Watch Royal Ascot live this week and witness some of the world’s finest flat racing.

With 35 races spread across five days, Royal Ascot is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the UK’s racing calendar.

At a glance

• Royal Ascot dates: 16–20 June 2026
• Watch Royal Ascot on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
• Watch Royal Ascot from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Royal Ascot on TV

ITV will screen all the action from Royal Ascot live and for free across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast all seven races on each day of the meeting (race times and channel information below), along with The Opening Show, which will air at 9.30am on ITV1 each day of the meeting.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the ITV coverage, accompanied by analysis from Jason Weaver and Adele Mulrennan, and reporting by Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad, Oli Bell and Luke Harvey.

Commentary will be by Richard Hoiles and Mark Johnson, and Oli Bell will present The Opening Show each morning.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Royal Ascot from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

Royal Ascot race times

Tuesday 16 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Wednesday 17 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Thursday 18 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Friday 19 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Saturday 20 June | 13:25–18:40 ITV1

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Avoid a fashion faux pas at Royal Ascot with the full 2026 dress code for every enclosure

Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot that meet the dress code and ooze style – all still in stock

Your complete guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures and what to expect in each

Heading to Royal Ascot and in need of a hat? These options are all still in stock

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

If you’re still on the search for a dress for Royal Ascot or haven’t yet sorted your outfit and need a bit of inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place.

For those heading to Royal Ascot this year (16–20 June, 2026), we’ve rounded up a selection of dresses for Royal Ascot that adhere to the dress code – are the correct length, and have suitable necklines and straps.

What’s the dress code at Royal Ascot?

Of course, depending on which enclosure you’re in, the dress code is slightly different – but as this race meeting is a chance to get your glad rags on we think it’s nice to really make an effort and go all-out smart with one of the best hats suitable for Royal Ascot and dress like you’ve been invited to spend a day with royalty.

In the most strict of the enclosures at Royal Ascot, dresses and skirts should:

• fall just above the knee or longer
• have straps that are at least one inch thick
• not be strapless, off-the-shoulder, bardot or halter-neck style
• not have sheer straps or sleeves

In most enclosures an open-back style is permitted as long as the straps meet the dress code. Trouser suits and jumpsuits are also allowed, too, providing they meet the dress code regulations. If you’re at all unsure, here’s our guide to navigating the full Royal Ascot dress code.

Dresses suitable for Royal Ascot

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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I’ve been to Royal Ascot at least a dozen times and these are my eight golden rules

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Avoid a fashion faux pas at Royal Ascot with the full 2026 dress code for every enclosure

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The best hats for Royal Ascot not only comply with the strict Royal Ascot dress code but make you stand out from the crowd and feel glamorous, too. Everyone loves to dress up for a day at the races, but the Royal Ascot meeting (16–20 June, 2026) is synonymous with fashion, elegance and style, which makes your outfit choice even more important. The best hat will complement your dress for Royal Ascot, putting the finishing touch to your outfit.

Raceday hats can be awkward to greet friends in, there’s a high chance of ending up with a glaring, sweaty forehead, and at some point during the day your heart will skip a beat as you make a dash back to the loo where you left it. So if you’re going to put yourself through the trial of choosing and wearing a hat to go racing this summer, we say make it a goody – and read our tips on how to choose.

Best hats for Royal Ascot 2026: all budgets and styles

How to choose the best hat for Royal Ascot

For most equestrians, Royal Ascot is an opportunity to ditch the horsey attire and don a posh frock (or a top hat for the men). For the ladies, a hat can add personality to an outfit, but what are the secrets to getting it right?

The meeting famously has strict dress codes to adhere to – particularly in the Royal Enclosure where hats or headpieces should have a base of at least four inches (10cm) or more in diameter. You might think this rules out a lot of options, but there are plenty of fascinators that are designed with these dimensions in mind.

Unless you are fortunate to have access to a personal stylist, choosing an exquisite hat can be a tricky decision, so here are some tips for choosing the right hat for you…

• If you’re petite, a delicate feather fascinator or smaller headpiece (not wider than your shoulders) tilted to one side will work well.
• Tall ladies will carry off a larger brimmed hat more easily.
• If you have a round face, opt for a headpiece that sits at a slant (such as a beret) with a design, such as long feather quills or flowers, to add height and elongate your face.
• Ladies with a heart or oval-shaped face are lucky enough to be able to wear almost any shaped hat.
• If you are choosing a hat that is made on a hairband, opt for one that can easily be disguised in your hair — this is often achieved by having silk that matches your hair colour wrapped around the band.
• If you have a side parting, wear your hat on the side that your hair parts so that you have the fullest side of your hair on show.
• If you want to be the centre of attention, bright against blocks of darker tones will definitely turn heads. No one shies away from bright at Royal Ascot, but there are plenty of softer pastel options available, too.
• Botanical leaf and floral designs are always popular and are well-suited to this outdoor occasion.
• Avoid going overboard with accessories — a statement necklace with a detailed headpiece will look fussy so opt for one or the other.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Avoid a fashion faux pas at Royal Ascot with the full 2026 dress code for every enclosure

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

There are four enclosures at Royal Ascot, with three of those open to the public. Each enclosure has an atmosphere of its own, offering a unique raceday experience.

Royal Ascot itself is one of the most prestigious and exciting Flat race meetings in the horse racing calendar and this year it will take place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June.

Royal Ascot enclosures: your complete guide

Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure works on an invitation-only membership, as it was at its inception in 1807, when the area was exclusively reserved for guests of The King.

Royal Enclosure members have access to a private trackside viewing lawn, a dedicated fourth floor vantage point in the grandstand, an exclusive area around the parade ring, several fine dining restaurants and a dedicated car park.

There is a strict dress code for the Royal Enclosure – find out more about the Royal Ascot dress codes.

To become a Royal Enclosure member, a new applicant will need to be sponsored by two eligible members (of different addresses) and must be 18 years or older at the time of the event. Currently, a £150 joining fee also applies, and an annual membership fee of £25 will be introduced ahead of the 2027 meeting.

Members are invited to bring up to two guests on each day excluding Tuesday. There are only a limited number of guest badges available and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Juniors aged 10-17 may attend the Royal Enclosure with their parents on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. Babies and under 10s are not permitted.

Queen Anne Enclosure

Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure start at £99. The enclosure itself is located around the Ascot Grandstand and grants guests access to the parade ring steppings, bandstand, trackside lawns and ground floor of the grandstand.

While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and must be followed.

This enclosure offers a wide range of food and drink options and there are a number of bars and Champagne lounges located within it.

Queen Anne Enclosure ticket holders also have the option to upgrade their ticket in various ways, such as booking a trackside table or private gazebo for up to 50 guests.

Tickets start at £99 – find out more about Royal Ascot tickets.

Village Enclosure

The Village Enclosure is located in the centre of the track, looking back towards the grandstand from the other side of the rails. The Village Enclosure is open Thursday to Saturday, gives views of the racing down the home straight and is a festival-inspired experience.

There is an after-party headlined by Disco Inferno, bringing glittering disco anthems and energy to the main stage until 9pm for all Village Enclosure ticket holders.

Village Enclosure tickets start at £85.

Windsor Enclosure

The Windsor Enclosure has a laid back atmosphere. Those in this enclosure will get the first view of the Royal Procession, features live music, is ideal for large groups of people and there is no formal dress code.

It’s the only enclosure that allows guests to bring a picnic and bottle of sparkling wine or champagne. Guests can enhance their experience by reserving a picnic bench or securing access to a VIP area.

Windsor Enclosure tickets start at £37.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Have you got your Royal Ascot tickets? Here’s what you need to know

Heading to Royal Ascot and in need of a hat? These options are all still in stock

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Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot that meet the dress code and ooze style – all still in stock

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Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Hunter chases have been abandoned, special measures enlisted for the royal procession at Ascot and retired racehorse parades cancelled owing to the continued rise in equine flu cases.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that only horses from licensed training yards will be allowed to enter racecourses on racedays from Wednesday (20 May).

“With a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population, this is a precautionary measure to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed,” said a statement from the BHA.

This means all scheduled hunter chases from 20 May, including the popular hunter chase evening at Stratford on 29 May, have been called off. Other equine events due to take place on British racecourses, including Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades, are also cancelled.

The BHA statement also said the authority is “working with Ascot racecourse to replicate the biosecurity measures of a licensed premises to enable the royal procession to go ahead without any increased risk”. Traditionally, members of the royal family and invited guests arrive in a horse-drawn procession before racing each day at Royal Ascot.

Biosecurity measures will also be required for police horses attending the racecourse. Conversations are already in progress around this and the BHA will meet with Ascot, the police and others to work through the practicalities.

James Given, BHA director of equine regulation, safety and welfare, said: “The news today will understandably be disappointing for many people, but levels of equine flu are higher than at any time in recent history and it’s essential that we take all necessary steps to protect the thoroughbred herd.

“These measures follow extensive engagement with independent infectious disease experts about how we further reduce the risk of exposure and ensure the continuity of racing.

“In addition to vaccination, this can be best achieved by preventing the mixing of racehorses with horses and ponies from premises that are not licensed by the BHA, where we have more limited information about their health and vaccination status.”

The racecourse restrictions will remain in place until the BHA is “confident that the levels of equine influenza in the British horse population have fallen and there is no heightened risk to the thoroughbred racing herd”.

“I’m encouraged by the response we have already seen from the racing community about the vital importance of maintaining the biosecurity of the thoroughbred racing herd. We continue to urge constant vigilance, especially around the movement and mixing of horses,” said Mr Given.

“Information about vaccination, infection control measures and spotting the signs of flu are available on the BHA website.”

The BHA is working with the racecourses that were due to hold hunter chases to discuss options for potentially replacing lost races.

Racecourses will also be required to increase the period of time between hosting an equine event involving horses from unlicensed premises and a licensed raceday taking place to six clear days (from three).

The measures follow consultation with experts at Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) and the Racecourse Association’s representative on the BHA veterinary group. The BHA has also engaged with affected racecourses, the ROR, the Point-to-Point Authority and the Pony Racing Authority.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Royal Ascot this year (16–20 June 2026), we’re here to help with the ultimate guide to the Royal Ascot dress code for each enclosure.

It would be awful to arrive at Royal Ascot in an outfit that does not meet the dress code and be turned away as a result, so we’ll cover everything from the length of dresses suitable for Royal Ascot, to the accepted width of straps, dos and don’ts for the gents and what young racegoers should be wearing, too.

Do you need to wear a big hat? Can you wear a fascinator instead? How about a jumpsuit? Does he need a tie? We’ve got all your questions answered and if you need some inspiration, we’ve got some tips for dressing at Royal Ascot, too.

Royal Ascot dress codes

Each of the Royal Ascot enclosures has slightly different rules about what you can and can’t wear, so if you have your Royal Ascot tickets and know which enclosure you need to be dressing for, jump straight down to your dress code using the links below. If not, this dress code explainer might help you narrow down where you’d like to spend your day.

• Royal Enclosure
• Queen Anne Enclosure
• Village Enclosure
• Windsor Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure dress code

The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code and is by invitation only, so congratulations if you’ve got yourself a ticket. Guests in this enclosure are encouraged to embrace the elegance and fashion with their own individual style, providing it is in keeping with the dress code.

Ladies

• Headwear must be worn. Hats are preferred, but a headpiece that has a solid base of four inches (10cm) or more in diameter is allowed as an alternative. This selection of hats for Royal Ascot are all compliant.
• Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer, and midriffs should not be on show. Straps should be at least one inch thick – strapless, off-the-shoulder and halter-neck styles are not permitted. Lace and chiffon materials are accepted.
• Jackets and pashminas are allowed, however, the dress underneath still needs to comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
• Trouser suits are welcome but should be full length and both the material and colour should match.
• Jumpsuits are allowed, but should fall below the knee and match the same strap regulations as dresses.

Gentlemen

• Morning dress must be worn and must be either black, grey or navy. This includes a waistcoat and tie (bow ties and cravats are not permitted).
• Top hats should be worn (black or grey) but customisation, such as coloured ribbon, is not allowed.
• Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted, but discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.
• Shoes must be black and socks must cover the ankle.

Children

• Girls (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the ladies’ dress code, however, there is no size restriction on headwear.
• Boys (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code or wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie.

Queen Anne Enclosure dress code

While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and should be followed with confidence.

Ladies

• Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
• Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times.
• Dresses or tops must have shoulder or halter neck straps. Garments with an open-back style are permitted as long as they aren’t strapless, off-the-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer fabrics are not permitted, but there is no minimum dress or skirt length.
• Trouser suits and jumpsuits must fall below the knee and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Trouser suits must also be of matching colour and material. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.

Gentlemen

• Suits (two or three-piece) must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern. Jeans and chinos are not permitted, but morning dress is an option.
• Ties should be worn at all times – bow ties, cravats and neckerchiefs are not permitted.
• Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
• Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.

Children

• Girls (under 17) should be dressed for a formal occasion (smart summer dresses, for example). Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
• Boys (aged 10–17) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie.
• Boys (aged nine and under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.

Village Enclosure dress code

Although less formal than the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, the Village Enclosure still requires that you dress in a manner than befits a formal occasion.

Ladies

• Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
• Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times. Smaller hats or fascinators are recommended in this enclosure.
• Dresses or tops should not be strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer straps are not permitted. There is no minimum length.
• Trouser suits must be full length, of matching colour and material, and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.
• Wedges and block heels are recommended over stilettos as this enclosure is a grassed area.

Gentlemen

• Jackets are required and can be of a different material to the trousers.
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jeans are not permitted.
• Ties must be worn at all times – bow ties and cravats are accepted.
• Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
• Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.

Children

• Juniors (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with either of the above adult dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.

Windsor Enclosure dress code

There is no formal dress code in this enclosure, but smart daywear is encouraged. Hats and fascinators are recommended for ladies, while it’s recommended that gentlemen wear a jacket, collared shirt and full-length trousers.

What not to wear at Royal Ascot

There are some things that are not permitted on site at all at Royal Ascot, even in areas that do not follow a formal dress code. Racegoers should not wear fancy dress, novelty patterns or fabrics – this include clothing with slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery.

Likewise, trainers, denim, leggings and shorts are not permitted within any dress code.

Other things to bring to Royal Ascot

It would be remiss not to mention also packing the following:

• a pair of the best binoculars for racing
• suncream (SPF 50)
• blister plasters, hair grips and safety pins

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Royal Ascot and other major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

I’ve been to Royal Ascot at least a dozen times and these are my eight golden rules

Heading to Royal Ascot and in need of a hat? These options are all still in stock

Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot that meet the dress code and ooze style – all still in stock

A bluffer’s guide to reading a racecard

Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Thinking about attending Royal Ascot but not got your tickets yet? Here’s a full guide to your options for Royal Ascot week (16–20 June), including each of the public enclosures. Some options are sold out already, while others are showing as limited availability, so we recommend purchasing as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

The Royal Enclosure is exclusively for members only, but all other tickets can be easily purchased online at eticketing.co.uk, with further hospitality options via seatunique.com.

Royal Ascot tickets

Not sure what area is best for your party? See our full guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures.

Windsor enclosure tickets

This vibrant enclosure has no formal dress code and you can bring your own picnic.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

• Tuesday – £37
• Wednesday – £37
• Thursday – £47
• Friday – £42
• Saturday – £47 (sold out)

Queen Anne Enclosure

This is the premier public enclosure, which gives you access to the grandstand and parade ring viewing.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

• Tuesday – £99
• Wednesday – £99
• Thursday – £110
• Friday – £110
• Saturday – £115 (sold out)

Village Enclosure

This enclosure in the centre of the track has a festival atmosphere and hosts a post-racing concert.

Individual ticket prices in this enclosure:

• Thursday – £85
• Friday – £85
• Saturday – £89 (sold out)

Royal Ascot ticket discounts

Ticket savings are available on groups of 7+ and 30+ tickets until midnight on Sunday, 17 May.

You can book a “party package”, which includes your ticket, a racecard voucher and two drinks vouchers at a reduced bundle price.

Royal Ascot also offer early-bird booking, but this window has now ended for the 2026 meeting.

Royal Ascot hospitality tickets

Restaurant options

There are restaurant hospitality options available in all three public enclosures. There is are options ranging from lively to formal dining experiences, so all types of racegoer will be able to tailor their day to their taste, priorities and budget.

View options at ascot.com (starting at £600) or seatunique.com (starting at £549)

Private boxes

Private boxes offer privacy, exclusivity, and impeccable service at the heart of the action. Boxes are available in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, with options from 10–72 people. Each box has a private barm dining area, large flat screen TV and private balcony.

To enquire, visit ascot.com or seatunique.com

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy:

Your complete guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures and what to expect in each

Avoid a fashion faux pas at Royal Ascot with the full 2026 dress code for every enclosure

Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot that meet the dress code and ooze style – all still in stock

Heading to Royal Ascot and in need of a hat? These options are all still in stock

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Top mare Lady Of Camelot has been withdrawn from Royal Ascot (16-20 June) and all other fixtures as she has been stung by a stingray.

The home-bred Australian Group One winner was involved in a “freak incident” on the beach yesterday (12 May) and was taken to a specialist veterinary hospital.

The four-year-old mare, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, “remained under close observation” yesterday, a spokesperson for the mare’s owners Go Bloodstock said.

“While the immediate focus is on her recovery and wellbeing, the decision has been made to end her Brisbane Winter Carnival and international campaigns effective immediately,” the spokesperson added. “This is a deeply disappointing turn of events for the entire team.

“Lady Of Camelot is a horse of immense talent and heart. Our primary concern is her health and ensuring she receives the best possible care during this period.”

A decision about Lady Of Camelot’s future will be made “in due course”, the spokesperson added.

“Given her elite pedigree and Group 1 success, she remains a highly valuable prospect,” he said

It is understood that the wound is not of significant size but its location near a joint is a concern.

Lady Of Camelot, by Written Tycoon, has won nearly $6m (£3.2m) in six wins from 14 starts, including the Group One Golden Slipper Stakes two years ago.

