Ascot

Three different courses are utilised for flat racing: the Long (Swinley) Course, Round Mile and Straight Mile, all of which were underlayed with new drainage during the redevelopment work that took place here between 2004-2006, meaning the going these days rarely gets testing. The Straight Mile is used for all races up to 7f and is perfectly flat from running rail to running rail but noticeably uphill from start to finish, thus placing an emphasis on stamina. Races of a mile take place on the Round Mile with the notable exception of the 1m Royal Hunt Cup, which starts at the far end of the Straight Mile. The Queen Alexandra Stakes, which at 2m5f is the longest race in the calendar and is traditionally the last race of Royal Ascot, also starts from here.

All other races take place on the undulating Long Course, which is downhill after the turn out of the home straight and continues this way until it reaches Swinley Bottom, which is the lowest point of the track. It then starts to climb until the 3f pole, where it joins the straight course, and it’s uphill again all the way to the finishing line. Stamina, stamina and more stamina is required and relentless gallopers tend to prevail at the finish.