunt Guide, we’ll talk you through all of the betting options and give you some insight into how to select a horse that can handle the distance and going conditions.
National Hunt Bets at Bet UK?
Win Bet in the National Hunt
A simple bet; it basically means you’re betting on a horse to finish in first place.
Place Bet in the National Hunt
As well as betting on a horse to win a race, punters can place a bet on a horse to finish either second or third in a race.
Each way Bet in the National Hunt
This option provides punters with two separate bets - one to win and one to place. Normally the place part of the bet is settled on the first three horses to finish; however, this can vary depending on the number of horses in the race and whether the race is a handicap.
Non-Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners pay on the first and second with a ¼ of the odds 8 or more runners will pay out on first, second and third with a ⅕ of the odds
Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners will pay on the first and second and offer ¼ of the odds 8-11 Runners on the first, second or third places with a ¼ of the odds 12-15 Runners on first, second and third with a ¼ of the odds 16+ Runners pays on the first four to pass the post with a ¼ of the odds
Forecast Betting
If you want to pick more than one horse in a race, then a forecast could be the best option for you. Within this bet, you will select a horse who will finish in first and second place, and the bet will only pay out if that scenario occurs.
Tricast
This bet is similar to a forecast but involves three horses, and the bettor must select them to finish correctly in first, second and third for the bet to pay out.
What races will horses feature in during the National Hunt Season?
Bumpers are National Hunt flat races that feature zero obstacles. Normally for younger horses who have no experience over hurdles or fences, they will make their debuts in these races in preparation for the next season.
Hurdles are the smallest of the National Hunt obstacles. These are where horses will progress to after bumper races.
Chase fences are the larger obstacles in National Hunt racing. These steeplechase fences require more skill to jump than hurdles, and horses can often fall if they misjudge the size of the fence.
What are novice National Hunt races?
These types of races are specifically for horses who are new to the National Hunt Racing. Common over hurdles and chase fences, multiple races can be seen throughout the season.
What are Handicap races?
Like those seen in the flat season, handicap races are the most common in National Hunt Racing. Each horse in these races will carry different weights depending on its most recent performances.
What are Conditions races?
Unlike handicaps, every horse involved in a conditions race will carry the same weight regardless of their form.
What are the Different Grades of Races Used in National Hunt Racing?
Like other UK horse racing, many of the races across the National Hunt Season will have classifications ranging from Grade 1, which are the biggest races on the calendar, to Grade 2, Grade 3, down to listed races, handicaps and then bumpers. Races will also be given a class of 1-7, with Grade 1-3 contests falling under class 1.
What are the key National Hunt Racing Days
Throughout the National Hunt Season, there are key meetings on which punters will potentially place bets. These are the:
Betfair Chase King George VI Chase at Kempton Cheltenham Festival, which features the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup Aintree Festival, which includes the Grand National
What are the most common types of going in National Hunt Racing?
Due to main National Hunt races happening in the winter months, the going conditions for the races are Good to Soft (good ground holding water), Soft (common in the jumps season, the ground holds more moisture) and Heavy (very wet and can be difficult to run on). In Ireland, Yielding is the equivalent of good to soft.
National Hunt Horses to Watch in 2022/23
Honeysuckle
Given her form since 2020 season, it's hard to ignore Honeysuckle. The winner of Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and the Punchestown Champions Hurdle, she looks set to keep her unbeaten run intact this season. We expect to see her in Ireland at some point in November, so keep your eyes on the racecards.
Famoso
A half brother to Tornado Flyer and with bloodlines to Hurricane Fly, it’s hard to ignore the pedigree of Famoso. Trained by Paul Nicholls, it looks as though he’ll go out over distances of just over 2 miles and given the fact he’s had an extra year to mature, we think he’ll soon go beyond his 111 rating.
Exelerator Express
Trained by Bet UK ambassador Neil Mulholland Exelerator Express was victorious in four of his seven outings in 2021 and has also placed in two of those races. He’s expected to head to Cheltenham Festival later in the season with the Arkle the aim.
Coconut Splash
Trained by Evan Williams, this six-year-old ran well last season and finished the campaign with a rating of 137 as a novice chaser. He’ll most likely head to somewhere like Chepstow or Wetherby for his first start of the season, as he seems to favour soft or heavy ground. He’s still a novice when it comes to chasing so it may take a race for him to find his feet, but given that he finished second behind Chantry House in his last race, we expect to see good things.
Ante Post Betting Guide
Ante Post betting, also known as futures betting, is well known with regards to horse racing betting. Horse racing betting often offers odds on big races long before they actually take place, allowing you to potentially get better odds and bigger returns.
What is Ante Post betting?
Ante Post betting is when you place a bet on a horse race before the race card is confirmed and the race actually takes place. For example, the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup is a popular Ante Post race, as it is one of the biggest races of the horse racing calendar. In the run up to the race, there might be a wide selection of horses that are speculated to be entered into the race. Until the racecard is officially confirmed, any bet placed on the race will effectively be classed as Ante Post.
There are also some risks with Ante Post betting however. As the racecards are not yet confirmed, there is a chance that your selection might not even race. So although you might get increased odds on a sure favourite, there is a chance that your horse has no chance of winning. With Ante Post betting, any bet that is placed and then does not run, will be resulted in a loss. This means that no refunds will be issued and the stake will be lost.
Ante Post betting also applies to more betting markets than just horse racing. There are also other sports that feature ante post betting, including football betting. For example, a bet on the outright winner of the Premier League would be an ante post bet, as it will not be settled until the end of the season. These kind of ante post bets provide less risk however, as the team you bet on is guaranteed to take part in the Premier League season.
Ante Post Betting Example
- The Cheltenham Gold Cup is raced every March at Cheltenham racecourse, but markets for the race are typically open all year round. In anticipation of the race, you decide to place a bet on Horse A in January.
- As the race draws closer, the race card is confirmed. Horse A has instead been entered into another race and will not be taking part in the Gold Cup.
- With Horse A entering into another race, your bet will be resulted in a loss. Unless there is a special ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, a horse not running will always result in a loss with no stake being returned. If there is ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, then the stake will be returned.
- If Horse A does run, then the bet will be settled as normal. The bet will also avoid any Rule 4 declarations, meaning that your chances of winning will be increased, but your payout will remain the same.
Head back to our Bet UK Betting Guides for more information on our huge selection of betting markets.
Bet UK's online betting has the latest Ante Post betting on the biggest racing festivals, including the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. Bet UK's sports betting blog covers the latest sporting news from all major events, including the latest odds, tips and previews.
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