The star sprinter was due to make her debut on a British racecourse next month as she was entered to run in one of of Royal Ascot’s Group One races; Tuesday’s 5f King Charles III Stakes or Saturday’s 6f Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A bluffer’s guide to reading a racecard

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

A day at the races is often a rare treat, perhaps once a year for a major festival or a local trip with friends to mark a special occasion. Chances are, you purchase a racecard, not only as a souvenir of the day, but to help you follow the action. The snag is that to the uninitiated, reading the information within the racecard can be like deciphering secret code.

Whether you’re off to the Cheltenham Festival or an evening on the all-weather, knowing how to read a racecard can give you wonderful intel into the race, the horses, their form – and ultimately help you make an informed decision where to put your £5 note.

Not all racecards are created equal, however there is a certain language that applies to all of them and, once you understand the code, you can work out how to read any racecard across the country.

With up to 20 different pieces of code providing each nugget of information, it’s understandable that many people never get any further than name, colours and starting price. But understanding what the additional letters, figures and numbers mean will add rich flavour to a day at the races.

How to read a racecard

Above is a generic example of a racecard, from Royal Ascot. For the purposes of this decoding exercise, below we have broken down the essential figures into the typical sections you’ll find on all racecards. They may be in slightly different arrangements, and there are of course variations according to whether the race is on the Flat or National Hunt.

This is a hypothetical example for the purpose of showing all the possibilities for both Flat or jumps horses – it could not be a real specimen as it shows elements exclusive to each code but should enable you to decipher any racecard.

Key for reading a racecard

a) Owner’s colours, shirt and hat silk worn by the jockey.

b) Draw (4) – this is the starting stall number and only applies to the Flat as the jumpers start with tapes with no drawn order.

c) Saddle cloth number (14). If there is an R as shown in this case, it means the horse is on standby to run in case of any non-runners. If NR is shown here, it means the horse is a non-runner. It is not the same as the draw number because it depends on the horse’s weight/rating in the handicap, while the draw is randomly assigned.

d) Colour and sex – this horse is a grey gelding.

For colours:

• b=bay
• bl=black
• br=brown
• ch=chestnut
• gr=grey

For sex:

• c=colt
• f=filly
• h=horse (an entire male horse that is five years old or over)
• m=mare (female horse of five years old or over)

The number 1 after “g”, as shown here, indicates that this is the first time the horse is running since being gelded.

e) Horse’s name. If bred outside Britain, the country code is noted, for example IRE for Ireland, FR for France, USA.

f) Sire and dam – this is the horse’s pedigree, and sometimes the damsire (maternal grandfather) will be listed after the dam in brackets.

g) Number of days since the horse last ran in this type of race. In brackets is the number of days since it last ran under a different code. For example, if this was a hurdle race, this horse last ran over hurdles 155 days ago. However, it ran on the Flat (denoted by F) 24 days ago. PTP would indicate point-to-point.

h) Age of horse – six in this case.

i) Weight allocated for the horse to carry – 10 stone 11 pounds. If the jockey can claim an allowance or is riding overweight, this is not shown here (see notes on J and P).

j) Penalty – this applies to handicaps only, and is the extra weight in pounds that a horse has to carry on top of the allocated weight, according to any improved performances since the handicapper last made its rating. In this case, the horse has 3lb extra to carry, so 11st in total.

k) The horse’s form, most recent on the right.

• All-weather or point-to-point will typically be in bold.
• Hyphen – means new season.
• Slash / means a longer break, so two seasons ago or more.

There are many letter abbreviations used, mostly applying to National Hunt:

• B=brought down
• F=fell,
• P=pulled up
• R=refused
• S=slipped up
• U=unseated rider
• V=void

Numbers apply to placings, with 0 meaning unplaced.

So this horse’s form shows that he has had significant time off after a fall and an unseat, finished second on his comeback last season, and second on his only run so far this season.

l) Horse’s race history

• BF=beaten favourite on last run
• C=course winner
• D=distance winner (to nearest half-furlong)
• CD=course and distance winner
• Hc=horse’s handicap debut.

m) Official rating. There may be one, two or three rating numbers here, which could be calculated by the Racing Post, the official handicapper, Timeform or the British Horseracing Authority. These might take into account the horse’s past race times within the standard time, adjusted for weight and going. These will vary according to the racecard, and is getting into the nitty-gritty for the serious punter.

n) Owner.

o) Trainer. Some racecards will print a number after the trainer’s name to indicate if the horse is having his first or second run for a new stables.

p) Jockey. If there are numbers after his name, this denotes a weight allowance for an inexperienced jockey – this jockey claims 5lb, which means the horse carries 5lb less than his allocated weight.

q) W1 shows that the horse has had one wind operation. This is obligatory for trainers to declare. Some racecards will label wind surgery as WS.

r) Odds at which the horse is expected to start. This is rarely available in printed programmes because the starting price changes all the time.

s) Betting history, showing whether the horse is shortening or drifting in the market.

t) Headgear abbreviations to indicate whether the horse has blinkers, a tongue-tie and so on. The number 1 denotes that this is the first time they have worn this headgear under this code. This horse is wearing first-time blinkers.

• b=blinkers
• e/s=eye shield
• e/c=eye cover
• h=hood
• t=tongue-tie
• p=sheepskin cheekpieces
• v=visor

Crack the code and the racecard transforms from a baffling list of symbols into an essential guide to every horse’s story, form and chance in the race.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from Royal Ascot (17-21 June) will need to tune into ITV or a free livestream. With over seven hours’ live footage on the main ITV channel, ITV Racing will be covering five races on each day of the five-day meeting, plus there are plenty of livestream options to choose from too.

Here’s our full TV guide so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing all Royal Ascot races for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 72% off, plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

Royal Ascot on TV: how to watch

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch Royal Ascot, with most of the races from the meeting being streamed for free on ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have. You will also be able to watch on both the ITV and ITV4 channels on TV.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1.30pm to 6pm each day from Tuesday 17 June to Saturday 21 June.

They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus many other top racing names during the meeting.

Oli Bell, Rishi Persad and Matt Chapman will be out and about on course daily, with Luke Harvey down at the starts. Brian Gleeson will be in the betting ring with Richard Hoiles and Mark Johnson commentating on the 35 races. Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins and Lorraine’s Mark Heyes will be taking in all the colour and action around the famous enclosures. Brough Scott and Kevin Blake also join the team throughout the week.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on all five days, and he will be joined across the week by Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad, Adele Mulrennan, Megan Nicholls and other guests. They will be out on track every morning with all the latest news and previewing all the day’s big races.

You can also watch the action live via the pay-for channel, Sky Sports Racing.

What time does Royal Ascot start?

The ITV Racing Royal Ascot coverage will show racing between 1.30pm and 6.30pm between the main ITV channel and ITV4.

ITV’s Morning Show will be shown between 9.30am and 10.30am each morning of the meeting.

The full 2025 Royal Ascot racecard is as follows.

Tuesday 17 June — Queen Anne Stakes, King Charles III Stakes and St. Jame’s Palace Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Wednesday 18 June — Prince Of Wales’s Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV4 – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Thursday 19 June — Gold Cup day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Friday 20 June — Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Saturday 21 June — Diamond Jubilee Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

How to watch Royal Ascot from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Royal Ascot. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

A Virtual Private Network will alter your device’s IP address to make it appear to be in a different country, allowing you to access your usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. It’s great for watching racing on the move, and it’s also handy even if you’re watching at home. VPNs are designed with internet security in mind, creating encrypted connections that keep your data safe from third parties and improve streaming speeds by preventing bandwidth ‘throttling’ from your internet service provider.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, which is the best VPN in the world according to our colleagues at TechRadar.

How do I bet at Royal Ascot?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during Royal Ascot so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2025 in the 26 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Anyone who’s been to Royal Ascot on a hot day like this week will know how tricky it is to get one’s look just right.

Among those who have managed it with aplomb this year is Luna, who’s there every day, accessorising her mainly leather-based style with the perfect pair of equine sunglasses.

Luna is a 16-year-old Norman cob, whose home for 12 years has been the Thames Valley Police mounted section. The 17hh mare has been on duty at Royal Ascot many times but this is to be her last before she retires.

“She suffers from uveitis,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson told H&H. “She has the specialist sunglasses to filter out the UV light to protect her eyes.

“Her sunglasses are definitely a talking point and people seem to love them. She will be wearing them every day for Ascot for her own welfare.”

The spokesperson said the glasses are made especially for Luna. Uveitis is inflammation within the eye, termed equine recurrent uveitis when two or more episodes occur. Glasses protect the eyes from UV light, dust and any other sources of irritation.

Also on patrol at Ascot yesterday were Luna’s equine colleagues Mars, another 17hh chestnut Normandy cob, Morpheus, Harper, Viktor and Trinity. The mounted section’s duties include escorting the royal family on to the racecourse and patrolling to maintain order as a visible presence.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Champion Equestrian partners with Burghley

Champion Equestrian, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has been appointed official safety partner of Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025.

The partnership will include expert safety fittings and live demonstrations at this year’s event (4 to 7 September).

“Champion has been the trusted brand in rider safety for half a century, combining innovation, leading safety standards and proud British craftsmanship,” said Champion Equestrian chief executive Kerem Atasoy.

“To mark this anniversary by joining forces with an event as prestigious as the Defender Burghley Horse Trials is a proud moment for us. Together, we’re championing a safer, stronger future for equestrian sport.”

Charity boost

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) will earn £5,000 every time Ryan Moore rides a winner at Royal Ascot next week (17 to 21 June).

The initiative raised £30,000 for the charity in 2024 and the charity is “delighted” that Ascot and Ryan are continuing their support for a second year.

“The visibility this initiative brings, combined with the generous financial support, plays a vital role in helping us deliver our charitable mission,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.

“Our thanks go to Ascot and to Ryan Moore for their continued commitment to the future of former racehorses.”

Ryan added: “It was great to raise £30,000 last year for this initiative and hopefully I can ride a few more winners this year to make a significant contribution to this vital charity again.”

Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot racecourse, said: “Using Royal Ascot’s international platform to raise awareness for such good causes is important to us. We hope our donation and the publicity this generates for RoR will help them with their continued work in the aftercare of racehorses.”

New title sponsor for young horse championship at Blenheim

GFS Saddles is the new title sponsor of the CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-old horses at Agria Blenheim Palace Horse Trials (18 to 21 September).

Event director Katrina Midgley said Blenheim is “thrilled to welcome GFS Saddles to the horse trials family”.

“Their reputation for supporting riders of all levels is well aligned with the values of this event, and we’re excited to showcase their involvement in a class that consistently highlights some of the best up-and-coming horses in eventing,” she said.

Geoff Fieldhouse, managing director of GFS Saddles, added: “Supporting the development of horse and rider partnerships has always been central to what we do at GFS.

“We’re proud to sponsor a class that not only showcases future eventing stars but also reflects the same commitment to performance and potential that underpins our entire saddle range. It’s an honour to be part of such an iconic and world-class event.”

D&H strengthens partnership with Jack Whitaker

Feed company D&H has strengthened its existing partnership with rising British showjumping star Jack Whitaker.

One of Jack’s leading horses, Q Parvatti N (Gillian), a 13-year-old mare owned by Ernst Hofschröer and Michael Whitaker, now carries the D&H prefix, so will be known as D&H Q Parvatti N.

Sammy Martin, head of PR for D&H, said” “The association between D&H and the Whitaker family is one that has spanned decades and we are excited and proud to be in the position of strengthening our partnership with Jack via prefixing a wonderful horse such as D&H Q Paravatti N.

“Working closely with our riders and their team of horses is incredibly important to us as each horse is an individual and this is very much a value we share with Jack. We are looking forward to seeing Gillian in action as the season gains momentum and are thrilled to have her as a member of D&H Equine Royalty.”

Jack added: “My family has relied on D&H’s nutritional expertise for generations and we are all delighted with the decision to extend that legacy into the future.

“Our partnership with D&H reflects the shared values of happy healthy horses, performance and trust and I’m proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the news that Q Paravatti N will now carry the D&H prefix.

“This strengthened partnership marks an exciting new chapter in a collaboration that goes right back to my dad some 30 years ago. We’ve always trusted D&H for our horses and I’m honoured to represent a brand that has supported our family and our sport for so long.”

Harry Skelton signs deal with Schöffel Country

Top jump jockey Harry Skelton has joined clothing company Schöffel Country as a “friend of the brand”.

“I’m really pleased to be working with Schöffel Country,” said Harry, who was crowned champion jockey in 2021.

“As someone who spends most of their time outdoors, having the right kit is essential – and Schöffel’s clothing delivers both comfort and quality, whatever the weather. It’s a brand that understands country life, and I’m proud to be part of their story.”

A spokesperson for Schöffel added: “We’re really excited to have Harry Skelton join us as a friend of Schöffel.

“Harry’s riding and horsemanship is a masterclass to witness. We are looking forward to supporting him with beautiful clothing pieces for everyday country life to big winning moments.”

Beacons Equestrian named as Gower Granary sponsored centre

South Wales business Gower Granary, which produces dust-extracted chopped straw bedding and haylage, has signed a sponsorship deal with Welsh venue Beacons Equestrian.

The partnership will involve Beacons Equestrian using and showcasing Gower Granary’s bedding and forage. The two businesses also share the ethos of prioritising horse welfare, reducing environmental impact and championing local farming.

“Supporting a forward-thinking Welsh equestrian business like Gower Granary is a natural fit for us,” says Penny Jenner of Beacons Equestrian. “Their dust-extracted bedding and nutritious forage support horse health, while aligning with our own values of quality, welfare and sustainability.”

Farmer and Gower Granary managing director Chris Harry Thomas said: “We’re thrilled to support Beacons Equestrian as one of our sponsored centres. Its commitment to excellence in the equestrian community mirrors our own.

“Whether it’s a grassroots rider or a national competitor, we want to support the health and comfort of horses with top-quality products made right here in Wales. We look forward to meeting riders and showing them our range this summer at various Beacons Equestrian events.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I’ve attended Royal Ascot more times than I can count, both for work and as a spectator – and it never disappoints! One question I’m often asked is what to wear – if you’ve not been before the dress code at Royal Ascot might feel daunting, but you really don’t need to worry.

Here are my top tips for dressing for Ascot that I’d share with my friends asking what to wear to the races, including the less glamorous must-dos to ensure a great day out.

What to wear to Royal Ascot

1. Wear what makes you feel great. When it comes to choosing your dress for Royal Ascot, that’s my one simple rule. Dress code allowing, that’s all there really is to it.

2. Try to “shop” your wardrobe first. I always do this, but I also love a little treat – life’s about balance after all. I like to support independent businesses, I like popping into the high street (in real life, and online), and I love a pre-loved find. I’ve done well on Etsy and Vinted for Royal Ascot-worthy hats, and I’m also pretty ruthless about reselling.

3. Style is deeply personal so wear what you can afford and what you enjoy. I’ve personally found that those two tend to be linked.

4. Don’t forget the essentials – SPF50 suncream that suits your skin and doesn’t sting your eyes is the cornerstone of having a good day. Don’t leave home without blister plasters, hair grips and safety pins. If you don’t need them, someone else will.

5. Cycling shorts are ideal under dresses. There’s all kinds on the market these days, from bog standard shorts, to cooling ones, shaping if that’s your preference, and ones that are specifically designed for wearing under your dress in every colour (like these ones on Amazon). Again, the only real rule is to wear what makes you feel good.

6. Stick to your trusted favourites. A pair of wedges that cost under £20 – I believe from Miss Selfridge – were my friend for a good five years, until the soles finally split last summer. Wear what you find comfortable and like the look of. From experience, if you’re wearing heels, it’s nice to have flats with you – if your clutch is too small, be sweet to your friend with the larger bag…

7. Rewear things – of course you can! To quote Lizzie McGuire, “I may be an outfit repeater, but you are an outfit rememberer”. Have you ever thought differently – or even noticed – about someone repeating an outfit, hmm? No. If you like it, wear it. Style it the same, style it different, do what makes you feel good. The same goes for hats – but if you’re hiring things, do check the T&Cs as there might be a one-wear policy.

8. Enjoy your outfit, admire other people’s, save someone’s day with a spare safety pin, and above all, have a lovely time.

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Multiple Group One-winning racehorse Kyprios has been retired. The decision was made owing to an aggravation of an old ringbone lesion, which he picked up winning the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown for a third time this month.

The seven-year-old won 17 of his 21 starts, including two Gold Cups at Royal Ascot, in 2022 and 2024, becoming the third horse in history to regain victory in this race. The 2024 victory was all the more impressive given that Kyprios, trained by Aidan O’Brien and owned by Moyglare, Magnier, Tabor, Smith and Westerberg, suffered an almost career-ending injury early in 2023 in the form of a serious fetlock joint infection.

“He was a great horse. The class he had and his stamina,” said Mr O’Brien. “He had to be incredibly sound to come back from what he did. I don’t think any other horse would have come back from where he came back from.

“Obviously, we had to be ultra-respectful of him. Always. When he was a little bit sore after his run at Leopardstown, we were never going to take any risks with him. Everybody felt the same way.”

Kyprios won eight of his nine Group One starts and has won his last nine races, winning £2,690,414 during his career, which started in September 2020.

Mr O’Brien picked out the Prix du Cadran of 2022, which Kyprios won by 20 lengths despite hanging violently to his left inside the final furlong, as one of his highlights.

“He won by a long way. He was just galloping home really,” said Mr O’Brien. “He’d been round once, he could see where he needed to go and he just wanted to get back. He was just always in second gear most of the time.

“That was just unusual, that Prix du Cadran, they all fell away, nothing could go with him and he got left in front and got a bit lonely.

“He’s been the most incredible horse, he had an incredible mind to go with his incredible ability.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ascot Racecourse is home to a number of big race meetings throughout the year, most notably Royal Ascot. Finding a hotel near Ascot Racecourse will help you make the most of your visit to this historic venue in Berkshire. Due to the popularity of the bigger race meetings, accommodation is often booked up well in advance – particularly for Royal Ascot week – so if you find something suitable available, we suggest you don’t hang around.

