Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is located in Perth, Western Australia, and is one of the most prestigious horse racing venues in the country. It is home to the Western Australian Turf Club and is famous for its high-quality racing and stunning scenery.
The track at Ascot is a right-handed oval track measuring 1,600 meters in circumference with a straight of 293 meters. It is a relatively flat track with a slight rise in the home straight, which can make it challenging for horses to maintain their momentum. Races at Ascot range from 1,000 meters to 2,400 meters, with the most prestigious races being run over 1,600 meters and 2,000 meters.
The atmosphere at Ascot is always electric, especially on race days during the summer months. The grandstand and hospitality areas offer stunning views of the track, and there are plenty of food and beverage options available to racegoers.
In terms of form at Ascot, it is generally considered a fair track, and there is no particular bias towards any particular running style. However, it is worth noting that horses that are drawn wide may struggle to win as they have further to travel around the turn. When studying the form at Ascot, it is essential to consider the track conditions, as it can become firm during the summer months.
Some of the famous races held at Ascot include the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic, the Group 1 Railway Stakes, and the Group 2 Perth Cup. The Kingston Town Classic is the premier race held at Ascot, and it is run over 1,800 meters and is worth over AUD 1 million in prize money. The Railway Stakes is another prestigious race, held over 1,600 meters and worth AUD 1 million in prize money. The Perth Cup is a two-mile race worth AUD 500,000 in prize money and is run on New Year's Day.
In terms of prize money, Ascot offers some of the most substantial purses in Australian horse racing. The Kingston Town Classic, for example, has a total prize pool of AUD 1 million, with the winner taking home AUD 590,000. The Railway Stakes has a similar prize pool, with the winner taking home AUD 590,000 as well. The Perth Cup has a total prize pool of AUD 500,000, with the winner taking home AUD 305,000.