Windsor Racecourse
Encyclopedia
Windsor Racecourse, also known as Royal Windsor Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Windsor
, Berkshire
, England
. It is one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the United Kingdom
, the other being at Fontwell Park
. It abandoned National Hunt jump racing in December 1998, switching entirely to Flat racing
. However, the course has occasionally held National Hunt
meetings since, such as when it took over some of nearby Ascot
's jump meetings during its refurbishment in the mid-2000s.
Windsor Racecourse is located on the banks of the River Thames
and occupies a large island between the main channel of the River and the Clewer Mill Stream
backwater.
The local area has links to horse racing that date back to the time of Henry VIII
, but the first race meeting at Royal Windsor did not take place until 1866.
Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family....
, Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. It is one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the other being at Fontwell Park
Fontwell Park Racecourse
Fontwell Park Racecourse is a horse racing course located in the village of Fontwell in West Sussex, England. It features a figure-of-eight chase course and an oval hurdles course....
. It abandoned National Hunt jump racing in December 1998, switching entirely to Flat racing
Flat racing
Flat racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing which is run over a level track at a predetermined distance. It differs from steeplechase racing which is run over hurdles...
. However, the course has occasionally held National Hunt
National Hunt racing
National Hunt racing is the official name given to the sport of horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in which the horses are required to jump over obstacles called hurdles or fences...
meetings since, such as when it took over some of nearby Ascot
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
's jump meetings during its refurbishment in the mid-2000s.
Windsor Racecourse is located on the banks of the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
and occupies a large island between the main channel of the River and the Clewer Mill Stream
Clewer Mill Stream
Clewer Mill Stream is a narrow twisting backwater of the River Thames near Windsor, Berkshire which leaves the river at Bush Ait and rejoins just above Queen Elizabeth Bridge...
backwater.
The local area has links to horse racing that date back to the time of Henry VIII
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
, but the first race meeting at Royal Windsor did not take place until 1866.
Notable races
- August Stakes
- Leisure Stakes
- Midsummer Stakes
- Royal Windsor Stakes
- Winter Hill StakesWinter Hill StakesThe Winter Hill Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Windsor over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.The event is traditionally held during...