We’ve included a great selection of accommodation by type – not just hotels near Ascot Racecourse, but guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday lets too, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Distances are calculated to the Berkshire racecourse (SL5 7JX).

• Hotels near Ascot Racecourse
• Guest houses, inns and B&Bs near Ascot Racecourse
• Holiday lets and apartments near Ascot Racecourse

Hotels near Ascot Racecourse

Guest houses, inns and B&Bs near Ascot Racecourse

Holiday lets and apartments near Ascot Racecourse

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re gearing up for race day and want to catch every thrilling moment from a front-row perspective, having a pair of the best binoculars is a game-changer. Think of it like having a personal front-seat upgrade – you get to see every gallop, every stride, and every burst of speed without having to scramble for a better view.

There are plenty of options out there to suit different needs. In this guide to the best binoculars for horse racing we’ll give you all the information you need to pick the best binoculars to enhance your enjoyment at the races, whether you’re heading to Cheltenham Festival or your local track. If you’re a bit befuddled by the numbers and specifications, here’s a super-simple explainer.

Best binoculars for horse racing: H&H’s quick guide

Best value binoculars: Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42

Best compact binoculars: Steiner BluHorizons 10×26

Best premium pick: Canon 10×30 IS

Best budget pick: Olympus 8×25 WP

Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Weight: 645g

RRP: £259

Reasons to buy

• Sharp, high-contrast images with multi-coated lenses
• Waterproof and fog-proof, ideal for all weather conditions
• Comfortable rubber-armoured grip for secure handling

Reasons to avoid

• Slightly heavier than some compact models
• Higher magnification can make it harder to keep a steady image without a tripod

The Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42 is a solid all-rounder, perfect for racegoers who want crisp, detailed views without jumping to a premium price bracket. The multi-coated optics and phase-corrected roof prisms enhance brightness and clarity, helping you track fast-moving horses with ease.

Built to handle the elements, these binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen-filled, meaning you won’t have to worry about misting up in damp conditions. The textured rubber coating ensures a comfortable and secure grip, even on a long day at the races.

With 10x magnification, you’ll get up-close views of the action, but if you struggle with a steady hand, a lower magnification model might be easier to use. However, for those looking for a high-quality pair that balances performance, durability, and affordability, the Nikon Prostaff 7S is a great pick.

Steiner BluHorizons 10×26

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 26mm

Weight: 310g

RRP: £199

Reasons to buy

• Ultra-compact and lightweight
• Auto-adjusting light technology for glare-free viewing
• Rugged, rubber exterior for durability

Reasons to avoid

• Smaller objective lens lets in less light in low-light conditions
• 10x magnification can be tricky to keep steady in a compact model

The Steiner BluHorizons 10×26 is perfect for racegoers who want a lightweight, pocket-sized binocular without sacrificing performance. The lens automatically adjusts brightness to reduce glare – ideal for those sunny days at the track.

While the 10x magnification provides fantastic close-up views, the smaller 26mm objective lens means they perform best in bright daylight. If you want something compact that’s easy to carry but still powerful enough for a detailed view, these are a great option.

Canon 10×30 IS

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 30mm

Weight: 600g

RRP: £469.99

Reasons to buy

• Image stabilisation tech (IS) for a steady view
• Crisp, high-contrast optics
• Comfortable, ergonomic design for extended use

Reasons to avoid

• Battery-powered stabilization requires replacements
• More expensive than non-stabilized models

The Canon 10×30 IS stands out with its image stabilisation technology, which compensates for hand movements, delivering a steady, shake-free view. This makes them perfect for following the action, even at higher magnifications.

The 30mm objective lens balances portability and light-gathering ability, making them a solid mid-range option. If you struggle to keep binoculars steady but want the benefits of 10x zoom, these are the best horse racing binoculars for you.

Olympus 8×25 WP

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 25mm

Weight: 260g

RRP: £109.99

Reasons to buy

• Extremely lightweight and compact
• Waterproof design for all-weather use
• Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality

Reasons to avoid

• Lower magnification compared to others on this list
• Small objective lens limits brightness in dim conditions

The Olympus 8×25 WP is one of the most compact and affordable options on this list, making it a great pick for casual racegoers. Despite its small size, the optics are surprisingly sharp and its waterproofing ensures durability.

If you’re after something lightweight that still provides clear and stable viewing, these are an excellent choice for the price.

Zeiss Terra ED 8×42

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Weight: 725g

Reasons to buy

• Wide field of view
• Exceptional optics with ED glass for high contrast and sharp details
• Waterproof and nitrogen-filled for durability

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point compared to similar models
• Slightly bulkier than compact binoculars

The Zeiss Terra ED 8×42 is a premium choice for those who want exceptional clarity and a wide field of view. The ED glass enhances contrast and reduces chromatic aberration, meaning you get razor-sharp images with true-to-life colors.

With 8x magnification, you get a broader perspective, making it easier to track horses in motion. They’re slightly larger than some competitors, but if optical quality is your top priority, these are worth the investment.

Steiner Wildlife 8×24

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 24mm

Weight: 350g

RRP: £189

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight and compact for easy carrying
• Wide field of view for tracking movement
• Robust, rubber design

Reasons to avoid

• Smaller objective lens limits brightness in low light
• Not as powerful as larger models

For racegoers who want a balance between portability and performance, the Steiner Wildlife 8×24 could be the one for you. The 8x magnification offers a steady, wide view, making it easier to track moving horses.

Designed for rugged use, the rubber coating ensures a secure grip, even in wet conditions. While the smaller objective lens means they’re best suited to bright daylight, their lightweight design makes them easy to carry all day.

Celestron Outland X 10×42

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Weight: 624g

RRP: £95

Reasons to buy

• Great value for a 10×42 model
• Waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use
• Rubber coating for a secure grip

Reasons to avoid

• Image clarity not as sharp as premium models
• Slightly heavier than some alternatives

For those on a budget, the Celestron Outland X 10×42 provides decent magnification and a robust, waterproof design at a low price point. They don’t match the clarity of higher-end options, but they’re solid for casual use.

How to choose a pair of binoculars for horse racing

There are plenty of binoculars available. Some are super compact and easy to carry around, which is perfect if you want to keep things light and hassle-free. Others, however, pack a bit more power with higher magnification and even image stabilisation to make sure you don’t miss a detail – even if your hands are a little shaky from all the excitement. It all comes down to what kind of experience you’re after.

“A decent pair of binoculars are your best accessory at the races,” explains Horse & Hound’s racing editor Jennifer Donald. “If you’ve a vested interest in a particular horse, whether as a punter, keen spectator or owner, nothing beats zooming in and following all the action.”

Gemma Redrup, Horse & Hound’s point-to-point editor adds: “In the absence of a big screen at most point-to-point fixtures, binoculars really help you keep abreast of the action within a race – and can therefore make you the envy of many as a result!”

Understanding binocular numbers: what do they mean?

When you pick up a pair of binoculars, you’ll often see a set of numbers printed on the body – something like “8×32” or “10×42”. At first glance, these might seem confusing, but they’re actually the key to understanding how your binoculars will perform.

The first number represents the magnification. An 8x magnification means objects will appear eight times closer than they are to the naked eye, while 10x magnification brings them ten times closer. The “x” simply stands for “times magnification”.

The second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens (the lens furthest from your eyes) in millimeters. For example, in 8×32 binoculars, the 32mm objective lens determines how much light enters the binoculars. A larger lens allows more light in, which means a brighter, clearer image, especially in low-light conditions.

What binoculars are best for horse racing?

It might seem like bigger is better when it comes to magnification, but that’s not always the case. While higher magnification provides a closer view, it also has trade-offs. Without a large enough objective lens, the image can appear darker and less clear, especially in low light.

For horse racing, you’ll want a balance between magnification and stability. Anything over 10x can amplify natural hand movements, making the image shaky and difficult to track fast-moving horses. Heavier binoculars can also become tiring to hold for long periods.

For the best race-day experience, 8x or 10x magnification with a 32mm–42mm objective lens is ideal – giving you a clear, steady view without unnecessary weight.

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Kyprios just did enough to beat Trawlerman in a pulsating finish to regain the prestigious Group One Gold Cup at Royal Ascot today (20 June) under Ryan Moore. This was a remarkable achievement given that Kyprios suffered an almost career-ending injury early in 2023 in the form of a serious fetlock joint infection.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and owned by Moyglare, Magnier, Tabor, Smith and Westerberg, the six-year-old, who was sent off as 11/10 favourite, finished a length in front of the Godolphin-owned and John and Thady Gosden-trained Trawlerman.

“It was smooth early on, and when Caius Chorister ran off with Benoit [de la Sayette], I ended up having to go round her and he was going too well too early,” explained Ryan, who was notching up his fourth victory in this race. “He was more value than the winning distance. We didn’t get it quite right but he still won.

“Aidan knows exactly what is required to win this race and how to get his horses ready. I’m lucky to ride a horse like this and it’s great he can come back and do it again.”

In winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, Kyprios became the third horse in history to regain victory in this race – Anticipation won it in 1816 and 1819 and Kayf Tara reclaimed it in 2000 having won in 1998.

Kyprios won each of his six starts in 2022, including this Ascot showpiece, the Goodwood Cup, Irish St Leger and a tremendous 20-length success in the Prix du Cadran, but his injury put paid to him defending his title in this race in 2023.

It marked a record-extending ninth success for O’Brien in this race and his 401st Group and Grade One victory.

“There were so many people involved in bringing him back following his injury,” said O’Brien. “His owners have shown great patience with him, he had two lovely runs when he was back last year and did well over the winter.

“He’s a beautiful horse and Ryan was masterful with how he rode him. He had to judge exactly when to go on him, which is not an easy thing to do.

“I’d say it’s millions to one,” said Aidan on the odds of horses returning to work following the type of infection Kyprios incurred. “It was really impossible to come back from what he came back from. At one stage we weren’t sure he would live.”

O’Brien added: “He got an infection in his joint, and it got into the joint capsule. Usually what happens is that they lose the movement in the joint – and for a while he did – but it came back.

“At one stage, it didn’t look like he was going to live. Then it was getting him to stand, and then to walk, then to trot, then teaching him how to canter again, because he had to move all his body in different ways again. It was incredible, it’s unbelievable really. He always had the most incredible mind, that was always his power probably, was his mind.

He added: “It was really like someone having the most horrific injury, as a human being, and winning the Olympics to get back to move and to walk.

“It shouldn’t have happened, to come back like that, but it happened. I thought at every stage was never going to happen. When there’s that many people working together in that kind of a special way, anything was possible. Nobody was for themselves. Everyone was for him. Nobody was trying to take credit for anything. Everyone was passing it on and working it out with each other.”

Sweet William stayed on well to finish third ahead of the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban, with Coltrane claiming fifth.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2024 in the 27 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine. 

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A speedy 18.2hh police horse is on duty at his last Royal Ascot this week, as he prepares to retire after seven years of “distinguished service”.

Thames Valley Police mounted section stalwart Atlas was to be part of the procession along the racecourse this week, escorting members of the royal family and their guests to the royal box. His career is being “brought to a close” this summer.

“Post-procession, he will be handing over the reins to the rest of the team, who will be carrying out high-visibility reassurance patrols in and around the areas of Ascot racecourse, throughout the day and into the evening,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.

“This historic event will be PH Atlas’s last major deployment for the force before he retires.”

Atlas, who joined the force in 2017 aged seven, has helped police many historic events, including the funerals of The late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the coronation of King Charles and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

“He has been on duty at countless football matches, protests and high-visibility patrol work across the Thames Valley,” the spokesperson said. “He has also been involved in many operations, jobs, events and patrols as part of our joint operations unit with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, ensuring the safety of communities across the county.

“Atlas’ height advantage and his exceptional speed helps to assist officers with pursuing offenders if required.”

Atlas is to start his retirement with the mounted section team while he waits for a place at The Horse Trust.

PC James Metcalf will be riding Atlas on his final duties.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have Atlas as my commander’s horse for this year’s Royal Ascot,” he said. “He is a complete gentleman who will be sorely missed by myself and the entire mounted section team when he begins his retirement.

“Atlas has definitely earned himself a well-deserved rest following his years of unflinching service.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The eagerly anticipated Royal Ascot meeting (18-22 June) is finally upon us – five days of top class racing, a star-studded cast of horses and jockeys, and eye-catching millinery are the buzzwords this week, so what about some Royal Ascot tips?

We’ve asked some horse racing experts to share their expertise for this historic Flat racing event, one of the highlights of the British racing calendar.

ITV Racing will be live at Royal Ascot every day while horseandhound.co.uk will keep you updated with all the latest news and stories, as well as bringing you all the insight and exclusive interviews in next week’s magazine, in the shops on Thursday 27 June.

Enjoy this great show!

How to bet on your Royal Ascot pick

It is important that you gamble responsibly and you can read more advice on how to bet here. Enjoy!

Royal Ascot tips from the experts

Tuesday 18 June

Camille Pisarro in the Coventry Stakes (3.05pm)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Cost 1,250,000gns as a yearling and has the benefit of two races under his belt. Represents trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has won this race multiple times.”

Rogue Lightning in the King Charles III Stakes (3.45pm)

Trainer: Tom Clover | Jockey: James Doyle

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A course and distance winner in handicap company who looks ready for this sort of challenge after looking as if he can build on his seasonal reappearance at Haydock last month.”

Believing in the King Charles III Stakes (3.45pm)

Trainer: George Boughey | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope

ITV Racing’s Oli Bell says: “I like Believing in the King Charles III stakes on Tuesday. He looked very good when winning at Haydock recently and if the ground is decent, will be hard to beat!”

Big Evs in the King Charles III Stakes (3.45pm)

Trainer: Michael Appleby | Jockey: Tom Marquand

ITV Racing presenter Adele Mulrennan says: “The speedster Big Evs won here last year as a juvenile in the Windsor Castle. He then had a decent comeback run which showed us he’s retained that ability. He now has a chance to secure himself as the best sprinter around as he takes on the fastest sprinters in the King Charles lll stakes on Tuesday.”

Notable Speech in the St James’s Palace Stakes (4.25pm)

Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Jockey: William Buick

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Unbeaten colt who won the 2000 Guineas on latest start. Runner-up Rosallion a danger once again.”

My Lyka in the Ascot Stakes (5.05pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Ryan Moore

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “Only joined the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable in May and finished second on debut in a 2m4f messily-run novice hurdle after a year away from the track so you’d expect him to come on significantly from that performance. This is a very competitive handicap and the gelding didn’t win over anything close to 2m4f on the Flat in France before heading to Ireland, but the trainer has won this race three times with Ryan Moore in the plate, so that’s enough to seal the deal for me.”

Wednesday 19 June

Kassaya in the Queen Mary Stakes (2.30pm)

Trainer: Andrew Balding | Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “A half-sister to Classic winner Chaldean, might be the answer to this tricky race. Englemere, from George Boughey’s in-form yard, is another interesting contender at a double-figure price.”

Mina Rashid in the Queen’s Vase (3.05pm)

Trainer: Andrew Balding | Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Improved for going up in trip on quicker ground at Chester and could be suited by this test.”

Villanova Queen in the Kensington Palace Stakes (5.40pm)

Trainer: Jessica Harrington | Jockey: Shane Foley

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says of the next of his Royal Ascot tips: “Last year’s winner of the Kensington Palace looks to have been targeted at the race again and is set to be just 1lb higher in the handicap.”

Thursday 20 June

Whistlejacket in the Norfolk Stakes (2.30pm)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: TBC

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Won impressively on his latest start and the form has been franked since.”

Diamond Rain in the Ribblesdale Stakes (3.45pm)

Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Jockey: William Buick

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Diamond Rain is hard to ignore after impressive recent win at Newbury. Eleven years ago her dam, Dancing Rain, was sold to Sheikh Mohammed for 4,000,000gns.”

King’s Gambit in the Hampton Court Stakes (5.40pm)

Trainer: Harry Charlton | Jockey: William Buick

ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin says: “King’s Gambit won my favourite race, the London Gold Cup at Newbury in May, which looked red hot this year. He runs in the Hampton Court Stakes on Thursday.”

Friday 21 June

Fairy Godmother in the Albany Stakes (2.30pm)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Jockey: TBC

ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles says of his Royal Ascot tip: “Fairy Godmother looks to have a leading chance for Aidan O’Brien in the Albany Stakes. She showed a good turn of foot to get up and win at Naas and should be competitive in what looks a decent renewal.”

Elmalka in the Coronation Stakes (3.45pm)

Trainer: Roger Varian | Jockey: James Doyle

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Elmalka won the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last month and can once again beat fillies who lined up against her on that occasion.”

Space Legend in the King Edward VII Stakes (5.40pm)

Trainer: William Haggas | Jockey: James Doyle

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “As big an eye-catcher as you’ll see on his last start in a trial at Goodwood when not getting a clear run and since snapped up by the big-spending Wathnan Racing.”

Saturday 22 June

Age Of Gold in the Chesham Stakes (2.30pm)

Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Jockey: William Buick

ITV Racing presenter Megan Nicholls says of her Royal Ascot tip: “A son of Frankel, he was impressive on his debut at Yarmouth having been green early on in the race, but winning impressively. I think he’ll improve again over a slightly longer trip.”

Mill Stream in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (3.45pm)

Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Jockey: TBC

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Jane Chapple-Hyam’s horses are in good form and her Mill Stream won at York latest start. It was a narrow victory, but with a clearer run he might have scored more easily.

Balmacara in the Gold Gate Stakes (5.40pm) or the Hampton Court Stakes on Thursday (5.40pm)

Trainer: Eve Johnson-Houghton | Jockey: Charles Bishop

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “I’m signing off with an each-way long-shot. This three-year-old steps into the unknown over 1m2f at Royal Ascot and he’ll be sent off around 25/1, but he looked smart when defying a penalty with a winning double in novice company at Doncaster in the spring and this shrewd trainer may be on to something with these entries.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Frankie Dettori lifted the roof at Royal Ascot today (22 June) when winning the prestigious Group One Gold Cup aboard Courage Mon Ami for trainers John and Thady Gosden and owner Wathnan Racing.

