royal ascot racing tours 2023

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ontrack ROYAL ASCOT ​RACING Tour

Tour features

• Staying at high class accommodation throughout: 
• Bedford Lodge Resort & Spa (Newmarket) (5 nights bed & breakfast)  
• Sheraton Grand London Park Lane (Mayfair) (7 nights bed & breakfast)
• 3 days racing action including fine dining & beverages at 3 different premium Royal Ascot venues:
• Royal Ascot Day 1 (Tues): The Furlong Restaurant - 5 course luncheon, Afternoon Tea & beverage package .
• Royal Ascot Day 3 (Thurs): Old Paddock Restaurant - 3 course luncheon, Afternoon Tea & beverage package.
• Royal Ascot Day 4 (Sat): Trackside Restaurant (Royal Enclosure) - 5 course luncheon, Afternoon Tea & beverage package.
• Stud Tour: to Dalham Hall (Dubawi) (Newmarket 
• Stud Tour: Banstead Manner (Frankel) (Newmarket)
• Stud Tour: Cheveley Park (Newmarket)
• Private Stable Visit: Sir Mark Prescott (Newmarket)
• Private Stable Visit: Marco Botti (Newmarket)
• Private Tour: Tattersall's Sales Complex (Newmarket)
• Tickets to the National Horse Racing Museum (Newmarket)
• Private Tour: Jockey Club Estates Racetracks & Training Facilities (Newmarket)
• Welcome Dinner (Newmarket) 'Jockey Club Rooms' (circa 1668) - 3 courses & beverage package.
• Farewell Dinner (London) 'Searcy's @ The Gherkin' - 3 courses & beverage package (London)
• Private High Tea at the famous ‘Goring’ (London) 
• Morning Suit hire arrangements & fittings at Moss Brothers for the gents (London)
• Visit to Royal Cavalry Museum for the ladies (London)
• Hosted by Ontrack's Grant Morgan & Jenny Morgan  
• Co-Hosted leading UK bloodstock agent Stuart Boman (based in Newmarket) (the man who purchased ZAAKI).

Ontrack Royal Ascot Tour  - Highlights Video

stable TOUR: Sir mark prescott (Heath House, Newmarket) 

Tour: national horse racing museum (newmarket)

STUD TOUR:   cheveley park stud (Newmarket)

Stud Tour:   dalham hall (newmarket)

Tour: Tattersall's Sale Complex (Newmarket)   

TOUR: Jockey Club TRAINING FACILITIES & Racetracks (Newmarket)

Stable Tour:   MARCO BOTTI STABLES (Newmarket)

WELCOME Dinner "Jockey club rooms" (newmarket)

RACEDAy: royal Ascot Day 1 - Lunch carriages restaurant

RACEDAY: ROYAL ASCOT DAY 3 -   old paddock restaurant

high tea - The goring hotel (London)

RACEDAY: Royal ASCOT Day 5 - trackside restaurant (royal enclosure)

Farewell dinner:  aqua shard (London)

Post​al 

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Royal Ascot Media Guide 2023

Welcome to Royal Ascot 2023, the world’s premier Flat racing meeting.

We are looking forward to five thrilling days of action on the track. Last year we welcomed equine stars from four different continents in what was a truly international week and it is exciting that horses from around the world will once again travel to compete at the Royal Meeting.

Coming so soon after the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, this will be the first Royal Meeting of the new reign and a great celebration of Their Majesties’ continued patronage of British racing and Royal Ascot in particular.

Following the success of Nature Strip in 2022 we are again expecting strong representation from Australia. The week could also feature runners from Hong Kong, America and throughout Europe including potentially France, Spain, Germany, Sweden and Norway.

The biggest star on the track will, for the final time at Royal Ascot, be Frankie Dettori. A career spanning five decades has included 77 Royal Ascot winners to date, including eight Gold Cups and all eight of our Group 1 races - a unique feat. One of those 77 winners was Phantom Gold, winner of the 1995 Ribblesdale Stakes for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In memory of The Late Queen there will be a photographic exhibition in the Grandstand showcasing images and memories of Royal Ascot. We are very grateful to Howden for their support of this and to Chris Jackson from Getty for his photographs. The Platinum Jubilee Stakes has been renamed as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in perpetuity, both to honour The Late Queen’s unstinting commitment to Ascot and the three great Jubilee celebrations that began with the inception of the race in 2002.

The global reach of Royal Ascot will see the racing broadcast in 175 territories, while the continued growth of World Pool participation to more than 20 countries is a very important part of our international strategy. We are delighted to have increased prize money again this year to a record level of £9.52 million across the 35 races and, once again, no race will be run for less than £100,000. It remains more important than ever that the rewards for participants are competitive in order for the Royal Meeting to retain its prominence on the world stage. As always, our grateful thanks must go to all our Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers who make such investment possible. We are delighted this year to be welcoming LK Bennett as an Official Sponsor for the first time and there will be a special fashion experience at the racecourse during Royal Ascot for racegoers to enjoy.

We hope you enjoy the week.

AT ROYAL ASCOT

THE RACING RECORD

Prize money at royal ascot 2023.

The Royal Ascot racing programme will once again feature the highest concentration of equine talent seen at any meeting across the world. The 35-race programme features eight Group 1 races and a total of 22 Pattern or Listed level events throughout the week ensuring that the quality remains high from start to finish.

Last year, the Queen Anne Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Gold Cup, St James’s Palace Stakes and Platinum Jubilee Stakes all featured in the Longines World’s Top 100 Races for three-year-olds and upwards with global stars Baaeed, Nature Strip and Kyprios lighting up the track.

In 2023, a record £9.52 million of prize money will be on offer, up 10% on the 2022 figure of £8.65m. All Group 1 races will be run for a minimum of £600,000 for the first time with increases to the King’s Stand Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes, Gold Cup, Coronation Stakes and Commonwealth Cup (all £500,000 in 2022), while the Queen Anne Stakes is worth £750,000 (£600,000 in 2022).

The Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes has been increased to £250,000 (£225,000 in 2022) while two Group 2 races for fillies and mares - the Duke of Cambridge Stakes and Ribblesdale Stakes –have been raised to £225,000 (from £175,000 and £200,000). Both the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes and Jersey Stakes also receive increases to £150,000 (from £100,000 and £110,000).

As in 2022, no race at Royal Ascot will be run for less than £100,000.

Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to have pushed past the £9 million prize money mark for the first time. It’s never been so important to focus on the top end of the British programme with competition for the best horses so intense internationally.

“Against a backdrop of reduced central funding, an increase of almost £1 million in Executive Contribution has been required to get to this figure. That represents a significant investment.”

ROYAL ASCOT PRIZE MONEY HISTORY

2023 - £9,520,000

2022 - £8,652,500

2021 - £6,000,000

2020 - £3,610,000

2019 - £7,330,000

2018 - £7,305,000

2017 - £6.600,000

2016 - £6,580,000

2015 - £6,580,000

2014 - £5,310,000

PLATINUM JUBILEE STAKES RENAMED

Queen elizabeth ii jubilee stakes”.

In memory of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the feature Group One race on the final day of Royal Ascot (24th June), The Platinum Jubilee Stakes, has been renamed The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Sir Francis Brooke Bt. His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, said: “The Late Queen’s close association with Ascot Racecourse was well known throughout the world, but no race at the Royal Meeting previously carried the name of Queen Elizabeth II.

“His Majesty The King has approved the renaming of the Platinum Jubilee Stakes to The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. This will both honour Her Late Majesty in perpetuity and maintain the connection with the three Jubilees celebrated since the inception of the race as the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2002.”

AUSTRALIAN SPRINTING STARS HEADLINE INTERNATIONAL CONTENDERS

Entries from across the globe were received in May for the eight Group One races at Royal Ascot, including stars from Australia, Hong Kong and the USA.

King’s Stand Stakes contender Coolangatta heads a strong Australian contingent after securing her second Group 1 victory for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington in February.

The Lightning Stakes has proved a key stepping stone for Australia’s six Royal Ascot winners, with Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast, Black Caviar and Nature Strip all winning the fivefurlong highlight.

Co-trainer David Eustace said: “We are stepping into the unknown when it comes to international travel but Coolangatta has done a lot of travelling around Australia and is used to being in unfamiliar places. We are hopeful that she will handle that side of things well but you never know until you do it.

“The history books tell you that Lightning Stakes winners have a pretty formidable record at Royal Ascot and we are happy to side with them. We think the 1,000 metres of the King’s Stand, with the uphill finish, looks ideal and genuine fast ground will be to her advantage as well.”

There could also be Australian representation in the King’s Stand Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, courtesy of Artorius

for Anthony & Sam Freedman, The Astrologist for Leon & Troy Corstens and Cannonball for Peter & Paul Snowden.

Artorius, who was third in the Group 1 six-furlong showpiece sprint last year, looks an improved performer this year with two excellent efforts, including a comeback victory in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick in early March.

Co-trainer, Sam Freedman, said: “Artorius seems to be shaping up really well and will have a couple of trials over here before we put him on the plane. I think he is definitely hitting Royal Ascot this year in better form than he was 12 months ago. He is not far off the likes of Anamoe and his win in the Canterbury has worked out, with the runner-up Imperatriz going on to win another Group One.

“His form lines are strong and I think you guys over there will see a more tactically versatile horse. He will be able to sit a lot closer, which will be important, whereas last year he was rattling home.

“The history books tell you that Lightning Stakes winners have a formidable record at Royal Ascot.”

- David Eustace

“There are a few Aussies coming over again this year. I think you will see a decent filly in the King’s Stand in Coolangatta and then you have an older horse in The Astrologist who is right around the mark. Our horse proved last year that he is up to competing over there and, provided a few things go his way, we would be very hopeful of another big performance.”

The Astrologist proved himself on the international stage when going down by a head in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup Night. He arrived in the UK in early April to begin his preparation for Royal Ascot.

Troy Corstens said: “We were delighted with The Astrologist’s effort in Dubai. He ran to expectations and came very close, which gave us the confidence to continue the journey with him.

“He has settled beautifully in Newmarket – he is a very adaptable horse and enjoys the travel. We feel that this will be the perfect race for him. He is a renowned straight-track horse in Australia and we feel the testing course of Ascot will suit him immensely.”

The potential raiding party from the USA includes the Wesley Ward trained duo of Love Reigns and Twilight Gleaming who both made winning returns at Keeneland in April.

Eight of Ward’s 12 Royal Ascot winners have come in two-year-old races and his team of juveniles this year will be led by runaway debut winner American Rascal in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. The Curlin colt is the first foal out of Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes and Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes winner Lady Aurelia.

Classic Causeway could be a rare US-trained runner in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The son of Giant’s Causeway has proved an able campaigner on both turf and dirt for Kenny McPeek, with his most notable success coming at the expense of Nations Pride in the Group 1 Belmont Derby last summer.

Top-class sprinter Wellington is set to be Hong Kong’s first runner at Royal Ascot since 2016. Richard Gibson’s four-time G1 winner is entered in The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and brings highclass sprinting form to the table.

Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We are very pleased to see entries for Royal Ascot 2023 from across the world including Group One winners from Britain, Ireland, France, the USA, Australia and Hong Kong.

“It is particularly exciting to see so many strong entries from Australia, including the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes winner Coolangatta, who looks set to try and follow Nature Strip’s victory in the King’s Stand Stakes. It’s also exciting to see Artorius is on track to try and go two better than when third in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes last year.

“Wesley Ward again has a strong team headed by Love Reigns and Twilight Gleaming along with his usual crop of two-year-olds which most excitedly includes American Rascal this year looking to follow in the footsteps of his dam, Lady Aurelia.”

Since 2003, 202 runners from outside Europe have competed at Royal Ascot from nine different jurisdictions; the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, Bahrain and the UAE.

All eight Group One races at Royal Ascot are part of the QPICO British Champions Series. Four Royal Ascot contests are part of the Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In Programme – the King’s Stand Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Norfolk Stakes.

ORDER OF RUNNING

Day one tuesday 20th june, two wednesday 21st june.

DAY THREE THURSDAY 22ND JUNE

Day four friday 23rd june.

Full race conditions can be found on pages 87 - 90.

2022 LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE RANKINGS

We saw six of the horses in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse top ten (including ties) run at Ascot in 2022.

Baaeed: Queen Anne Stakes winner and 4th in the QIPCO Champions Stakes

Nature Strip: King’s Stand Stakes winner

Kyprios: Gold Cup winner

Real World: Queen Anne Stakes second

Pyledriver: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes winner

Torquator Tasso: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes second

TRACK CONDITION AND EQUINE WELFARE GOING REPORTS

Live weather data and track conditions will once again be available for Royal Ascot in 2023 through Weather Trax Live available on Ascot’s website via https://www.ascot.com/thegoing

In 2020, Ascot became the first racecourse in the UK to publish live weather data via this innovative App developed by TurfTrax, which streams live meteorological data from equipment located near to the four-furlong marker on the stand side of the Straight Course.

A wealth of information including rainfall figures for the past 24 hours and seven days as well as wind speed and direction and daily evapotranspiration figures, are all available in realtime.

Chris Stickels, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse said:

“We continue to have excellent feedback regarding the live weather data that was used by owners, trainers, jockeys, racing followers, punters, media and broadcasters.

“The system has been in place for every raceday since Royal Ascot 2020 and once again people will be able to monitor weather conditions and check for Going updates remotely in real time during this year’s Royal Meeting. We hope it will be informative and useful for those enjoying the racing all over the world.”

Alongside the WeatherTrax Live data, from 13th June, daily Going reports will be provided combined with GoingStick readings coinciding with the timing of entries and declarations.

Going maps, rail positions and irrigation information will also be available. For Royal Ascot, GoingStick and soil moisture data is collected independently by TurfTrax.

The first assessment takes place seven days before the meeting begins, then readings are taken four days, 48hrs and 24hrs prior to the meeting and on every race day morning.

GOINGSTICK & MOISTURE READINGS PLAN

TUESDAY 13TH JUNE

GoingStick reading pre entries confirmation (reading by around 2pm)

FRIDAY 16TH JUNE

Reading early afternoon

SUNDAY 18TH JUNE

Reading to be completed by 8am ahead of Day One declarations

MONDAY 19TH JUNE

– SATURDAY 24TH JUNE

Readings completed daily by 8am

The electromechanical GoingStick is used to measure 108 grid locations on the track including 72 on the Straight Course split across the stand, centre and far side. A further 36 measurements are taken on the Round Course.

The measurements are representative of forces exerted by the horse’s hoof when it is in contact with the ground.

Additionally, a volumetric soil moisture content reading is carried out at 24 positions on the Straight Course and 36 on the Round Course. The data is analysed each day by Ascot and TurfTrax alongside 15 years’ of historic weather and Going data to assist with irrigation planning if required.

EQUINE WELFARE

The safety and welfare of horses and jockeys is paramount at Royal Ascot and in recent years, several major changes have been made to improve welfare standards.

PRE-RACE EXAMINATIONS

For the first time at Royal Ascot this year, enhanced prerace examinations will be carried out on every horse running throughout the week.

After successful trials at Newbury and Goodwood in May, the process involves:

• A cardiac assessment using a stethoscope

• A trot up over a distance of approximately 25 metres, with the horse asked to trot up and back in a straight line on a firm surface

• An examination of the musculoskeletal system

These are standard methods of pre-race examination which have been used to examine individual horses at Flat and Jump meetings for many years and will be performed by the BHA’s Veterinary Officers in the racecourse stable area.

Through this process, we can help ensure that all horses are lining up in the best possible condition following their journey to the racecourse.

The vets can work with trainers to evaluate the gait and address any questions about the horse’s suitability to race in advance of racing. Any trainers that are concerned about horses that might be described as ‘poor movers’ or have an ‘asymmetrical gait’, are encouraged to contact the BHA in advance to discuss the individual circumstances and explain how they can provide further information about their horse.

This may include supporting videos of the horse trotting in hand before and after exercise and reports from the trainers’ home vets. This process is aimed to include and involve all the professionals associated with each horse in the making of decisions about their suitability to race.

These examinations are designed to support the work of the whole sport to reduce avoidable risk, adding an extra layer of protection so that we know horses are lining up in the best possible health post-travel, whilst avoiding a situation where a sound horse is prevented from running.

Chris Stickels, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse, said: “The introduction of enhanced pre-race examinations during Royal Ascot is another important step in our continued commitment to improving equine welfare in our sport. The investment we have made in this area will help us to ensure that all horses are in the best possible condition before running during the week.”

James Given, Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare at the BHA, said: “British racing is rightly proud of the standards of care that racehorses experience and this enhanced process is another example of the whole industry, including horsemen, racecourses and regulator, all working together as we constantly strive for further improvements to racehorse safety and welfare.”

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

During the redevelopment between 2004-2006, a safer race track was created by cambering the home and old paddock bends and removing the road crossings over the track, replacing them with underpasses.

Further improvements to equine welfare provision were made as part of a £700,000 project to create a new enhanced unsaddling area in 2016. Increased in size to accommodate large field races more comfortably, the Unsaddling Enclosure lawn is positioned to benefit from maximum shade from the crown of an adjacent mature tree as well as a repositioned tulip tree, which sits to the south of the oval. Equine misting fans were also installed to aid with postrace cooling of horses.

The Flat Course Pop-Up irrigation system underwent a £150,000 overhaul in 2017 to ensure consistent and enhanced watering of the racing surface. All 300 of the pop ups around the track were replaced and a new filter system fitted to the pump station delivering a more efficient system.

This year, we have also worked closely with Duralock, the leading supplier of PVC fencing to the racing industry, to install non-metal ground fixing for our midcourse fencing and rail. The new rail uses no metal below or above ground with a design that enhances safety for horses and jockeys in the event of a major collision.

Five specifically qualified equine vets are on duty every day at Royal Ascot, dedicated to the welfare of all the horses. During each race, vets follow the runners by car and can respond to and attend an incident generally within a minute – as fast as the paramedic teams responsible for jockeys.

There are three equine ambulances on course at all times and three ambulances for any incidents involving injuries to jockeys. Ascot’s two permanent veterinary boxes are supplemented with an X-Ray machine to assist with swift diagnosis before administration of treatment on site or any movement necessary to equine hospitals.

The jockeys’ facilities at Ascot include a medical treatment room, rest rooms and a dedicated room for physiotherapy. There are six doctors on site specifically to deal with any jockey injuries.

BRITISH RACING’S COMMITMENT TO OUR RACEHORSES

The horseracing industry takes its responsibility to the welfare of the racehorse extremely seriously and they receive the best care and training available. There are 20,000-plus horses in training who race over the course of a year and they receive almost constant attention from the 6,000 stable staff who are dedicated to their care on a daily basis.

Over the last 20 years, the sport has invested more than £40 million in equine veterinary science to make sure our athletes are cared for, healthy and happy. As a result, horseracing today is safer than it has ever been. The number of horses that have suffered fatal injuries on racecourses has decreased to just 0.21% of runners and 99.5% of horses complete their races without serious injury.

British Racing has an independently-chaired Horse Welfare Board which published its five-year strategic plan - ‘A Life Well Lived’ - in February 2020. The plan includes 26 projects covering continuous improvements across the areas of safety, wellbeing, and traceability.

Support is also provided to racehorses in their post-racing careers and thoroughbreds retrain into many other equine sports including polo, eventing, dressage, hacking and many more. The sport has its own dedicated charity – Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Partly

through the work of RoR, and due to the adaptability and versatility of the thoroughbred, an active market for rehoming and retraining of racehorses has developed. Tens of thousands of former racehorses go on to fulfilling second careers.

Ascot Racecourse this year partnered with RoR to appoint our first ever Equine Ambassador, Side Glance. Formerly a top-level winning racehorse owned by Sheikh Fahad and trained by Andrew Balding, Side Glance raced 40 times between 2009 and 2015, running around the world in Britain, Australia, America, Singapore, Hong

Kong, Canada and Dubai. That included ten appearances at Ascot itself, where he won twice and finished third behind the mighty Frankel at Royal Ascot in 2012.

