royal ascot news/

Royal Ascot to return home in 2006
11/10/05

The Duke of Devonshire, Her Majesty’s Representative and Chairman of Ascot Racecourse, today confirmed that Royal Ascot will be back at its Berkshire home next year.

“We promised the industry an autumn decision on the venue for next year’s Royal Meeting and we are delighted to confirm that the redevelopment is on target and will be back at Ascot next year,” he said.

“The track has settled extremely well and been trialled. The Grandstand shell and core construction is virtually complete and fit-out work is well underway. Today is a major milestone for Ascot. The uncertainty is over and we are confirming our plans.”

Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot, added:

“The development of the Ascot track is the result of considerable research and application over the last five years. The new straight mile surface, the eradication of the major crossings and integration of a new state of the art irrigation system throughout are huge advances for Ascot. We now have a world class racing surface.”

Rod Sheard, Lead architect on the project (HOK Sport+Venue+Event), said:

“This racecourse sets a new standard for the way that people will go racing in the UK. It will provide a much more open approach to racegoing and will be viewed not only as a leading racecourse on the international stage, but as a world-class sport and entertainment venue.”

The Royal Meeting will run from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2006. The official opening of the racecourse will take place on the first day of the Royal Meeting.

Racing is also scheduled for Saturday 27th May and further details of that fixture will be confirmed in due course.

General admission group bookings will be taken from 5th December 2005 and tickets will go on general sale on 3rd January 2006. Details of the procedure for Royal Enclosure applications will follow in due course.