Horse racing is a vital element of British culture.
Henry II arranged England's first great horse race in Smithfield, thereby giving rise to the tradition. Stallions and mares were imported on the initiative of King Henry VIII and in the ensuing centuries thoroughbred horses rose in prominence. In the 1600s while James I was on the throne Newmarket was made the hub of English horse racing.
In 1634 the first Gold Cup was held, only to be banned in 1654 by Oliver Cromwell, himself the owner of a studhorse. Charles II revived the sport once more in Newmarket, and horse racing has been a cornerstone of England's culture and economy ever since.
Royal Ascot
Ascot Racecourse hosts one of the planet's most prestigious horse racing meetings: the Royal Ascot. In 1711 in accordance with the wishes of Queen Anne the first Royal Ascot meeting was held and one of its races was named in her honour. The Jersey Stakes, the Coronation Stakes and the Ascot Gold Cup held on Ladies' Day are also among the major races of this colossal four-day social event.
According to a tradition originating in the 18th century, the royal family is conveyed to the Royal Ascot via horse drawn carriage and observes a rigid dress code. The ladies must cover their shoulders while top hats and morning dress are in order for the gentlemen.
While the event is undeniably a stage for social pageantry, it remains the country's best-attended race meeting with over £3,000,000 in prize money.
Royal Ascot is probably the most spectacular racing event in the world
Grand National at Aintree Racecourse
The horse racing meeting where everyone and their granny has a bet, Grand National is the most celebrated National Hunt Handicap horse racing event the world over, taking place in April.
Jumps like The Chair and Becher's Brook are legendary for the risks they pose to horses and riders, and the steeple chase event is so perilous that injuries and fatalities are common. It was coming in first two consecutive years starting at the inaugural meeting in 1836 that The Duke earned his status as one of England's most famous horses.
Thanks to the installment of polytrak surfaces, races are now held year-round in spite of the weather. Of all the courses in London's vicinity, far and away the most eminent are Ascot and Epsom, both of which have a share in the hosting of the Royal Meeting, Oaks and Derby.
Commencing in winter and drawing to a close in April, the National Hunt (jump) season includes events such as the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown Park and the King George VI stakes at Kempton Park.
Greater London's racecourses:
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JN
Tel: 01344 876 876
Website: www.ascot-authority.co.uk
Nearest railway station: Ascot
The Grandstand
Epsom Downs, Surrey, KT18 5LQ
Tel: 01372 470047
Website: www.epsomderby.co.uk
Nearest railway station: Epsom Town
Kempton Park Racecourse
Sunbury on Thames TW16 5AQ
Tel: 01372) 463072, Website: www.kempton.co.uk
Nearest railway station: Kempton Park
Racecourse Road
Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6PQ
Website: www.lingfield-racecourse.co.uk
Nearest railway station: Lingfield Park
The Racecourse
Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ
Tel: 01372 470047
Website: www.sandown.co.uk
Nearest railway station: Esher
The Racecourse
Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5JJ
Tel: 01753 865234
Website: www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Nearest railway stations: Windsor & Eton Riverside and Windsor Central
