Course Overview
It is not often that you find a racecourse that is on it's own island. Royal Windsor racecourse is one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the UK, located on the bank of the River Thames, lends to a stunning backdrop.
A figure of eight shape, twelve and a half furlongs in extent. Races around a mile and a half see both left and right-handed turns, but in races below that distance, only right-handed turns are met.
Though perfectly flat throughout, the track is sharp in character. However due to the length of the run-in (nearly five furlongs), galloping sorts aren't inconvenienced.
Course Details
Windsor Racecourse
Maidenhead Road
Berkshire
SL4 5JJ
By Foot or Car – The course is just a mile and a half from Windsor town centre, the racecourse is easily accessible and well signposted by road. There is plenty of car parking spaces. Details for your sat nav are above.
By Train – The nearest train station is Windsor and Eton Central, then a short taxi ride to the course.
By Boat – As the racecourse is situated on an island, it’s gives the unique opportunity to arrive by boat. Direct river taxi services run on-demand from the Barry Avenue Promenade and it is a lovely trip down the Thames.
By Air – Only a 15 minute drive from Heathrow Airport and just over an hour from Gatwick Airport.
Hotels close to Windsor Racecourse
Brief History
Windsor Great Park was ringfenced and preserved as a royal hunting ground 700 years ago, and when you visit and see the surroundings, it’s easy to understand why it’s been so enjoyed by royalty for so long.
Racing was recorded back at the site as long ago as 1600, and in the 18th Century, it was the home to the Egham Meeting: then more important than Royal Ascot.
Throughout the 1800s, the popularity in steeplechase racing rose and the course became a favourite amongst military and hosted professional racing meetings.
Windsor found its niche in not competing with the now more popular Ascot racecourse instead, it boasts a smaller and more relaxed atmosphere with its Monday night racing hugely popular throughout the summer.
It is a course hot on emerging horse talent where top trainers love to send their horses to “learn their trade”.
In 1923, before photo-finish cameras, one camera there managed to catch a triple ‘dead heat’ and the image remains a historical feat.
Three years later, Prime Minister Winston Churchill introduced a betting tax, and the independent bookmakers at Windsor refused to take bets from punters: going on strike. It wasn’t believed at the time that this would have any tangible impact, but it worked and the tax was withdrawn. Churchill even went on to buy and train horses!
In 1998, Windsor finally curbed its national hunt racing in order to better preserve the track for flat. It was a well-advised move, and the course continues to boast world-class racing today.
Race Calendar
-
12 & 19April – afternoon racing
-
26 April – evening racing
-
3 & 31 May- afternoon racing
-
10, 17 & 24 May – evening racing
-
7, 14 & 21 June – evening racing
-
26, 27 & 28 June – 3 Day Festival
-
5, 12, 19 & 26 July – evening racing
-
2, 9, 16, 28 Aug – evening racing
-
8 Aug – afternoon racing
-
19 Aug – Racing League – Race Day 4
-
7 Sep – evening racing
-
4, 11 & 18 Oct – afternoon racing
Summary
Royal Windsor Racecourse is a beautiful and unique course in the shadow of Windsor Castle and set in 165 acres of stunning and beautiful English countryside.
A small and compact layout means you always feel close to the action, with the pre-parade, parade and course all close together.
Hosting a range of summer evening meetings it’s easy to see why it is so popular with many people attending from London after a days work – often travelling by boat along the River Thames!
With great food options, friendly staff and a possible glimpse of the Royals – it’s a five-star course with a very English charm.