The most glamorous event in the horse racing calendar, Royal Ascot, kicks off on Tuesday, June 25, heralding five days of thrilling races at the Berkshire track. With expectations of warm and dry weather, the event is set to attract over 250,000 spectators throughout the week.
Opening Day Excitement and Star Contenders
Tuesday’s lineup features three prestigious Group One races, including the Queen Anne Stakes, where French horses Facteur Cheval and Big Rock are among the competitors. The King Charles III Stakes will see Big Evs take the stage, while the St James’s Palace Stakes promises a gripping rematch between 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech and runner-up Rosallion.
Notable Speech, unbeaten and seeking a fifth victory under trainer Charlie Appleby for owners Godolphin, is expected to be the favourite. Richard Hannon’s Rosallion, who triumphed in the Irish Guineas, and Aidan O’Brien’s Henry Longfellow, add to the competition.
Event Schedule and Prize Money
Running from Tuesday, June 18, to Saturday, June 22, Royal Ascot features seven races each day, culminating in a total of 35 races. The first race kicks off at 14:30 BST, with the final race each day scheduled for 18:15. The event boasts a total prize pool of £10 million.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can stay updated with live commentaries and dedicated coverage from BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Berkshire, broadcasting from 14:00 to 17:00 BST, and until 18:30 on Saturday.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast predicts sunny spells with light winds and temperatures around 22°C. The track condition on Tuesday is described as good to firm, following 5mm of watering to maintain optimal racing conditions.
Tuesday’s Race Card
- 14:30: Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1), one mile
- 15:05: Coventry Stakes (Group 2), six furlongs
- 15:45: King Charles III Stakes (Group 1), five furlongs
- 16:25: St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1), one mile
- 17:05: Ascot Stakes (Class 2 handicap), two miles, four furlongs
- 17:40: Wolferton Stakes (Listed), one mile, two furlongs
- 18:15: Copper Horse Stakes (Class 2 handicap), one mile, six furlongs
Upcoming Key Races
- Wednesday (June 26): The Prince of Wales’s Stakes sees Auguste Rodin, the English and Irish Derby winner, as the favourite. White Birch, who bested him at the Curragh, will be absent, and Inspiral, initially set for the Queen Anne Stakes, will compete.
- Thursday (June 27): Ladies’ Day features the Gold Cup, with O’Brien’s Kyprios aiming to reclaim the title he won in 2022. Big screens will also broadcast England’s Euro 2024 match against Denmark, scheduled half an hour after the race.
- Friday (June 28): Two Group One races highlight the day. Elite Status leads the sprinters in the Commonwealth Cup, while Opera Singer and 1,000 Guineas winner Elmalka headline the Coronation Stakes.
- Saturday (June 29): Trainer Ralph Beckett’s Kinross aims for success in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, following previous eighth and seventh-place finishes. The Wokingham Stakes remains a challenging puzzle for punters.
Royal Presence and Possible Winners
It is still uncertain whether King Charles III and Queen Camilla will attend the event to see their horses race. Desert Hero, who secured the King’s first Royal Ascot win in the King George V Stakes last year, is entered for the Hardwicke Stakes on Saturday.
Frankie Dettori will be present, promoting a restaurant venture instead of riding, having competed at Ascot for the last time in October before moving to the United States. This gives Ryan Moore, the leading jockey for O’Brien, an opportunity to surpass Dettori’s record of 81 Royal Ascot victories.
James Doyle, representing Wathnan Racing, owned by Sheikh Tamim of Qatar, also looks to make a mark. Wathnan Racing, successful with Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami and Queen's Vase winner Gregory last year, has been active in acquiring horses like Haatem, Shartash, and Space Legend ahead of this year’s event.