For global horse racing enthusiasts, Royal Ascot remains the pinnacle of the racing calendar. This five-day event is an intersection of sporting excellence and royal tradition, featuring world-class horses, elite trainers, and premier jockeys amidst a backdrop of historic pageantry and high fashion.
Adding to the prestige, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, accompanied by members of the British royal family, are expected to attend, drawing both racing fans and royal observers from around the world.
The meeting, running from Tuesday through Saturday (June 20), features 35 races with a total purse of £10.65 million (approximately $13.4 million USD), including eight coveted Group 1 contests.
How to Watch Royal Ascot
NBC Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the meeting via the Peacock network. Due to the time difference in the UK, live broadcasts for U.S. viewers begin early, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. Viewers are encouraged to check local listings or NBC Sports schedules for specific post times and programming updates.
Notably, four of the races at Royal Ascot serve as Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win & You’re In” events. Winners of these contests earn an automatic berth and an all-expenses-paid trip to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup on October 30-31.
Leading Trainers and Jockeys
Aidan O’Brien continues his dominance as the meet’s top active trainer, having secured 96 victories since his first win over two decades ago. Among riders, Ryan Moore leads the active standings with 92 wins. However, the all-time record remains held by the legendary Lester Piggott, who amassed a staggering 116 career victories at the meeting.
Weather Outlook: Firm Turf Expected
The forecast for Berkshire predicts a beautiful week of warm, dry weather. With highs reaching the upper 70s and rain not expected until potentially Saturday, the course is anticipated to remain firm.
Opening Day Highlights: The Queen Anne Stakes
Tuesday kicks off with the £453,680 (approx. $600,000 USD) Queen Anne Stakes, a “Win & You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). Established in 1840, the one-mile event has a storied roll of honor including legends such as Frankel, Goldikova, and Ribchester.
U.S. influence is well-documented in this race; Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse brought champion Tepin to victory in 2016. Other recent winners include Circus Maximus (2020), Baaeed (2022), Triple Time (2023), Charyn (2024), and Docklands last year.
This year’s nine-horse field features reigning BC Mile winner Notable Speech as the 8-5 favorite. Despite his international success, he is seeking his first win over the Ascot course. Trainer Charlie Appleby will once again be represented by jockey William Buick.
The St. James’s Palace Stakes
Also contested on Tuesday is the £700,000 (approx. $939,000 USD) St. James’s Palace Stakes. Named after the former Tudor royal residence, this event was first run in 1834 and attained Group status in 1971.
The race typically attracts the top three-year-old colts from the 2000 Guineas trials in England, France, and Ireland. Previous victors include Giant’s Causeway, Frankel, and most recently, Field of Gold.
Tuesday’s compact but elite field of six includes the undefeated 2000 Guineas winner Bow Echo and Gstaad, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) and the Irish 2000 Guineas.
The King Charles III Stakes
Opening day concludes its Group 1 trio with the King Charles III Stakes (formerly the King’s Stand Stakes). This 5-furlong sprint, part of the British Champions Series, has been contested since 1860 and has seen champions like Battaash (2020) and Bradsell (2023) claim victory.
American trainer Wesley Ward has been the most successful foreign trainer at the meeting, saddling 12 winners since 2009, including the victory of Lady Aurelia in 2017. After a hiatus last year, Ward returns this year with seven runners.
The writing team at US Racing consists of full-time and part-time contributors specializing in various facets of the Sport of Kings.
