Ascot: The History

by Sean Magee

The History , written with the full cooperation of the Ascot Authority and with access to the Royal Archives, Weatherbys, and the Jockey Club, is the official history of the world's most famous racecourse. For almost three centuries, the very word Ascot has been synonymous with royalty, elegance, high fashion, and style-and with the world's finest racehorses battling for some of the Turf's most prestigious prizes. Established in 1711 by Queen Anne in an open space in Windsor Forest, the course has come to represent the sport of racing itself through the reigns of twelve monarchs. Above all, the history of Ascot resonates with the names of the many outstanding horses that, over the years, have graced its turf and established its reputation. Here are the eighteenth-century legends Eclipse and Gimcrack; the twentieth-century giants Ribot, Nijinsky, Shergar, and Dubai Millennium; Arkle, the supreme steeplechaser; and the best-loved Ascot horse of all, Brown Jack. And with the great horses are linked the great jockeys, including Steve Donoghue, Gordon Richards, Lester Piggott, and Frankie Dettori, whose "Magnificent Seven" winners at Ascot in 1996 remains one of the greatest feats of jockeyship in the racecourse's history. At once enormously readable and authoritative, The History is rich in character, detail, and anecdote and is lavishly illustrated throughout. Exciting, illuminating, and entertaining, it is the book for all who love the sport of Kings and Queens.

Hardcover

First published July 1, 2003