Now 16-years-old, he was initially retrained for showing and in recent years has been learning dressage with his owner Leanne White who uses him regularly as part of her work as an instructor for the National Horseracing College. He forms a central part of the Ascot Racecourse Supports programme to engage people in the sport of horse racing and showcase the life that racehorses live once they finish racing.

Ascot has also this year supported the work of Strength and Learning Through Horses, an equine assisted learning charity, by sponsoring their new arena. The charity offers life changing mental health and education services for young people and they use ex-racehorses in their work. You can find out more about the partnership here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-xzUVKACdE

We’re encouraging everyone to find out more about the thoroughbred by getting involved in racing’s annual National Racehorse Week – which takes place from 9th to 17th September. Over nine days, the doors are open to studs, training yards and aftercare centres nationwide for people to go behind the scenes to experience for themselves the love and care racehorses receive.

You can register now and will be notified mid-June once places go live to book - www.nationalracehorseweek.uk

THE HIGHEST QUALITY RACING

Six of the top ten racehorses in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings competed at Ascot Racecourse in 2022, including runners from Britain, Australia, Ireland and Germany.

Nothing received a bigger cheer at Royal Ascot than when Queen Elizabeth II had a winner in the Royal silks. Over the years many horses carried those famous colours to victory. - Terry Redhead looks back at some of them.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S WINNERS AT ASCOT RACECOURSE 1953-2022

Royal Hunt Cup - Choir Boy

Swinley Forest Handicap - Choir Boy

Cumberland Lodge Stakes - Aureole

Hardwicke Stakes - Aureole

King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes - Aureole

Rous Memorial Stakes - Landau

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes - Alexander

Royal Hunt Cup - Alexander Granville Stakes - Doutelle

King George V Stakes - Jardiniere

Ribblesdale Stakes - Almeria

New Stakes - Pall Mall

Cumberland Lodge Stakes - Doutelle

Fenwolf Stakes - Flake White

Halifax Stakes - Michelino

King Edward VII Stakes - Restoration Rous Memorial Stakes - Snow Cat Granville Stakes - Sundown

Coronation Stakes - Aiming High Wild Boar Stakes - Optimistic

Blue Boy Stakes - Garter Lady

Ascot Handicap - Magna Carta

Sunninghill Park Stakes - Rekindle

Fenwolf Stakes - Carlton House

Fenwolf Stakes - Duke Of Normandy Brown Jack Handicap - Valuation

White Rose Stakes - Milford

Queen’s Vase - Buttress

Ribblesdale Stakes - Expansive

St James’s Palace Stakes - Above Suspicion

King Edward VII Stakes - Pindari

Mornington Stakes - Blue Riband

Sunninghill Park Stakes - Optimistic

Hardwicke Stakes - Hopeful Venture

Cranbourn Chase Stakes - St Patrick’s Blue

Tote Roll-Up Handicap - Pantomiine

Green Shield Stakes - Escorial

One Thousand Guineas Trial Stakes - Gilding

Blue Seal Stakes - Circlet

Fenwolf Stakes - Contralto Brown Jack Handicap - Valuation

White Rose Stakes - Dukedom

Hoover Fillies Mile - Height Of Fashion

Halifax Fillies Stakes - Silver Dollar

Chobham Apprentice Handicap - Church Missionary

Blacknest Handicap - Whitechapel

Ribblesdale Stakes - Phantom Gold

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes - Blueprint London Clubs Fernhill Rated Stakes - Holly Blue

Bridgewell NH Maiden Hurdle - Barbers Shop

Miles & Morrison October Stakes - Golden Stream

Longines Sagaro Stakes - Estimate Gold Cup - Estimate

Neptune Investment Management Handicap - Bold Sniper

Hyperion Stakes - Special Leave

Ewar Stud Farms Apprentice Handicap - Insular

Red Deer Handicap - Salient

White Rose Stakes - Top Register

Royal Hunt Cup - Colour Sergeant

Crocker Bulteel Handicap - Colour Sergeant

Chobham Apprentice Handicap - Whitechapel

Ascot Handicap - Whitechapel

Classic Magazine Maiden - Ghillies Ball

City Index Maiden - Border Comet

Gardiner & Theobald NH Flat Race - Gold Award

Chesham Stakes - Free Agent

Queen’s Vase - Estimate

Felix Rosentiel’s Widow & Son Introductory Hurdle - Close Touch

David Brownlow Charitable Foundation

Maiden Hurdle - Special Agent

Johnny Brett Handicap - Dartmouth

2016 Hardwicke Stakes - Dartmouth

Sodexo British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden - Frontispiece

Les Ambassadeurs Casino Handicap - Sextant John Guest Racing Handicap - Sextant

Charbonnel et Walker British EBF Maiden Stakes - Saga

Lavazza Stakes - Chalk Stream

Sodexo British EBF Novice Stakes - Elector

Windsor Castle Stakes - Tactical

In total The Late Queen had 76 winners at Ascot, including 24 at Royal Ascot. A total of 72 winners came on the Flat and four under National Hunt rules.

FRANKIE’S FINAL ROYAL MEETING

It’s 34 years since an unknown 18-year-old Italian rode

Rain Burst to finish fifth in the 1989 Coronation Stakes.

12,422 days later, on the Saturday of Royal Ascot 2023, there will be one name on everyone’s lips.

One face everyone wants to glimpse.

One jockey the world is willing to win.

Frankie Dettori.

In an exclusive interview for Ascot ahead of his final Royal Meeting, the exuberant Italian – the man who has captured the heart of every racing fan at some point over the last four decades – saw no point in putting on a brave face.

“Walking into Royal Ascot now, it will be tough. It’s going to hit me the last day. My family is going to be there, and I will know it’s the end. For sure I will cry. I’m not even going to pretend that I’m not going to! I’ve loved every second of it. It’s not going to be easy; my heart doesn’t want to stop but my brain says it’s the right time,” says the man who has ridden more Royal Ascot winners than any current jockey. And while Frankie is going to be missed across the global racing landscape, it’s clear there’s one meeting he places above all others.

“Royal Ascot is the best we can offer, it’s our Olympics. On top of that we have the tradition. It’s everything for the breeders, the owners, the trainers and us. It’s been very fruitful. We have the best thoroughbreds, the best track. You start the season thinking ‘which horses are we going to aim at Royal Ascot’, because that’s what the owners want, that’s what the public wants, that’s what we want.”

Frankie’s face has become synonymous with Royal Ascot, entering the Winners’ Enclosure 77 times along the way - only the late, great Lester Piggott has been successful more at the Royal Meeting. There was an era when Dettori was utterly dominant over these five days, with 15 victories from 1997 to 1999 – but even that lives in the shadow of his Magnificent Seven which came around the same time in September 1996, where he won every race on the card.

He says of those big days, “The atmosphere, the occasion… it elevates you to be a better jockey, you’re more alert, more adrenaline is kicking in… to be leading rider at Royal Ascot is a real honour and I managed it seven times. But the Magnificent Seven was my biggest achievement. It was a freak thing. Up to this day, I don’t know how it happened.”

The millennium brought tragedy, with Dettori surviving a plane crash which killed the pilot, Patrick Mackey – Frankie was pulled from the wreckage by fellow jockey Ray Cochrane and managed to escape with just a fractured right ankle. The seriousness of the incident took a while to sink in for the normally jovial jockey, and on the track he had to pass up a dream Royal Ascot ride on one of the best horses in history – Dubai Millennium. But he wasn’t going to miss the meeting. Not a chance.

“I did a week in hospital with Ray, who was in the plane crash with me. You’re full of morphine, you don’t see anyone, then I came out of hospital and realised what I went through. I was sitting at home depressed, the shock, then I pulled myself together and said ‘that’s it, I’m getting up and doing something’ - so I got my top hat and tails on and went to watch Dubai Millennium win. That was maybe two weeks after the plane crash, I was on crutches, hobbling towards the paddock and everybody started clapping, I thought ‘The Queen must be here’ so I got out the way and looked round, they were all clapping me!”

“The atmosphere, the occasion… it elevates you to be a better jockey”

The Gold Cup sits at the mid-point of Royal Ascot, the feature race on the Thursday, a test of staying power and a testament to the resolution of both horse and jockey. Dettori tasted plenty of success in the race, with his second and third ever victories at the Royal Meeting coming in the blue riband event aboard Drum Taps. Most recently, his relationship with Stradivarius was intrinsic in showcasing both their talents at what he calls the pinnacle of the sport.

“I was lucky enough to win eight Gold Cups… it’s a great honour when you see your picture on the front page of the newspaper on the Friday morning collecting your trophy from The Queen… it can’t get any better than that.”

As you might expect, Frankie has plenty of memorabilia to commemorate his long list of victories. With the Dettori family in

the process of moving, plenty of those trophies and artifacts have been packed up – but the ‘red room’ remains. It’s a truly stunning visage, packed wall-to-wall with photographs and memories. That includes tabloid coverage of his marriage to Catherine in 1997 - Frankie has never just been back-page news. But nothing can replace the feeling of actually living those moments.

“I’ve never been a material person,” he says. “It’s a nice object to have but the memories are more important. People come here and look at it like ‘wow’, like it’s some sort of museum display, but it’s all past. The memories to me are what make me prouder than having a trophy. I’m looking for the next buzz, I’m looking for the next big win.”

There might be more big wins for him here in June – Dettori says he’s determined to

get three more to reach a nice, round 80. And no doubt his agent will be fielding calls about his availability for every race - after all, who wouldn’t want to be the person to send Frankie out on a high? But that high – that buzz - is going to be mighty difficult to replace for a man who has given his heart and soul to racing for the last 34 years and received floods of adulation in return.

“It’s very hard to let go when you’ve been doing this for thirty-odd years. I have to prepare myself for it.”

Looking at his face, it’s clear deep down he doesn’t want it to end. And deep down, neither do we.

Wins Prince of Wales’s Stakes again as Rewilding beats So You Think

50 TH ROYAL ASCOT WINNER with Osaila in Sandringham Stakes

FIRST WINNER FOR WESLEY WARD with Undrafted in Diamond Jubilee Stakes

Wins Queen Mary Stakes on Lady Aurelia

60 TH ROYAL ASCOT WINNER on Stradivarius in Gold Cup

Leading rider for the first time since 2004 with seven winners in the week

70 TH ROYAL ASCOT WINNER on Fanny Logan in Hardwicke Stakes

Wins Coronation Stakes on Alpine Star meaning he has won all eight Group 1 races at Royal Ascot

Leading rider at Royal Ascot for seventh time

75 TH ROYAL ASCOT WINNER on Indie Angel in Duke of Cambridge Stakes

Wins Coronation Stakes on Inspiral, his most recent winner taking him to 77 in total

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:

Mark and charlie johnston, passing the baton.

When Charlie Johnston saddles up his first Royal Ascot runner this year, he will doubtless reflect that the bar has been set high.

Forty-seven winners high, to be precise. That’s the number of Royal Ascot winners trained by his father Mark, from whom Charlie took over the licence at the start of the year. The family’s Kingsley House stables in Middleham has only had three blank years since Mark broke his Royal Ascot duck back in 1995.

A sense of pride permeates Mark’s voice as he contemplates his achievements on British racing’s most competitive stage. But it wasn’t always so.

“We couldn’t win anything to begin with,” Mark recalls. “I remember (his wife and assistant) Dierdre waking up in a bad mood on the Thursday of the 1995 Royal Meeting. She asked me why I kept taking all our best horses to Royal Ascot to get beaten. Then, in the afternoon, we won the Gold Cup with Double Trigger – and we also won the last [King George V Stakes] with Diaghilef.”

The floodgates opened and would stay that way for nearly three decades. Johnston trained three further Gold Cup winners to add to the Group 1 triumphs of Bijou D’Inde (1996 St James’s Palace Stakes) and Attraction (2004 Coronation Stakes). Attraction had also landed the previous year’s Queen Mary Stakes into the bargain. Mark has also won the Queen’s Vase seven times, the King George V Stakes six times, and was leading trainer at the meeting in 2002 and the following year.

In recent years Charlie has contributed significantly to the litany of success. Like his father, he studied veterinary medicine at Glasgow University before joining the family business full-time in 2016. Father and son worked under a joint trainers’ licence last year but Charlie expects to feel the weight of expectation now that he is officially in charge.

Although Charlie is now at the helm, little has changed in day-to-day operations at Kingsley House. Mark and Dierdre are a constant presence, yet there has been a tangible shift of emphasis in Charlie’s role.

“There will be an added personal pressure for me to get a winner at Royal Ascot in my first year. I’d like to tick that box as quickly as possible. If we get to the end of Friday without one, I will certainly be walking the box.”

- Charlie Johnston

“It is very much business as usual but there is an extra degree of responsibility, and in particular, greater accountability for results on the track,” he says. “Things have changed for me in terms of being front-of-house and the media commitments that brings, but I am relishing it. One thing hasn’t changed, though. It’s always been the case that this is a great job when the horses are winning, and a horrible one when they are not.”

Charlie was a four-year-old toddler when his father won the Gold Cup in 1995. He was ten when Royal Rebel won the first of his two Gold Cups in consecutive years from 2001. Back then he would stay with his grandmother while his parents decamped to Ascot for the week.

“I remember sneaking out of class to watch Royal Rebel win on a portable television in the school toilets,” he relates. “They were wonderful moments, and to be there in the flesh when Subjectivist won his Gold Cup two years ago was very special.”

After winning the meeting’s signature race by five lengths, Subjectivist was sidelined for 20 months by a tendon injury, but an encouraging third place in Dubai in March put the six-year-old firmly on track for a repeat Gold Cup victory this year. Subjectivist will spearhead a team of more than 20 intended runners for Charlie at this year’s Royal Meeting.

“We don’t know whether Subjectivist can get back to the level he was before his injury,” the trainer says. “He was among the best stayers in recent years but I think he showed enough in Dubai to think he could get close to where he was. With (last year’s Gold Cup winner) Kyprios out injured, that might be enough to win it. We have to constantly manage him but we have been touching wood and counting down the days.”

Subjectivist’s Gold Cup romp also features prominently in Mark’s treasure-chest of Royal Ascot memories. “He was one of the three best horses I trained,” he reflects. “I went into the race (in 2021)

thinking that if he ran up to his best there was no stayer who could touch him.

“I had the same feeling when we took Attraction there (in 2003 and 2004),” he continues. “I just couldn’t see her getting beaten, so they were the two highest-pressure races for me personally. It’s not often you go to Royal Ascot thinking you would be very disappointed to finish second.”

Attraction’s Coronation Stakes triumph (in 2004) was a revelation. She arrived on the back of victories in the 1,000 Guineas and Irish equivalent, was sent straight to the front by Kevin Darley and never saw another horse in coasting home by 2 lengths.

“That was Attraction at her best,” Mark says of the best filly to pass through his hands. “Kevin (Darley) probably cost us the track record when he started celebrating before the line.”

One record within an outstanding career that highlights Mark’s prowess came in 2019, when he saddled his 4,194th winner. That magic number saw him overhaul Richard Hannon as the most successful trainer in British history. He went on to register his 5,000th winner in August. That is no mean achievement from the man who started training on the edge of a live bombing range in Lincolnshire in 1986.

Now the baton passes to Charlie, for whom Royal Ascot is the acid test.

“Royal Ascot is the highest quality of racing, it has the widest reach, and it transcends into mainstream media more than any of the summer festivals. It is a key shop window for us to advertise what we can do. I can’t wait.”

BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACES AT ROYAL ASCOT

It’s simple, they win and they’re in. In recent history, Queen Anne Stakes winners Barathea and Goldikova have gone on to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile while Prince of Wales’s Stakes winners Fantastic Light and Highland Reel went on to be successful in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Winners of the following races will earn automatic berths, travel and paid entry fees into the equivalent races at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita:

• The Queen Anne Stakes

• The King’s Stand Stakes

• The Prince of Wales’s Stakes

• The Norfolk Stakes

All four races will be televised live and streamed in the U.S. as part of NBC Sports Group’s live coverage of Royal Ascot.

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series presented by America’s Best Racing consists of the best races from around the world and awards each winner an automatic and free entry into the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

The winner of the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, for two-year-olds over five furlongs, will receive a free berth into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint while the King’s Stand Stakes victor gains an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, which will be run at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Plenty of other Royal Ascot races also have relevance for the Breeders’ Cup each year and in 2022 we saw the Albany Stakes winner, Meditate, go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf for Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore and Coolmore.

ROYAL ASCOT SET TO ATTRACT GLOBAL AUDIENCE IN 176 TERRITORIES 25

Royal Ascot has once again attracted significant broadcaster interest, with HBA Media delivering widespread coverage on behalf of Ascot Racecourse.

The 2023 Royal Meeting, taking place from Tuesday 20th June to Saturday 24th June, is set to be carried by 25 broadcasters showcasing the event in 176 territories - growing the reach of the Royal Meeting for a fourth consecutive year.

In celebration of Frankie Dettori’s close affiliation with the racecourse, Ascot has also commissioned a special 24-minute feature titled Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair. This will be broadcast on ITV4 after racing on Tuesday 20th June and again after the Opening Show on Saturday 24th June. It will also be distributed alongside the enhanced five-day ITV World Feed and a bespoke one-hour Golden Hour programme.

CONTENT PACKAGES:

• Boosted daily five-hour world feed courtesy of ITV Racing’s World Feed will include the full 35-race card taking place across the week.

• The Golden Hour – a bespoke one-hour live production – returns to give international fans the best of the action and lifestyle on show, on Gold Cup Day (Thursday). Presented by Tom Stanley and Michelle Yu, with comedian Kojo Anim providing lifestyle inserts, the programme will celebrate all aspect of this year’s Royal Meeting through a distinctly international lens.

• Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair is led by former jockey and ITV Racing / Sky Sports Racing pundit, Jason Weaver, a long-time friend of Dettori – their closeness affording Frankie the comfort to open up about his affinity with the Royal Meeting. The pair address his first ride in 1989, through his dominance in the late 90s and the plane crash which saw him miss the meeting in 2000, and onto his recent revival in fortunes – reliving some epic battles on the track along the way. This will be complemented by a suite of promotional material delivered throughout the week.

‘FRANKIE DETTORI: A ROYAL ASCOT LOVE AFFAIR’

TO PROVIDE UNIQUE CONTENT FOR BROADCASTERS

DISTRIBUTION:

Host broadcaster ITV Racing will continue to present their award-winning coverage live from Ascot Racecourse in daily five-hour programmes from Tuesday 20th June to Saturday 24th June. Sky Sports Racing and Virgin Media return to bring coverage to a wider UK and Irish audience.

In the US, NBC and Peacock will give dedicated coverage across their linear and digital channels and will be on course for the final day of the meeting. Fans across Latin and South America can watch all the action courtesy of ESPN and Star+. In Canada, TSN will showcase the full meeting on their new OTT platform, as well as The Golden Hour on their linear networks.

FanCode, India’s leading online sports streaming platform, will showcase the full meeting through a new deal as they continue their support for international horse racing. TransVision will also bring coverage to fans in Indonesia for the first time. Sony Pictures Network (SPN) will showcase The Golden Hour across the Indian subcontinent.

European coverage will be complemented by returning broadcasters RAI (Italy), Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia), Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus), WeDoTV (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and Silknet (Georgia). Viaplay will give coverage across Scandinavia, as well as incorporating dedicated Dutch commentary for fans in the Netherlands.

Audiences in Australia will be able to watch the Royal Meeting courtesy of Entain, Racing.com and Sky

Thoroughbred Central

SuperSport have renewed their deal to bring the races across 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. DMI will service 19 countries across the MENA region, while in China, Wasu.tv have acquired the rights on a delayed basis.

Israeli pay-television broadcaster, Charlton, has extended its agreement to showcase the Royal Meeting for their third consecutive year.

Newcomers Global Eagle will ensure access across cruise ships, and SportsMax will broadcast across the Caribbean. Once again Reuters and Transworld Sports will distribute the full event to their wide networks of news outlets.