“It’s unbelievable – I can’t hear myself talking, there’s so much clapping,” said a euphoric Frankie, who was adding to a victory here yesterday on what is his final year in the saddle ahead of his planned retirement.

The win was all the more impressive given the fact that this was just Courage Mon Ami’s fourth career start – horses usually have a great deal more experience to be able to win this race.

“I thought that this was a bridge too far going from handicaps to a Group race, but we had a great run and really, he’s still a baby,” explained Frankie.

Courage Mon Ami, a four-year-old gelding by Frankel and out of Lemon Drop Kid mare Crimson Ribbon, is now unbeaten in all four of his starts and this was his first time stepping up in trip to 2m3f, having previously run over 1m4f and 1m6f. He came from the back of the field today to beat second-placed Coltrane, who was ridden by Oisin Murphy and trained by Andrew Balding, by three quarters of a length.

John Gosden said: “We didn’t know whether he’d stay the trip today as you can’t practise over two and a half miles at home but he stayed cool, Frankie saved every inch on the inside and luckily he managed to wriggle through to the front.

“It was a great ride from Frankie. He has had a phenomenal career – we have been working together on and off for 30 years and we’ve only had one argument during that time – we’ve kicked on with life.”

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2023 in the 29 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A hero was made at Royal Ascot today (22 June) in the form of the William Haggas-trained Desert Hero, who was bred by The late Queen, when he won the King George V Stakes under Tom Marquand for owners The King and Queen.

The three-year-old chestnut colt is bred in the purple by Sea The Stars, out of Dubai mare Desert Breeze, and he got his nose in front on the line under a great ride by Tom, having been sent off at odds of 18/1.

“This is genuinely one of the proudest moments of my life in the saddle so far,” said an emotional Tom. “I grew up watching horses win for Her late Majesty The Queen and to ride one for His Majesty the King is unbelievable. I’m in a dream world.

“Royal Ascot is the pinnacle and riding a royal winner at the royal meeting is so special.”

Desert Hero battled it out up the home straight in the latter stages of the 1m3f race alongside Valiant King, under Oisin Murphy for trainer Joseph O’Brien and owner Qatar Racing Limited, and eventually won by a head.

“I wasn’t always confident we were going to get there and win but this fella was supremely game and the Haggas team get it right time and time again,” said Tom.

Zara Tindall, The King’s niece, said: “It’s bittersweet – just think how proud and excited our grandmother The Queen would have been. But for Charles and Camilla to have a winner keeps the dream alive.

“What a race – it was incredible. Fulfilling the dream is amazing and the horses are at the centre of it – we love them.”

William Haggas said that to win for The King and Queen was “a great honour”.

“I thought Desert Hero and Tom were going to be more forward, but the other runners went a bit fast and ultimately he stayed on really well – it was the horse’s first time running over a mile and a half,” he said.

“The King and Queen have been looking forward to Royal Ascot for a long time and they are delighted. It’s important for horse racing and it’s important that they enjoy it.”

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2023 in the 29 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Frankie Dettori has triumphed at this year’s Royal Ascot, in what will be his final appearance at the meeting owing to his impending retirement at the end of 2023.

Riding Gregory, who is trained by father and son duo John and Thady Gosden, and owned by Wathnan Racing, Frankie scooped the Group Two Queen’s Vase race by one-and-a-half lengths today (21 June).

“I thought this winner was never going to come this year,” said Frankie, referring to the fact that this was his 13th ride of the meeting and he hit the bar on day one yesterday riding three second-placed horses, but no winners. “I thought this horse was my best chance and he really stuck his neck out. To ride a winner at my last Ascot is fantastic.”

Frankie’s career has been a stellar one and remarkably, his win on Gregory today was his 78th Royal Ascot victory, some 33 years after his first aboard Markofdistinction, trained by Luca Cumani, in the Queen Anne Stakes in 1990.

“I’ve had an amazing reaction from the crowd at this meeting,” explained Frankie Dettori. “I’m both sad and happy, but at least I’ve got a few more days to come yet.”

Thady Gosden said that Gregory, who is by Golden Horn and out of a Galileo mare, has been a bit of a “slow learner” but that he “got the job done today”.

Frankie Dettori’s frustrating first day at Royal Ascot ended with the stewards handing him a nine-day ban for careless riding when he was deemed to have caused significant interference to multiple horses in the Wolferton Stakes aboard fifth-place finisher Saga. The ban means Dettori will be unable to ride between 4 and 12 July, but he revealed to ITV Racing’s Opening Show that he intended to appeal the ban.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2023 in the 29 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The 2022 Royal Ascot meeting continues today (Friday 18 June) and it promises to be a feast for all things racing. Today at Royal Ascot we will be treated to two Group One races – Group One being the best of the best in Flat racing terms.

Races not to miss

The first Group One of the day is the Commonwealth Cup at 3.05pm, where colts and fillies, who must be three years old, run over 6f (1,200m).

The second Group One on Friday will come at 4.20pm in the form of the Coronation Stakes, which is open to three-year-old fillies and is run over a mile.

Horses to look out for

Inspiral has a good chance of getting John and Thady Godson’s name on the board as winning trainers at this year’s Royal Ascot after some of their fancied runners earlier in the week hit the crossbar. She is favourite in the Coronation Stakes at 4.20pm.

The Queen, who has come so close to bagging a winner with two of her horses finishing a very close second, is yet to celebrate one of hers being first past the post at this year’s Royal Ascot. However, she does have another chance today in the form of Just Fine in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at 3.40pm. The four-year-old son of Sea The Stars is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Jockeys to look out for

Frankie Dettori is yet to get in the winner’s enclosure at Royal Ascot this week, so he will be hoping that he can score a victory aboard Inspiral at 4.20pm. He has four chances of getting a winner on the board today.

Trainers to look out for

Young Newmarket trainer George Boughey scored his first ever Royal Ascot winner yesterday (Thursday 18 June) when Inver Park was first past the post in the Buckingham Palace Stakes under Ben Curtis. Today George has another shot at notching a winner when Catchet, who won the 1,000 Guineas in Newmarket earlier this year and then went very close to winning the French equivalent when she was beaten by just a head, lines up in the Coronation Stakes. Win, lose or draw, George is a trainer going places.

How to watch today at Royal Ascot

If you don’t want to miss a moment of the top-class racing action, here’s how you can watch Royal Ascot live on TV.

Tips from the top

Take a look at Royal Ascot tips from a team of those in the know to help you pick your winners this week.

Have a flutter

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of any race at Royal Ascot, then please gamble responsibly.

18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2022 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Royal Ascot tips: who do the experts think will win this week?

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Who won which race? Your one-stop shop for Royal Ascot results

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The final day of Royal Ascot has almost arrived (18 June). The Group One race on the card on the final day is the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, which is run over six furlongs. Here’s the Royal Ascot betting day five Platinum Jubilee Stakes runners and riders. Who is your pick to win on the soft ground?

Royal Ascot betting day five: Platinum Jubilee Stakes

Horse: Home Affairs | Jockey: James McDonald

Trainer: Chris Waller

Artorius | Jockey: Jamie Spencer

Anthony & Sam Freedman

Creative Force | Jockey: William Buick

Charlie Appleby

Sacred | Jockey: Tom Marquand

William Haggas

Campanelle | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr

Wesley Ward

A Case Of You | Jockey: Ronan Whelan

Adrian McGuinness

Highfield Princess | Jockey: Jason Hart

John Quinn

Minzaal | Jockey: Jim Crowley

Owen Burrows

Alcohol Free | Jockey: Rob Hornby

Andrew Balding

Happy Romance | Jockey: Sean Levey

Richard Hannon

Emaraaty Anna | Jockey: Andrea Atzeni

Kevin Ryan

Grenadier Guards | Jockey: Cristian Demuro

Mitsumasa Nakauchida

Glen Shiel | Jockey: Hollie Doyle

Archie Watson

Great Ambassador | Jockey: Richard Kingscote

Ed Walker

Naval Crown | Jockey: James Doyle

Charlie Appleby

Dragon Symbol | Jockey: David Egan

Roger Varian

King’s Lynn | Jockey: David Probert

Andrew Balding

Kinross | Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Ralph Beckett

Diligent Harry | Jockey: Adam Kirby

Clive Cox

Garrus | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Charlie Hills

Umm Kulthum | Jockey: Colin Keane

Richard Fahey

Vadream | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope

Charlie Fellowes

Double Or Bubble | Jockey: Jack Mitchell

Chris Wall

Happy Power | Jockey: P J McDonald

Andrew Balding

Gustavus Weston | Jockey: Gary Carroll

Jospeh G Murphy

Run To Freedom | Jockey: Dane O’Neill

Henry Candy

Ventura Diamond | Jockey: Joe Fanning

Richard Fahey

How can I watch the Platinum Jubilee Stakes?

ITV Racing is showing the entire Royal Ascot meeting live. The Platinum Jubilee Stakes gets underway at 4.20pm (18 June).

What is the prize money for winning?

The winner of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Stakes will take home £567,100.

Fancy a flutter?

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of this race, you can do so right here. 

18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2022 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Royal Ascot simply wouldn’t be the same without The Queen, and although Her Majesty might not be there in person on the opening day (14 June), her colours will be in action as she has her first runner of the royal meeting in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes. And it doesn’t stop there, so we’re bringing you the low down on which of The Queen’s horses will be running at Royal Ascot this year. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Her Majesty secured a winner at the prestigious meeting during her Platinum Jubilee year?

The Queen’s horses at Royal Ascot: day-by-day guide

Tuesday 14 June

3.40pm: King’s Lynn (pictured) in the King’s Stand Stakes (Group One)

The winner of last month’s Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock is seeking a maiden win at the top level. The five-year-old by Cable Bay is trained by Andrew Balding and will be ridden by David Probert.

Wednesday 15 June

3.05pm: Perfect Alibi in the Queen’s Vase (Group Two)

A relatively inexperienced three-year-old with just three runs under her belt. The daughter of Le Havre is trained by William Haggas and will be ridden by Tom Marquand.

Thursday 16 June

5pm: Saga in the Britannia Stakes (Handicap)

This grey three-year-old colt by Invincible Spirit has one victory to his name from five runs so far. He is trained by John and Thady Gosden and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

5.35pm: Reach For The Moon in the Hampton Court Stakes (Group Three)

By Sea The Stars, this is another Royal Ascot contender that is trained by John and Thady Gosden and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori. He has never been out of the top two in all six of his starts so far.

6pm: Tactical in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

This four-year-old by Toronado has run 13 times so far and has won three of those races. He is trained by Andrew Balding and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Friday 17 June

3.40pm: Just Fine in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)

Another by By Sea The Stars, this four-year-old, trained by Sir Michael Stoute has won two of his nine starts.

5pm: Discretion in the Sandringham Stakes (Handicap)

This three-year-old filly by Dubai has a 50% strike rate so far, winning two of her four races to-date. She has won her latest two starts and is trained by Harry and Roger Charlton.

6.10pm: Spring Is Sprung in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap)

This three-year-old by Oasis Dream has been gelded since his last start when he finished third of six starters in February. Trained by Michael Bell, he has won two of his five starts so far.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2021 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Royal Ascot tips: who do the experts think will win this week?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horse sport’s travelling circus moves to Germany this week, with Luhmühlen five-star. And there’s top-class racing and showing action in the UK too…

1. Luhmühlen Horse Trials, Germany

Dates: 16-19 June

More info: tgl.luhmuehlen.de/en

How to watch: Horse & Country 

Get the H&H lowdown: find all our web coverage at horseandhound.co.uk/tag/luhmuhlen-horse-trials plus report in next week’s magazine (issue dated 23 June)

Why we’re excited about it: a sizeable British entry comes forward in the Luhmühlen five-star including Bubby Upton (Cannavaro), Oliver Townend (Dreamliner and Lukas) and Ben Hobday (Shadow Man). They will do battle with the likes of Tim and Jonelle Price – with Jonelle on her former winner here, Faerie Dianimo – and Ireland’s Cathal Daniels, bringing Rioghan Rua back to the venue where she won European individual bronze in 2019.

2. Royal Ascot

Dates: 14–18 June

More info: ascot.com

How to watch: all the races live from 1.30-6pm on ITV, 6-6.30pm on ITV4

Get the H&H lowdown: we’ll be bringing you all the latest news and highlights at horseandhound.co.uk/tag/royal-ascot with a full report, insight and all the imagery from this five-day extravaganza in next week’s issue of H&H, in the shops on Thursday 23 June.

Why we’re excited about it: one of the highlights of the Flat racing calendar featuring 36 top flight races over five days, plus the all-important fashion. It’s a real spectacle!

3. Royal Three Counties, Three Counties Showground, Worcs

Dates: 17-19 June

More info: royalthreecounties.co.uk

Get the H&H lowdown: full report in 23 June issue of H&H

Why we’re excited about it: one of the biggest shows in the diary offering three days of action-packed showing set beneath the beautiful backdrop of the Malvern Hills. The equine village plays host to over 290 classes and there are a range of trade stands to keep you occupied between competitions. The circuit’s best riders will contend for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications across horse and pony classes, and the supreme in-hand winner will book a pass to the Price Family supreme championship at HOYS in October. The show also has attractions, such as livestock showing and shopping, for the rest of the family.

4. Nunney Horse Trials, Somerset

Dates: 17-19 June

More info: schedule on British Eventing website

Get the H&H lowdown: read all about it in next week’s magazine, out 23 June

Why we’re excited about it: while other events struggle for entries, Nunney looks to have attracted a strong field, with over 75 in each of the international classes, the CCI3*-S and the CCI2*-S. Look out for Tamarillo’s clone Tomatillo competing in the CCI3*-S under Aaron Millar.

You might also be interested in:

Two withdrawals from Luhmühlen five-star, plus four British horses added to entries

Royal Ascot tips: who do the experts think will win this week?

‘It’s time to experience new adventures’: top showjumper announces break from the sport to pursue other passions

Which rider is going to work for Pfizer? Who celebrated by watching Love Island? Six things you might not know about last week’s Bramham

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Day three of Royal Ascot (Thursday 16 June) is Gold Cup day, and it’s set to be a good one. The Group One race is run over 2m4f and Stradivarius (pictured winning this race in 2020) will be looking to equal Yeats’ record four wins in the race under Frankie Dettori. Here’s the Royal Ascot betting day three Gold Cup runners and riders.

Royal Ascot betting day three: Gold Cup

Horse: Kyprios | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

Stradivarius | Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Trainer: John and Thady Gosden

Trueshan | Jockey: Hollie Doyle

Alan King

Princess Zoe | Jockey: J M Sheridan

Anthony Mullins

Mojo Star | Jockey: Rossa Ryan

Richard Hannon

Burning Victory | Jockey: William Buick

Willie Mullins

Tashkhan | Jockey: Ben Robinson

Brian Ellison

Bubble Smart | Jockey: Gerald Mosse

M Delzangles

Earlofthecotswolds | Jockey: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Liam Keniry

Alignak | Jockey: Saffie Osborne

Jamie Osborne

How can I watch the Gold Cup?

ITV Racing is showing the entire Royal Ascot meeting live. The Gold Cup gets underway at 4.20pm today (16 June).

What is the prize money for winning?

The winner of the 2022 Gold Cup will take home £283,550.

Fancy a flutter?

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of the Gold Cup, you can do so right here. 

18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2022 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s day two of Royal Ascot (Wednesday 16 June), and after some great action yesterday, we are very ready for some more. The sole Group One race on today’s card is the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, run over 1m2f. Here’s the Royal Ascot betting day two Prince Of Wales’s Stakes runners and riders. Who is your pick to win?

Royal Ascot betting day two: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

Horse: Bay Bridge | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute

Shahryar | Jockey: Christian Demuro

Hideaki Fujiwara

State Of Rest | Jockey: Shane Cross

Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Lord North | Jockey: Frankie Dettori

John & Thady Gosden

Grand Glory | Jockey: Mickael Barzalona

Gianluca Bietolini

How can I watch the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes?

ITV Racing is showing the entire Royal Ascot meeting live. The King’s Stand Stakes gets underway at 3.40pm today (15 June).

What is the prize money for winning?

The winner of the 2022 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes will take home £599,708.

Fancy a flutter?

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of the Prince Of Wales’ Stakes, you can do so right here. 

18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2021 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

Today at Royal Ascot: everything you need to know about day four

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Throughout the week of great sporting action, you will be able to view the top three past the post Royal Ascot results right here.

This page will be updated after the conclusion of each race at Ascot Racecourse, so keep checking back.

Royal Ascot results

Tuesday 14 June

2.30pm: Queen Anne Stakes (Group One)

1st: Baaeed | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company

2nd: Real World | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor | Owner: Godolphin

3rd: Order Of Australia | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor and Mrs A M O’Brien

3.05pm: Coventry Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Bradsell | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Archie Watson | Owner: Victorious Racing Limited

2nd: Persian Force | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

3rd: Royal Scotsman | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: Paul & Oliver Cole | Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay

3.40pm: King’s Stand Stakes (Group One)

1st: Nature Strip | Jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: Chris Waller | Owner: R A E Lyons, P D Harrison Et Al

2nd: Twilight Calls | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Henry Candy | Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

3rd: Acclaim Express | Jockey: Rowan Scott | Trainer: Nigel Tinkler | Owner: MPS Racing & M B Spence

4.20pm: St James’s Palace Stakes (Group One)

1st: Croebus | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Lusail | Jockey: Pat Dobbs | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: Al Shahab Racing

3rd: My Prospero | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc

5pm: Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Coltrane | Jockey: Callum Hutchinson | Trainer: Andrew Balding | Owner: Mick & Janice Mariscotti

2nd: Bring On The Night | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs J Donnelly

3rd: Arcadian Sunrise | Jockey: Harry Davies | Trainer: John Queally | Owner: Mrs Miriam Queally

5.35pm: Wolverton Stakes (Listed Race)

1st: Dubai Future | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Cadillac | Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Kevin Philippart De Foy | Owner: Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah

3rd: Harrovian | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing

6.10pm: Copper House Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Get Shirty | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: Akela Thoroughbreds Limited

2nd: Cleveland | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier

3rd: Okita Soushi | Jockey: Declan McDonogh | Trainer: Jospeh O’Brien | Owner: Toshihiro Matsumoto

Wednesday 15 June

2.30pm: Queen Mary Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Dramatised | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Karl Burke | Owner: Clipper Logistics

2nd: Maylandsea | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Michael Bell | Owner: Middleham Park Racing LXXI & Partners

3rd: Maria Branwell | Jockey: Kieran Shoemark | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: Bronte Collection 1

3.05pm: Queen’s Vase (Group Two)

1st: Elder Eldarov | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Roger Varian | Owner: KHK Racing Ltd.

