The Ascot Racecourse, which is located in Perth, Western Australia, is located roughly 8 km just dead east of the Perth business district. The headquarters of the Western Australian Turf Club, the organization responsible for running the racecourse, has their headquarters directly opposite. The track itself features a 300 metre inclining straight, which has been said to be one of the toughest tests for stayers in Australia, even for those competing in the world renowned Perth Cup. The track has a circumference of 2,000 metres and gives all horses a fair chance of winning, if they come prepared. The track has a modern state of the art turf draining system in place, but it is still able to maintain the look and feel that it is has been made famous for.
The Ascot Racecourse is home to several beautiful gardens and top of the line facilities, including interstate and local bookmakers’ rings, which makes it convenient for spectators, officials, and race betters alike. There is an open sided pavilion, and the course is best known as the “Grand Old Lady” of all Australian race courses. There are nine superb alfresco dining and bar establishments that specialize in fresh cuisine for the patrons to enjoy. There are also the two tiered restaurants, one available for public access named The Terrace, and the other for private members named Flying Colors. Both establishments offer spectators excellent views of the track and excellent food and drink.
The highlights of this racecourse are the Perth Cup, the Ascot Summer Racing Carnival, and of course the Ascot Autumn Racing Carnival. Other feature races worth noting are: Group 1 races Railway Stakes, Kingston Town Classic, and the WATC Derby. Group 2 races Perth Cup, Winterbottom Stakes, Karrakatta Plate, CB Cox Stakes, WA Guineas, and Lee Steere Stakes. The Group 3 races include WATC Sires Produce, WA Oaks, WA Champion Fillies Stakes, RJ Peters Stakes, Prince of Wales Stakes, Lee Steere Classic, Hyperion Stakes, Colonel Reeves Stakes, Asian Beau Stakes, and the AJ Scahill Stakes. Whatever the occasion, there is a race that fits what you’re looking for!
The racing at Ascot Racecourse starts to heat up as the Melbourne spring finishes up, and some incredible Group 1 racing begins in late November and runs thru December. The racecourse has undergone many changes through the years, and it has always been able to maintain its distinctive look and feel that it’s so famous for. The track has been shortened considerably over time, and this offers very competitive racing that you surely won’t want to miss. The variety of races available at the course gives every horse a chance to make a name for himself and most don’t let that opportunity pass them by. The racetrack is known to offer some very good prize pools, with the Railway Stakes offering over $1 million in prize money.
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