Henry Birtles, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said:

“We are immensely proud to work with the Ascot team on the distribution of the Royal Meeting. Our strong working relationship has helped deliver an audience befitting this most prestigious of events - Ascot’s commission of Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair is a superb example of the outstanding promotional content we can offer our broadcast partners.

“Every year, all the eyes of the horse racing, lifestyle and news worlds will be upon Royal Ascot and HBA Media looks forward to delivering top quality coverage to our partners and fans around the world.”

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director of Ascot Racecourse, added: “We are thrilled that Royal Ascot will once again be broadcast across the world, including some exciting new media outlets for the first time. With international representation on the track expected from four different continents it is vitally important that we are reaching a truly global audience which we will deliver in partnership with HBA.

“Outside of the live action, it is exciting to be able to tell the story of one of the greatest jockeys the sport has ever seen through the prism of Royal Ascot. Frankie Dettori: A Royal Ascot Love Affair beautifully captures some of the highs and lows of Frankie’s magnificent career and we hope that racing fans new and old will enjoy it.”

MEET ALASTAIR WARWICK

- set to oversee, his first royal meeting as chief executive.

Ascot’s new Chief Executive, Alastair Warwick, has been in racing all his life, proving that you can make a successful career in the sport without being born into a racing family.

Now 51, he began his working life at Chester, before moving on to Aintree with Charles Barnett. He was then appointed Chief Executive at Hamilton, enjoying three years there before joining Ascot as Assistant Operations Director in 2008, under Barnett again.

He has been at Ascot ever since, as Chief Operating Officer and then Managing

Director before becoming Chief Executive in March. He was one of the architects of World Pool betting, which is already providing Ascot with a significant revenue stream, and he has played a key role in the renewal of the contracts with ITV and Sky Sports Racing.

Here’s a little insight into Alastair and what he is looking forward to about Royal Ascot this year and his vision for the future of the business…

This year will be my fifteenth Royal Ascot and I’m hugely excited about it.

We were delighted that His Majesty The King approved the renaming of the Platinum Jubilee Stakes to the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Their Majesties have been in conversation with both Sir Francis Brooke, The King’s Representative here, and their racing manager, John Warren, with whom The King visited his trainers in Newmarket recently, to make plans for the meeting. It’s going to be an exciting week as we begin this new era.

I’m very focused on the visitor experience at the Royal Meeting, whatever your involvement.

Whether you are an owner, trainer, breeder, punter, or you’ve just come to the Heath Enclosure for a picnic on the Saturday - we must endeavour to deliver the world-class experience that an occasion like Royal Ascot demands.

It’s a stunning event, and we must make sure it’s a stunning experience for all. One of the joys of travelling to meetings like the Melbourne Cup and the Breeders’ Cup is the opportunities it has provided to attend other major sports events and see how they operate.

There are so many things in the leisure sector that people can spend their money on, and we are competing with all of them. It’s important to see what good looks like globally. Having been through Royal Ascot during the pandemic, when there were around 140 of us working here but no spectators present to see some of the best horses in the world, nothing beats having a crowd shout home a winner at Royal Ascot. The crowd is at the heart of the celebration.

I love the international aspect of racing in the UK, particularly at Royal Ascot, and this year we are gearing up for a really strong team of challengers.

On the back of Nature Strip’s amazing win last year we’ve got some top-class sprinters heading here from Australia in the Lightning Stakes winner Coolangatta, The Astrologist, Artorius again and Cannonball. Also the American challenge won’t just be the remarkable Wesley Ward with Kenny

McPeek coming over along with George Weaver’s two juvenile winners from the first running of the recent automatic qualifier races at Gulfstream; No Nay Mets and Crimson Advocate.

We are also looking forward to Wellington, who is one of the best sprinters in Hong Kong, coming over. He would be the first to come over from Hong Kong since 2016 and it would be interesting to see what effect his presence has on World Pool betting.

We were fundamental in World Pool’s creation, and it’s a growing part of Ascot’s business.

World Pool was created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), in partnership with the UK Tote and Ascot Racecourse, and in collaboration of over 20 operators, enables bettors from all over the globe to bet into a single pool. The result is enormous liquidity, and a multi-million pound betting

The quality of the racing we put on has never been higher. Six of the top ten racehorses in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings competed at Ascot Racecourse in 2022, including runners from Britain, Australia, Ireland and Germany.

We deliver some of the best and most competitive racing in the world and we have prize money at a record level once again this year. We can never compete with countries like Australia, Dubai and Hong Kong on prize money, as we are not a pool-betting monopoly nor a state-run operation, but we endeavour to provide the best experience possible and are constantly upgrading our facilities for owners and trainers, stable staff and visitors.

We will continue to invest in prize money as well to reward the owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders and stable staff that make sure

experience. It is proving ever popular with racing fans and is generating a significant financial return for British racing. All 35 races at Royal Ascot this year will again be included in the World Pool as well as King George Day and QIPCO British Champions Day.

World Pool is still in its infancy, but it’s already a global product in just its fifth year and I believe there is plenty of scope for further growth as more countries get involved.

This year it had its first race meeting from Australia, Lightning Stakes Day. The global market is where the growth is now, and it’s great for us to be so involved, and it’s great for British racing.

our sport thrives. We are heavily involved with the BHA and TBA on the high-value developmental race scheme too, including our flagship £50,000 Crocker Bulteel Maiden. We have to look after each aspect of the sport, as it’s an eco-system, and we are delighted especially to continue to recognise the importance of breeders.

Every breeder of a Royal Ascot winner is invited to lunch on King George Day and receives an engraved silver strawberry dish memento. It’s a big deal for many breeders to have a winner at Royal Ascot, and it’s essential that this element of the industry is celebrated.

A NET ZERO VILLAGE ENCLOSURE AT

For the first time ever, the Village Enclosure at Royal Ascot will operate as a net zero carbon emissions area in 2023.

As a result, a range of actions have been taken to reduce the environmental impact of the Village Enclosure, which was launched in 2017 and hosts approximately 20,000 racegoers across the three days it opens at Royal Ascot. Those actions include:

• Generating electricity from solar power and storing this energy in batteries

• Close monitoring of water usage

• 50% of all food on menus will be plant-based

• Procuring and serving locally sourced and British food and beverage

• All cutlery and crockery will be compostable or reusable Only organic cleaning materials and recycled paper materials will be used

• Furniture and temporary builds will be constructed from vintage, hired and refurbished materials

• Staff will be hired as locally as possible with their journeys being strictly limited to train or electric buses

ROYAL ASCOT 2023

There will be no general waste produced by the Village Enclosure, with all glass and plastics being collected and recycled and all other waste being compostable. Waste collection will be solely made by electric vehicles. The objective is to change operations, collect data, analyse performance, educate, and understand how the business can roll out this net zero approach further afield on site in the future.

For the limited elements that can’t function as fully net zero, an offset programme will be operated following the internationally recognised UK Woodland Carbon Code. This will involve each tonne of CO2e which has been sequestered being offset through woodland creation projects.

This follows the success of the racecourse’s first ever net zero restaurant, NEUTRO, in the Village Enclosure at last year’s Royal Meeting, and forms part of wider plans to reduce, mitigate, and avoid carbon emissions.

Throughout the year, Ascot continues to operate its RE-CUP initiative, where more than half a million cups are washed and reused annually. Ascot has also partnered with multiple sustainability schemes such as closed-loop recycling which means that all plastic packaging and waste cardboard are recycled into other reusable materials and products, contributing to the venue achieving 0% waste to landfill since 2019.

Wildflower meadows have been established within the Ascot estate and beehives have been installed on the Heath inside the racecourse, where reservoirs continue to collect rainwater from the Grandstand roof to be reused on the track and grounds.

Jonathan Parker, Managing Director of 1711 by Ascot – Ascot’s catering division, said:

“Taking Ascot Racecourse on this sustainability journey is already reaping many rewards. An enormous amount of research and planning has gone into this year’s net zero Village Enclosure as we build towards a sustainable future. True sustainability goes much further than recycling so we have adopted a sustainable approach that interrogates every aspect of the way we do business.”

ROYAL ASCOT TROPHIES ENTER NEW ERA WITH ENHANCED FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

As the Official Trophies and Silverware Supplier to Royal Ascot, Garrard’s partnership with Royal Ascot continues with a series of new trophy designs for 2023 - the first to be approved by His Majesty King Charles III.

Created in recycled silver for the first time ever, a total of 10 winners’ trophies have been made, alongside a series of sporting keepsakes, including snuff boxes and trays which will be presented to winning connections.

AgAIN Silver has been used this year in the creation of the handles and the finials on each of the Royal Ascot trophies. A sustainable, fully traceable metal extracted from recycled X-ray films, AgAIN Silver is the first recycled silver of known provenance on the market.

Two to five grams of silver are found in every kilogram of X-ray film, which are usually kept in storage beyond their legally required retention date, at considerable cost to the healthcare provider, or sent to landfill, at considerable cost to the planet.

In 2022 alone, the Betts Group, which is behind the launch of AgAIN Silver, collected some 300 tonnes of X-rays from UK and Irish hospitals generating hundreds of thousands of pounds for the NHS and other healthcare trusts, through rebates paid for the silver recovered, on top of the storage costs saved by recycling the films. All elements of the X-ray film are recycled, with the extracted silver smelted and then refined separately at the Betts Metals factory in Buxton.

The designs themselves take inspiration from the design of past Royal Ascot cups from the 1920s and early 1930s that were presented by King George V. The 22ct gold gilt sterling silver cups, including the Gold Cup and Queen’s Vase, feature a sleeker silhouette than previous years and elegant, rounded handles, framed by Art Deco-inspired fan motifs.

Garrard and Royal Ascot’s shared history dates to the creation of the first Gold Cup in 1842. From the very beginning, each trophy design has had to meet the monarch’s approval, and together they

reflect changing tastes through the years. In 2018, the three gold trophies, which are kept by the winners and remade by Garrard each year, were joined by seven silver trophies for winners of the other Group 1 races at Royal Ascot.

Claire Scott, Design and Development Director at Garrard, said:

“With new trophy designs and a new King, it’s a very exciting year for Garrard. By using recycled AgAIN Silver for the first time, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a more sustainable future for our business.”

AWAY FROM THE TRACK

ROYAL ASCOT STYLE GUIDE EVOLVES TO REVEAL BRAND-NEW INSPIRATIONAL LOOKBOOK FOR 2023

For the first time in over a decade, Ascot Racecourse has unveiled a new look and feel for its annual Style Guide, which has been renamed The Royal Ascot Lookbook.

This year sees the British racing institution take a new direction, producing the Royal Ascot Lookbook 2023. The inspirational editorial comprises six fashion edits: Luxe, Tailoring, Pre-Loved & Rental, Vintage, High Street and Emerging Designer.

Partnering with world-renowned photographer Damian Foxe and legendary stylist Luke Jefferson Day, the new Lookbook perfectly encapsulates the zeitgeist of occasionwear dressing for the spring/summer 2023 season.

Whilst the Official Royal Ascot transformation of the Style Guide offers inspiration across the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure, encouraging racegoers to dream up an outfit that is authentic to their personal style and approach to sartorial shopping.

The new direction focuses on a deeply original sense of personal style inspired by fashion magazine editorial, elevating the creative direction to entice racegoers to get lost in the magical world of occasionwear. From retro-inspired vintage looks evocative of the 1970s to exquisite tailoring and avant-garde millinery, the Lookbook is an inspirational fashion feast with inspiration to suit all budgets.

“ There are very few events that allow people to embrace dressing for a special occasion on such a global scale and each year Royal Ascot becomes the most followed display of sartorial elegance and individual flair. ”

- Felicity Barnard

Featuring soft, buttery silk gowns by Roksanda, velvet mirrored suiting by Gucci and perfectly paired threepiece morning dress by Favourbrook, the Luxe Edit showcases a reimagined approach to designer dressing.

PRE-LOVED & RENTAL EDIT

With sustainable dressing at the forefront of the style agenda, the Pre-Loved & Rental Edit showcases spectacular second-hand and hireable fashion from leaders in the rental space including HURR, Selfridges Rental, Moss Bros and Oliver Brown.

HIGH STREET EDIT

Depicting style that transcends ‘off the peg’ suit buying, the High Street Edit sparks intrigue in summer linens, mint tailoring, alternative prints and glamorous dresses suitable for all enclosures.

VINTAGE EDIT

Complete with sleek 1980s skirt suits by Thierry Mugler, preppy blazers by Vivienne Westwood and flamboyant fuchsia silhouettes, the Vintage Edit evokes a sleek and surprisingly modern aesthetic for raceday styling, inherited from iconic wardrobes of yesteryear.

TAILORING EDIT

Taking pleats and darts to the next level, the immaculate tailoring is here to make a statement in the Lookbook. Daring colour block suits, contemporary soft shades, and traditional fine tailoring, the Tailoring Edit presents inspiration from Zimmermann, Edward Sexton and RXQUETTE.

EMERGING DESIGNER EDIT

Taking pleats and darts to the next level, the immaculate Celebrating looks from the most coveted up-and-coming fashion designers. Luke pairs billowing S.S Daley checked suit with epic dream catcher-inspired millinery crafted by Victoria Grant. Never included designers Richard Quinn, Charles Jeffery LOVERBOY and Ahluwalia, are heralded in the Emerging Designer Edit.

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director, Ascot Racecourse, commented on this year’s Lookbook: “There are very few events that allow people to embrace dressing for a special occasion on such a global scale and each year Royal Ascot becomes the most followed display of sartorial elegance and individual flair – a true celebration of style that is woven into the very fabric of Ascot’s DNA. I look forward to seeing the racecourse brimming with colour and energy as we head into the spring/summer season.

“This year sees an exciting evolution for what has been known as the Royal Ascot Style Guide for more than a decade. For 2023 Ascot is proud to unveil the Royal Ascot Lookbook where, for the first time, we look to inspire people through six new fashion edits that draw from current styling trends. Responsible style remains a key part of Royal Ascot as we continue to find ways to dress, whether that is renting occasionwear or investing in forever pieces.”

Luke Jefferson Day, stylist, comments: “This season I wanted to encourage unexpected freedom under the guidance of the enclosure dress codes and inspire racegoers to be a little more unconventional and inventive in the way they dress up, and how they source their looks. We’ve championed innovative British designers, whilst also showcasing international brands from further afield. I want to excite people to think outside of the box – whether that be shopping resourcefully on the high street or by being more eco-conscious through hiring a look or finding a rare vintage gem.”

Damian Foxe, photographer and narrator of the Lookbook comments: “As a long-time collaborator of Royal Ascot, it has been a joy to be part of the Lookbook’s evolution as it moves away from a means to communicate the dress code, and instead towards becoming a source of fashion inspiration and a bellwether in the world of occasion dressing. “For 2023, we have decided to completely move away from creating a Lookbook dictated by enclosure, in favour of one which puts style centre stage. In many ways, I think this reflects what we are seeing as the evolution of style at Royal Ascot and the myriad of looks on show from its racegoers”.

THE HISTORY OF FASHION AT ROYAL ASCOTKEY DATES:

Hemlines were shorter and cuts were smaller in the 1920s reflecting a post-war generation’s rebellion against old traditions. Pearls and furs were the accessories of the day.

Sharp lines and bright colours took centre stage during this decade. With statement hats and pointed heels, there was little room for floaty florals in 1980s glamour.

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Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince Regent, who decreed that “men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons” and this set the tone for the dress code that is still adhered to by men in the Royal Enclosure.

Queen Victoria’s visit to Royal Ascot saw her arrive in a pretty lace dress with a full bell skirt and shawl. She also started a craze for the porter bonnet, shielding the wearer from male eyes.

As the dawn of a new century arrived, fashion took on an almost celebratory tone. Skirts were less full, but silhouettes made a greater statement with angular hips and puffed sleeves. Hats were large and full of feathers and adornments.

One of fashion’s most iconic images; that of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady was inspired when costume designer Cecil Beaton saw images of Black Ascot, The 1910 Royal Ascot meeting was in full mourning over the death of King Edward.

Christian Dior’s New Look, a small waist and full skirt, was proving popular however it was when the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth and her stylish sister Princess Margaret wore the style at Royal Ascot that it was cemented in history.

Royal Ascot’s glamorous profile elevated when Italian actress Sophia Loren was photographed in the Royal Enclosure. In modern times some of the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion have attended. 1970s- Trouser suits became more popular following their introduction to the dress code in 1971. Gertrude Shilling, The Ascot Mascot, delighted the press with her extravagant outfits. One year, one of her son David’s millinery designs outgrew the Shilling’s long-wheel-based Rolls Royce, so the hat had to follow in a van behind.

Royal Ascot officially launches its Style Guide to racegoers outlining dress code regulations for the Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure (formally known as Grandstand).

The jumpsuit is formally accepted in the Royal Enclosure Dress Code and the Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code is extended to the new Village Enclosure.

Royal Ascot introduces Style Guides for the Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure.

Royal Ascot runs behind closed doors for the first time in the event’s history during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Navy morning suits were permitted in the Royal Enclosure.

Royal Ascot Style Guide evolves into an inspirational Lookbook with six fashion edits across the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure.

The 2023 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, in association with Fenwick, features designs by milliners from the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, including: Stephen Jones OBE, Rachel Trevor Morgan, William Chambers, John Boyd, Awon Golding, Velvet and Tonic, Rachel Henry, Alexandra Harper, Sally Ann Provan, and Sarah Sokol.

Royal Ascot, Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, has –and always will be – synonymous with show-stopping style and innovative millinery and this year’s Royal Ascot Millinery Collective perfectly captures the essence of individuality and celebrates creative style.

Enlisting the creative forces of world-renowned photographer Damian Foxe and his stylist partner Elad Bitton the dynamic duo captured the hats through a modern lens. Giving a fresh spin on tradition, Bitton styled the campaign, curating the looks from a selection of fashion from Fenwick using both vintage pieces and emerging and established brands available from their new spring/ summer collections. By mixing dramatic shapes and bold colours, Bitton has shown us how to be excitingly elegant with our Royal Ascot style this summer while remaining within the parameters of the official dress code.

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director, Ascot Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to work with Fenwick once again to shine a light on the wearable art that is millinery. Whether opting to re-wear a much-loved hat or purchasing a new headpiece, both Royal Ascot and millinery are innately intertwined.

We will see an abundance of spectacular hats and headwear on display this summer and the 2023 Millinery Collective gives ‘dress to impress’ an entirely new meaning. With creations from both established and emerging milliners – including a USA-based designer for the first time ever – the diverse range of designs act as inspiration and encouragement to explore the creative world of millinery.”

The 10 looks offer dressing inspiration ranging from more classic Royal Enclosure elegance to zesty and playful looks for the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures.

The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective is available to shop exclusively at Fenwick of Bond Street. For 2023, all 10 designs have been turned into AR filters that allow Instagram and Facebook users to virtually try on the designs. Simply search for ‘Royal Ascot’ to find them.

ROYAL ASCOT FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION 2023 WINNER

The third annual Royal Ascot Fashion Design Competition was held this year in partnership with Official Sponsor, LK Bennett.

The winner was Iola Gilder, a 15-year-old student from Garth Hill College, Bracknell and she impressed the judges from LK Bennett with her elegant dress design which is perfect for the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot in 2023.

Entries this year were received from a number of local design colleges and many of them were of a high quality given the young age of many entrants.

Iola’s design will now be brought to life by the LK Bennett team after a visit to their HQ in London to choose fabrics and learn more about the process. She will also be involved with the design of her hat by leading milliner Sarah Marshall at John Boyd.

We are very much looking forward to seeing Iola’s outfit as our guest on the Saturday of Royal Ascot and following her future design career which looks very promising.

ROYAL ASCOT LOCAL SCHOOLS ART COMPETITION 2023 WINNERS

The 2023 Royal Ascot Local Schools Art Competition saw 20 schools take part with a record 1,148 entries in total across the six age categories. The winners, 4-14-years-old, came from a variety of schools and the theme this year was the Coronation.

