Ascot, town and racecourse, Windsor and Maidenhead, southern England, located at the southern end of Windsor Great Park. Architecturally, Ascot is a predominantly modern town dominated by the industries, shops, and services of nearby Windsor, except during June when it hosts the Royal Ascot race meeting on the racecourse on Ascot heath. Ascot Week is a great social and horse-racing occasion, attended by thousands of visitors, as well as by the British royal family, who arrive by carriage across Windsor Great Park. Racing on Ascot heath was started by Queen Anne in 1711, and it was during the 18th century that royalty began attending meetings regularly. The premier race, for the Ascot Gold Cup, was first run in 1807. Population (1991) 11,654.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Ascot Information info
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