2nd: Zechariah | Jockey: Colin Keane | Trainer: Freddie & Martin Meade | Owner: Aquis Farm & Manton Park

3rd: Hafit | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

3.40pm: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group One)

1st: State Of Rest | Jockey: Shane Crosse | Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Owner: State Of Rest Partnership

2nd: Bay Bridge | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute | Owner: James Wigan & Ballylinch Stud

3rd: Grand Glory | Jockey: Mickael Barzalona | Trainer: Gianluca Bietolini | Owner: Haras De Hus

4.20pm: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Saffron Beach | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Owner: Mrs B Sangster, J Wigan & O Sangster

2nd: Thunder Beauty | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: D K Kelly

3rd: Primo Bacio | Jockey: Richard Kingscote | Trainer: Ed Walker | Owner: David Ward

5pm: Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Dark Shift | Jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: Charles Hills | Owner: H Frost

2nd: Intellogent | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Owner: Fiona Carmichael

3rd: Tempus | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Archie Walker | Owner: Hambleton Racing Ltd. XXXI & Partner

5.35pm: Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race)

1st: Little Big Bear | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor, Westerberg

2nd: Rocket Rodney | Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: George Scott | Owner: Victorious Racing Limited

3rd: Eddie’s Boy | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Archie Walker | Owner: Middleham Park Racing XIV & Partner

6.10pm: Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Rising Star | Jockey: Neil Callan | Trainer: Marco Botti | Owner: Mamba Racing & Partner

2nd: Random Harvest | Jockey: Saffie Osborne | Trainer: Ed Walker | Owner: Lady Bamford

3rd: Isola Rossa | Jockey: Hayley Turner | Trainer: James Fanshawe | Owner: Jan & Peter Hopper & Michelle Morris

Thursday 16 June

2.30pm: Norfolk Stakes (Group Two)

1st: The Ridler | Jockey: Paul Hanagan | Trainer: Richard Fahey | Owner: Steve Bradley

2nd: Walbank | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: David Loughnane | Owner: Amo Racing & Omnihorse Racing

3rd: Crispy Cat | Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: M D O’Callaghan | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

3.05pm: King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Secret State | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Deauville Legend | Jockey: Daniel Muscutt | Trainer: James Ferguson | Owner: K K Ho

3rd: Israr | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd.

3.40pm: Ribbesdale Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Magical Lagoon | Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Jessica Harrington | Owner: Zhang Yuesheng

2nd: Sea Silk Road | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc

3rd: History | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg

4.20pm: Gold Cup (Group One)

1st: Kyprios | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Moyglare, Magnier, Tabor, Smith & Westerberg

2nd: Mojo Star | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

3rd: Stradivarius | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: B E Nielsen

5pm: Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Thesis | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton | Owner: Juddmonte

2nd: Saga | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: The Queen

3rd: Jimi Hendrix | Jockey: Rob Hornby | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Owner: Chelsea Thoroughbred – Purple Haze

5.35pm: Hampton Court Stakes (Group Three)

1st: Claymore | Jockey: Adam Kirby | Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam | Owner: Mrs Mary Slack

2nd: Reach For The Moon | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: The Queen

3rd: Kingmax | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Trainer: David Loughnane | Owner: Amo Racing Limited

6.10pm: Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Inver Park | Jockey: Ben Curtis | Trainer: George Boughey | Owner: The Inver Park Partnership

2nd: Ropey Guest | Jockey: Tom Queally | Trainer: George Margarson | Owner: John Guest Racing

3rd: Rhoscolyn | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: David O’Meara | Owner: The Horse Watchers

Friday 17 June

2.30pm: Albany Stakes (Group Three)

1st: Meditate | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg

2nd: Mawj | Jockey: Saeed bin Suroor | Trainer: Ray Dawson | Owner: Godolphin

3rd: Ivory Madonna | Jockey: Hollie Doyle | Trainer: Richard Spencer | Owner: Phil Cunningham

3.05pm: Commonwealth Cup (Group One)

1st: Perfect Power | Jockey: Christophe Soumillon | Trainer: Richard Fahey | Owner: Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum

2nd: Flaming Rib | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Hugo Palmer | Owner: Dale Dolan Dooley Owen

3rd: Flotus | Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford | Owner: Katsumi Yoshida

3.40pm: Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

1st: Candleford | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Barnane Stud

2nd: Ajero | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Kim Bailey | Owner: Julie & David R Martin & Dan Hall

3rd: Contact | Jockey: Ben Curtis | Trainer: David & Nicola Barron | Owner: H D Atkinson

4.20pm: Coronation Stakes (Group One)

1st: Inspiral | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

2nd: Spendarella | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: H Graham Motion | Owner: Gainesway Farm

3rd: Discoveries | Jockey: Shane Foley | Trainer: Jessica Harrington | Owner: Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd.

5pm: Sandringham Stakes

1st: Heredia | Jockey: Sean Levey | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited

2nd: Zanbaq | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: Roger Varian | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd.

3rd: Crenelle | Jockey: Frankie Dettori | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Juddmonte

5.35pm: King Edward VII Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Changingoftheguard | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith

2nd: Grand Alliance | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Charlie Fellowes | Owner: Mrs Susan Roy

3rd: Lysander | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: William Haggas | Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Beehives

6.10pm: Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes

1st: Latin Lover | Jockey: Hayley Turner | Trainer: Harry Eustace | Owner: Candour House & Partner

2nd: Nymphadora | Jockey: Harry Davies | Trainer: Andrew Balding | Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited

3rd: Peggy Sioux | Jockey: Josephine Gordon | Trainer: Kevin Ryan | Owner: Guy Reed Racing

Saturday 18 June

2.30pm: Chesham Stakes (Listed Race)

1st: Holloway Boy | Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Karl Burke | Owner: Nick White & Mrs E Burke

2nd: Pearling Path | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: John Stephen O’Donoghue | Owner: Fawn Abdullah Nass

3rd: Lakota Sioux | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Charlie & Max Johnston | Owner: Gallop Racing

3.05pm: Jersey Stakes (Group Three)

1st: Noble Truth | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Find | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Prince A A Faisal

3rd: Dubai Poet | Jockey: Andrea Atzeni | Trainer: Roger Varian | Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

3.40pm: Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two)

1st: Broome | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: M Matsushima, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith

2nd: Mostahdaf | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: John & Thady Gosden | Owner: Shadwell Estate Company

3rd: Hurricane Lane | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

4.20pm: Platinum Jubilee Stakes (Group One)

1st: Naval Crown | Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

2nd: Creative Force | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Charlie Appleby | Owner: Godolphin

3rd: Artorius | Jockey: Jamie Spencer | Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman | Owner: Newgate, China Horse Club & Partners

5pm: Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1st: Rohaan | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: David Evans | Owner: Chris Kiely Racing Ltd & J Tomkins

2nd: Popmaster | Jockey: Tom Marquand | Trainer: Ed Walker | Owner: Laurence Bellman

3rd: Jumby | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Owner: Anthony Pye-Jeary & David Ian

5.35pm: Garden Gates Stakes (Handicap)

1st: Missed The Cut | Jockey: James McDonald | Trainer: George Boughey | Owner: Ed Babington

2nd: Asgoodassobergets | Jockey: Jim Crowley | Trainer: Tom Ward | Owner: Any Excuse For A Holiday

3rd: Sun King | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Trainer: Aidan O’Brien | Owner: Exors of the Late Sir Robert Ogden, Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor

6.10pm: Queen Alexandra Stakes

1st: Stratum | Jockey: William Buick | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Tony Bloom

2nd: Reshoun | Jockey: Richard Kingscote | Trainer: Ian Williams | Owner: Dr Marwan Koukash

3rd: Calling The Wind | Jockey: David Egan | Trainer: Richard Hughes | Owner: Mrs J A Wakefield

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2021 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories and Royal Ascot results from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Crowds, including The Queen, make a welcome return to the Berkshire amphitheatre where some terrific horses show their flair

AT some stage in the future, Royal Ascot 2021 will be remembered for the terrific horses which bestrode its stage; the milers Palace Pier (pictured winning, left), Poetic Flare and Alcohol Free; the middle-distance mares Love and, my favourite, Wonderful Tonight; the new kid on the staying block Subjectivist; and the sprinters Campanelle, Dragon Symbol, Oxted and Dream Of Dreams.

But in the immediate aftermath, while we are still drying out from Friday’s deluge which meant the last two days were run in very testing conditions – heavy is for Cheltenham – it was the return of crowds to racing in some numbers for the first time in 15 months that was one of the main themes of the week.

The limited window for ticket sales and the hoops of Covid protocols and tests racegoers had to go through once the meeting had been nominated for one of the Government’s “event research programmes” meant it was something of a half-way house between last year’s zero crowd behind-closed-doors and, hopefully, the return of 70,000 for the Gold Cup next year in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.

For some three-year-olds it was the first time they had seen any sort of crowd, and both Mohaafeth, winner of the Hampton Court, and Dragon Symbol, who had the Commonwealth Cup taken off him in favour of the narrowly defeated Campanelle after leaning all over the American filly, drifted away from the noise.

For the first two days it was a bit like tea at the Ritz on a quiet day as maybe two-thirds of the possible 12,000 turned up. But the atmosphere built through the week and Ascot was rocking on Saturday, and I am pretty sure the arrival of The Queen – much missed for the first four days – for her first day at the meeting helped put a spring in everyone’s step.

It was, however, the biggest player of the week, Stradivarius, who did not pay much attention to the script that he was to win a fourth Gold Cup, undone perhaps by his advancing age, getting too far behind, then enjoying little luck in running.

There is also a suggestion that Stradivarius, who has always been a bit colty – he is old-school and no one has told him it is not the done thing these days to wolf whistle at the ladies – fell for the oldest trick in the book, a honey trap. For almost two miles Joey Sheridan parked the filly Princess Zoe alongside Stradivarius and, whether it had any effect or not, it was certainly a clever ride.

That is conjecture but ultimately, however, Stradivarius was undone by Mark Johnston’s Subjectivist, who came into the race slightly ignored despite having won his last two, a Group One on heavy at Longchamp and a Group Two on quick ground in Meydan, where he broke the track record.

Trying two-and-a-half miles for the first time, the four-year-old by Teofilo, ridden by the unflappably loyal Joe Fanning, looked extra special quickening five lengths clear of the field.

Fanning was one of the human heroes of this year’s Royal meeting – there is no greater sign of respect for a colleague than the weighing room emptying of his colleagues to lead the cheering. That was touching – or, as Fanning in his typically understated way described it – “very nice”.

Looking forward from Ascot there are two things I would like to see; a match-up between Palace Pier, the Queen Anne winner, and Poetic Flare, the impressive St James’s Palace winner, in a race like the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood; and also Wonderful Tonight in a soft ground Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe.

Tuesday

THERE is nothing like a Frankie Dettori winner to get the action off to a flyer, and Palace Pier was a comfortable length-and-a-half winner of the Queen Anne Stakes to cement his position as the best older miler in Europe.

“I needed Valium this morning I was so excited,” explained Dettori, who last year said he needed an espresso to get motivated without a crowd. “He was a pressure horse in a pressure race and I wanted everything to go right. I can breathe now. It’s 31 years ago since my first Ascot winner; there’s been so much water under the bridge but I am still getting the same kick.”

Dettori’s description of him as the best miler in the world went just under two hours without challenge after Jim Bolger’s 2000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare showed an explosive turn of foot to win the St James’s Palace Stakes by 4½ lengths. It was Poetic Flare’s fourth Group One in 45 days (one every 11 days six hours) so his middle name is “tough”.

Jim Bolger, his owner-breeder and trainer, said: “I would have accepted any margin but was genuinely expecting a performance like that. He’s extremely hardy.”

The King’s Stand Stakes was a masterpiece of planning by Lambourn trainer Roger Teal, who felt a fast-run stiff five furlongs would be ideal for Oxted. The field set off like a drag race and the key players were walking at the furlong marker. Cieren Fallon gets on so well with Oxted and swept through from the back to record his first Royal Ascot winner.

Wednesday

SOME years Aidan O’Brien could legitimately claim squatters rights to Ascot’s horseshoe-shaped winners’ enclosure. Although he only paid it a couple of visits this year, his win and place prize-money came to over £800,000, more than anyone else.

Love, who carried all before her in her Classic year winning the 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks, managed to win on her seasonal reappearance, though James Fanshawe’s Breeders’ Cup winner Audarya pushed her all the way up the straight.

The two juvenile races on Wednesday threw up good results. Gavin Cromwell was originally best known for being Tiger Roll’s farrier, then a jumps trainer which has seen him win a Welsh National, Champion Hurdle and, in March, a Stayers Hurdle and Albert Bartlett. On Wednesday Quick Suzy won him the Queen Mary over five furlongs.

Chipotle, a bargain basement 10,000gns yearling purchase owned by the Woodway 20 syndicate, gave Eve Johnson-Houghton her first Royal Ascot two-year-old winner when he and Charlie Bishop took the Windsor Castle by 2½ lengths.

Thursday

IF the defeat of Stradivarius, who finished fourth behind Subjectivist when going for a fourth Gold Cup, did anything, it underlined the achievement of Yeats, the only horse to have won four. Subjectivist, however, looked very special. It took Joe Fanning, whose third Group One it was despite being in the top 10 all-time winning Flat jockeys, an age to pull him up.

“He won in France last season on heavy ground and people were thinking he needed heavy ground to excel,” said trainer Mark Johnston, who was winning his fourth Gold Cup. “But then he went onto Dubai and that was the big question mark, could he go on fast ground? That was the performance of his life.”

It was a good meeting for the North on the whole, but with Richard Fahey winning the Norfolk Stakes, John Quinn taking the Buckingham Palace Stakes with Highfield Princess book-ending a Middleham winner in the Gold Cup, this was a particularly fine day.

William Haggas’s decision to pull Mohaafeth out of the Derby on the day because of the soft ground was fully vindicated when Sheikh Hamdan’s colt won the Hampton Court looking like a mile and a quarter was the limit of his stamina. He also resisted the temptation to supplement trial winner Alenquer for the Derby when he beat the Sir Mark Todd-trained Tasman Bay in the King Edward VII Stakes on Friday.

Friday

THE Commonwealth Cup provided one of the best finishes of the meeting when Dragon Symbol (Oisin Murphy) and the big American filly Campanelle (Frankie Dettori) went hammer and tongs with each through the final furlong and drew five lengths clear of the third.

However, first across the line Dragon Symbol drifted across the course taking Dettori’s mount with him, and the stewards decided to reverse the placings – the first time a Group One winner had been “chucked out” at Royal Ascot since 1988.

“It’s never nice winning a race in the stewards’ room, it leaves a bitter taste,” said Dettori.

Sandrine, who had given Andrew Balding a second juvenile winner of the week to go with Berkshire Shadow’s first-day win in the Coventry, was followed into the winners’ enclosure by stable companion Alcohol Free, who took the Coronation Stakes. It was quite a comeback for Oisin Murphy to lose one Group One and then win another all in the space of 35 minutes.

I am beginning to love Murphy for his wit and wisdom.

“I said to my valet when he put his arm round me,” he said after Alcohol Free’s win, “‘There’s no place for tears in here. There are far worse things going on in the world, we’re in the entertainment industry, and I’m steering these marvellous animals and keep looking forward to the next one.’”

Saturday

DAVID MENUISIER, the Sussex-based Frenchman who trains on the Pulborough gallops where Dancing Brave once strutted his stuff, has a superstar filly in Wonderful Tonight. When it came up soft he let her take her chance in the Hardwicke despite being what he described as “85% fit” and she showed a definite turn of foot when William Buick sent her on turning in.

“Wonderful Tonight is an absolute champion,” said Menuisier. “She was running against tough opposition with the benefit of at least one run, so you always have to be on the side of caution, but she is amazing.”

It was a first Royal Ascot winner for owner Chris Wright. He has had horses for 40 years including Classic winners Culture Vulture, Dark Angel, Nicer and Chrisellium but this was his first Royal Ascot winner.

“There are winners and winners, but a Royal Ascot winner…” he said. “To win at Royal Ascot is like I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

This report can also be read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale date 24 June 2021

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Today (18 June), Sir Mark Todd is donning his top hat once again. But this time, it’s not for an eventing dressage test, but instead for an outing to Royal Ascot as the former Olympic champion saddles his first runner at the meeting as a trainer.

Tasman Bay, a three-year-old colt owned by Sir Peter Vela, who was also a supporter of Mark during his eventing career, runs in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at 3.05pm.

“It’s a bit hard to believe that I’m having my first Royal Ascot runner, but I’m really looking forward to it,” Mark said in an interview for FEI Global. “I ride Tasman Bay at home – luckily he’s big enough to take me. He’s a beautiful horse, well-balanced, well-mannered and just a joy to ride. He’s got a huge, relentless stride and I’m really looking forward to him having a go.

“I’ll be wearing the same top hat that I wore while I was eventing and it’s the same one I had throughout my career, including riding at the Olympics.”

Tasman Bay has a soft temperament, as Mark explains.

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Petit Bay, owned by Bobby Allan, got the four-time Badminton winner off the mark with a win at Leicester on

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“I do all of the morning feeds and when I go into his stable, he has to have a cuddle – he puts his head on me.”

Tasman Bay is currently sixth favourite in the eight-runner race, but has been backed into 12/1 from 33/1. The colt has run four times so far, getting off the mark in his second start at Newcastle in March this year, and more recently finished third and second in behind some classy prospects over two furlongs shorter than the trip he will face tomorrow, but he has a chance.

