Set on the banks of the River Thames and in the shadow of Windsor Castle, the racecourse at Windsor is famed for its beautiful setting, immaculate lawns and friendly, intimate atmosphere.
Windsor hosts racing throughout the summer and into the autumn, the majority of which takes place during their regular Monday evening meetings.
It is one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the United Kingdom, the other being Fontwell Park.
Here's our guide to Windsor Racecourse.
Windsor Racecourse Location
Where is Windsor?
Windsor Racecourse is situated in the historic Berkshire town of Windsor, approximately 25 miles to the west of central London and 21 miles to the east of Reading.
How to get to Windsor Racecourse
By Train
There are two train stations located near to Windsor Racecourse. The Windsor & Eton Central, which has direct lines to and from Slough, and the Windsor & Eton Riverside, which runs regular trains to and from London Waterloo.
By Bus
The number 703 is a popular bus for racegoers as it stops at Heathrow Terminal 5, Slough, Ascot and Bracknell and Windsor Town Centre.
Alternatively, those travelling from Slough and Windsor Town Centre can also take the number 8 bus.
Both buses will drop travellers off at Windsor Boys School, which is just a short walk away from the racecourse.
By Car
Windsor Racecourse is conveniently located just 1.5 miles away from Windsor Town Centre and can be accessed by car via either junction 6 on the M4 or junction 3 on the M3.
By Boat
Windsor is the only racecourse in the UK accessible by boat, with a direct river taxi service running all day on race days to and from Barry Avenue Promenade and the racecourse.
Windsor Racecourse Layout
Track Layout
The track at Windsor is a figure of eight shape, twelve-and-a-half-furlongs in length.
All races run at around a mile-and-a-half see both left and right-handed turns being taken, but in races below that distance, only right-handed turns are in play.
Though it is essentially quite flat, the track is regarded as being sharp in character. Allowing for that, the run-in of nearly five furlongs helps to ensure galloping sorts aren't inconvenienced.
A good draw can be vital, with those drawn high tending to be favoured in sprints. The bottom bend sees plenty of action, especially if the leaders slow up on the approach, and races can often be won and lost here.
There is sometimes a 'golden highway' up the centre of the track, but, equally, brave jockeys can reap rewards if sticking to the stand rail and getting the breaks late on.
Enclosures and Viewing Areas
Royal Windsor Racecourse is a 'place to be seen' and with three enclosures it offers a destination for all racegoers to enjoy the action.
The Club Enclosure has the prime position next to the winning post and has a dedicated big screen for all the racing action. From here racegoers have access to the Grandstand Enclosures, Centre of the Course and Paddock Lawn, as well as The Parade Ring, Pre-Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure.
The Grandstand Enclosure has a great view of the track and is located within 75 yards of the winning post.
The 1866 Restaurant is a superb track-side restaurant which overlooks the finishing straight, while The Royal Club houses Gastro was a finalist in the 2019 RCA Showcase Awards in the food and beverage category.
For unique al-fresco dining the Riverbank Marquee is set within the Jubilee Club Enclosure, just metres away from the finishing post and parade ring and it promises a selection of summer barbequed favourites.
Key Races at Windsor
Leisure Stakes
The Listed Leisure Stakes ran over six furlongs for horses aged three and older takes place on a Monday evening in May and can be used as a springboard for nearby Royal Ascot the following month.
Midsummer Stakes
Later in the season Windsor stages the Midsummer Stakes, a Listed contest run over a mile and open to three-year-olds and older.
August Stakes
Unsurprisingly, this Listed 1m3f race takes place each August and was most recently won by the Andrew Balding-trained Sea Of Roses in 2024.
Winter Hill Stakes
Held in late August, on Bank Holiday weekend, the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes is typically seen as the feature contest of the season at this picturesque Berkshire venue.
Windsor Racecourse History
Windsor Racecourse Opening Date
Windsor Racecourse first opened its doors on 5th June 1866.
When was the first Winter Hill Stakes?
The Winter Hill Stakes was first held in 1976 as a Listed contest before being elevated to Group 3 status in 1995.
Annus Mirabilis is the only horse to have won the race three times, with the first two of those successes coming under the guide of Frankie Dettori, who is the most successful jockey in the race's history with five victories to his name.
Sir Michael Stoute is the most decorated trainer in the race, recording a whopping 10 wins, the most recent of which came with Passenger in 2023.
