The first day of Royal Ascot has began today with the attendance of the Queen and the Royal Party.

Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and the Royal Procession dates back to the 1820s and the reign of King George IV.

The Queen takes a personal interest in the running of Ascot and is kept informed of the order of running of the racing programme at the Royal Meeting.

On opening day Ascot is renowned for hats and the ladies who wear them even the colour of the Queens hat is subject of much speculation and plentiful bets are placed during the five day meet in Berkshire as to what the colour may be.

There are race courses near by to our Canal Boat Holiday bases so if you fancy your chances why not go along and see if you can pick a winner.

The course at Warwick is home to the National Hunt fixtures and the Kingmakers Novices Chase.

Leicester Racecourse was established in 1882 and has seen some famous horses race there such as Zilzal, Diminuendo and Time Charter.

The historic city of Worcester on the banks of the River Severn has hosted racing at Pitchcroft since 1718 and is only a short walk away from our Canal Boat Holiday location at Lowesmoor Wharf.

Perhaps the most famous race courses of them all is Aintree in Liverpool which is home to The Grand National.

One of racing legends Red Rum is buried at the winning post and has a very fitting epitaph which reads Respect this place, this hallowed ground, a legend here his, rest has found, his feet would fly, our spirits soar, he earned our love for evermore.

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