Creating a Facility Fit For Modern Racing
Working at Ascot Racecourse presented a unique set of challenges. The facilities needed to perform at the highest level, withstand the demands of race day and respect the heritage of one of the world’s most recognisable sporting venues. Our role was to turn an ambitious brief into a fully operational facility, working closely with Ridge & Partners and Royal Ascot and the wider project team to deliver a new environment for jockeys and valets that combined functionality, durability and quality.
Getting the detail right
The specialist nature of the facility meant that attention to detail was critical throughout. Safeguarding requirements were incorporated across the changing rooms, including dedicated facilities for under-18 jockeys and carefully considered privacy and segregation measures. The spaces also needed to work seamlessly for jockeys, valets and support staff within the fast-paced environment of race day.
The changing bays and valet furniture were manufactured locally and made specifically for the facility. Oak valet tables, bespoke changing units, saddle racks, benching and storage were all produced to meet the exact requirements of the space. This level of bespoke work required close coordination between manufacture and installation, with accuracy and finish particularly important throughout. The result was a facility where the quality of the workmanship was evident in the details, while every element retained a clear practical purpose.
Built for race day
The completed facilities were designed to support the demands of the entire race-day experience. New ice baths were installed in both the male and female changing rooms, alongside two dedicated physiotherapy rooms and a gym that opened directly onto the valet areas. Washing and drying facilities, additional benching, hooks and saddle storage were incorporated to give valets the equipment and workspace they needed close at hand. A flexible central area between the male and female facilities also allowed the space to be adapted according to the day’s racing programme, providing a practical solution for changing requirements.
Quality that reflected the setting
- The materials and finishes were carefully selected to create a facility that felt at home within Ascot.
- High-specification cubicles, black metalwork, leather detailing and bespoke oak joinery combined durability with a high level of finish appropriate to the racecourse.
- The design drew inspiration from traditional racing environments while sitting comfortably alongside Ascot’s wider interiors.
A project we were proud to deliver
The response from the racing community was extremely positive, with leading jockeys praising the new facilities and the Professional Jockeys Association recognising them as among the best in the world. For us, the achievement was in delivering a facility that worked exactly as it needed to on race day – robust, practical and meticulously finished, while reflecting the character and prestige of Ascot.
