Ascot unveils £10m racecourse revamp

Ascot Racecourse unveiled its £10m improvements at yesterday’s launch of the Flat season.

The lowest level of the revamped Grandstand has now been elevated for improved views, following last year’s criticism by race-goers that the finishing line could not be seen.

Other enhancements include a new bandstand on the Plaza lawn, which will be formally opened on 12 May when the season gets underway.

All permanent bars around the site have been named in honour of historical equine heroes, and the Portland Stone Lions have been relocated from the Weighing Room to either side of Sovereign’s Gate, opposite the Parade Ring.

The amendments were funded using a contingency reserve from the original redevelopment project.