Royal Ascot is widely recognised as the crown jewel of the British flat racing season – a five-day spectacle of pageantry, elite competition, and enduring tradition. Held each June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, the event has close ties to the monarchy and remains a centrepiece of the social calendar as much as the sporting one.
Central to its prestige are the world-class races that define the meeting, each steeped in history and known for attracting top-tier thoroughbreds from around the world. The event also coincides with increased interest in free bets Ascot promotions, reflecting its significance in the sporting landscape for fans and punters alike.
From time-honoured Group 1 clashes to newer highlights that have quickly become crowd favourites, here is a guide to Royal Ascot’s most prestigious races and the moments that have helped cement their legacy.
The Queen Anne Stakes – A Regal Opening
Royal Ascot traditionally begins with the Queen Anne Stakes, a Group 1 race open to horses aged four and older. Run over a mile on the straight course, it pays tribute to Queen Anne, who founded Ascot Racecourse in 1711. The race sets the tone for the week, combining high quality with historical resonance.
Recently, it has attracted some of the world’s top milers. Perhaps the most iconic winner was the unbeaten Frankel, who produced one of the most dominant performances in modern racing when he stormed to victory in 2012 – a performance regarded as one of the greatest in Ascot history.
The King’s Stand Stakes – Speed and Power
One of the most thrilling spectacles of the meeting, the King’s Stand Stakes is a Group 1 sprint over five furlongs that consistently draws elite speedsters. Originally a stopgap race created due to heavy rain in 1860, it has since evolved into one of the most significant sprint races in Europe.
With its fast and furious nature, the King’s Stand has seen international participation soar in the 21st century, thanks in part to its role within the Global Sprint Challenge. Notable past winners include Australian flyer Miss Andretti in 2007 and the American-trained Lady Aurelia, who dazzled with her front-running win in 2017.
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes – A Middle-Distance Masterpiece
Run over a mile and a quarter, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes is a Group 1 race open to horses aged four and over. Originally introduced in 1862, it was discontinued after 1940 and only revived in 1968. Since then, it has gone on to become one of Royal Ascot’s marquee races, particularly noted for its international appeal and tactical intrigue.
Its prestige grew further in the late 1990s and early 2000s when it achieved Group 1 status. Standout performances include Ouija Board’s stunning win in 2006 and the unforgettable battle between Highland Reel and Decorated Knight in 2017, in which the former came out on top by one-and-a-quarter lengths.
The Gold Cup – The Crown Jewel of Staying Races
If Royal Ascot is a festival of tradition, then the Gold Cup is its beating heart. First run in 1807, it is the oldest and most prestigious race of the meeting. Staged over two and a half miles, it is a test of stamina, strategy and sheer determination.
The race is synonymous with some of the great stayers in racing history, none more so than Yeats, who won an unprecedented four consecutive Gold Cups from 2006 to 2009. Queen Elizabeth II herself enjoyed success when her horse Estimate triumphed in 2013, a historic victory that saw a reigning monarch win the race for the first time.
The Gold Cup, traditionally known as Ladies’ Day, is run on Thursday and stands as a symbol of endurance, excellence and emotional resonance at Royal Ascot.
The Coronation Stakes – Crowning the Best Three-Year-Old Fillies
The Coronation Stakes is one of Europe’s most prestigious races for three-year-old fillies. Run over a mile, it was inaugurated in 1840 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria. Now a Group 1 contest, it often features winners or leading contenders from the English, Irish, and French 1,000 Guineas.
The race serves as a defining point in the career of top fillies, and stars like Attraction, Winter, and Alpha Centauri have showcased their class in recent renewals. With its blend of glamour and Group 1 importance, it remains a standout on Friday’s card.
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Now the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes) – A Sprinting Finale
Held on the final day of Royal Ascot, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes is one of the most anticipated races of the week. Formerly known as the Golden Jubilee and later the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, the race was renamed in honour of Queen Elizabeth II following her passing in 2022.
A six-furlong Group 1 sprint open to four-year-olds and up, it regularly features international challengers and is known for its high-quality fields. Notable champions include Choisir, who completed the remarkable King’s Stand–Jubilee double in 2003, and Black Caviar, the Australian superstar who narrowly preserved her unbeaten record in a dramatic 2012 edition.
A Festival That Blends Heritage and Excellence
While fashions change and favourites come and go, the essence of Royal Ascot remains remarkably constant. The meeting is not just about spectacle or the range of £10 million in prize pots available over the course of the five days – it’s about appreciating the best of flat racing across various distances, styles and challenges.
These prestigious races are more than mere contests; they are living chapters in a centuries-old story that continues to captivate audiences year after year. Whether it’s the stamina of a Gold Cup champion, the speed of a Jubilee winner, or the grace of a Coronation Stakes heroine, Royal Ascot delivers moments that resonate far beyond the final furlong.