After a public vote, Ascot Racecourse Supports ambassador Ryan Moore also selected his favourite (pictured left) from all the winners, runners-up and highly commended entries.

All of the winners and runners-up were invited to the Victoria Cup Raceday for a celebratory presentation tea and they will also join us on the Saturday of Royal Ascot to form a Guard of Honour for the jockeys. These images will be reproduced and displayed in the Heath Tunnel ahead of Royal Ascot for racegoers and the local community to enjoy.

ASCOT RACECOURSE SUPPORTS

Racecourse supports”.

was launched in 2017 and brings together all Ascot Racecourse’s community and charity work into one programme for the benefit of the local community and beyond. Its goals are to support small, local charities and community groups with a focus on children and mental health issues in addition to equine charities.

The programme celebrated its five-year anniversary in 2022 with £5 million raised via onsite charitable activities during that time in collaboration with third party partners. The work has placed the racecourse at the heart of the community and we are extremely proud of everything it has achieved so far.

Once again lots of charity, community and CSR activity will be in action during Royal Ascot 2023 including:

RESIDENTS TICKET BALLOT

500 pairs of Queen Anne Enclosure tickets to the Wednesday of Royal Ascot have been balloted to local residents living within a three-mile radius. That takes the total number of tickets donated to residents beyond 2,000 since 2021.

DEDICATED HEATH ENCLOSURE FOR SCHOOLS –TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

300 students from 12 local schools have been invited each day on the Tuesday and Wednesday to enjoy the Royal Procession and racing from a dedicated Schools Viewing and Picnic Area on the Heath in this special Coronation year.

CHARITY/COMMUNITY GROUPS TO SAMPLE POP-UP RESTAURANTS

A selection of 20 local charity and community groups will be invited to trial our pop-up restaurants before Royal Ascot begins. Not only does this provide a special day out for many of the benefactors who get to experience high-quality Fine Dining from celebrity chefs, it also helps our team to test things and prepare properly for the week ahead.

CHARITY/COMMUNITY SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES CHARITIES

The three principal single Service Armed Forces charities, comprising the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund, will once again be the official nominated charity partners for Royal Ascot 2023.

This year we will welcome the three charities on the Wednesday and Friday of Royal Ascot to dovetail with the “2for1” ticket offer that has been extended to serving military personnel for both days. A dedicated Armed Forces Bar will be available for all personnel and Ascot Racecourse will again raise awareness of their work by promoting the personal stories of their servicemen and women through digital content, oncourse activations and in the Royal Ascot racecard. As in previous years, Ascot Racecourse will be making a donation from the sale of certain food and beverage in addition to a donation of 1% of sales by our concessionaires on Wednesday and Friday of Royal Ascot. Around 60 of the charity volunteers will also be bucket collecting on both days.

MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS

RAISED VIA ON SITE CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES IN COLLABORATION WITH THIRD PARTY PARTNERS

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

RACE TITLES DONATED TO CHARITY

RAISED FOR IJF AMBASSADORS FUND

ARMED FORCES COLLECTIONS:

OVER £55K DONATED TO SUPPORT SCHOOL COMPETITIONS AND SPONSOR PROGRAMMES

1,400 STUDENTS

ATTENDED A RACING TO SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL DAY AT ASCOT

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING EQUATING TO 206 DAYS

RAISED FOR THE CHARITIES VIA DONATIONS FROM THE SALE OF CERTAIN BEVERAGES, DONATIONS FROM OUR CONCESSIONAIRES AND ON SITE BUCKET COLLECTIONS

RAISED AT THE

PRINCE’S COUNTRYSIDE FUND RACEDAY

OVER £275K (GRENFELL, NHS CHARITIES, UKRAINE)

OVER £1MILLION

EMERGENCY FUNDING

£2.7MILLION

RAISED AT THE PROPERTY RACEDAY

SINCE 2020 VIA BRITANNIA STAKES PROFITS AT ROYAL ASCOT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE BETTING & GAMING COUNCIL AND MANY BOOKMAKERS

PARTNERING WITH CITY HARVEST

OVER £213K IN GRANT FUNDING, SUPPORTING 44 CHARITABLE/ COMMUNITY PROJECTS HELPING

176,329 PEOPLE ACROSS BERKSHIRE

ASCOT COMMUNITY FUND: MANAGED BY BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

OTHER BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE:

1,229KG FOOD DONATED

2,926 MEALS

SIDE GLANCE BECOMES FIRST

Ever equine, ambassador at ascot racecourse.

Earlier this year, Ascot Racecourse announced that Side Glance would be its first ever Equine Ambassador, forming a central part of the Ascot Racecourse Supports programme to engage people in the sport of horse racing and showcase the life that racehorses live once they finish racing.

Formerly a top-level winning racehorse owned by Sheikh Fahad and trained by Andrew Balding, Side Glance raced 40 times between 2009 and 2015, running around the world in Britain, Australia, America, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and Dubai. That included ten appearances at Ascot itself, where he won twice and finished third behind the mighty Frankel at Royal Ascot in 2012.

Since then, he has been enjoying a new career based with Leanne White at Kingsclere who looked after him throughout his racing days. Now 16-yearsold, he was initially retrained for showing and in recent years has been learning dressage while Leanne also uses him regularly as part of her work as an Instructor for the National Horseracing College. He even played a starring role at Leanne’s wedding in 2019 when he carried her up the hill to take her vows.

Now he will also help Ascot Racecourse to develop important links with the local community as part of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) initiative Horses For Courses.

The scheme is being rolled out across the country and for Ascot in particular, Side Glance will offer people the chance to interact more closely with racehorses and learn about what they do when they finish racing.

He has already welcomed a group of school children from Ascot Heath Primary to Ascot on 23rd March as part of a behind-

the-scenes tour of the racecourse. He will appear at similar events throughout the year and also on specific racedays, most notably when Ascot race on Saturday 9th September which is the start of National Racehorse Week.

Side Glance will also play a central role in the 2023 Royal Ascot marketing campaign which went live recently, appearing on one of the still image adverts.

Jacqui Greet, CSR Manager at Ascot Racecourse, said:

“We are thrilled to have signed up Side Glance as our Equine Ambassador for the Ascot Racecourse Supports programme.

“Being able to showcase the care and attention that racehorses receive after their careers is really important and racegoers, school children and many others in the community will get the chance to meet Side Glance and find out more about his career over the coming months.”

Leanne White, owner of Side Glance, said:

“I’m really excited about Side Glance becoming the official Equine Ambassador at Ascot Racecourse and looking forward to him meeting lots of people in the community and on racedays. He turns into a complete angel around children so will be perfect for this role to help engage the next generation in the sport of racing.”

David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR said:

“We are delighted to be launching the Horses for Courses initiative which we hope the industry will get behind and support. Every day, we see the powerful impact that former racehorses have on people’s lives, and racecourses have an important role in conveying positive messages about the high standard of aftercare in British racing to racegoers and beyond to the wider public. We are extremely grateful to Ascot Racecourse and to the owner of Side Glance for their support.”

BOOKMAKERS TO DONATE ALL PROFITS FROM BRITANNIA STAKES ONCE AGAIN

Britain’s leading bookmakers will once again donate all profits from the Britannia Stakes race at this year’s Royal Ascot to some of the UK’s top charities.

Sports Aid, whose Patron is Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, the Holocaust Educational Trust, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the SAS Regimental Association, Ascot Racecourse Supports and Together for Looked After Children, will all benefit from the race, which takes place on the Thursday.

Betting and Gaming Council members Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), bet365, Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), 888 William Hill, Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares and Bet with Ascot have all signed up to the fundraising initiative.

They will hand over all profits made from win and each-way bets, after levy and duties are deducted, on the big-field heritage handicap.

Last year’s race raised a whopping £1.2 million from BGC members for a host of worthy causes. If bookmakers fail to make a profit on this year’s renewal, they have agreed to make a combined donation of £250,000 to be split among the nominated charities.

Since its creation in 2019, BGC members have raised over £5.5 million for a range of good causes including Prostate Cancer UK, Sue Ryder, NHS Charities Together, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, ABF the Soldier’s Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The BGC hopes the initiative will help punters enjoy a race where, even if they lose, a range of good cause are guaranteed to win.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that the BGC’s largest members are helping celebrate the

King’s Coronation by raising vital funds at the Royal Meeting for some of the country’s top charities.

“It is also a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II whose passion for horse racing was renowned, having bred multiple successful horses.

“Tens of millions of people up and down the country enjoy a flutter each month and I’m proud that betting companies will donate their profits from one of Royal Ascot’s top races, the Britannia Stakes, to go towards some great charities. I am once again indebted to everyone at Royal Ascot for their continued support”.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

TO CELEBRATE QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH THE ROYAL MEETING

Ascot Racecourse has collaborated with Official Partner Howden and Getty Images to create a photography exhibition that celebrates Her Late Majesty’s love of the Royal Meeting. The exhibition will be on display to racegoers at Royal Ascot (Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023) as well as through an interactive digital exhibition available globally online.

Chris Jackson, Royal Photographer for Getty Images, has dived into the company’s extensive archive of over 135 million images to curate the collection of images of Queen Elizabeth II’s time at Royal Ascot during her 70-year reign.

The on-site exhibition will be housed within the Ascot Grandstand for the duration of the Royal Meeting where guests of the Royal Enclosure and the Queen Anne Enclosure can enjoy this very special collection of images, some of which have never before been seen by the public.

Images of Queen Elizabeth II when her filly Estimate won the Gold Cup will be on display. This is of particular significance as Estimate’s 2013 victory was the first time the Gold Cup had been won by a reigning monarch and this year will mark the 10-year anniversary of this momentous occasion.

Sir Francis Brooke Bt. His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, commented on the new exhibition:

“The Late Queen’s close association with Ascot Racecourse was well known throughout the world and the Royal Meeting, in particular, was a very special occasion to her.

“His Majesty The King has been involved with the planning of this fitting tribute to his mother’s love of Royal Ascot. This collection of photographs will honour Her Late Majesty and celebrate the connection between her and the sport.”

Chris Jackson, Royal Photographer for Getty Images, said: “I photographed Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot for many years and was always struck by how she was not only at her most relaxed but clearly totally in her element. The enjoyment she had for this prestigious event was reflected in her demeanourfocused, passionate and happy. Of course her love of horses is famous, but the deep roots she had in this event are also clear to see in images which capture her galloping down the course in 1953, or leading the Royal Family in the Royal Procession for well over half a century. There were countless magic Ascot moments over the years that made it an enjoyable challenge to curate this exhibition!”

RIPLEY EXHIBITION

British photographic artist Ripley, has created twelve large-scale portraits of the Household Cavalry’s ceremonial regiment and the exhibition will be on public display for the first time at Royal Ascot.

The imagery features soldiers from The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals and their horses on top of buildings overlooking London from Hyde Park Corner to Canary Wharf. A boxed-set of these twelve portraits is the official Coronation Present to His Majesty King Charles III from his Household Cavalry.

The portraits come in various limited editions and sizes, from large-scale gallery pieces to boxed sets and individual collector’s prints. Up to fifty percent of the profits raised through upcoming exhibitions, events and private views, will go to the Household Cavalry Foundation the official charity of the Household Cavalry.

A set of the large-scale pictures will be on show throughout 2023. After Royal Ascot, they will be on show at The Lanesborough Hotel before heading to The National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket for the month of July and returning to London for the autumn.

On working with the Household Cavalry, Ripley said:

“I had an idea back in 2012 when photographing from rooftops in New York to do an art piece with horses placed on rooftops overlooking an urban landscape. I started to formulate ideas which would involve The Household Cavalry, portraying them as ‘protectors’ overlooking London.

“My presentation consisted of a portrait I had created of a racehorse overlooking an English landscape and a still from the James Bond film Skyfall.

“My photography is more involved than placing one picture on top of another and involves shifts of focus throughout the image and other technical processes, just the background plate alone can be constructed from over twenty separate pictures.”

Permissions were granted, and it took a further year to arrange the photographic shoot at Hyde Park Barracks. This large production involved many soldiers with their horses in full ceremonial dress with lots of behind-the-scenes work from the grooms and farriers.

It took another two years to complete all the photography in London, and two more years to construct the final pieces; these took between 200-300 hours per picture on the computer.

The Household Cavalry Foundation (The HCF) is the official charity for the Household Cavalry. It relies on public donations to provide charitable and pastoral support - Duty of Care - to all the members of the Household Cavalry “family”: our serving soldiers, “The Trusted Guardians”, operational casualties, veterans and dependants. The Foundation also supports the Household Cavalry’s heritage, and the welfare of our retired horses.

Duty of Care is not only for physical injuries but also for enduring psychological problems, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), that tend to emerge long after operational tours.

Showstopping works of art have been a longstanding element of the Royal Enclosure experience, offering an added dimension for guests to enjoy alongside the many other wonderful sights, scents and spectacles on display.

For 2023, Ascot has curated a collection of 10 sculptures that will be on display for the duration of the week. Working with Justin Gardener and the team at Muse Sculpture Company to source many of these pieces, alongside artists Holly Hickmore and Charlie Langton, has resulted in this beautiful sculpture trail to be found meandering through the Royal Enclosure. From Holly’s monumental horse head to a 2.5m high sculpture depicting a larger-than-life-size pair of swifts

Charlie Langton THE START

This piece shows five horses and jockeys bursting out of the starting stalls. Charlie has just installed the first edition at a stud in Newmarket with this second edition going on display at Ascot and available for sale.

It is half life-size in scale, measuring 200cm wide 150cm deep and will create an elegant focal point at the entrance to the clubs and lawns.

Andrew Lacey GOLDEN

This life-size bronze horse’s head is one of just nine in the world that has been created by Andrew Lacey – an artist, archaeometallurgist and independent scholar who single-handedly creates captivating, timeless sculptures that celebrate the natural world which surrounds us and reveals an ethereal world, created by poetic imagination.

Hamish Mackie SWIFTS

Located in the Lavender Courtyard and at 2.5m high, this bronze sculpture depicts a larger-than-life size pair of swifts in flight, mounted on a limestone plinth. In May, the arrival of this migrant bird from Africa heralds the start of the British summer. As such, they are seen as a symbol of hope and joy. In this sculpture, Hamish has captured the very essence of the swift and the sense of freedom it represents – a real celebration of life.

MONUMENTAL TAWNY OWL

A fine quality, contemporary bronze model of a ‘Tawny Owl’ by Geoffrey Dashwood, a renowned sculptor of birds in bronze. Eliminating all superficial detail to attain refined forms with smooth surfaces, Geoffrey’s work is enhanced by the application of coloured and multi-coloured patinas. Although his work can be placed within the genre of wildlife art, Dashwood has transcended the subject matter and his bronzes are firmly established in the wider field of contemporary art, as demonstrated by this monumental piece.

Ian Rank Broadley

Helios, god of the sun.

In ancient Greek myth and religion, Helios is the god and personification of the Sun. Although often depicted driving a horse drawn chariot through the sky, this sculpture shows Helios within the geometry of the circle looking down on the Earth. Working from the original small maquette made 20 years earlier and using the same model, the life size sculpture was completed and cast in 2020.

LIFE SIZE STAG

Holly’s passion for sculpture is equalled by her love of the countryside and this life size piece captures the majesty of a wild stag paused in a moment of reflection. After studying at Hartpury College

Holly trained at The Hungarian School of Art, where she was exposed to a classical education with a strong grounding in anatomy. Holly strives to find the essence of her subject, to create a felt response through a continual dialogue between form, material and subject.

A project taken on in the winter of 2020 when Holly was invited to visit Tweenhills stud during their foaling season, this life size Thoroughbred Filly Foal portrait expresses a deep sensitivity and potential power. In its handling, the sculptural mark making is both open and deeply felt with the overall sculptural image presenting an alert stance; the viewer can feel the energy in the foal’s pose with a sense that the piece is about to step forward in its paddock.

Working alongside her partner in a large barn in heart of the Hampshire countryside where they have the space to make and cast all of their work, Holly is forever using her surroundings as a constant source of inspiration. Seen in this 2m high horse head, Holly finds inspiration in the wild and domestic animals that surround her studio which often leads her back to an equine theme.

Frippy Jameson DOUBLE GOLD

Frippy now lives and works in the Scottish Borders having studied Fine Art Sculpture at Camberwell College of Art and Design, but she didn’t follow the mood of that moment in the early nineties, when YBAs such as Hirst and Emin were generating all the critical excitement, controversy and headlines, with their conceptual new art. She chose her own alternative, figurative path and the move to the Scottish Borders in 2014 allowed Frippy to realise her dream of expressing her own style and creating sculptures of horses. Located within the Ascot Grandstand, this golden display of a pair of horses captures the stillness and strength of these magnificent creatures.

Hamish Mackie LIFE SIZE WILD BOAR

After spending many happy hours in the Ardennes studying wild boar, Hamish has created a sounder consisting of seven wild boar sculptures. Before starting his life size sculptures of wild boar, Hamish sculpted seven smaller boar – a family group of wild boar which is known as a sounder – to get the subject ‘in his head’. He has used this technique when sculpting a range of wildlife, including Lions in Kenya, Camels in Dubai and Albatross in the Falklands.

B Helicopter pick up and drop off point

C Lavender Courtyard

D Winning Post Track Crossing E Left Luggage

10 Bandstand Bar by Fever-Tree

11 Bandstand Lawn Champagne Bar

12 Bandstand Bar

13 Burger Kitchen

14 Bandstand Lawn: Burrito, Mac & Cheese, Bangers at the Bandstand, Lavazza Coffee, Duck Shed

15 Cedar Tree Café by Lavazza

16 Free-Wheelin Pizza

17 Stewards’ House Cocktail Bar

18 Queen Anne Lawn Bar by The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro

19 Queen Anne Kitchen by James Tanner

20 The Rosé Champagne Bar by Moët & Chandon

21 Mindful Bar by Harrogate Spring Water

22 Waffle Market

30 Street Food: Beyroots, N.O.T. (Asian Fried Chicken), BBQ Dept

OFFICIAL PARTNERS, SPONSORS AND SUPPLIERS

Official partners, official sponsors.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

SPONSORS & SUPPLIERS

LK BENNETT BECOMES AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF ASCOT RACECOURSE

Ascot Racecourse was delighted to announce earlier this year that LK Bennett has become an Official Sponsor of Ascot Racecourse from 2023 in a new three-year collaboration.

With two previous collections of readyto-wear and footwear for Royal Ascot as Official Licensee for Ladies Fashion, the sponsorship is a natural progression.

The partnership has proved to be a huge success with consumers and media both UK-based and globally. With the progression to Official Sponsor, exciting activations will include the Royal Ascot x LK Bennett fashion experience at the racecourse for the Royal Meeting (20-24th June), a year-round boutique at Ascot, and an Autumn/Winter collection launching

for the Jumps Season alongside the official Royal Ascot x LK Bennett collection for SS23. Both seasonal collections also include handbags and footwear.

Sitting alongside sponsor brands such as Moët & Chandon and Peroni Nastro Azzurro, LK Bennett joins the ranks of global brands focused on luxury, quality, and style, alongside some of the most prestigious sporting occasions.

Darren Topp, CEO LK Bennett, commented:

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Ascot to sponsorship and develop exciting opportunities for the brand and our wonderful customers. We look forward to working closely with the Ascot team over the coming year.”

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director, Ascot Racecourse, added:

“This progression in partnership between Ascot and LK Bennett marks an exciting future for both quintessentially British brands. We are looking forward to working in collaboration to amplify the fashion associated with Ascot Racedays and Royal Ascot through interactive experiences, content and of course, LK Bennett’s highly anticipated collections launching in spring and autumn 2023.”

The third Royal Ascot collection by LK Bennett launched in early March 2023.

SLINGSBY GIN

Partners with ascot racecourse to bring a taste of royal ascot to heathrow airport.

