Ascot Finances In Good Shape

2018 was another strong year for the finances of Ascot Racecourse when pre-tax profits for the course reached £6.1m. Increased turnover from admissions, race-day dining and increased sponsorship agreements at Royal Ascot have all yielded positive returns for the track which has subsequently allowed it to reduce the company's debt to £50.6m and deliver increased prize-money and implement a proactive refurbishment programme. Ascot repaid almost £10m in debt in 2018 while prize-money, excluding British Champions Day, increased by £1.25m from the previous year. “2018 was another year of balanced progress in our overall financial performance, with Royal Ascot performing particularly well,” said Guy Henderson, Ascot's chief executive. “The business continues to deliver on its policy of balanced sustainable income streams to drive investment in facilities, prize money, customer experience and international engagement, alongside our debt repayment programme.” Henderson continued, “We are grateful to all our partners, sponsors and customers for their continued support. I also wish to thank and pay tribute to our dedicated staff, full time and race-day, for all their efforts in delivering another strong performance all round.”