Mark says that he has one ultimate goal as a racehorse trainer.

“I’d like to win a Group One race – I’m not fussy which one,” he said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Day four of Royal Ascot (Friday 17 June) is Coronation Stakes day. The Group One race is run over a mile and Inspiral is the current favourite. Here’s the Royal Ascot betting day four Coronation Stakes runners and riders. Who is your pick to win?

Royal Ascot betting day four: Coronation Stakes

Horse: Inspiral | Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden

Cachet | Jockey: James Doyle

George Boughey

Mangoustine | Jockey: Gerald Mosse

M Delzangles

Discoveries | Jockey: Shane Foley

Jessica Harrington

Prosperous Voyage | Jockey: Rob Hornby

Ralph Beckett

Spendarella | Jockey: William Buick

H Graham Motion

Sandrine | Jockey: David Probert

Andrew Balding

Tenebrism | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Aidan O’Brien

Grande Dame | Jockey: Jamie Spencer

John & Thady Gosden

Pizza Bianca | Jockey: Jose L Ortiz

Christophe Clement

Honey Girl | Jockey: Colin Keane

Henry De Bromhead

Rolling The Dice | Jockey: Marco Ghiani

Hilal Kobeissi

How can I watch the Coronation Stakes?

ITV Racing is showing the entire Royal Ascot meeting live. The Coronation Stakes gets underway at 4.20pm today (17 June).

What is the prize money for winning?

The winner of the 2022 Coronation Stakes will take home £283,550.

Fancy a flutter?

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of the Coronation Stakes, you can do so right here. 

18+, T&C Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2021 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There was a fairytale result for connections of one horse running at Royal Ascot today (15 June).

Oxted, who is known as Fenton at home, named after the famous runaway dog in Richmond Park who was captured on video and went viral 10 years ago, trounced his rivals to win the Group One King’s Stand Stakes by one and three quarter lengths under 23-year-old jockey Cieren Fallon. The win was a first at Royal Ascot for both jockey and trainer, Roger Teal.

“It’s a dream come true to win a Group One at Royal Ascot,” Cieren, son of former top Flat jockey Kieren Fallon, told ITV after the race. “All credit goes to Roger, his son Harry and all of the team at home. I’m very lucky to be able to sit on a horse like this – Harry does all of the hard work on him behind the scenes.

“We got a lovely trip through the race – they went a solid gallop, so I let Oxted relax and got him into a rhythm and then we were able to pick them off. It means a lot to show everyone what I can do, but I’m blessed to have all the people around me who are so supportive.”

Oxted, who won the July Cup in Newmarket last summer, was led up by Harry Teal, who was understandably delighted with the result.

“It means the world to win this – I didn’t think days could get any better than the one we had when he won the July Cup,” he said after the race. “It’s a real family affair at home – we all work hard and we all deserve this result.”

The result is even more impressive given that Oxted, owned by S Piper, T Hirschfeld, D Fish and J Collins, underwent surgery to remove an ulcer on his epiglottis last year.

“This is unbelievable, I’m speechless,” Roger said afterwards. “We’ve dreamt about these days for so long – to land a Royal Ascot Group One for a yard of our size is just amazing. I have amazing staff at home, who put in so much hard work and I’d like to thank Oxted’s owners, for supporting me too.

“We call Oxted Fenton at home as when I saw the funny video of the dog in Richmond Park, I said ‘the next horse that comes into the yard will be called Fenton, and that’s exactly what happened.”

“This horse means the world to us – he’s a star,” said Sue Teal, wife of Roger and mother of Harry. “I look after Oxted and Harry rides him every day – it’s a real team effort.”

In winning this race, Oxted overturned the mighty sprinter Battaash, who finished in fourth, behind Arecibo in second and American raider Extravagant Kid in third. Battaash, trained by Charles Hills and ridden by Jim Crowley, was returning to the racetrack for the first time since winning the Nunthorpe Stakes at York last August as he sustained a fetlock injury, which needed surgery, while wintering at Shadwell Stud.

Continued below…

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“He wasn’t as sharp as he has been in the past and he probably wanted the run after such a long lay off,” Jim said afterwards.

Visit Horseandhound.co.uk on Wednesday for betting tips ahead of the second day of Royal Ascot, plus read the full Royal Ascot report in the 24 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The highly anticipated Royal Ascot kicks off today (Tuesday 14 June), and quite frankly, we can’t wait. One of the biggest races on today’s card is the Group One King’s Stand Stakes, which is run over the shortest distance of five furlongs – blink, and you’ll miss it. Here’s the Royal Ascot betting day one King’s Stand Stakes runners and riders. Will Battaash bounce back from injury, or could The Queen have a winner on the first day in the form of King’s Lynn – who is your pick to win?

Royal Ascot betting day one: King’s Stand Stakes

Horse: Nature Strip | Jockey: James McDonald

Trainer: Chris Waller

Golden Pal | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr

Wesley A Ward

Twilight Calls | Jockey: Ryan Moore

Henry Candy

King’s Lynn | Jockey: David Probert

Andrew Balding

Man Of Promise | Jockey: William Buick

Charlie Appleby

Mooneista | Jockey: Colin Keane

Jack W Davison

Winter Power | Jockey: David Allan

David Easterby

Khaadem | Jockey: Jamie Spencer

Charles Hills

Lazuli | Jockey: James Doyle

Charlie Appleby

Ponntos | Jockey: Tomas Lukasek

Miroslav Nieslanik

Arecibo | Jockey: Rossa Ryan

Robert Cowell

Tis Marvellous | Jockey: Adam Kirby

Clive Cox

Equilateral | Jockey: Kieran Shoemark

Charles Hills

Existent | Jockey: Marco Ghiani

Stuart Williams

Lago Hunter | Jockey: Seamie Heffernan

Michael J Browne

Saint Lawrence | Jockey: Andrea Atzeni

Roger Varian

Acclaim Express | Jockey: Rowan Scott

Nigel Tinkler

Mondammej | Jockey: Cam Hardie

Antony Brittain

How can I watch the King’s Stand Stakes?

ITV Racing will be showing the entire Royal Ascot meeting live. The King’s Stand Stakes gets underway at 3.40pm on 14 June.

What is the prize money for winning?

The winner of the 2021 King’s Stand Stakes will take home £283,550.

Fancy a flutter?

If you would like to place a bet on the outcome of the King’s Stand Stakes, you can do so right here. 

18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware, Commercial Content.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2021 in the 23 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Three armed forces charities have been chosen as the official nominated charity partners for Royal Ascot 2021.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund are the official partners for the 2021 meeting.

Brigadier Peter Walker OBE, chairman of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in Berkshire, said the three charities have been working with the racecourse at Royal Ascot since 2013 and it is “great pleasure we are able to continue and strengthen our relationship this year”.

“The members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF who will be at Royal Ascot are very much looking forward to the event, and the three charities would like to thank everyone involved for their support, which helps to assist armed forces personnel, both past and present, in times of need,” he added.

The charities have traditionally been supported and promoted on the Friday of Royal Ascot, with more than £20,000 normally raised from bucket collections alone on the day.

This year they will have an extended presence across the five days of the Royal Meeting to help them raise funds, which have been affected by the pandemic.

Ascot racecourse will raise awareness of the work the charities do, by promoting the personal stories of their servicemen and women.

Donations from the sale of certain food and beverages, including its hampers as well as 1% of sales by its concessionaires on the Friday of the Royal Meeting, will also be made to the charities.

“We are delighted to confirm this charity partnership with the armed forces charities for Royal Ascot this year,” said Nick Smith, Ascot racecourse’s director of racing and public affairs.

“Typically, racegoers really engage with the three charities on the Friday and it will be fantastic to see some of the military personnel and volunteers back on site through the week.

“Having been unable to welcome them last year due to the pandemic, we are really pleased to extend our relationship across all five days and look forward to helping them raise much needed funds and awareness of the work they do.”

Schweizer-Effax

Seven-time Australian Olympic eventer Andrew Hoy has joined the Schweizer-Effax team of sponsored riders.

“My father taught me ‘If you want to be successful, place good people around you’ – and through the experience of 42 years in the international equestrian industry, I couldn’t agree more,” said Andrew.

“Competitions are won and lost at home – my time spent riding and training the horses is only a small part of our success. The care for our horses by our fabulous home team of grooms, work riders, physiotherapists, vets, farriers, nutritionists, biomechanic experts – and many more are the ones who make it all happen.

“At Somerby Stables, we only use products we believe in -and we have been using the Effol and Effax products for a long time – so it ́s wonderful to be able to turn our long-term association into a partnership. Since adding our children into the mix, the Effol kids range has entered the yard – with plenty of glitter and glamour for pony-mad little girls!”

Jörg Stegemann, business director equestrian at Schweizer-Effax, added: “Friendship needs care. This is not only a proven wisdom of life, but also our understanding of the relationship between man and horse. For us, friendship means responsibility, care, trust and appreciation. Effol puts the friendship to the horse in the centre, because cultivating [that] is not a chore, but a gladly practised friendship service. For over 100 years, we have

been committed to the vitality, performance and health of your horse – and we are delighted to now be taking care of all horses at Andrew Hoy ́s yard, too.”

KBIS

The equestrian insurance company has added Horse Events Hub to its list of sponsored associations.

The Horse Events Hub (HEHUB) allows anyone to sign up, with or without a horse for £20 per year, with the aim of bringing the national eventing community together across all areas, including riders, horses, owners and organisers.

The HEHUB includes the KBIS National Eventing League and the KBIS National Arena Eventing League. Riders will earn points from their one-day event and arena eventing results to be entered into these leagues.

“We are so excited to have partnered with KBIS for the launch of the Horse Events Hub,” said founder Fran Corkhill. “There is currently nothing like this on the market and we hope to bring all unaffiliated events across our platform together, allowing the eventing community to gain more from going eventing. We have lots of great prizes to be won throughout the year and very generously KBIS will be donating a ‘win an entry’ every fortnight to one of our lucky members.”

Markel

The global insurer and official partner of the Qatar Goodwood Festival will sponsor the Magnolia Cup charity race for the next three years.

The 2021 renewal marks the 10th running of the race, which has raised more than £1.6 million for multiple charities.

“Markel has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Goodwood and we have watched the Magnolia Cup go from strength to strength,” said Markel International president William Stovin.

“The values that the Magnolia Cup is built upon mirror the values that we hold as an organisation, so this partnership seemed like a natural evolution of our relationship with Goodwood.”

He added: “We hope that across the next three years we can raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion across all industries and the opportunities that it presents, along with being able to support some very worthy causes.”

Charlie Longsdon Racing

International breeding and racing operation Merriebelle Stable has signed a sponsorship agreement with Charlie Longsdon.

Meriebelle Stable is based in the US and Ireland and was founded by John Moores and Charles Noell in 2013.

Charles Noell, who is heading the sponsorship, has long been a keen horseman and has owned jumps horses for many years, including Moon King, who is currently in training at the Longsdon yard.

Charlie said: “It’s wonderful to form a new partnership with Merriebelle Stable. We hope to do them proud and celebrate many winners together.”

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Al Shira’aa

The Al Shira’aa stables has resumed its title sponsorship of the Bolesworth Young Horse Championships (18-22 August).

The fixture includes the British Showjumping Young Horse Championships, plus qualifiers for the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken.

As part of Al Shira’aa’s season-wide commitment, the company will also be supporting the young horse classes at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show (7-11 July).

“We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships,” said Sami Kettle, sponsorship co-ordinator of Al Shira’aa Stables.

“The show very much aligns with our ethos and Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision of producing young horses correctly to produce them for the global stage later in their career. By joining up with Bolesworth, it’s so unique and exciting not only for British breeders but to help promote the sport throughout the UK.”

Bolesworth managing director Nina Barbour added: “We have a fantastic year of sport planned at Bolesworth this year and we’re delighted that Al Shira’aa Stables will be returning as title sponsors of the Bolesworth Young Horse Championships.

“Our combined vision is to deliver the very best in elite sport horse breeding and a highly competitive stage for emerging young talent.”

Balanced

The equine supplement company has signed a sponsorship agreement with five-star event rider Kirsty Chabert.

“Our event horses are high-level athletes so we routinely supplement their diet to support them in giving their very best performances. With our exciting new partnership, we are looking forward to improving our own performance and competitive edge with Balanced,” said Robin Holiday, horse owner and managing director of CLF Distribution, which owns the Balanced brand.

“We are very excited to support the team for their nutritional needs and hope to see our Balanced range of products contribute to some great results.”

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Jim Crowley was champion Flat jockey in 2016 and is the retained rider for leading owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The former National Hunt jockey enjoyed six victories at this year’s Royal Ascot, including the Group One King’s Stand Stakes on Battaash.

I enjoyed my best-ever Royal Ascot last week, finishing second on the leading jockeys’ board to Frankie Dettori – we both notched up six wins but he beat me on second places.

There was top-class racing on every day and Frankie winning the Gold Cup on Stradivarius by 10 lengths was so impressive. I finished fifth on Mekong and it was great to be a part of the race. Frankie is a big character and he is brilliant for the sport – popular with racing fans for his flying dismounts.

The opening Tuesday (16 June) was a dream for me with a treble on the day and it was the first time I have achieved that at the royal meeting.

My week kicked off with a win in the first race of the five-day meeting on Motakhayyel in the Buckingham Palace Handicap. I had a choice of rides but opted for the Richard Hannon-trained colt – who was a 14/1 chance – over some other more-favoured horses. So I was glad my decision pulled off and we won the race. I had ridden him during a racecourse gallop at Kempton Park beforehand and he had felt very well.

It was a great start to my week and really got the ball rolling. I was unlucky in the Group One Queen Anne Stakes on Mohaather, where some traffic problems prevented us from getting a clear run. Winning the Group One King’s Stand Stakes on the Charlie Hills-trained Battaash was a big highlight. He can be quite a handful, so not having the crowds and the atmosphere helped him settle before the race. He was chilled in the paddock and was walking around slowly for his lad, Bob Grace, who has worked for the Hills family for over 30 years now. We won the race in good style and it was third time lucky for him, having finished second in 2018 and 2019.

It was very strange riding at Royal Ascot without a crowd of racegoers cheering us on – that is always a marvellous feeling and that special atmosphere was obviously lost. But as a jockey, it is always so hard to ride a Royal Ascot winner, so that elation of winning remains the same; it is always a relief to get one – or more – on the board.

I was very happy that my boss, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, for whom I am the retained jockey, was the leading owner of the royal meeting.

I felt sad for the owners that they weren’t allowed to attend and I missed seeing the excitement on their faces when their horses won. As leading owner, it would have been lovely for Sheikh Hamdan to have been there, instead of watching at home. Hopefully, owners will be the first people allowed back on the racecourse soon.

This year, Sheikh Hamdan has a great team of horses and sometimes it just works out like that. All the trainers did well to get their horses prepared for the week, with lockdown having stumped many prep runs.

“I was proud to be a part of it”

I am sure many people enjoyed the coverage by ITV Racing and it was nice that the whole focus was on the high-class racing and the horses, without the fashion element.

I hope the racing action this year reached out to those who perhaps would otherwise attend Royal Ascot primarily for the social side and less so for the racing.

As jockeys, we were required to fill out a form on the British Horseracing Authority website beforehand, then on arrival we had our temperatures taken and were given a wristband to confirm we were OK to ride.

Wearing facemasks during racing is not easy and has taken a bit of getting used to because it’s hard to catch your breath – it gets hot and your goggles steam up. I’m hoping we won’t have to wear them for too much longer.

The changing room was sectioned up, so we each had our own changing area divided by Perspex glass and we had to adhere to the two-metre rule. Ascot Racecourse had done a brilliant job and looked after us very well.

I also enjoyed watching some of the young jockeys ride their first Royal Ascot winners. This included Hollie Doyle on Scarlet Dragon in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes, and Kevin Stott in the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes on Hello Youmzain. He followed this up with a win on Hey Jonesy in the Wokingham.

It was a very different Royal Ascot this year and one that will go down in history, and I was very proud to be a part of it all.

Ref Horse & Hound; 25 June 2020

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Frankie Dettori is the hero of an extraordinary Royal Ascot with six winners, giving him a sixth jockeys’ title at

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With this year’s Royal meeting having taken place behind closed doors last week (16-20 June), would-be racegoers opted to dress up and celebrate in their own gardens and homes instead – and many went all out with the Champagne, picnic food and sartorial elegance...

We were very impressed with the efforts of these young racegoers, who even managed to get hold of their very own Royal Ascot flower wall.

Trainer Charlie Hills’ young sons raise the roof for Battaash and Equilateral, who are both trained by their father and finished first and second respectively in the King’s Stand Stakes.

Connections of top National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard joined together to enjoy their own celebrations.

Event rider Zara Tindall chose this elegant outfit while celebrating Royal Ascot with husband Mike, who also pulled out all the stops with a top hat and tails.

Milliners have missed out making and supplying headwear for this year’s Royal Ascot but enjoyed seeing their masterpieces being worn at home around the country.

These racing fans got into the patriotic spirit by decorating the garden with British flags.

This group of ladies donned their hats and heels for the Royal meeting.

A special bottle of Champagne was popped open for this garden party – cheers!

Former The Apprentice star Frances Bishop went all out with flags and floral decorations in the garden for her Royal Ascot celebrations.

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Frankie Dettori is the hero of an extraordinary Royal Ascot with six winners, giving him a sixth jockeys’ title at the meeting, on a day when a rising star won his first Group One – his first Royal Ascot victory – then followed it with a second winner

If Royal Ascot 2020 was a recipe, it had every single ingredient – except the self-raising flour of large, excitable crowds. The fifth and final day brought the meeting, conducted behind closed doors, to a crescendo with eight races and three Group Ones in a row.

Frankie Dettori’s victory aboard Palace Pier in the St James’s Palace Stakes gave him the leading jockey title; he and Jim Crowley both rode six winners, but Dettori had more second places. John Gosden, Palace Pier’s trainer, took the leading trainer’s award, also with six successes. Palace Pier had won all three of his previous races, but the Kingman colt was untried at Group level.