Passengers at Heathrow Airport also had the opportunity to win the ultimate Royal Ascot package including helicopter transfer to the racecourse and hospitality in the Terrace Club, as well as being able to take part in the interactive photo wall. That allowed them to take photos wearing raceday hats that have been created in partnership with Fenwick using Ascot’s newly developed AR filter available on Instagram and Facebook. As the Official Gin supplier to Ascot racecourse for its second year, Slingsby Gin has exclusive pouring rights across the racecourse, including the most anticipated race meeting of the year, Royal Ascot, which is held in June.

The partnership supports the international growth strategies of both Ascot and Slingsby, with Ascot’s vision to become a global lifestyle brand wrapped around world-class racing. The brand has also recently invested in brand activations in Manchester and Gatwick airport, as well as their home county Leeds Bradford airport.

Clare Gibson, Marketing Director of Slingsby Gin says:

“We are extremely proud of our British heritage and roots at Slingsby, so when the opportunity arose to partner with Ascot Racecourse to bring a taste of Royal Ascot to Heathrow, we jumped at the chance. We are honoured to be the racecourse’s Official Gin supplier, and to be working with one of Britain’s most iconic institutions in such an important historical month in the UK, celebrating our joint heritage and what makes us so proud to be British.”

Chloë Hamlett, Head of Partnerships at Ascot Racecourse says:

Slingsby Gin

(www.spiritofharrogate.co.uk), the award-winning Yorkshire gin brand inspired by its spa-town heritage and enjoyed around the world, partnered with Ascot Racecourse and global travel retailer Dufry, to bring a taste of Royal Ascot to London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 earlier this year.

The bespoke activation ran from the 4th to the 30th May during a month of Royal celebrations and in the lead up to Royal Ascot in June. Passengers were able to sample the Slingsby core range (London Dry, Rhubarb, Marmalade, and Gooseberry) including the hero and bestselling Ascot Racecourse serve, the Royal Ascot Blush, which combines Slingsby Rhubarb gin with a delicious and refreshing Fever-Tree light lemonade.

“Working with like-minded British brands like Slingsby is always a pleasure, and we are looking forward to working with Slingsby for the second year of our brand partnership. It was exciting to join forces with them at Heathrow Airport to create a unique experience which allowed us to showcase Royal Ascot and all its splendour to an international audience.”

QIPCO HOLDING, OFFICIAL PARTNER AND SPONSOR OF THE BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES

QIPCO Holding, based in Doha, was established in 1999 and is considered one of the leading investment companies in Qatar. QIPCO has a diverse range of interests including real estate, construction, oil and gas, trading and services, finance and health. In more recent years QIPCO has made a significant investment in horseracing, not only as sponsors but also as owners and breeders through its global racing and bloodstock company, Qatar Racing, a subsidiary of QIPCO, founded and chaired by Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani.

QIPCO is an Official Partner of Ascot and Royal Ascot, sponsor of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes at Ascot in July and of the QIPCO British Champions Series, which commenced at the QIPCO Guineas Festival in May alongside the start of this season’s Flat Jockeys’ Championship and culminates on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October.

The ten-year deal, signed in 2015, with British Champions Series and Ascot is the largest in the history of British racing.

There are five QIPCO British Champions Series race categories: Sprint, Mile, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Fillies & Mares. Royal Ascot, with all eight Group 1 races designated to their appropriate categories, will play a significant part in the Series once again, along with the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes back at Ascot in July.

QIPCO British Champions Day, held at Ascot on Saturday 21st October, is the finale of the British Flat racing season and the richest raceday in the British calendar with £4.1 million on offer this year. The QIPCO Champion Stakes is set to be one of the richest races

in the UK with £1.3 million in prize money, with the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) at £1.1 million – both feature races are the richest of their kind in Europe. The three remaining pattern races on the card; the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, the QIPCO British Champions Sprint and the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, will offer a total prize fund of £1.2 million. The programme for QIPCO British Champions Day consists of four Group 1 races, a Group 2 and the Balmoral Handicap (sponsored by QIPCO), Europe’s most valuable mile handicap.

The QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame, the first of its kind in British Flat racing, launched in 2021 to immortalise the modern greats of the sport from 1970 onwards.

In April, QIPCO British Champions Series launched Club 26, a free to join club for young people between 18-26-years-old, to help encourage younger fans to attend Great Britain’s finest Flat racing this summer.

The initial ticket offers to be announced were £10 general admission tickets for club members to attend the QIPCO Guineas Festival and QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October. Further discounted ticket offers will follow throughout the summer at QIPCO British Champions Series racedays exclusively, with high-quality action at 10 of the finest racecourses in the country. There will also be other benefits for club members, such as behindthe-scenes tours and raceday previews.

For more information please visit: qipco.com.qa

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

Based in Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaking company wields expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s leading watch manufacturer. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries.

Longines is proud to be an Official Partner as well as the Official Timekeeper and Watch of Ascot and Royal Ascot. The brand’s passion for the equestrian world dates back to 1869, when the brand created its first equestrian pocket watch found to date. Not long after, in 1878, Longines developed a famous chronograph movement, fitted in a case engraved with a jockey and his mount. Seen on the American racetracks since the late nineteenth century, this type of timepiece proved extremely popular among jockeys and horselovers, as it enabled its user to time performances to the second. Designed in the workshops of the factory in Saint-Imier, these first creations marked the beginning of Longines’ very early involvement in the equestrian world.

The name of Longines thus very quickly became associated with sports timekeeping. While the brand was constantly pushing the boundaries of precision, its involvement in the equestrian world progressively intensified. In 1912, a further step was taken when Longines concluded its first official partnership with a show jumping event in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the discipline.

Throughout the years, countless equestrian competitions enjoyed the qualities and reliability of the chronograph calibres and automated instruments that Longines had developed to time sports performances. As a result of its legitimacy and expertise, Longines’ involvement in equestrian sports today includes flat racing, show jumping, dressage and eventing disciplines.

Today, Longines’ commitment with the equestrian world has been further enhanced by its dedicated support for major equestrian institutions such as the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Federation of Gentlemen and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI). With these partnerships, Longines permeates all levels of equestrianism by presenting important awards in flat racing and jumping competitions such as the Longines World’s Best Race Horse and Horse Race Awards and the Longines World’s Best Jockey Award. The brand’s presence at the pinnacle of the sport is often highlighted by its presence at the most demanding competitions of equestrianism, such as Royal Ascot, that require the highest level of precision and excellence.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

Howden Broking, a leading independent provider of insurance brokerage, risk consulting and employee benefits advice, is headquartered in the UK and comprises owned businesses across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Howden’s reinsurance broking and advisory business, Howden Tiger, operates across Howden’s international network, and also in the US. Established in 1994, today Howden Broking employs more than 14,000 people worldwide. Together with network partners aligned to its specialty-led proposition, Howden operates in more than 100 territories.

The Group’s founder and CEO, David Howden, is also the founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials and has invested in British Eventing through The Howden Way - a training programme for young riders of all levels which runs alongside a young horse talent pathway programme.

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

Founded in 1983, Dubai Duty Free recorded first-year sales of US$20 million and has grown into one of the biggest travel retail operator in the world. Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 39th anniversary on December 20th, 2022 and recorded an annual sales of Dhs6.339 billion or US$1.74 billion.

In addition to a remarkable turnover, Dubai Duty Free has continued its investment in the development and expansion of its retail offer both in Dubai International Airport and at Al Maktoum International Airport. Now employing over 5,000 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow.

A supporter of horseracing for more than 25 years, with the sport playing an important role in Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship portfolio, Dubai Duty Free is the title sponsor of four horseracing events in the UK and Ireland. These include the hugely popular Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup held at Ascot in August, which is widely regarded as the world’s premier international jockeys’ challenge. Dubai Duty Free also flies the flag in the UK in April and September at Newbury Racecourse which stages the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials meeting and the Dubai Duty Free International Weekend and is also the title sponsor of one of the biggest race meetings in Europe, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, held at The Curragh in June.

Established in 1990, LK Bennett is a brand with a British heritage feel. With every piece designed in their London HQ to be full of vibrant prints, beautiful silhouettes and luxury fabrics. Since their beginnings, they’ve become well-loved due to their effortlessly luxurious collections across clothing and footwear. Known for their distinctively wearable style and high-quality craftsmanship, LK Bennett creates investment pieces to love forever, as they inspire women to bring the extraordinary to the ordinary, everyday.

Come and visit the LK Bennett pop-up store located next to the Parade Ring. Find styles perfect for weddings to weekend plans or just because.

OFFICIAL CHAMPAGNE

Moët & Chandon has been associated with the equestrian world since 1908 when two three-year-old horses, one named “Moët” and the other “Chandon”, belonging to Monsieur Alfred Simon, the House’s sales representative in London, finished first in Epsom and Newbury respectively. That same year, “Moët” ran fourth in the Hunt Cup at Ascot and as a result, Alfred Simon referred to it as his “lucky” race.

As the champagne of celebration, Moët & Chandon brings people together to toast the most iconic moments throughout the year, with Royal Ascot as one of the highlights of the British Summer season. Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage, Official Champagne of Royal Ascot, is made only in remarkable years and is available across the racecourse in a variety of formats and vintages.

OFFICIAL BEER

Asahi UK is home to an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands - including international brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Japan’s No.1 beer, Asahi Super Dry and iconic Dutch premium beer, Grolsch as well as local ale, craft and cider heroes: Fuller’s London Pride, Meantime, Dark Star and Cornish Orchards. Asahi UK’s focus is on enriching experiences for our customers and consumers through innovation, unrivalled service and offering brands with undeniable quality.

Asahi UK believes that every business has a responsibility to understand and act upon its environmental impact and we continuously work towards sharing more information with our suppliers, customers and consumers about both the footprint of our beers, and how we are working to reduce it. For more information on Asahi UK visit www.asahibeer.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @AsahiUKLTD

Fenwick is the UK’s oldest family-owned department store business, offering a carefully curated selection of premium brands, through its nine stores in UK city centres, as well as its Fenwick online presence. The company has deep connections to the local communities in which it operates, and its stores have become meeting points offering exceptional services and hospitality. Last year, Fenwick celebrated its 140th anniversary with a series of investment announcements, new collaborations and community events.

OFFICIAL BOOKMAKER

Betfred has been the Official Bookmaker of Ascot and Royal Ascot since 2019. Founded in 1967 with a single shop in Salford, Greater Manchester, Betfred is one of the world’s largest independent bookmakers with over 1350 shops throughout the UK and a global online business rapidly expanding in the United States and South Africa.

Betfred remain committed to offering excellent customer service and added value via their unparalleled bonuses and look forward to welcoming Ascot racegoers to one of their on-course betting shops.

OFFICIAL MIXER

In 2005, Fever-Tree co-founders Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow pioneered the premium mixer category, bringing choice, quality and excitement back into the category. They travelled to the ends of the earth to source the finest ingredients, including quinine from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ginger from the Ivory Coast, India and Nigeria, and lemons from the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily. Having initially launched as a tonic brand, Fever-Tree has since added a gingers range, flavoured sodas range and most recently a new cocktail mixers range to its portfolio, all expertly crafted from the finest naturally sourced ingredients to create the perfect mixers to pair with all spirits. Fever-Tree is now the world’s leading premium mixer, with distribution to over 108 countries worldwide. Fever-Tree has been voted as the ‘No.1 Best Selling’ and ‘No.1 Top Trending’ Mixer for the ninth year running by the world’s best bartenders in Drinks International Annual Brands Report. In addition to the mixers range, in 2023 Fever-Tree launched a new sparkling soft drink range, offering adults a lower sugar, full flavour sophisticated non-alcoholic option.

OFFICIAL PRIVATE AVIATION

Sharing a long-held commitment to passion, performance and exquisite style, Flexjet is proud to be the Official Private Aviation Supplier for Ascot and Royal Ascot, and host of the Royal Ascot Heliport. As one of the world’s leading providers of private aviation and a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies, Flexjet has been long-established in the U.S. fractional jet ownership market since 1995. Its European operation launched in 2019 based in London’s Mayfair, with a Tactical Control Centre at Farnborough Airport, and a second Operational Centre in Malta. In Europe, Flexjet offers shared ownership of its premium fleet of business jets, including the Embraer Praetor 600 and the Gulfstream G650, alongside a helicopter fleet including the Sikorsky S-76. Its wider group offering in Europe includes private jet charter and jet cards from PrivateFly. Flexjet’s European operation is compliant with the International Standard for Business Aviation Operators (IS-BAO) and is a Wyvern Wingman Certified Operator. In Europe Flexjet holds a 4AIR Silver Rating, recognising its leading approach to sustainability which includes offsetting 300% of carbon emissions for every flight.

OFFICIAL TROPHIES AND SILVERWARE

From the diamond Festoon necklace, recently worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales at the King’s coronation, to Princess Diana’s engagement ring, Garrard has crafted some of the most famous jewels in existence. Appointed the first official Crown Jeweller in 1843, we have proudly played our part in British history ever since, creating jewels that capture imaginations throughout the world.

Garrard makes trophies that commemorate some of the hardestwon sporting achievements in the world, including Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup, the Queen’s Vase and the Royal Hunt Cup. Garrard also provides the trophies for winning owners in all Group 1 races at Royal Ascot and supplies the silver snuff boxes, picture frames and strawberry dishes that are awarded to owners, trainers and jockeys.

OFFICIAL WINE

Established in 1933, Hallgarten & Novum Wines celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2023. As one of the UK’s leading ‘specialist’ wine merchants, Hallgarten imports wines from around the world, supplying the premium hospitality and retail trade across the UK. In 2023, Hallgarten was named ‘Drinks Company of the Year’ by Drinks Business, and ‘Wine Distributor of the Year’ by the International Wine & Spirit Competition Challenge, thanks to its focus on comprehensive service and support for its customers. Its experienced Buying team, including one of the UK’s most respected palates in Steve Daniel, and Master of Wine Beverly Tabbron, has constructed a diverse and award-winning portfolio of over 1,100 wines from 24 wine-producing countries. It blends some of the world’s greatest producers from the classic wine growing regions together with innovative, up-andcoming wineries and winemakers from the emerging and esoteric winemaking world. Hallgarten is proud to supply all the wines for Royal Ascot.

Join us at Harrogate Spring’s Mindful Drinking Bar in the Queen Anne enclosure and try out this year’s exclusive mindful cocktail the Royal Raspberry Spritz, created by none other than celebrity mixologist Merlin Griffiths.

OFFICIAL WATER

After the discovery of the first mineral spring in 1571, Harrogate became a destination for health & enjoyment. 450 years later and Harrogate Spring Water are proud to bring to life the essence of Harrogate and bringing people together. As the No. 1 water in out of home, we’re proud to keep you hydrated and enjoy life’s moments with you.

Building on last year’s success, Harrogate Spring is returning to one of the summer’s most anticipated events, Royal Ascot, with the return of the Mindful Drinking Bar, a destination for racegoers to discover a more mindful way to experience life’s moments.

Serving their award-winning water and a selection of delicious low and reduced cocktails, Harrogate Spring Water is embracing moderation this summer, one sip at a time. Encouraging the nation to make the most of life’s moments by doing things by halves and embracing moderation through mindful drinking. With a simple call to action of halving alcohol consumption and replacing the latter 50% with a mindful cocktail or Harrogate Spring Water.

OFFICIAL COFFEE

Steeped in Italian history, for over 125 years, Lavazza has been sourcing, roasting and blending to create the highest quality coffee possible. The company’s passion for excellence and sustainability is demonstrated by the attention given to every step of the journey, from the selection of the raw material to the product in the cup. Lavazza’s authentic Italian espresso and creamy lattes, as well as the Lavazza Martini and other signature Coffeetails can be enjoyed throughout the racecourse, from Lavazza on 4 or the Espresso Martini Cart in the Royal Enclosure, to the Tierra Bar and the Cedar Tree Lawn in the Queen Anne Enclosure.

OFFICIAL ICE CREAM

Since 1989, pleasure seekers around the world have been discovering Magnum ice cream. Excellence is achieved when you care about every detail. That’s why we select the most exclusive ingredients and expert hands to create every one of our products with passion and precision. Working closely with the Rainforest Alliance to make sure all our cocoa beans are responsibly sourced, our cocoa beans have a long way to go before they become Magnum chocolate. It’s about quality and sustainability throughout every step of the journey. We are delighted to be the Official Ice Cream of Royal Ascot.

OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY

Sodexo Live! are responsible for providing catering operations across the racecourse’s 26 annual racedays and further conferences and events throughout the year. As a long-standing partner of Ascot Racecourse, Sodexo Live! moved to a profit-sharing agreement in 2014 and the joint venture was branded “1711 by Ascot”, enabling the operation, which has seen significant growth in catering income, to adopt a new customer facing identity of its own. Delivering outstanding hospitality, fine dining and on-site catering, Sodexo Live! are proud to be Official Hospitality of Ascot.

OFFICIAL GIN

Inspired by its spa town heritage and enjoyed around the world, Slingsby premium gin is crafted with pure spring water and real fruits to create the finest, award-winning British gin. The award winning range consists of a classic London Dry and a Yorkshire fruit selection including rhubarb, gooseberry, marmalade and blackberry. Slingsby have worked with Ascot to create a range of drinks available across all the bars including summery cocktails and classic gin and tonics serves. Bottling the beautiful and restorative spirit of Harrogate for you to experience with every sip.

OFFICIAL ROSÉ WINE

Château d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez overlooking the Esclans Valley with the Mediterranean coast in the faint distance. The vision of Sacha Lichine (Founder) with his acquisition of the Château in 2006 was to create the greatest rosés in the world igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”. This led to conceiving and crafting a world class rosé portfolio including The Pale, Whispering Angel, Rock Angel, Château d’Esclans, Les Clans, and Garrus: a new generation of rosés characterized by elegance, depth, richness and complexity. Sold in over 100 countries, Whispering Angel is today’s worldwide reference for Provence rosé.

ASCOT HISTORY

HISTORY AND TRADITIONS

It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding in 1711, she came upon an area of open heath, not far from Windsor Castle, that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch.”

The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place on Saturday, August 11, 1711. Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 Guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, was the inaugural event. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12st and seven runners took part.

This contest bore little resemblance to racing seen at Ascot today. The seven horses were all English Hunters, quite different to the speedy thoroughbreds that race on the Flat now. The race consisted of three separate heats which were four miles long (each heat was about the length of the Grand National), so the winner would have been a horse with tremendous stamina.

Sadly, there is no record of the winner of the first Plate. The racecourse was laid out by William Lowen, who was assisted by a team of helpers; William Erlybrown, a carpenter, Benjamin Cluchett, a painter, and John Grape, who prepared the paperwork for racing. The first permanent building was erected in 1793 by George Slingsby, a Windsor builder. It held 1,650 people and was used until 1838.

In 1813, Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure. This Act ensured that Ascot Heath, although the property of the Crown, would be kept and used as a racecourse for the public in the future. Racing at Ascot was now secure. The precise origin of the Royal Meeting is unclear.

It was an event that evolved, perhaps, rather than was introduced at a specific time, but the first four-day meeting took place in 1768. Arguably, the meeting as we know it today started to take shape with the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807. Gold Cup Day is the third day of Royal Ascot.

Although you won’t find it in any marketing or promotional literature, Thursday is colloquially known as Ladies’ Day. The term Ladies’ Day seems to have been first used in 1823, when an anonymous poet described the Thursday of the Royal Meeting as “Ladies’ Day, when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.”

In the formative years, Thursday was certainly the dominant day in terms of the racing, attracting the largest crowds and, it must be assumed from the emergence of the term, more ladies! Almost every racecourse markets a Ladies’ Day now but the great charm of the original is that it has not been manufactured. It is the public, not the racecourse, who call it Ladies’ Day.

