A hum of anticipation is expected to settle over the lawns as gates open at Ascot on Wednesday, December 17. There will be no rush, no weekend swell, just the easy confidence of a midweek crowd finding its place. The Ascot Racecards – 15 December – promise an afternoon where free entry, festive warmth, and genuine racing substance move in step. Seven races are scheduled between 11:39am and 3:05pm, offering a card that builds steadily rather than shouts for attention.
Race 1 – A1 Engineering Maiden (11:39am)
Proceedings will begin with Race 1, the A1 Engineering Maiden, run over 1200 metres at 11:39am. Thirteen runners will contest the $25,000 opener, a race expected to offer early clues and set the emotional temperature for the afternoon.
Race 2 – Swan Draught Handicap (12:14pm)
Race 2 follows at 12:14pm with the Swan Draught Handicap. Ten runners are set to line up over 1500 metres for a $30,000 purse, a contest expected to establish the card’s rhythm with an emphasis on early structure and positioning.
Race 3 – Morley Growers Market Handicap (12:50pm)
At 12:50pm, the Morley Growers Market Handicap will extend the distance to 1800 metres. Eleven contenders are engaged, with balance and timing likely to matter more than urgency as the field begins to stretch.
Race 4 – MCA Polytrack Handicap (1:20pm)
Race 4, the MCA Polytrack Handicap, is scheduled for 1:20pm. Run over 1200 metres, the race is set to compress the tempo again, where subtle shifts in pace often decide outcomes long before the line.
Race 5 – Reliable Asset Maintenance Handicap (1:50pm)
The Reliable Asset Maintenance Handicap at 1:50pm completes the competitive core of the card. Twelve runners will contest the 1200-metre event as the afternoon moves deeper.
Race 6 – A.T.A. Stakes (2:28pm)
The meeting’s centre of gravity arrives with Race 6, the A.T.A. Stakes, scheduled for 2:28pm. This Listed contest over 2200 metres carries a $125,000 purse and features a field of eleven runners: GRAND PIERRO, DEMOLISH, FILTHY HABITS, FOREVER BOY, PLAYHOUSE PATRON, FEAR THE WIND, LAVALIER, STORMAGEDDON, IOWA, FAME, and FUNCHAL.
Race 7 – Glenroy Chaff Handicap (3:05pm)
The curtain will be drawn with Race 7, the Glenroy Chaff Handicap, at 3:05pm. Run over 1400 metres for $35,000, it shapes the final impressions of the day as the crowd begins to drift.
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