“It was no fluke,” said Gosden. “He’s a really talented horse, but he sustained a little injury last season and it would have been madness to go to the 2000 Guineas on the back of a novice event.”

The Guineas was only two weeks ago, and perhaps left its mark on Wichita, second there for Aidan O’Brien but only third behind Palace Pier and Pinatubo here.

Dettori ticks off missing Royal Ascot win in Coronation Stakes

Dettori was able to place the missing piece of his Royal Ascot puzzle – the Coronation Stakes – by riding the Jessica Harrington-trained Alpine Star to victory for the Niarchos family, who bred her. He has now won all of Ascot’s eight Group One races in his career.

Harrington, watching at home in Ireland, said: “I could not believe it because she was the only horse in the field that hadn’t had a run this year, but she is amazing. She is a half-sister [by Sea The Moon] to a complete superstar, Alpha Centauri, who gave me my first Royal Ascot winner. She was just amazing today, she did it so easily.

“She is very laidback and nothing like Alpha Centauri, who was a great big, very imposing filly. This filly is not very big, she is not a great colour – a little bit of a mealy chestnut. If you saw her trotting around in the string, you wouldn’t pick her out, but she has the most wonderful attitude.”

Jockey’s rides first Royal Ascot winner – then makes it two

Danish-born jockey Kevin Stott was in tears after riding his first Royal Ascot winner – and his first Group One – on Hello Youmzain for his mentor, Kevin Ryan, in the six-furlong Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The pair followed up immediately afterwards with success in the highly competitive five-furlong Wokingham Handicap courtesy of Hey Jonesy.

“I don’t know what to say really – I can’t find the words,” said 25-year-old Stott. “An hour ago I didn’t think this would ever happen, and now I’m standing here with two Royal Ascot winners; things that you could never dream of.”

Treble for dual-purpose trainer Alan King

He may be better known as a National Hunt trainer, but Alan King finished fourth in the trainers’ title at Royal Ascot 2020 with three winners. He started the week with Coeur De Lion’s Ascot Stakes victory, added the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes with Scarlet Dragon on Friday and took the very last race of the meeting, the two miles, five and a half furlong Queen Alexandra Stakes, with odds-on favourite Who Dares Wins. The latter was also a first Royal Ascot victory for jockey Tom Marquand, leveling him with his girlfriend Hollie Doyle, who had scored hers on Scarlet Dragon.

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American delight at Ascot

Finally, it wouldn’t be Royal Ascot without a two-year-old victory for American trainer Wesley Ward, who has been so successful on this stage in recent years. Despite coronavirus, the ebullient Ward sent over a large team and the Kodiac-sired Campanelle justified the effort when taking the Queen Mary Stakes under Frankie Dettori.

Speaking from Keeneland, Kentucky, Ward said: “We’re going crazy here! There’s nothing like Royal Ascot.”

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Frankie Dettori enjoyed his 70^th Royal Ascot triumph after four-year-old filly Fanny Logan landed the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes over 1½ miles today (Friday, 19 June).

Frankie delivered the daughter of Sea The Stars with a perfectly timed challenge entering the final furlong, and the 17/2 shot went on to score comfortably from Alounak.

“On paper, I thought maybe we were just racing for a place, but John gave me a lot of confidence and said she had come out of Haydock really well. She had improved mentally and physically,” said Frankie.

“I was further back than I wanted to be, but they started racing pretty early and by the time I got to the furlong marker, they were all dead and she showed a good turn of foot.

“She has improved from three to four – she is bigger and stronger – she was very fit, and she liked the ground. It was a proper performance and she has definitely improved from last year.”

He added: “I actually forgot I was one short of 70 winners, so that’s another milestone. It’s brilliant to have 70 – that’s a lot, I want number 71 now.”

The Commonwealth Cup

The Group One highlight on day four, the Commonwealth Cup, was decisively won by 5/1 chance Golden Horde, under Adam Kirby.

It was an eighth Royal Ascot victory for the jockey and winning trainer Clive Cox.

Always travelling well, the son of Lethal Force held a clear advantage a furlong from home and was never threatened as he won by 1½ lengths from American challenger Kimari, under Frankie Dettori.

“Golden Horde was Group One placed twice last year and was great in winning the Richmond Stakes,” said Clive. “We always believed this year he would be able to take a step up physically. He was a big horse last year, but he has really grown into that frame this year.

“I am very proud of him. We have got a great team at home and to win a Group One first time out with any horse is difficult, but given the way things are this year, it’s the same for a lot of people. He is a horse to go forward with – I really hope and pray he has got a longer journey to go ahead of him.”

The Norfolk Stakes

The Group Two Norfolk Stakes went to The Lir Jet, trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Oisin Murphy.

It looked as if American challenger, the Wesley Ward-trained Golden Pal, had the race in the bag but a strong run from The Lir Jet in the closing stages saw the latter get up to score by a neck.

The winner is now unbeaten in two starts, having won on debut at Yarmouth, when he was owned by the trainer’s son, Nick – following that win, the two-year-old Prince Of Lir colt was purchased by Qatar Racing.

Up-and-coming young jockey Hollie Doyle was victorious on day four of the Royal meeting, when steering Scarlet Dragon to a win in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes for dual-trainer Alan King.

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Top staying horse Stradivarius impressively dominated the Gold Cup by 10 lengths at Royal Ascot today (Thursday, 18 June), his third consecutive win in the Group One race for owner Bjorn Nielsen, trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori.

The six-year-old son of Sea The Stars joins Sagaro (1975, 1976, 1977) as a triple Gold Cup winner with only four-time scorer Yeats having won the 2½-mile staying showpiece more.

It was the most decisive win of Stradivarius’ career. Having moved up effortlessly on the bridle behind long-time leader Nayef Road, Stradivarius went right away in the final furlong and won comfortably. Nayef Road held on for second, eight lengths clear of Cross Counter.

“I had to have an excuse ready [the ground] in case I messed up the training and I get the blame as the trainer,” said John Gosden. “For a horse to do that, I mean Sagaro was trained by a great friend of mine, Francois Boutin, and ridden by Lester Piggott. I remember watching all his races and he was something. Yeats was a phenomenon. To have a horse mentioned in that bracket is what it is all about.

“We are very proud to have won the race three times and it is great for the owner/breeder Bjorn Nielsen. He is passionate about his breeding and broodmares. He has been trying to breed a Derby winner, but he has got a very good Gold Cup horse. For him, it is profoundly fulfilling for him as much as it is for us – it is a pity he can’t be here today.”

He added: “Stradivarius is quite a character. I must change my aftershave, as he got quite coltish while I was saddling him. He is quite a noisy character and he was having a shout and play out there – he does think life is a bit of fun and when you win races like this, I suppose it is.”

Top lady jockey Hayley Turner returned to Royal Ascot 12 months after making history at the Royal meeting in 2019. She partnered the Charlie Fellowes-trained Onassis to a win in the Sandringham Stakes.

“Onassis felt really good,” said Hayley. “She had the perfect profile for the race and Charlie Fellowes told me she would win it about three months ago. She took the conditions really well and took her time. She is a very nice filly and did it easily.”

Newmarket handler Roger Varian enjoyed a treble on day three of the Royal meeting, kicking off with Mountain Angel in the Wolferton Stakes, under James Doyle.

Molatham then claimed the Group Three Jersey Stakes for the Varian yard, under the meeting’s leading jockey Jim Crowley.

“Molatham was very tough,” said Jim. “He had the one run at the backend of last year on soft ground at Newmarket and he didn’t fire. His form before that was very strong. He beat Wichita at Doncaster earlier in the year.

“I had been down to ride him work earlier in the year when we were thinking of the 2000 Guineas. He was working quite lazily at home, but today when the rain had come I was a little bit concerned. However, when you look at his pedigree, it showed that he wouldn’t mind a bit of cut in the ground and the way he moves suggests that too. He handled soft ground well today and maybe at Newmarket last season it was the undulations that caught him out.”

Jim teamed up with Roger Varian once again to steer Khaloosy to victory in the Britannia Stakes, taking the jockey’s total of wins to six so far this week.

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After the first two days of the Royal Ascot meeting, Jim Crowley is the leading jockey with four wins and one third place. Here’s all you need to know about the jump jockey turned champion Flat jockey...

Life as a jump jockey

Jim began his racing career as an amateur Flat race jockey before becoming a professional National Hunt jockey, riding for West Yorkshire trainer Sue Smith and her husband, former top showjumper Harvey Smith.

“Working for them was brilliant, one of the best times in my life and I was taught so much — Harvey is such a gifted horseman,” Jim told H&H in 2017.

Under the jumps code, Jim rode around 300 winners, before switching to become a Flat jockey. But growing up, Jim never envisaged a career as a Flat jockey. “As a kid, I thought that game was for wimps,” he quipped.

Switching codes

Aged 27, Jim decided to change codes and started riding for West Sussex trainer and his sister-in-law Amanda Perrett. In 2010, he became stable jockey for Ralph Beckett’s yard.

“I wasn’t struggling over jumps — I was riding on average 50 wins a season — but I wasn’t where I wanted to be,” explained Jim. “If I’d stayed as a jump jockey it’s likely I’d be retired by now. I made the decision to change and have never looked back.”

A champion Flat jockey

Jim won his first champion Flat jockey title in 2016, beating the 2015 champion Silvestre de Sousa into runner-up spot.

He also broke the record for most winners ridden in a month with 46 victories in September that year.

“I overheard someone in the weighing room say Silvestre couldn’t be beaten and he’d definitely win the title,” reflected Jim. “If a person says I can’t do something it really gets my back up — from then on I was obsessed with becoming champion jockey.”

Jim lifted the prestigious trophy at Ascot’s Champions Day — Flat racing’s season finale — in 2016, having ridden 189 winners that year.

A top job

In November 2016, Jim was announced as the new number one jockey to leading owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, for whom he has partnered and won on multiple horses already at Royal Ascot this week.

“I got the phone call totally out of blue — I wasn’t expecting it at all,” remembered Jim. “Those opportunities don’t come around often.

“Your career instantly goes to another level; it’s a massive change. Riding as a freelance jockey was great as you could always pick up a spare ride, but now I am riding some of the best-bred racehorses in the country.”

Continued below…

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Home life

The 41-year-old jockey, who hails from Ascot, lives in West Sussex with his wife, Lucinda, and their three children, Alice, Bella and Sam, who are already hooked on the sport and enjoy riding their ponies at home.

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The John Gosden-trained Lord North claimed today’s feature race at Royal Ascot (Wednesday, 17 June) in the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes, under James Doyle, who also enjoyed a double on the day.

The four-year-old Dubawi gelding, who is owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing, demonstrated an outstanding turn of foot to come home comfortably by 3¾ lengths from Addeybb. The seven-strong field entered the final furlong virtually in a line across the course.

The winning trainer made comparisons between Lord North and Halling, who captured the 1994 Cambridgeshire Handicap, before landing the 1995 and 1996 Group One Coral Eclipse.

“Lord North was gelded after the 2019 spring campaign, he needed to be,” said John. “He was tormenting himself. Testosterone is the most dangerous drug in the world, and he is a lovely horse to be around now.”

James Doyle added: “I think when John takes a horse into a race like this, you do have to prick your ears. Lord North looked quite unexposed coming into it and he has gone through his grades. He won the Brigadier Gerard nicely up at Haydock but looked to get a bit tired, and John said he’d definitely improved a lot for that run. Going into this, the vibes were all pretty confident from the Gosden camp.”

The Queen enjoyed a Royal Ascot victory in the Windsor Castle Stakes with the race favourite Tactical.

It is the first time Her Majesty has missed the Royal meeting in her 68-year reign.

Leading jockey of the week so far Jim Crowley notched up his fourth win this week when delivering Hukum with a perfectly timed challenge to take the 1½ mile King George V Handicap by half a length from 9/2 joint-favourite Kipps.

It was also a fourth win of the week for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, while it was a first ever Royal Ascot success for trainer Owen Burrows.

“Hukum has always been a horse we have liked,” said Owen. “He does enough at home without blowing you away. He was due to run at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn’t quite happy with him. I just thought we will forget it and I took him to Kempton last week and he worked as well as he had last year.

“As a kid and when I was battling around Fontwell and Plumpton 20 years ago [as a jump jockey], I would never have dreamed I would be here training a Royal Ascot winner for someone like Sheikh Hamdan. All thanks to him for having the trust in me to do the job. I was very fortunate to have had a great grounding at Sir Michael Stoute’s where I was around good horses and you can pick up plenty – I have just been very fortunate.”

Trainer William Knight also saddled his first Royal Ascot winner when Sir Busker was partnered to a three-quarter length success by champion jockey Oisin Murphy in today’s opening race, the Silver Royal Hunt Cup.

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Catherine Austen is one of just a handful of journalists working on site at Royal Ascot this week – here are her reflections on the first day...

It was though someone had cast a spell over Ascot racecourse yesterday. The colours were still there – the gleaming bay coats of impeccably bred horses, the vibrant silks of the jockeys, the tropical hues of the flowers – but there was virtually no noise.

Without the 50,000 spectators usually expected on the first day of the Royal meeting, you could watch a race from the top of the grandstand and hear the jockeys’ voices raised above the drumbeat of hooves as the horses charged along the final furlong towards the winning post. Normally Ascot would be ringing with the cheers of the crowd, the hum of chatter, the clink of champagne glasses.

For 2020, Royal Ascot is taking place “behind closed doors”, with only the most essential participants on course. This includes four journalists – one from the Racing Post, one from the Press Association, and two from Racenews, who provide the official news service and for whom I am working.

Temperatures are tested on arrival, facemasks are obligatory, there is endless hand sanitisation and strict social distancing. There are so few of us that everyone is parked in one of Ascot’s near-dozen large car parks. I am wearing a dress, but, like Sky Sports’ Hayley Moore, decide to keep my trainers on instead of swapping into heels. Mine are dirtier than hers, though, and I think that for the rest of the week I will revert to the less comfy option.

There is no Royal procession. The national anthem is played before the first race, but The Queen, like all other owners and racing fans, is watching from home.

Richard Hannon wins the first race of this unique week, and tells the Press Association’s Graham Clark and I that that’s it, “the rest of the meeting is cancelled”, with a flashing grin. Ultimately, when the memories of this extraordinary year have faded, the records will remain – a Royal Ascot winner is a Royal Ascot winner. By the end of the day, jockey Jim Crowley has bolstered his Royal Ascot scorecard by three, all for different trainers but all for the owner who retains him, Sheikh Hamdan.

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How many times over the decades have pictures been captioned, “Frankie Dettori delights the crowds with a flying dismount”? He obliged once again after the hot-headed but talented Oaks prospect Frankly Darling gave John Gosden a 50th Royal Ascot training success in the Ribblesdale, but it was for the three photographers present, not for the dozen or so of us who watched him from the paddock steps.

The tempo of the day might have been muted, but the stories were as rich in variety as ever. The big guns – Gosden, Frankie, Ryan Moore, Coolmore – were matched by pistol shots from the likes of William Muir, for whom Pyledriver’s King Edward VII Stakes victory was a second Royal meeting winner, 18 years after his first. Normally the race is a Derby consolation; this year it’s a Derby trial and the dream is alive.

Muir was there and in voluble form, but not all the trainers were present. Alan King’s Coeur De Lion took the last race, the two-and-a-half-mile Ascot Stakes, but he was nowhere to be seen. Instead attention focused on the 20-year-old jockey with surely the best name in the weighing room, Thore Hammer Hansen. It is a name reminiscent of the Norse gods.

Like Sleeping Beauty, Royal Ascot will rise from her semi-slumber next year and once again be the most intense, exotic week of the season. But I’m going to enjoy every minute of this one – as will the millions of TV viewers all over the world. Hats off to Ascot and to British racing for pulling it off.

Keep in touch with each day’s action from Royal Ascot here on Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H magazine’s full report in next week’s magazine, on sale Thursday 25 June.

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Jim Crowley enjoyed a treble in the saddle on the opening day (Tuesday, 16 June) of Royal Ascot, which is being held behind closed doors this year, including a Group One win on Battaash.

The jockey’s first win of the day came aboard the Richard Hannon-trained Motakhayyel in the Buckingham Palace Handicap, before he steered the favourite Battaash to victory in the King’s Stand Stakes.

The six-year-old gelding, who is trained by Charlie Hills, now has 11 wins under his belt. But it was third time lucky for the son of Dark Angel in the Group One five-furlong highlight, having finished runner-up to Blue Point in 2018 and 2019.

Owned and bred by Hamdan Al Maktoum, Battaash never looked in any serious danger today as he blasted away to win by 2¼ lengths from stablemate Equilateral.

“He was really on his ‘A’ game today,” said Charlie. “He was beautifully relaxed before the race and as soon as the gates opened you could see he was going to be very hard to beat.

“Obviously, we will have to speak with Sheikh Hamdan, but I am really looking forward to going back to Goodwood to try and win the King George there for the fourth time – I think that would be some achievement to do that.”

Jim added: “I had to hold him for two furlongs, he was on a bit of a going day and wanting to charge off. My only concern was to try to get the fractions right on him because obviously he was quite keen today. There was nothing quick enough to lead him, and I wanted to save enough for the finish, which worked out. Every time he wins, it feels special because when he wins, he wins well.

“I would say he’s number one in my career. He is one of the best sprinters in recent years – he has so much natural talent.”

Jim concluded a brilliant day in the saddle with a third victory on Nazeef in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, for trainer John Gosden.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore teamed up to claim the Group One Queen Anne Stakes with favourite Circus Maximus.

The four-year-old won the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2019. Today, the son of Galileo had to battle hard in the final furlong, coming out on top by a head from Terebellum. The pair drew right away from the rest of the field, with Marie’s Diamond three lengths away in third.

Aidan was recording his 71^st Royal Ascot success and said: “We were delighted with that performance. Circus Maximus is very tough, he travels with a lot of speed, then quickens and then toughs it out – it was unbelievable and Ryan gave him an unbelievable ride, we are delighted.”