The Gold Cup is Ascot’s oldest surviving race, and the winning owners receive a gold trophy which becomes their property. Trophies to keep are only awarded for ten races at the Royal Meeting, the others being the Queen’s Vase, inaugurated in 1838 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s accession, the Royal Hunt Cup (1843) and the remaining Group 1 races.

It was at around the time of the first running of the Gold Cup that the roots of today’s traditional Royal Enclosure dress code emerged. Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince Regent, decreed that men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons. Over the years, this has evolved into the wearing of morning suits and equally formal clothes for ladies, who must wear hats. Although a Royal Stand dates back to the 1790s, the Royal Enclosure that current regulars are used to at Ascot was conceived in 1822 when King George IV commissioned a two storey stand to be built with a surrounding lawn. Access was by invitation of the King. In 1825, the Royal Procession as an annual tradition began.

The King, leading four other coaches with members of the Royal party, drove up the centre of the racecourse in front of the crowds and this has continued to the present day. The administration of Ascot has always been handled by a representative appointed by the Monarch.

The racecourse was run on behalf of the Sovereign by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds up until 1901 when Lord Churchill was appointed as the first official Representative of His Majesty, a post held today by Sir Francis Brooke BT.

In 1913, when the Ascot Authority was established by an Act of Parliament, His Majesty’s Representative became Senior Trustee of the Authority with the Clerk of the Course acting as Secretary.

Today, as Ascot Authority (Holdings) Limited, Ascot has a formal board sitting under the three Trustee structure.

In 1955, the rules of divorce were relaxed and divorcees were able to enter the Royal Enclosure. However, a redevelopment of the Enclosure shortly before this had added the new Queen’s Lawn, which was by invitation and the Court rules governing divorce still

applied. Ascot’s first major redevelopment came to fruition in 1954, with the relocation of the straight mile north to allow more space behind the stands.

This was the second such move and even this time around, they didn’t go quite far enough as the track was moved a further 42 metres north as part of the 2005 redevelopment. Prior to the second move, the straight track cut right through the existing Number One Car Park into the current site of Heatherwood Hospital.

The Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand, built by Wimpey, was erected between the 1960 and 1961 Royal Meeting and the Members’ Stand went up between Royal Ascot 1963 and 1964. The Car Parks at Ascot

almost certainly play more part in the event than at any other venue – they are far from merely functional with lavish picnics, including butlers, candelabra and silver service not uncommon, especially in Number One and Two Car Parks.

In 2006, a Country Life survey found that Royal Ascot is the South of England’s most popular picnic spot and the most popular sporting occasion at which to picnic in the country. Although Ascot likes to think it runs Number One Car Park, it is far from uncommon for berths in this sought after spot to be passed down formally from generation to generation. There is currently a waiting list of 400 names.

Ascot’s much loved tradition of “singing around the bandstand” or “community singing” began in the 1970s under the stewardship of Lady Beaumont, wife of the then Clerk of the Course, Captain Sir Nicholas Beaumont. The now unmissable sing song of British favourites and flag waving after racing was an immediate success with thousands of racegoers staying on and making it an integral part of their day. Now, traditional singing is listed as part of the day’s formal proceedings in the racecard and song books and flags are handed round.

2002 saw plenty of change to the established pattern at Royal Ascot as the meeting expanded to five days to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. In addition, one race name was changed as the newly promoted Cork & Orrery Stakes became the Golden Jubilee Stakes (renamed the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2012).

The racecourse closed for redevelopment in September 2004 –with the Finale Meeting ending with singing around the bandstand, the only time this has been done outside Royal Ascot. The 2005 Royal Meeting was staged in York, providing the city with its biggest ever sporting event.

The city, region and racecourse threw themselves into the extravaganza, which saw expansion into the Knavesmire so as to accommodate circa 50,000 people each day. Royal Ascot at York took place with a Royal Enclosure and Royal Procession every day. The bell used to instruct jockeys to mount at Ascot travelled up along with the Brown Jack statue commemorating the Ascot legend.

The “Greencoats,” who form the ceremonial guard for the Monarch at Royal Ascot, came to York. Their garb rather speaks for itself and it is rumoured that the original velvet uniforms were made from material left over from curtains in Windsor Castle.

Historically, Ascot Racecourse redevelops every 50 years or so, once a generation, and throughout considerable changes the Royal Meeting has maintained its position as a much loved event at the heart of the national sporting and social calendar.

Ascot’s traditions remain as strong, strictly observed and loved now as they ever were, whilst the racing goes from strength to strength (Group 1 races have increased from three in 1999 to eight, with the addition of the Commonwealth Cup in 2015).

The new Ascot was officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II, on time and to its £220 million budget, on 20th June, 2006. The modern era immediately had a new equine legend in Yeats, who won an unprecedented four Gold Cups before retiring in 2009. A statue to commemorate his achievements now stands in the Parade Ring.

2011 saw Ascot celebrate its tercentenary and 2012 was another exciting landmark occasion for the racecourse as the Royal Meeting played its part in Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. On the track, the great Frankel won the Queen Anne Stakes and Black Caviar made her only appearance outside Australia, winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. There was a Royal winner in 2012 when Estimate won the Queen’s Vase.

That horse went on to provoke scenes of unbridled joy from the crowd when winning the following year’s Gold Cup. Estimate’s jockey in 2012 was Ryan Moore, who broke another record at Royal Ascot in 2015 with nine winners across the week. In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II’s success continued with Dartmouth winning the Hardwicke Stakes.

In 2017, The Village Enclosure was opened, the first new enclosure for 100 years.

In 2020, for the first time in its history Royal Ascot was run behind closed doors, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Tactical won the Windsor Castle Stakes and proved to be the 24th and final Royal Ascot winner for Queen Elizabeth II.

The Late Queen attended Royal Ascot for the final time in 2021 when a reduced crowd of 12,000 was allowed to attend each day as the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted slowly across the country.

2022 saw a full scale Royal Ascot return in all its colour and wonder. On the track, Nature Strip was a brilliant winner of the King’s Stand Stakes for Australia while runners from Japan and America also returned the Royal Meeting to its full international flavour.

Summer, 1711

It was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which in those days was called East Cote. Whilst out riding she came upon an area of open heath, not far from Windsor Castle, that looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch.”

Charles, Duke of Somerset instructed Sir William Wyndham, Master of the Royal Buckhounds, to have the open heath cleared of scrub and gorse in preparation for a race meeting.

11 August 1711

The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place. Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, was the inaugural event. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12st and seven runners took part.

September 17, 1711

The success of Her Majesty’s Plate in August meant the second meeting followed soon after in September.

July 31, 1727

John Cheny published a prototype form book, which evolved into the Racing Calendar, recording the conditions of each race and the prize.

The Yeoman Prickers were formed. Employed by the Master of the Buckhounds, their distinctive livery of forest green coats with gold facings are worn today by the Ascot Greencoats, who attend Royal Ascot each year.

The popularity of attending the racing at Ascot was becoming apparent in social circles, prompting the Duke of Bedford to write that when arriving in London ‘I could find no soul to dine or sup with’.

The first use of racing colours was introduced, although it wasn’t mandatory for another two decades.

The first four-day meeting took place.

James Weatherby, Keeper of the Match Book (the book of records for match races), was authorised by the Jockey Club to publish a racing calendar. James Weatherby began a family firm, still in existence today. Weatherbys are the secretariat of horse racing in Britain.

The Oatlands Stakes was run at Ascot – an important landmark race as it was the first handicap race, where the weights of the runners were adjusted according to their form to give them, in theory, equal chances.

The first permanent building was erected by George Slingsby, a Windsor builder. It held 1,650 people and was used until 1838.

The inaugural running of the Gold Cup for three-year-olds and upwards. It is significant that the first Gold Cup was won by a three-year-old, this was an event designed to attract horses bred to compete much younger than had been the case the previous century. In the modern era, three-year-olds do not run in the race.

Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure. This Act ensured that Ascot Heath, although the property of the Crown, would be kept and used as a racecourse for the public in the future. Racing at Ascot was now secure. The Master of the Buckhounds continued to manage the races and the racecourse – just as it was more than 100 years before.

George III died and the Prince Regent ascended the throne as George IV. He immediately ordered alterations to be made to the Royal Stand by John Nash. Nash’s alterations did not satisfy the King and so, in 1822, Nash designed a brand new Royal Stand, erected in just five weeks.

The Royal Enclosure was born when King George IV commissioned a two-storey stand to be built with a surrounding lawn. Access was by invitation of the King where he entertained his friends in style.

King George IV’s greatest legacy to Royal Ascot was the Royal Procession. The King leading four other coaches with members of the Royal party drove up the Straight Mile in front of the crowds. A diarist of the day commented; ‘the whole thing looked very splendid’.

Turf on the track was relaid by the Clerk of the Course, William Hibburd, to improve the ground. Rails and posts were constructed along the track.

Queen Victoria made her first visit to Ascot as Sovereign. To mark her first visit, the Queen inaugurated a new race over one and a half miles, known today as the Queen’s Vase (now two miles).

Horses were numbered in the racecard.

A decision was made to construct a new stand between the betting stand and the Royal Stand. The new stand took 10 months to build and was warmly welcomed when it opened on May 20, 1839. The lower half of the stand could hold about 3,000 people and contained a betting hall.

For the first time at Ascot, the judge hoisted the number of the winner onto a large blackboard, thus putting an end to the disputes as to which horse had won.

The railway was brought to Ascot with the opening of the Staines to Wokingham line.

1861 (approx)

Racing in the mid-19th century was becoming more professional with Ascot appointing its first official Clerk of the Scales, James Manning (whose family stayed in the post until 1970, latterly working for the Jockey Club).

Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, died and Queen Victoria did not return to Ascot again.

A new race at the meeting was named after Prince Albert: The Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Prince Albert, eldest son and second child of Victoria and Albert, known as Bertie, attended his first Ascot meeting aged 21 and continued to lend his support to the Royal Meeting with enthusiasm. He restored the Royal Procession and revived the custom of inviting overseas visitors to Ascot.

Ascot witnessed the first victory for the riding phenomenon Fred Archer. Over 14 years, he rode 80 winners at the racecourse.

The Grandstand had a clock tower erected.

Racing at Ascot took place in sombre mood to mark the death of Queen Victoria. Prince Albert ascended the throne as King Edward VII.

The role of Master of the Buckhounds was disbanded and a new role created, that of the King’s representative. The first man to undertake this role was Viscount Churchill.

All three stands in the Royal Enclosure were demolished under the instruction of King Edward VII and two new stands were built between September, 1901 and May, 1902. The total cost was £28,350.

A third stand was built at a cost of £27,636. This stand included lifts, the first to be installed on a British racecourse. In order to have the work completed by May, 1902, some 500 men were employed on the task, working day and night shifts.

The ‘Five Shilling Stand’ was built – later known as the Silver Ring Stand at a cost of £30,000.

Racegoers began to arrive by car and for the first time, motor cars were allowed to park on the Heath.

The Ascot Authority was established by an Act of Parliament. His Majesty’s Representative became Senior Trustee of the Authority with the Clerk of the Course acting as Secretary.

The Royal Enclosure buildings were extended and a new Iron Stand was erected. Ascot began to install a new watering system, with the facility to dispense around two million gallons of water onto the turf.

The Tote building was constructed (still standing today, beside the Pre-Parade Ring). The designs had been agreed by the Racecourse Betting Control Board (RBCB), the authority overseeing wagering at this time.

George V died and was succeeded by his eldest son, who became Edward VIII. The new King was a keen follower of horseracing but he never attended the Royal Meeting as reigning monarch. By the end of the year Edward VIII had abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson.

George VI & Queen Elizabeth attend their first Ascot race meeting.

Racing at Ascot cancelled. The racecourse was commandeered by the army, the Grandstand providing accommodation for gunners of the Royal Artillery.

15 May 1943

Racing at Ascot resumed, with an eight-race card.

May 21, 1945

Ascot staged its first post-war fixture and the 19-year-old Princess Elizabeth attended for the first time.

Major Crocker Bulteel was appointed as the Clerk of the Course, regarded as ‘the outstanding racing administrator of his day.’ The Duke of Norfolk was appointed as the King’s Representative.

The Ascot fixture list extended to include racing in July, September and October.

Queen Elizabeth II crowned on June 2 (ascended the throne on February 6, 1952).

The rules of divorce were relaxed and divorcees were able to enter the Royal Enclosure. However, a redevelopment of the Enclosure shortly before this had added the new Queen’s Lawn. Entrance was by invitation only and the Court rules governing divorce still applied.

June 13, 1961

The Grandstand was demolished and the Queen Elizabeth II Stand was built. It took 11 months to build, with 550 workers at a cost of £1 million. The stand represented a state-of-the-art facility at the time, accommodated 13,000 people and had 280 private boxes.

The BBC outside-broadcast staff picketed and there was no television coverage.

April, 1998

Lord Hartington, Her Majesty’s Representative, revealed that changes to the racecourse were being contemplated.

In order to facilitate the redevelopment, Ascot incorporated as Ascot Authority (Holdings) Limited, the most significant milestone in its structure since the 1913 Act of Parliament.

Plans were announced to redevelop Ascot Racecourse. The existing Queen Elizabeth II stand was to be replaced and the course realigned. The Golden Jubilee was celebrated. Royal Ascot extended from four to five days.

September, 2004

Ascot held its last meeting with the old facilities. Demolition of the stand began and the redevelopment programme commenced.

Royal Ascot was staged at York Racecourse.

The new Ascot stand was opened on time and on budget.

Yeats won his fourth Gold Cup, beating Sagaro’s record, set in the 1970s.

Ascot celebrated its Tercentenary.

The country celebrates The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Golden Jubilee Stakes becomes The Diamond Jubilee Stakes and is won by Black Caviar.

2010 to 2012

Frankel, officially the greatest horse since ratings began, makes five appearances at Ascot, winning at two, three and four. He retired unbeaten with 14 wins.

Style Guides for the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures are introduced.

Channel 4 Television covered Royal Ascot for the first time with the highlight of the week being Estimate’s victory for The Queen in the Gold Cup.

In the Grandstand, the new “On 5” Restaurant was opened.

The world class Parade Ring Restaurant was renovated.

Following an extensive review of the European sprinting programme, a new Group 1 six furlong race, the Commonwealth Cup, is added to the Royal Ascot programme.

Frankel Statue unveiled by The Queen.

April, 2016

Her Majesty The Queen celebrates her 90th Birthday.

Renaming of Ascot public Enclosures and New Unsaddling Enclosure is unveiled.

January, 2017

The Queen’s Vase is promoted to Group 2 status.

The new Village Enclosure opens and the jumpsuit is introduced to the Royal Enclosure dress code. ITV Racing becomes the host broadcaster.

Prize money at Royal Ascot exceeds £7m for the first time. Royal Ascot introduces Style Guides for the Village and Windsor Enclosures.

2020 Royal Ascot is run behind closed doors due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth II attended for the final time.

Royal Ascot forms part of the Government’s Events Research Programme allowing for 12,000 spectators to attend each day, the first customers at Ascot since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

The country celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee but sadly ill health prevents her attending Royal Ascot. However, a Royal Procession takes place every day, led by senior members of the Royal Family with the Monarch watching on from Windsor Castle.

Royal Ascot set to take place for the first time under King Charles III, the 13th monarch to oversee the running of Ascot Racecourse. The Platinum Jubilee Stakes is permanently renamed as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

RACE HISTORIES & CONDITIONS

The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)

One Mile I Four Year Olds & Upwards

Founded in 1840, the Queen Anne Stakes commemorates the monarch who established racing at Ascot in 1711. Run as the Trial Stakes until 1929, the Queen Anne Stakes was first awarded Group 3 status in 1971, becoming Group 2 in 1984. The race, attracting Europe’s top older milers, achieved the highest three-year average rating of any Group 2 race in Britain from 1999 to 2002 according to the then International Classifications and was elevated to Group 1 status accordingly in 2003. Run as the opening race of the week since 2008, it will once again get the Royal Meeting underway and includes Frankel and Baaeed on the recent roll of honour.

The Coventry Stakes (Group 2)

Six furlongs I Two Year Olds

First run in 1890, the race was named after the ninth Earl of Coventry, Master of the Buckhounds between 1886 and 1892. This is traditionally the first Group contest of the year for juveniles and as a result attracts some of the very best precious young horses, forming part of the high-class opening day card. Many top quality horses win this race before going on to achieve greatness including Canford Cliffs, Dawn Approach and Caravaggio since the race was promoted to Group 2 status in 2004.

The King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1)

Five furlongs I Three Year Olds & Upwards

A Stand Plate was first run on the round course in 1837, becoming the Royal Stand Plate in 1858. The race was renamed the Queen’s Stand Plate in 1860 for two-year-olds, over the sprint distance of four furlongs, finally becoming the King’s Stand Plate in 1901. Today the race remains a sprint, although now run over the minimum trip of five furlongs for three-year-olds and upwards. In 2008 it was promoted to Group 1. The 2019 renewal was officially the highest-quality sprint race in the world with a rating of 120.25 after Blue Point and Battaash fought out the finish. Nature Strip was a brilliant winner for Australia in 2022 and ended the year as the world’s best sprinter.

The St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)

One mile i three year old colts.

Named after the Tudor Royal residence, the inaugural running of the St James’s Palace Stakes in 1834 was a walkover for the Derby winner Plenipotentiary. This race features the best male milers from the Classic generation, often attracting horses that have run in the British, French and Irish 2,000 Guineas. Frankel, Kingman and Palace Pier are recent stars to have won the race while the last two victors, Poetic Flare and Coroebus, both won the 2,000 Guineas before following up at Royal Ascot.

The Ascot Stakes (Handicap)

Two miles, four furlongs I Four Year Olds & Upwards

First run in 1839, the Ascot Stakes is run over two-and-a-half miles. Like the Gold Cup and Queen Alexandra Stakes, this race provides a thorough test of stamina. It is one of just four races at the Royal Meeting in which the field passes the winning post twice. As well as attracting some high-class horses from the Jumps sphere, the race normally features horses that will go on to run in the major staying handicaps throughout the season including the Northumberland Plate and the Ebor.

The Wolferton Stakes (Listed)

One mile, two furlongs I Four Year Olds & Upwards

First run in 2002 as part of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, this is a Listed race over 10 furlongs for four-year-olds and upwards, having been a Listed Handicap until 2017. Addeybb won the race in 2019 before going on to Group 1 success around the world while John Gosden is the leading trainer with four victories.

The Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap)

One mile, six furlongs I Four Year Olds & Upwards

Staged over a mile and three quarters, the Copper Horse Stakes was one of the six additional races to be run at Royal Ascot in 2020. Open to four-year-olds and upwards, Queen Elizabeth II graciously consented to the race’s name being included and it now forms part of the permanently expanded programme. It is inspired by the magnificent statue of King George III – mounted on horseback –which marks the end of the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park. The inaugural running was won by Fujaira Prince who went on to win the Ebor at York and was then second in the Group 1 Irish St. Leger and third in the British Champions Long Distance Cup on QIPCO British Champions Day.

The Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)

Five furlongs I Two Year Old Fillies

Named after the consort of King George V, this race was first run in 1921. The Queen Mary Stakes is the first major race of the season exclusively for two-year-old fillies. Run over the minimum distance of five furlongs and promoted to Group 2 status in 2004, it provides a useful opportunity to assess their ability and potential to perform at Group 1 level. American trainer Wesley Ward has an exceptional record in the race having saddled the winner four times since 2009, including most recently with Campanelle in 2020.

The Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap)

Old Mile I Four Year Olds & Upwards Fillies

A new handicap introduced for the first time in 2021 to be run over the Old Mile for four-year-old and upwards fillies and mares. Kensington Palace, set in Kensington Gardens, has been a residence for Members of the Royal Family since the 17th century. The inaugural winner was Lola Showgirl, a first Royal Ascot winner for trainer David Loughnane and jockey Laura Pearson.

The Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)

One mile I Four Year Olds & Upwards Fillies & Mares

Run as the Windsor Forest Stakes until 2013, this race was a new addition to the Royal Meeting in 2004 and part of an industrywide initiative to encourage connections of the leading Classic generation fillies from the previous year to keep their stars in training. Run over the straight mile course, it is open only to fillies and mares aged four or over. As a Group 2 race, Group 1 winners carry a penalty, so the option of the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, where no penalties are carried, is still open to the very best fillies.

The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)

The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, first run at Royal Ascot in 1862, is named after the son of Queen Victoria (later to become King Edward VII). Originally staged over a mile and five furlongs, the race often attracted horses that had participated in the Classics. There was no Prince of Wales’s Stakes from 1946 until 1968, a year before the Prince of Wales’s investiture in 1969, when the distance changed to one mile and two furlongs. In 2000, The Prince of Wales’s Stakes was upgraded to Group 1 status and restricted to four-year-olds and upwards. The race is now worth £1 million in prize money and one of the features of the week.

The Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)

One mile I Three Year Olds & Upwards

The Royal Hunt Cup always provides one of the greatest spectacles of the Royal Meeting as a maximum field thunders up Ascot’s straight mile course for one of the biggest betting races of the season. First run in 1843, it was originally staged over seven furlongs and 155 yards. The current distance of a mile was established in 1955 when the straight course was re-aligned as part of the previous redevelopment.

The Queen’s Vase (Group 2)

One mile, six furlongs I Three Year Olds

Promoted to Group Two in 2017, the race was named to honour Queen Victoria and first run in 1838. This race became the King’s Vase in 1903 and reverted to its original name of the Queen’s Vase on the succession of Queen Elizabeth II. Run over a-mile-and-threequarters, this contest provides a test of stamina for three-year-olds and winners of the race often go on to compete in the Gold Cup in future years. Estimate, owned by Queen Elizabeth II, and stay stayer Stradivarius are the most recent Queen’s Vase winners (2012

and 2017 respectively) to win the historic Gold Cup in subsequent seasons. Last year’s winner was Eldar Eldarov who went on to claim the St Leger at Doncaster.

The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)

Five furlongs I Two Year Olds

First run in 1839 over the straight mile course, this race was originally designed to attract three-year-old colts and fillies that had competed in the early season Classics. It is now run over the minimum distance of five furlongs and restricted to two-year-olds. The 2020 renewal was won by Tactical for Queen Elizabeth II, a home bred son of Toronado. Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by James Doyle, he was The Late Queen’s 24th and final winner at the Royal Meeting.

The Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)

First run in 1843, this race was formerly known as the New Stakes and staged over a distance of just under four furlongs. In 1973 it was renamed after the Duke of Norfolk, Queen Elizabeth II’s Representative at Ascot between 1945 and 1972. For two-year-olds, it was promoted to Group 2 status in 2006. Trainer Richard Fahey has won the last two renewals with Perfect Power and The Ridler.

The King George V Stakes (Handicap)

One mile, four furlongs I Three Year Olds

Like the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, this is a Handicap for middle distance performers, staged over one and a half miles for threeyear-olds only. The inaugural running was in July 1946, as part of the fixture list expansion to include racing in July, September and October, before the race was transferred to Royal Ascot in 1948. The 2020 winner Hukum proved better than a handicapper in time, going on to Group 1 success.

The Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)

One mile, four furlongs I Three Year Old Fillies

This race, mirroring the conditions of the Oaks, is named after the fourth Baron Ribblesdale, Master of the Buckhounds between 1892 and 1895. First run in 1919, this race was originally staged over a mile for three and four-year-olds. It is now restricted to Classic generation fillies and run over the longer distance of a mile and a half. John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien have won seven of the last nine renewals between them.

The Gold Cup (Group 1)

Founded in 1807, the Gold Cup (which, contrary to popular opinion is not called the “Ascot Gold Cup”) is the oldest and one of the most prestigious races at Royal Ascot. Staged over the marathon trip of two-and-a-half miles, the race is a stiff test of stamina and attracts the very best staying horses in Europe. Many horses have distinguished

themselves with multiple Gold Cup wins, enhancing the race’s reputation as a specialists’ event. Sagaro won three times in the 1970s and Stradivarius claimed his third straight success in 2020 but Yeats still stands tallest of all, becoming a four-time winner in 2009. Estimate won the 2013 Gold Cup for Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the first horse to win the Gold Cup for a reigning monarch.

The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

One mile I Three Year Old Colts & Geldings

First run in 1928 over the straight mile of the Royal Hunt Cup course and run under similar conditions today. Open to three-yearold colts and geldings only, the Britannia is almost as popular these days as the Royal Hunt Cup.

The Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)

Ten furlongs I Three Year Olds

This 10-furlong event, restricted to three-year-olds, was originally part of the Saturday Heath Day card, under the title of the New Stakes, and joined Royal Ascot as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. It was rechristened The Tercentenary Stakes in 2011, when the racecourse celebrated 300 years since its inauguration and was also promoted from Listed to Group 3 in tandem. The race reverted back to being the Hampton Court Stakes in 2017.

The Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

Seven furlongs I Three Year Olds & Upwards

One of six races added to Royal Ascot for 2020, the seven-furlong Buckingham Palace Handicap was reintroduced to the card having been lost when The Commonwealth Cup was created in 2015. Available to three-year-olds and upwards, it was first established in 2002 when a fifth day was added to the meeting to mark the Golden Jubilee. In 2020 it opened the Royal Meeting and is now retained permanently as part of the expanded programme and concludes the Thursday card.

The Albany Stakes (Group 3)

Six furlongs I Two Year Old Fillies

This race was first run in 2002 as the Henry Carnarvon Stakes, honouring the former racing manager of Queen Elizabeth II, and proved so successful that it was promoted to Group 3 status in 2005. Restricted to two-year-old fillies, the six-furlong event provides one of the first opportunities of the season for promising types to prove their ability and go on to harbour Guineas aspirations.

The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)

Six furlongs I Three Year Olds Colts & Fillies

The Commonwealth Cup was a completely new race in 2015 and joined the King’s Stand Stakes and Platinum Jubilee Stakes to become the third Group 1 sprint at Royal Ascot. The race, run over six furlongs, is restricted to three-year-old colts and fillies and was

put in place as a Europe-wide measure to create a better Pattern for young sprinters and improve the quality of sprint races across the continent. Several races in the run up to the Commonwealth Cup were promoted in tandem, including the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot, in April to Group 3. The 2019 renewal of the Commonwealth Cup, won by Advertise, was the joint highest rated three-year-old race in the world.

The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)

One mile, four furlongs I Three Year Olds & Upwards

Originally the Bessborough Stakes, named after the fifth Earl of Bessborough, who was Master of the Buckhounds between 1848 and 1866, the race was renamed the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes in 1999. First run in 1914 as a five-furlong event for two-year-olds, it has now evolved into a middle distance handicap for three-year-olds and upward.

The Coronation Stakes (Group 1)

One mile I Three Year Old Fillies

First run in 1840 to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Victoria two years previously, the Coronation Stakes is for threeyear-old fillies and regularly attracts the winners of the British, Irish and French 1,000 Guineas. It has also started to attract some of the top American fillies and so is a race that acts to crown the best of that year’s Classic generation over a mile. It was promoted to Group 1 level in 1988 and the most recent filly to follow up from one of the Guineas is Alpha Centauri who broke the track record when winning in 2018.

The Sandringham Stakes (Handicap)

Originally registered as the Fern Hill Stakes, this race was part of the traditional Heath Day card on the Saturday after Royal Ascot. It was renamed after the Norfolk Royal residence when the Royal Meeting was expanded to five days as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. This is a competitive handicap over a mile, limited to three-year-old fillies only.

The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)

One mile, four furlongs I Three Year Old Colts & Geldings

Formerly known, and still colloquially referred to as the Ascot Derby, this race was inaugurated in 1834 and regularly featured horses of both sexes that had competed in the middle-distance Classics. First run as the King Edward VII Stakes in 1926, it is now restricted to three-year-old colts and geldings. Three of the most recent winners, Japan, Pyledriver and Alenquer, all went on to Group 1 success.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap)

Five furlongs I Three Year Olds

The final race on Friday was among six prizes added to the Royal Ascot race programme in 2020. A five-furlong sprint for three-yearolds, Queen Elizabeth II graciously consented to the race name,

which recognises the Monarchy’s official Scottish residence. A race with similar conditions used to be run regularly on the Saturday Heath Day card and featured as part of the full Royal Ascot programme in 2002 and 2003 as the Balmoral Handicap. Upon its return in 2020, it was won by Art Power who went on to win a Group 3 at Naas before contesting the major Group 1 sprints later in the season.

The Chesham Stakes (Listed)

Seven furlongs I Two Year Olds

Named after the third Baron Chesham, who was the last Master of the Buckhounds from 1900 to 1901. First run in 1919, the Chesham Stakes replaced the first leg of the Triennial Stakes, which had been run over five furlongs for two-year-olds. Now a Listed contest, the race takes place over the longer distance of seven furlongs and is restricted to youngsters whose sire or dam won at ten furlongs or more. It was won in 2019 by the champion two-year-old that year, Pinatubo, in a track record time.

The Jersey Stakes (Group 3)

Seven furlongs I Three Year Olds

The Jersey Stakes replaced the second leg of the Triennial Stakes in 1919. Named after the fourth Earl of Jersey, who was the Master of the Buckhounds between 1782 and 1783, this specialist seven furlong contest is framed for three-year-olds who have often competed at the top level, including in the Guineas.

The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)

Six furlongs I Four Year Olds & Upwards

First run in 1868, this six-furlong contest was originally named after Lord Cork, another Master of the Buckhounds, and known as the Cork and Orrery Stakes. Royal Ascot’s most prestigious sprint was given a new name – the Golden Jubilee Stakes - and elevated to Group 1 status to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. It then assumed the mantle of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes for subsequent celebrations. In 2023 it was permanently renamed in memory of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Now worth £1 million in prize money, it is routinely won by some of the best sprinters in the world, including Black Caviar, Undrafted and Blue Point in recent years.

The Hardwicke Stakes (Group

One mile, four furlongs I Four Year Olds & Upwards

Named after the fifth Earl of Hardwicke, Master of the Buckhounds between 1874 and 1879, the race was first run in 1879. The Group 2 contest continues to attract the best older middle distance horses and is often an informative guide to the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes in July. It is run with no Group 1 or 2 winners’ penalties as a quasi-Group 1 race with top level horses regularly competing.

The Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) Six furlongs I Three Year Olds & Upwards

The inaugural running of the Wokingham Stakes took place in 1813, making this race the oldest handicap at Royal Ascot. This famous sprint is named after the market town seven miles from Ascot Racecourse, and the first dual winner was appropriately also named Wokingham (1881 and 1882). Over the years, the race has developed a reputation as a fiercely competitive handicap and one of the major betting heats of the season.

The Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)

One mile, two furlongs I Three Year Olds

The penultimate contest at Royal Ascot was among the six prizes added to the race programme in 2020 and one of three newly named contests to be staged. The Golden Gates are the ceremonial entrance point as the Royal Procession arrives at the top of Ascot’s famous Straight Mile. Queen Elizabeth II graciously consented to the race title which is run over a mile and a quarter for three-year-olds only. The inaugural running proved a highclass contest with the winner, Highland Chief, subsequently being placed at Group 2 level.

The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions)

Two miles, six furlongs I Four Year Olds & Upwards

Run over the marathon trip of two-and-three-quarter miles, the Queen Alexandra Stakes is not only the longest race of the meeting, but also the longest contest run under Flat racing rules. Named after the consort of King Edward VII, the race was first run in 1864 as the Alexandra Plate over three miles. It will always be associated with Brown Jack, arguably Royal Ascot’s greatest equine legend, who won the race on six consecutive occasions between 1929 and 1934. The Queen Alexandra Stakes always closes the meeting and, perhaps because of its extreme distance in a time when so much emphasis is on speed, it has become a national institution and is affectionately supported by regulars.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Since Queen Anne founded Ascot Racecourse back in 1711, a further 12 monarchs have acceded to the British throne.

Mrs Gertrude Shilling was undeniably the premier indefatigable sartorial dame of Ascot (nicknamed The Ascot Mascot), but she has met with competition from all over the world, including in 1976 when Australia’s Dame Edna Everage, alias Barry Humphries, attended with a four foot Sydney Opera House perched on “her” head. Following the successes of Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast and Black Caviar on the track, Royal Ascot is as much an institution in Australia as at home these days, but back then Dame Edna said to the assembled press that she: “wasn’t aware it was a racing event until the other day. I always thought it was an exhibition of gas water heaters!”

Viscount Churchill was appointed as the first sovereign’s representative at Ascot in 1901. He is reputed to have taken personal charge of vetting applications for entrance into the Royal Enclosure, sorting letters into three baskets marked ‘Certainly’ ‘Perhaps’ and ‘Certainly Not.’ Viscount Churchill loved this task and became notorious for recognising faces in the Royal Enclosure and challenging those who should not be there. For this purpose he was granted special access to the Divorce Registry, as those on it were not permitted access to the Royal Enclosure.

Many people were sympathetic to the Ascot Authority in June, 1964, after the Royal Meeting had to be curtailed due to severe rain, thus blighting the opening of the new Royal Enclosure Stand. None more so than the old lady who sent the Authority £1 because she was so distressed to hear of the course’s bad luck. The Duke of Norfolk, Her Majesty’s Representative at the time, responded with equal magnanimity, thanking the lady and inviting her to a day’s racing.

In the days before actors were allowed in the Royal Enclosure, King Edward VII asked the actor Charles Hawtrey if he would be seeing him at Royal Ascot. Hawtrey explained that rules prevented it, whereupon the King took it upon himself personally to send Hawtrey the necessary badge. When Ascot came, Hawtrey entered the Enclosure to the great surprise of Lord Churchill, His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, who said: “I don’t remember sending you a badge.” Hawtrey explained that this was not surprising as he hadn’t – “King Edward did!”

It is said that when Queen Anne was in residence at Windsor Castle, she imported a large quantity of green velour material from France, in which she dressed her “Yeoman Prickers,” who were armed with pikes to move people out of the way at the races! That particular practice doesn’t sit comfortably with the modern day customer service ethic but the outfits are remembered with today’s “Greencoats”, the ceremonial guard for The King at Ascot, wearing the livery.

In the early 1920s, Lord Lonsdale drove every day from his rented house adjoining the Winkfield Road crossing, up the High Street to the racecourse entrance with outriders, drivers and footmen, all wearing his distinctive yellow livery. The proceedings were so grand that critics claimed he was trying to rival the Royal Procession.

The Duke of Norfolk must have been dismayed to read in The Times and The Telegraph on April 27, 1971 that Ascot would permit ‘hot pants’ in the Royal Enclosure! The next day he corrected the misinformation in no uncertain terms.

Back in 1954, Queen Elizabeth II had a famous Royal Ascot triumph with the brilliant Aureole, who had suffered a minor eye injury a few days before the Meeting. When visiting the paddock just before the race, Queen Elizabeth II asked her jockey, Eph Smith, who wore a hearing-aid, whether he would win. The reply came: “Well, Ma’am, we are rather handicapped. The horse is blind in one eye and I’m deaf!”

King Edward VII’s mother, Queen Victoria, was known to have frowned upon her son’s general and unparalleled enthusiasm for good living and, of course, racing, but on his accession in 1901, the new King closed the Royal Stand completely for the Royal Meeting due to the death of his mother and requested that all those who attended within the Royal Enclosure wear black.

Due to the knock on effects of the General Election, the 2001 Royal Procession was restricted to two days as the horses and carriages were required to convey Queen Elizabeth II to Wesminster for the State Opening of Parliament on the Wednesday and had to be in place for a practice on Tuesday. The Royal Party, including Queen Elizabeth II, came by car on both days and arrived in time for racing.

Sir John Crocker Bulteel was Clerk of the Course from 1946 until his death in 1956. A figure of great importance in the history of Ascot Racecourse, Sir John Crocker Bulteel was known as an outstanding racing administrator but it was his love of racing that he is most famous for. It is due mainly to the dedication of Sir John that today Ascot stages more than just the Royal Meeting. The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, initially run as the Festival of Britain Stakes, was his brainchild. The race was first run in 1951 and did more than any other race to change the face of top-level racing in this country and, ultimately, the world. It promoted the cause of international inter-age competition and more often than not, its winner is the seasonal champion.

During the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, the management suggested that ladies bear in mind the precautionary foot and mouth disinfectant mats on all entrances to the racecourse when considering their footwear. Not everyone listened which made for some interesting pictures in the likes of “Hello” and “Harpers” that year!

In 1964, Trelawny was to bid for a third consecutive Ascot Stakes/Queen Alexandra Stakes double. He was beaten in the Ascot Stakes but would have walked over in the Queen Alexandra on Friday had the meeting not been abandoned due to waterlogging. This is the answer to a question which appeared in the Racing Post Christmas quiz in 2001 and resulted in numerous calls to all departments at the racecourse!

In 2005, Ascot auctioned some 300 lots of memorabilia associated with the old stand. The auction raised £389,965 with Racing Welfare the primary beneficiary with the bulk of this coming from a bid of £280,000 for the wrought cast iron entranceway from the track to the Winners’ Enclosure, purchased by leading owner Bill Gredley. The crowd fell silent as the bid just kept going up and up from an original reserve of just £20,000 - £30,000!

Jockeys at Ascot are called to mount by a bell in the parade ring and, unique to Ascot, a bell is also rung as the horses swing into the straight for races run on the round course.

MEDIA & RACING CONTACTS

Nick Smith Director of Racing & Public Affairs 07771 791449 [email protected]

Will Aitkenhead

Senior Corporate & Industry Affairs Manager 07817 124115 [email protected]

Chris Stickels, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course 07970 621440 [email protected]

Sarah Maxwell

Senior Broadcast Operations Manager 07817 124002 [email protected]

Alexandra Bertram

Alexandra Bertram, Senior Content and PR Marketing Manager 07890 630608 [email protected]

For press enquiries, including photography requests, please email [email protected]

During Royal Ascot, Racenews are contracted to provide up to the minute quotes and press releases to their email database. Please email [email protected]

FACTS & FIGURES

THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES

First run in 1840, the Queen Anne Stakes commemorates the monarch who established racing at Ascot. In the early summer of 1711, while being driven in a carriage from Windsor Castle, Queen Anne decided that Ascot Heath would be a good place to establish a racecourse. A few weeks later, on August 11, 1711, the Royal Meeting was founded. Between 1840 and 1929, this race was known as the Trial Stakes.

Run over Ascot’s straight mile, the Queen Anne Stakes attracts the leading older milers from across Europe and beyond. The establishment of the Pattern race system for categorising the top events in 1971 saw the Queen Anne Stakes have G3 status, before becoming a G2 in 1984. The race was elevated to G1 status in 2003, when it also became restricted to four-year-olds and older.

A remarkable renewal in 1974 saw the first three horses - Confusion, Gloss and Royal Perogative - disqualified for causing interference, with the race awarded to the Italian challenger Brook who went pass the post in fourth for trainer Mario Benetti and jockey Brian Taylor.

The race is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series and a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ contest.

Notable winners include

Cape Cross (1999) – went on to become a top stallion, siring Derby winners Sea The Stars and Golden Horn, plus wonderful mare Ouija Board, who was successful in seven G1 races including the 2006 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Goldikova (2010) – brilliant mare and winner of 14 G1 contests; became the first horse to win three renewals of the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Frankel (2012) – perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time, with an unprecedented Timeform rating of 147; unbeaten in 14 starts, 10 of which came at G1 level; won five races at Ascot in total, including the St James’s Palace Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO and the QIPCO Champion Stakes. His Queen Anne Stakes performance was simply breathtaking as he stormed to an 11-length success.

Tepin (2016) – became the first US-trained victor of the race and the second winner from the USA of a non-juvenile race at Royal Ascot. The champion mare, a six-time G1 winner, was later sold to Coolmore for $8 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2017 November Mixed Sale.

