With at least one Group One race on each of the five days, the
world's greatest thoroughbreds and jockeys were competing for some
of the most prestigious prizes of the season.
Until 1945, the only racing that took place at Ascot was the Royal
Meeting and many of the races run at today’s Royal Ascot
featured in the earliest meetings. The oldest race is the Gold
Cup which was first run in 1807 when it was won by Master Jackey,
a three year old who had already won a race at Ascot twenty-four
hours earlier.
Papineau came from off the pace to land the Gold Cup for the Godolphin
team. Rakti, runner-up in the Prince of Wales's Stakes 12 months
ago, went one better in the Group One contest on Wednesday. Azamour
made up for two Classic defeats with victory in the St James's
Palace Stakes. Darryll Holland brought
The Tatling with a tremendous late run down the centre of the
course to lift the King's Stand Stakes.
Ascot Racecourse,
founded in 1711 is the worlds most famous racecourse. The very
best Flat racing takes place at Ascot between March and October,
with the main highlight undoubtedly being the internationally renowned
Royal Ascot in June.
The five-day meeting is a perfect opportunity to experience the unique
atmosphere of Royal Ascot, particularly for those who may not have
been able to attend before.
Preparations are well underway for next year's Royal Ascot at
York with the first stage of the course extension completed. In order
to run races like the Gold Cup over two and a half miles and the
Queen Alexandra Stakes, which is over a further two furlongs, the
Knavesmire track had to be lengthened. A fully drained and cambered
three furlongs had to be constructed to complete a full circuit
of the course.
Star Newcastle colt Choisir has shared top honours among older
horses in the sprinting category in the year-end International
Classifications following his historic wins at Royal
Ascot last year (2003).
Train Chartering is offering private Trains for
charter or hire to Royal Ascot at York 2005, every day between
14th and 18th
June 2005. Royal Ascot is moving to York Racecourse for 2005
because Ascot Racecourse is closing down for 20 months following
the September Festival in 2004 for the main phase of a £180 million
redevelopment. The 2005 Royal Meeting therefore needs a temporary
home.