Ascot pay £10m to improve the view

THE return of Royal Ascot to its home in Berkshire this year after its guest appearance at York in 2005 was hailed as a major success - for those that could see it.

The racing was, as always, top-notch, but hundreds of racegoers came away from the blue-blooded meeting having to mind their Ps and Qs after a glitch in the £200 million re- development of the course meant that some spectators could barely see the action.

To their credit, Ascot took these complaints on board, and yesterday officials announced a £10m programme of improvements to ensure that the views will no longer be restricted.

"We have had a number of important issues to consider since the return of racing to Ascot after the 20 month redevelopment project," said Douglas Erskine-Crum, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse.

"The measures we have announced today will successfully address those issues, within our contingency budget and in time for Royal Ascot 2007. We look forward to delivering in 2007 the experience our customers expect and deserve from us."

In June, Ascot reopened with a new realigned track and grandstand, replacing the previous 40-year old structure.

The new grandstand was built over a period of 20 months and was delivered on time and on budget. However, experience of the building since June enabled Ascot to identify areas that needed urgent attention.

Thorough analysis of feedback from racegoers, together with an independent review undertaken by Peter Rogers was completed recently and a plan of action was published yesterday.

The key focus of the review that followed this summer's Royal meeting was to remedy the areas where viewing was restricted. As a result, the lawns will be re-graded to increase the gradient and improve the view of the track.

The steppings and seating areas will also be elevated, although the racecourse itself will not be amended in any way.

The bookmakers' area, including the rails bookmakers' pitches, in the project which is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2007.

Among the other improvements to take place are amendments to the Silver Ring, which will include new lawns and the provision of a temporary 2,000-seater stand. The Royal Enclosure will be extended to include a dedicated area at concourse level in the western end of the stand, leading to an exclusive large lawned area in the Old Paddock. Rogers added: "As with any major new building, areas for improvement are always identified once the building becomes operational, not least after an event such as Royal Ascot.

"I am sure that a combination of this programme of works, which will address operational and viewing issues, together with customers becoming more familiar with the new facility, will result in racegoers experiencing the very best that Ascot has to offer."

Ascot also has plenty to offer this weekend, with the £150,000 Ladbroke Hurdle due to be staged there, and David Pipe expects to be triple-handed.

Shortest in the betting at 11-1 with the sponsors is Acambo, who was last seen winning the Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock back in May.

Pipe feels he is more effective on a quicker surface, however, along with the consistent Wee Dinns. "I think that all three of mine will run," explained Pipe, whose father Martin regularly plundered the richest handicap hurdles in the racing calendar.

"The last time I heard, the ground was good to soft, which will be fine for Desert Air. Acambo would probably want it better, as would Wee Dinns. I can't stop the rain, but I wouldn't want any more."