Going racing for the first time maybe daunting so we have put together a few pointers on how we think you will get the most out of your day at Ascot.
This really is racing made simple…
We would advise you to arrive at the racecourse early as it will give you plenty of time to explore the delights of the grandstand and surrounding lawns. A good tool for doing this is a racecard which can be purchased from one of the blue kiosks just inside the entrances to the racecourse. This not only gives you all the race information but gives you a clearer idea of where things are and what is going on throughout the day.

Planning Your Day
Where to watch the horses during the day
Place a Bet
Tote Betting
Glossary of Terms
The Tour

WHERE TO WATCH THE HORSES DURING THE DAY

The route of the horses on the day can be very interesting as it may be a good indication of how the horse is shaping up for the race. The route of the horses can be mirrored by the racegoers to give you the full Ascot racing experience.

Pre Parade Ring
The first sight of the horses is at the Pre-Parade Ring where the horses are walked around by their handler prior to saddling. This gives an opportunity to see the horse before he comes into the main ring and before he is saddled. After a few laps of the ring the horse will be led away to be kitted out for the Parade Ring.

Parade Ring
This is where you have the best sight of the horses before the race and where many racegoers make their selections. The horses will be lead into the Parade Ring to be warmed up and looked over by the vet.

This also acts as an opportunity for the Jockey’s after being weighed in to have a final word with the trainer about the race ahead. Once the bell is rung Jockeys mount the horse and make their way to the track where the horse will be loaded into the starting stalls.

The Race
Once you have visited the Parade Ring it is time to take your position for the race.

At Ascot there are two admission areas in which to watch the race. The Premier admission area overlooks the whole course and gives the racegoers access to seating on level 4 of the grandstand and standing room opposite the winning post on the front lawns.

Grandstand admission offers a closer view on the concourse level. This area has a great view of the straight mile leading up to the finish.

The Winners Enclosure
Having watched the race and perhaps even seen the horse you backed come in first, it’s time to head to the winners enclosure for the presentation.

The first 4 placed horses return to the Parade Ring which now becomes the Winners Enclosure. Each jockey will then remove the saddle and be weighed back in, making sure they have not lost a lot of weight consequently gaining an advantage. Once the buzzer is sounded the result is finalised.

You can then wait to see the Trophy presentation to the owner, trainer and jockey.