Ascot Racecourse, Sydney facts for kids
Ascot Racecourse was a famous place in Sydney, Australia, where horse races used to happen. It was located in a suburb called Mascot, very close to what is now Sydney Airport. This racecourse was named after the very famous Royal Ascot Racecourse in the United Kingdom. It was open for many years, from 1904 until 1941. Today, the land where it once stood is part of Sydney Airport.
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Ascot Racecourse: A Place for Horse Racing
Where Was Ascot Racecourse?
The Ascot Racecourse was found in Mascot, a southern suburb of Sydney. It was very close to the Mascot Aerodrome, which is now Sydney Airport. People often traveled to the racecourse using a special tramline that ran from Botany Road. This made it easy for large crowds to visit the races.
What Happened There?
Ascot Racecourse was one of four main places in Sydney where horse races took place. It was a popular spot for people to watch horses compete.
A very exciting event happened at Ascot Racecourse on May 5, 1911. This was when the first ever aeroplane flight over Sydney took place! A pilot named J.J. Hammond flew his Boxkite plane from the racecourse grounds.
Why Did It Close?
The racecourse closed down during World War II. During this time, the land was used as a military camp to help with the war effort. After the war ended, the racecourse did not open again. It was taken down to make space for the expansion of Sydney Airport.
What Remains Today?
Most of the racecourse is gone now, but there is one special thing left. Fifteen fig trees that used to line the entrance of the racecourse are still there. These trees are located near the airport's long-term carpark. They are protected because they are an important part of the area's history.