There was a surprise win in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes when 18/1 shot Pyledriver saw off his rivals over a mile and a half.

The William Muir-trained son of Harbour Watch is now a live contender for the Derby at Epsom on 4 July.

It was a second Royal Ascot success for the winning trainer, 18 years after Zargus landed the Balmoral Handicap and an eighth for jockey Martin Dwyer, who is William’s son-in-law.

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Racing fans are delighted that Royal Ascot goes ahead this year, albeit behind closed doors (16-20 June). It will leave a void in many people’s socal lives and here are just some of the things we will miss about not attending the Royal meeting...

Getting dressed up

Planning a dazzling outfit for Royal Ascot always gives racegoers the feel-good factor, especially at this Flat racing highlight because, let’s be honest, there is nothing too crazy or eccentric. Bold colours and imaginative designs are always on display and we will miss seeing the array of colour this year. And not forgetting the men all suited and booted, we will miss the sight of top hats and tails congregating in the Royal Enclosure. At least it gives us an extra 12 months to plan something even more special for 2021.

The Royal entourage

Watching the The Queen in her beautiful horse-drawn carriage arriving at Royal Ascot is very special and something that you never forget and for many of us, the only time we will get to see Her Majesty in the flesh. It is the first time The Queen will be absent from Royal Ascot in her 68-year reign.

Getting up close to the horses

For Flat racing fans, Royal Ascot is the meeting of the calendar and gets the excited butterflies going in your tummy. We get to watch the best horses go head-to-head, battling it out in top-class races. While we are all so happy that Royal Ascot goes ahead behind closed doors, watching it on TV won’t be quite the same, no atmosphere to soak up and no buzz from the crowd, willing the horses on. For me, watching the horses walk around the paddock pre-race is also a highlight, getting up close to the beautiful beasts, their coats gleaming, and taking in the smell of their freshly painted hooves.

The colourful headwear

The dresses may be bold and beautiful but the headwear at Royal Ascot can range from anything, from the elegant and demure to the downright absurd. But it wouldn’t be Royal Ascot as we know it without the wonderful headpieces and we will miss seeing them ­– Royal Ascot will certainly be less colourful this time round.

A cheeky bet

For many, putting a cheeky £5 each-way bet is something of a novelty and Royal Ascot is a great chance to enjoy a little bet and get involved in the high-octane action. Obviously, bets can still be placed online, but it isn’t the same as fighting through the crowds to put a bet on with the on-course bookmakers just before the race kicks off.

A high-heeled problem

Personally, Royal Ascot is the one time I pull out the high heels for a day at the races. So perhaps I won’t miss the sore feet but I will miss the comedy that comes with getting your heel stuck in the grass, and attempting to dislodge as elegantly as possible.

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Enjoying a beverage

Sharing a jug of Pimms with friends in the sunshine is always a fond memory and for many a picnic in the car park is a popular annual highlight. Picnics and beverages might be confined to the gardens this year but I am sure racing fans will make the most of it and get into the Royal Ascot spirit from the comfort of their own homes.

Singing around the bandstand

A true Royal Ascot tradition is always ending the day’s racing joining in with the singing around the bandstand – old favourite “Sweet Caroline” always goes down well with the often blurry-eyed racegoers. The grandstands may fall silent this year but 2021 will no doubt make up for the Royal Ascot we have all missed out on.

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This week’s Royal Ascot, which is set to take place from 16-20 June, marks another chapter in the racecourse’s history, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While it is desperately sad that the most colourful event in the racing calendar will be open to only a few, with racing happening behind closed doors, one day it’ll be the stuff of legend, very much like these previously lost or slightly different Royal Ascots…

The ‘black’ Royal Ascots

Queen Victoria died aged 81 on 22 January, 1901, bringing her then record 63-year reign to a close.

As the nation remained in mourning, Royal Ascot that year was held in a sombre mood with the Royal Stand closed and the racecard featuring a black border. Dressing in black was also the order of the day, although it was recorded in The Times that by the Thursday, when the Gold Cup was run, “a number of ladies who were in black on the first two days had assumed a more modified form of mourning, as there were many dresses of white, lavender and mauve, although not enough to impart any colour to the scene.”

The new Sovereign, King Edward VII, was also absent from the Royal Meeting in 1901, although this was on account of his own illness. His extreme discomfort turned out to be appendicitis and also resulted in his Coronation, scheduled for a fortnight after Royal Ascot, to be postponed.

King Edward VII, a great devotee of the turf, himself died on May 6, 1910 at the age of 68. Royal Ascot again saw an overwhelming dominance of black attire, with the Daily Mirror recording “Strange and striking were the contrasts at Ascot. The most splendid fete of the year usually had now its dominant note in mourning. No member of royalty was present, the King’s pavilion had drawn blinds and closed doors, and the occupants of the Royal Enclosure were in black, unrelieved save where ladies wore white flowers or had strings of pearls as the only ornament.”

The two World Wars

Royal Ascot was held as normal in 1914. However, it was just nine days after its conclusion on 28 June that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, setting in motion the First World War. Royal Ascot would not return until 1919. In the intervening years, the racecourse played host to a number of different functions including an army recruitment office, military hospital, medical supplies depot and a base for the Royal Flying Corps. A cinema for servicemen was opened on the Heath and made available to the public in the evenings.

Similarly, World War II resulted in Royal Ascot being suspended between 1940 and 1945, with the Grandstand providing accommodation for gunners of the Royal Artillery. Some of the Royal Ascot races were transferred to Newmarket during World War II, while The Jockey Club staged some fixtures at Ascot in 1943 and 1944.

A Whit Monday card at Ascot was staged on May 21, 1945, with Princess Elizabeth, our then future Queen, in attendance. Although no Royal Ascot took place in 1945, various races were staged at the course later in the summer. The Coventry Stakes and Queen Mary Stakes were held at a one-day fixture in June, with the Gold Cup and Royal Hunt Cup held in July. A meeting in August played host to the Britannia Stakes and Wokingham.

When Royal Ascot did return in 1946, severe austerity and rationing meant that the dress code switched from morning dress to lounge suits and service dress. The Royal Procession was restricted to Tuesday and Thursday.

Industrial strife

Throughout the 1970s, from the Three-Day Week to the Winter of Discontent, strikes were a very regular news item.

Racing was not immune, with the bitter Stable Lads Strike taking place over 10 weeks between the April and July of 1975.

Although Royal Ascot was spared the ugly scenes that had blighted the Guineas Meeting at Newmarket in May, there was a march by stable lads on the course itself and pickets were in evidence outside the racecourse. The outside broadcast staff of the BBC were largely unwilling to cross picket lines, meaning that there was no television coverage of Royal Ascot in 1975. The racing itself was unaffected with those in attendance treated to the usual top-quality fare, headed by Lester Piggott teaming up with the great Sagaro for the first of the horse’s three Gold Cup victories.

The dispute was finally resolved with the establishment of the Stable Lads’ Association, with assistance from John Oaksey and Jimmy Hill. The organisation subsequently changed its name to the National Association of Stable Staff and is now known as the National Association of Racing Staff. Resolution came in time for TV coverage of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on 26 July, which saw the ‘Race of the Century’ between Grundy and Bustino.

Foot and Mouth

In 2001, the UK experienced its first outbreak of foot and mouth disease since 1967. The first case was officially confirmed in Essex on 21 February and by 27 February all racing was suspended for seven days. Guidelines were issued by the then BHB (now BHA) for restarting racing at the start of March. Racing’s resumption was very much on a case-by-case basis and dependent on whether racecourses were situated in an exclusion zone. The biggest casualty was the Cheltenham Festival, which had to be cancelled.

Racing had largely returned to normal by the time of Royal Ascot in June, although disinfection procedures remained in place for those in attendance. The main consequence for racegoers was having to walk over mats which had been soaked with disinfectant as they entered racecourses. Given the abundance of high fashion and high heels at Royal Ascot, this provided photographers with some unusual images!

General Election

Great Britain went to the polls on 7 June, 2001, with Tony Blair’s Labour securing a second successive victory. The knock-on effect was that the State Opening of Parliament following the election took place on 20 June — day two of Royal Ascot.

The carriages and horses used for the Royal Procession were required for the State Opening of Parliament, as well as a rehearsal the preceding day. The result was that the Royal Procession was restricted to just Thursday and Friday. Her Majesty still attended the first two days, arriving at the racecourse by car in time for racing.

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Royal Ascot goes North

Ascot Racecourse underwent its £220m redevelopment between September 2004 and June 2006.

An alternative venue had to be found for Royal Ascot in 2005. It was the spectacular northern gem, York Racecourse, that was the beneficiary, with the full five-day programme transferred in its entirety to the Knavesmire. The Queen and her family attended every day, the Royal Procession began proceedings, and the Royal Enclosure operated as normal.

The transfer also brought about a change to York Racecourse, with a round course being incorporated for the first time to accommodate the Ascot Stakes, Gold Cup and Queen Alexandra Stakes. The new round course is used to this day.

It proved to be an excellent five days at York, with memorable victories for Shamardal in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Westerner in the Gold Cup and success for Hong Kong in the Golden Jubilee Stakes, courtesy of Cape Of Good Hope.

Without question, born out of necessity though it was, Royal Ascot at York was one of the most special renewals of the historic meeting. The local community and city embraced the event fully and those fortunate enough to attend still remember it like the Olympics coming to town.

>> With thanks to Ascot Racecourse

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Facetime debriefs, streamed jockey fitness sessions and a virtual flower wall are on the cards as Ascot prepares to run the royal meeting behind closed doors.

The racecourse has shared its full plan for “Royal Ascot at home”(16 to 20 June), to bring a very different meeting into the homes of those who cannot be there in person owing to lockdown restrictions.

The enhanced 36-race programme will be shown live on television, and Ascot has plans for a host of activities in light of the fact the five days of racing will be a little different this year.

The course also has a plan for owners, who will not be able to watch their horses in person.

These include access to a live 360-degree parade ring camera feed, which will pick up each horse, via an online racing hub. Facetime debriefs to owners by trainers/jockeys both pre- and post-race are also being welcomed.

“I am thrilled that Royal Ascot and the Racehorse Owners’ Association (ROA) have been able to put together some fantastic initiatives that help to bring the magic of Royal Ascot home,” said ROA chief executive Charlie Liverton.

“They have gone to extraordinary lengths to bring owners virtually into the paddock, to speak with their trainers and jockeys and receive special behind-the-scenes access, along with personalised racecards for all those with a horse running.

“As ever, it will never replicate being able to attend in person, but rest assured we are working hard with the British Horseracing Authority and racecourses to get owners back on course as a priority.”

Would-be racegoers have been invited to dress up for the occasion at home as part of the #StyledWithThanks campaign, in aid of those affected by Covid-19.

Participants are encouraged to donate to the campaign fundraising page, share their outfit photos and spread the #StyledWithThanks message. These photos will be turned into a giant rainbow mosaic, which will become a permanent installation at the racecourse, and there are also prizes on offer for the best dressed.

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Bunting sets are being made available to download and print, a virtual Royal Ascot flower wall filter and dedicated GIFs are available on Instagram, plus there will be quizzes and a chance to receive a phone call from a racing personality.

Jockey fitness sessions will be streamed before racing, run by the Injured Jockeys Fund, and top chefs will be sharing recipies and competing in the “Coronation Chicken Stakes”, voted for by the public.

“During these unprecedented times when we aren’t able to welcome our usual 300,000 guests to the royal meeting, we want as many people as possible to enjoy the magic of from home,” said Ascot racecourse’s chief commercial officer, Juliet Slot.

“It will be a unique experience, like no other, for us all. We hope everyone will embrace the many wonderful activities and interactive challenges we have lined up on the Ascot website, in the lead up to and during the event, as well as tuning into all the live racing action on television.”

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Today (21 April 2020) The Queen marks her 94th birthday. Just eight reasons seems a bit of an injustice when trying to sum up how indebted the horseworld is to The Queen’s passion and commitment to our sport. But to mark her birthday, we’ve made a start...

1. An encyclopedic knowledge

Her Majesty is intimidatingly knowledgeable when it comes to horses — no detail is spared. So much so that former editor of Horse & Hound Michael Clayton recalls that on a visit she made to H&H HQ with Prince Philip in London, 1978, he found himself caught out. “The royal couple lingered long over a series of equestrian photographs we displayed. Frequently The Queen would study a horse portrait intently and ask the question of the true horseman: ‘Who is it by?’” he remembers. “All too often I had to cough and admit I did not know. Sometimes one of my colleagues would provide the answer, but usually The Queen was the first to remember the sire of a horse in our collection.”

2. Age is just a number

We’ve always been proud to boast that in equestrianism, a 19-year-old can compete against a 50-year-old. But The Queen takes it to another level. Riding at 94? No problem.

3. Understated glamour

Those wellies. That headscarf. The Queen makes you feel ashamed for slavishly following the equestrian fashion and rinsing your credit card for a pair of the latest Hunters or Musto jacket to don for Royal Windsor. This is understated equestrian style at its finest.

4. No nonsense (whatsoever)

Her Majesty seems to characterise those qualities found in the best of Pony Club DCs or the most long-serving of show stewards: straight talking, no nonsense, down to earth. Showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable’s mother Jill, who accompanies The Queen by car when Katie is on horseback, remembers: “The first time I couldn’t open the passenger door to get out. We were alone in the car so I thought it might be security. I said, ‘I’m sorry Mam, but I can’t open the door’. She replied, ‘Oh for goodness sake, pull a bit harder.’”

5. Her offspring

To be the matriarch of a family that can claim a European Champion as a daughter (the Princess Royal) and a European and World Champion as a granddaughter (Zara Tindall) as their own is quite some feat. Plus, as president of World Horse Welfare, the Princess Royal has become a linchpin for championing equine welfare issues.

6. Putting natives in the nationals

What better advert for our native breeds than to have pictures of The Queen delighting in her own ponies’ show ring success at Royal Windsor (and across the country), plastered across the national papers?

7. Racecourse magic

Something changes in the mood of a racecourse when The Queen is in situ — and when she has a winner, it can send the crowds into a state of euphoria to see that often steely face light up with a smile. Take Estimate winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 as a case in point. And what would the Royal meeting be without the grand arrival of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (plus their lucky Windsor Castle guests) by horse and carriage at the start of each day’s racing?

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8. Patriotic pride

Gleaming horses decked out in regalia for a State occasion, with The Queen sailing by in a coach, has the strange effect of making you want to blurt out with a rendition of “Rule Britannia”…

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Everyone wants a Royal Ascot winner, because it’s a unique meeting known around the world. Riding a winner had been on my hit-list for a long time and I’ve been on cloud nine ever since.

I’ve known Thanks Be’s trainer Charlie Fellowes since he was assistant to James Fanshawe, for whom I used to ride, but I’ve only teamed up with him recently. Charlie thought the ground and trip were perfect for Thanks Be, and the team seemed confident about how well she was going at home. They didn’t tell me she was a certainty to win, but they seemed to think she might run a big race, even though she was 33/1 in a 27-runner race. Needless to say, it was a massive thrill, up there with everything I’ve achieved as a jockey.

The wheels are definitely in motion with the girls who are riding nowadays; the standard is so much higher than it has ever been, the numbers are going up and I’m sure it will continue to snowball. Hopefully, a Royal Ascot winner for a female jockey won’t be as big a deal in the future.

Since Friday, I’ve been so busy. I didn’t even have time on Saturday to take the washing off the line — I’d put it out on Friday morning before I left the house for Royal Ascot. There were so many nice messages from people and, as I like to reply to them all individually, I’d just about got on top of them by the Sunday morning. Having too many messages to reply to is a pretty nice problem to have.

A pleasure to watch

There were so many highlights from the rest of the meeting that it’s hard to choose just one, but I thought Blue Point winning the King’s Stand and the Diamond Jubilee in the same week was a great training performance by Charlie Appleby. It’s a pleasure to watch a horse like that — he’s so fast and professional at the same time.

It’s good fun watching the other races with everyone on the TV in the weighing room, even if I’ve never actually had the chance to do Royal Ascot properly as a spectator — doing the picnic before and having a few drinks.

I’ll keep riding for as long as I’m enjoying it. A winner like this obviously helps, but I have been in a positive frame of mind during the season anyway. Luckily, Royal Ascot will be around forever, so I’m sure there will be plenty of time to go there for fun when I retire.

Ref Horse & Hound; 27 June 2019

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Hayley Turner became only the second female jockey in history to ride a winner at Royal Ascot today (21 June).

The 36-year-old steered 33/1 shot Thanks Be — a three-year-old daughter of Mukhadram who is owned by Emma Capon — to victory in the Sandringham Stakes for trainer Charlie Fellowes.

It has been 32 years since Gay Kelleway became the first lady rider to win on the hallowed turf at the Royal meeting in Berkshire aboard Sprowston Boy.

Hayley announced her retirement from the saddle on 31 August 2015 before making her comeback in 2018. During her spell in retirement she joined the ITV Racing team on television.

After her win today, Hayley revealed she had phoned up the winning trainer to ask whether she could come and ride out at his yard.

“Charlie was quite confident [about the horse’s chances], he said everything was A1, including the ground and the trip. He said the only negative was the draw,” explained a delighted Hayley on ITV Racing.

“Thanks Be just sliced through the field easily. When a gap half comes and you’re going well, it makes it easier to take them. Only having eight stone on her back helped too.

“The standard [of female jockeys] is so high now and they all deserve to be here riding at Royal Ascot. The number of girls riding winners is rising and will only snowball.”

The winning pair beat the William Haggas-trained Magnetic Charm, who is owned by The Queen, by a neck.

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The Queen’s early morning gallop, a 100-year waiting list and more interesting Royal Ascot facts

The interesting Royal Ascot facts you may not know about...

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Royal Ascot: Frankie Dettori matches Lester Piggott’s four-timer

The top jockey picked up an impressive four-timer at the Royal meeting yesterday (20 June)

Hayley was awarded an OBE in 2016 for her services to horse racing. She became the first female to ride 100 Flat winners in a year in 2008.

Don’t miss our full report from Royal Ascot in 27 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

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