Overseas-trained winners (since 1946)

Ireland (7): Southbourne (1952), Upadee (1954), Imperial March (1975), Ad Valorem (2006), Haradasun (2008), Declaration Of War (2013), Circus Maximus (2020)

France (6): Solina (1948), Argur (1953), Roi Soleil (1971), Valixir (2005), Goldikova (2010), Solow (2015)

Italy (1): Brook (1974)

USA (1): Tepin (2016)

Oldest winner (since 1946)

Eight-year-old Welsh Rake in 1963, trained by Jack Jarvis and ridden by Ron Hutchinson.

Betting (since 1946)

Longest-priced winner: Garrick 50/1 (1950)

Shortest-priced winner: Frankel 1/10 (2012)

Market leaders: 23 favourites or joint favourites have succeeded in the 77 runnings

Most successful trainer (since 1946)

7 wins: Saeed bin Suroor – Charnwood Forest (1996), Allied Forces (1997), Intikhab (1998), Cape Cross (1999), Dubai Destination (2003), Refuse To Bend (2004), Ramonti (2007)

Most successful jockey (since 1946)

7 wins: Frankie Dettori – Markofdistinction (1990), Allied Forces (1997), Intikhab (1998), Dubai Destination (2003), Refuse To Bend (2004), Ramonti (2007), Palace Pier (2021)

Most successful owner (since 1946)

8 wins: Godolphin – Charnwood Forest (1996), Allied Forces (1997), Intikhab (1998), Cape Cross (1999), Dubai Destination (2003), Refuse to Bend (2004), Ramonti (2007), Ribchester (2017)

QUEEN ANNE STAKES WINNERS

The coventry stakes.

The six-furlong Coventry Stakes is the early season highlight for two-year-olds. First run in 1890, it is named after the ninth Earl of Coventry, who was Master of the Buckhounds between 1886 and 1892 and again between 1895 and 1901.

The Coventry Stakes regained G2 status in 2004, having been a G3 since 1984. It is the first Group race for two-year-olds in Britain each year.

The Tetrarch (1913) – one of the fastest two-year-olds ever and described as “the spotted wonder” after winning all seven starts as a two-year-old, including a 10-length demolition in the Coventry Stakes, before injury forced retirement; champion sire in 1919 and left lasting impression on the breed through daughter and influential broodmare Mumtaz Mahal.

Mill Reef (1970) – European horse of the year in 1971 thanks to dominant victories in the Derby, Eclipse, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe; sired winners of the Derby and 2,000 Guineas.

Chief Singer (1983) – won the Coventry Stakes by four lengths on debut; returned the following year to win the St James’s Palace Stakes by eight lengths prior to victories in the July Cup at Newmarket and Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Canford Cliffs (2009) – achieved rare feat of winning at Royal Ascot three years in row; romped home by six lengths in the Coventry Stakes, won the 2010 St James’s Palace Stakes during a sparkling three-year-old campaign and defeated outstanding French mare Goldikova in 2011 Queen Anne Stakes.

Coventry Stakes/2,000 Guineas double

The double has been achieved on five occasions since the Second World War – Tudor Minstrel (1946), Palestine (1949), Martial (1959), Henrythenavigator (2007) and Dawn Approach (2012)

Overseas-trained winners (since 1977)

Ireland (12): Solinus (1977), Verglas (1996), Harbour Master (1997), Fasliyev (1999), Landseer (2001), Statue of Liberty (2002), Henrythenavigator (2007), Power (2011), Dawn Approach (2012), War Command (2013), Caravaggio (2016), Arizona (2019)

Betting (since 1977)

Longest-priced winner: Nando Parrado 150/1 (2020)

Shortest-priced winner: Primo Dominie 4/7 (1984)

Market leaders: 21 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Most successful trainer (since 1977)

Aidan O’Brien IRE – Harbour Master (1997), Fasliyev (1999), Landseer (2001), Statue of Liberty (2002), Henrythenavigator (2007), Power (2011), War Command (2013), Caravaggio (2016), Arizona (2019)

Most successful jockey (since 1977)

Walter Swinburn – Always Fair (1987), Petardia (1992), Royal Applause (1995)

Mick Kinane – Fasliyev (1999), Statue Of Liberty (2002), Henrythenavigator (2007)

Richard Hughes – Three Valleys (2003), Canford Cliffs (2009), Strong Suit (2010)

Ryan Moore – Power (2011), Caravaggio (2016), Arizona (2019)

Most successful owner (since 1977)

Coolmore partnerships - Harbour Master (1997), Fasliyev (1999), Landseer (2001), Statue of Liberty (2002), Henrythenavigator (2007), Power (2011), War Command (2013), Caravaggio (2016), Arizona (2019)

COVENTRY STAKES WINNERS

The king’s stand stakes.

Bad weather played a crucial role in the origins of the King’s Stand Stakes. In 1860 heavy rain made it impossible for the twomile Royal Stand Plate to take place so the race was renamed the Queen’s Stand Plate and run over four furlongs, the only raceable part of the course.

The race was then run over five furlongs and, with the accession of King Edward VII in 1901, was renamed the King’s Stand Stakes, but curiously did not revert to its original name when Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952.

The King’s Stand Stakes regained G1 status in 2008, having been a G2 since 1988, G1 from 1973 to 1987 and G2 in 1971 and 1972. There have been 12 overseas-trained winners since the turn of the century. The King’s Stand Stakes is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

Abernant (1949) – considered the greatest sprinter of the 20th century with a Timeform rating of 142; won 14 of his 17 career starts including back-to-back victories in the July Cup, King George Stakes and Nunthorpe Stakes in 1949 and 1950.

Dayjur (1990) – followed up Ascot success by setting a course record at York in the Nunthorpe Stakes, which stood for 29 years, before victories in the Haydock Sprint Cup and the Prix de l’Abbaye.

Choisir (2003) – the first Australian-trained horse to win in Britain. He doubled up four days later in the six-furlong Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, making him the first horse since Stanerra in 1983 to win twice at the same Royal Meeting.

Miss Andretti (2007) – the Australian-trained mare had the 2006 victor and fellow Australian Takeover Target back in fourth when setting a track record time of 57.44s (the course was remodelled in 2005), which still stands.

Blue Point (2019) – landed the King’s Stand Stakes for the second successive year and emulated Choisir later in the week by doubling up in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes; won all bar one of his six career starts at Ascot.

Multiple winners

There have been 12 dual winners of the King’s Stand Stakes but only four since the Second World War – Elbio (1991 & 1993), Equiano (2008 & 2010), Sole Power (2013 & 2014) and Blue Point (2018 & 2019)

Four horses aged seven have succeeded – The Tatling (2004), Takeover Target (2006), Sole Power (2014) and Nature Strip (2022)

Overseas-trained successes (since 1946)

Ireland (8): Sound Track (1950), Cassarate (1952), Abergwaun (1973), Godswalk (1977), Solinus (1978), Bluebird (1987), Sole Power (2013 & 2014)

France (7): Palariva (1956), Amber Rama (1970), Flirting Around (1975), Last Tycoon (1986), Don’t Worry Me (1997), Nuclear Debate (2000), Chineur (2005)

Australia (5): Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009), Nature Strip (2022)

Hong Kong (1): Little Bridge (2012)

Spain (1): Equiano (2008)

USA (1): Lady Aurelia (2017)

Longest-priced winners: Squander Bug (1948) & Don’t Worry Me (1997), both 33/1

Shortest-priced winner: Lochsong 3/10 (1994)

Market leaders: 20 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 76 runnings

5 wins: Vincent O’Brien IRE - Cassarate (1952), Abergwaun (1973), Godswalk (1977), Solinus (1978), Bluebird (1987)

7 wins: Lester Piggott - Right Boy (1957), Majority Rule (1963), Swing Easy (1971), Abergwaun (1973), Godswalk (1977), Solinus (1978), Never So Bold (1985)

KING’S STAND STAKES WINNERS

The st james’s palace stakes.

Named after the Tudor Royal residence, the inaugural running of the St James’s Palace Stakes in 1834 gave little indication of the high-quality and competitive fields that the race would later produce - while it attracted a Derby winner in Plenipotentiary, the colt was the only runner and consequently was allowed a walkover.

A host of Derby winners have gone on to win the St James’s Palace Stakes, notably British Triple Crown winners Ormonde (1886), Rock Sand (1903) and Bahram (1935).

In the post-war period, the Epsom graduates surrendered their dominance to the emerging category of thoroughbred, the mile specialist, and the St James’s Palace Stakes usually features colts that won or were placed in the English, Irish or French 2,000 Guineas.

The race started out with G2 status in 1971 and was promoted to G1 for the 1988 renewal. It is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series, open to three-year-old colts and staged over the round mile.

Tudor Minstrel (1947) – champion two-year-old of 1946; eight-length victor of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket despite being eased down, the biggest winning distance in the Classic’s history.

Brigadier Gerard (1971) – won 17 of his 18 careers starts over distances from five furlongs to a mile and a half; successful in one of the best renewals of the 2,000 Guineas that also featured Mill Reef and My Swallow; unbeaten in five starts at Ascot.

Frankel (2011) – unbeaten in 14 starts, 10 of which came at G1 level; won five races at Ascot in total, including the Queen Anne Stakes by 11 lengths, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the QIPCO Champion Stakes; rated 147 by Timeform, the highest in the organisation’s history.

Major 2,000 Guineas/St James’s Palace Stakes double (since 1946)

English Guineas (16): Tudor Minstrel (1947), Palestine (1950), Nearula (1953), Darius (1954), Right Tack (1969), Brigadier Gerard (1971), Bolkonski (1975), To-Agori-Mou (1981), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Henrythenavigator (2008), Frankel (2011), Dawn Approach (2013), Gleneagles (2015), Galileo Gold (2016), Poetic Flare (2021), Coroebus (2022)

French Guineas (3): Kingmambo (1993), Sendawar (1999), Shamardal (2005)

Irish Guineas (12): Right Tack (1969), Jaazeiro (1978), Dara Monarch (1982), Shaadi (1989), Black Minaloushe (2001), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Araafa (2006), Henrythenavigator (2008), Mastercraftsman (2009), Canford Cliffs (2010), Kingman (2014), Gleneagles (2015)

Ireland (16): Chevastrid (1957), Thatch (1972), Jaazeiro (1978), Dara Monarch (1982), Brief Truce (1992), Giant’s Causeway (2000), Black Minnaloushe (2001), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Azamour (2004), Excellent Art (2007), Henrythenavigator (2008), Mastercraftsman (2009), Dawn Approach (2013), Gleneagles (2015), Circus Maximus (2019), Poetic Flare (2021)

France (3): Venture VII (1960), Kingmambo (1993), Sendawar (1999)

Longest-priced winner: Brief Truce 25/1 (1992)

Shortest-priced winner: Venture VII 1/33 (1960)

Market leaders: 38 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 77 runnings

8 wins: Aidan O’Brien IRE – Giant’s Causeway (2000), Black Minnaloushe (2001), Rock of Gibraltar (2002), Excellent Art (2007), Henrythenavigator (2008), Mastercraftsman (2009), Gleneagles (2015), Circus Maximus (2019)

6 wins: Mick Kinane - Dara Monarch (1982), Brief Truce (1992), Grand Lodge (1994), Giant’s Causeway (2000), Rock of Gibraltar (2002), Azamour (2004)

Most successful owners (since 1946)

8 wins: Coolmore partnerships – Giant’s Causeway (2000), Black Minnaloushe (2001), Rock of Gibraltar (2002), Excellent Art (2007), Henrythenavigator (2008), Mastercraftsman (2009), Gleneagles (2015), Circus Maximus (2019)

ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES WINNERS

The ascot stakes.

Founded in 1839, the two-and-a-half-mile handicap is one of only four races at the Royal Meeting in which the field passes the winning post twice.

Trainers whose main emphasis is Jump racing have an enjoyed great success in the race, particularly Martin Pipe and Willie Mullins.

Pipe, who broke many records and was Britain’s champion Jump trainer 15 times, enjoyed five successes in the Ascot Stakes, while Willie Mullins, Ireland’s champion Jump trainer on 17 occasions, has gained four victories since 2012.

San Sebastian (1998) – won the 1999 Queen Alexandra Stakes before defeating Persian Punch and Royal Rebel in the 2000 Prix du Cadran.

Junior (2010) – trained by Martin Pipe’s son David, Junior completed a rare double when successful in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.

Simenon (2012) – also ran away with the Queen Alexandra Stakes later in the same week and was beaten a neck by Estimate in the 2013 Gold Cup.

Coltrane (2022) – has established himself as one of the leading stayers around with wins in the G2 Doncaster Cup and Ascot's G3 Sagaro Stakes.

Ascot Stakes/Queen Alexandra Stakes double

Three horses have won these two long-distance races at Royal Ascot in the same week since 1977 – Mountain Cross (1978), Baddam (2006) and Simenon (2012)

Ireland (9): San Sebastian (1998), Barba Papa (2000), Leg Spinner (2005), Simenon (2012), Domination (2014), Clondaw Warrior (2015), Jennies Jewel (2016), Thomas Hobson (2017), Lagostovegas (2018)

Longest-priced winner: Reshoun 66/1 (2021)

Shortest-priced winner: Mountain Cross 11/4 (1978)

Market leaders: 8 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Martin Pipe – Right Regent (1983), Balasani (1993), Sweet Glow (1994), Riyadh (2002), Sindapour (2003)

Willie Carson – Popsis Joy (1982), Rikki Tavi (1986), Cabochon (1991) Fran Berry – Leg Spinner (2005), Well Sharp (2013), Domination (2014) Ryan Moore – Simenon (2012), Clondaw Warrior (2015), Thomas Hobson (2017)

Sheikh Mohammed – Zero Watt (1988), High And Mighty (1999)

ASCOT STAKES WINNERS

The wolferton stakes.

The race conditions changed in 2018, with the race becoming a Listed contest rather than a Listed handicap, which it had been since its inauguration in 2002 with the extension of Royal Ascot to a five-day meeting.

The mile and a quarter contest for older horses takes its name from the Norfolk village of Wolferton, situated near The King’s country retreat, the Sandringham Estate.

Contributer (2014) – subsequently a dual G1 winner in Australia, capturing the Chipping Norton Stakes and Ranvet Stakes.

Addeybb (2019) – continued his excellent record at Ascot with victory in the 2020 QIPCO Champion Stakes; three-time G1 winner in Australia.

Overseas-trained winners

Ireland (2) – In Time’s Eye (2003), Sir Isaac Newton (2016)

Longest-priced winner: Imperial Stride (2005), Championship Point (2007), Snoano (2017), all 25/1

Shortest-priced winner: Rainbow Peak 13/8 (2010)

Market leaders: 3 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 21 runnings

Most successful trainer

John Gosden - Beachfire (2011), Gatewood (2012), Mahsoob (2015), Monarchs Glen (2018)

Most successful jockey

Ryan Moore - Perfect Stride (2009), Sir Isaac Newton (2016); William Buick - Beachfire (2011), Gatewood (2012); Daniel Tudhope - Addeybb (2019), Dubai Future (2022)

Most successful owner

Saeed Suhail – Imperial Stride (2005), Perfect Stride (2009)

WOLFERTON STAKES WINNERS

*run at York (run as a Listed handicap from 2002 to 2017)

THE COPPER HORSE HANDICAP

Run over a mile and three-quarters, this handicap for four-year-olds and upwards was introduced as part of the enhanced order of running for Royal Ascot in 2020. It is named after The Copper Horse, a statue of King George III mounted on horseback marking the end of the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, adjacent to the racecourse. The statue was sculpted by Sir Richard Westmacott and erected in October 1831.

COPPER HORSE HANDICAP WINNERS

The queen mary stakes.

The Queen Mary Stakes for two-year-olds fillies was founded in honour of the consort of King George V.

Selene was runner-up in the initial running in 1921 and would later produce the great Hyperion, the Derby winner in 1933 and one of the most influential sires in history.

The five-furlong contest was promoted from G3 to G2 status in 2004 after a string of top-class winners.

Notable winners include Mumtaz Mahal (1923) – won by 10 lengths in 1923 and went on to become an important broodmare; her descendants include champions such as Abernant, Secretariat, Mill Reef, Shergar and Oh So Sharp.

Marling (1991) – following an agonising defeat in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, she gained a G1 hat-trick in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

Lyric Fantasy (1992) – the first two-year-old filly to go on and win the all-aged Nunthorpe Stakes (5f) at York in August.

Queen’s Logic (2001) – crowned champion two-year-old filly of Europe after a seven-length success in the Cheveley Park Stakes; retired unbeaten.

Lady Aurelia (2016) – the most impressive of US trainer Wesley Ward’s four Queen Mary Stakes winners; made all to win by seven lengths and was dominant again when returning to Royal Ascot in 2017 to win the King’s Stand Stakes.

Queen Mary Stakes/1,000 Guineas double

Two fillies have done the double since the Second World War – Waterloo (1971) and Attraction (2003)

Ireland (5): Gloriella (1988), Damson (2004), Elletelle (2007), Anthem Alexander (2014), Quick Suzy (2021)

USA (4): Jealous Again (2009), Acapulco (2015), Lady Aurelia (2016), Campanelle (2020)

Longest-priced winner: Night Of Wind 50/1 (1983)

Shortest-priced winner: Amaranda 4/6 (1977)

Market leaders: 16 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Richard Hannon snr – Fly Baby (1981), Lyric Fantasy (1992), Risky (1993), Gilded (2006), Best Terms (2011)

Frankie Dettori – Bint Allayl (1998), Lady Aurelia (2016), Raffle Prize (2019), Campanelle (2020)

Coolmore partnerships – Damson (2004), Acapulco (2015)

Jaber Abdullah – Queen’s Logic (2001), Flashy Wings (2003)

Hamdan Al Maktoum – Nadwah (1997), Maqaasid (2010)

QUEEN MARY STAKES WINNERS

The kensington palace handicap.

Introduced in 2021, the Kensington Palace Handicap is run over the Old Mile for four-year-old and upwards fillies and mares rated 0-105. Kensington Palace, set in Kensington Gardens, has been a residence for Members of the Royal Family since the 17th century.

THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES

The Duke Of Cambridge Stakes was introduced in 2004 with the aim of encouraging connections to keep fillies and mares in training beyond their three-year-old campaigns.

Run over the straight mile for older fillies and mares and originally titled the Windsor Forest Stakes, the race was renamed in honour of Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, in 2013.

Soviet Song (2006) – five-time G1 winner whose finest moment came when beating the boys in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in 2004.

Integral (2014) – built on her Ascot success with G1 triumphs in the Falmouth Stakes and Sun Chariot Stakes, both at Newmarket.

Nazeef (2020) – emulated Integral by going on take the Falmouth Stakes and Sun Chariot Stakes.

Saffron Beach (2022) – doubled her G1 tally next time out with victory in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville.

France (3): Sabana Perdida (2008), Usherette (2016), Qemah (2017)

Ireland (2): Lolly For Dolly (2011), Duntle (2013)

Longest-priced winner: Amazing Maria 25/1 (2015)

Shortest-priced winner: Soviet Song 11/8 (2006)

Market leaders: 6 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 19 runnings

John Gosden – Nannina (2005), Joviality (2012), Nazeef (2020), *Indie Angel (2021)

Sir Michael Stoute – Favourable Terms (2004), Peeress (2005), Strawberrydaiquiri (2010), Integral (2014) *as part of a training partnership

William Buick – Joviality (2012), Aljazzi (2018), Saffron Beach (2022)

Cheveley Park Stud – Peeress (2005), Nannina (2007), Spacious (2009), Integral (2014), Indie Angel (2021)

DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES WINNERS

The prince of wales’s stakes.

The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes was first run at Royal Ascot in 1862, a year after the death of Prince Albert. The popular Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VII) had taken over many of the social duties previously carried out by his mother, Queen Victoria, who continued to remain in mourning for her late husband.

In the early years, it was mainly three-year-olds who competed in the race, then run over one mile and five furlongs. Horses often ran in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes after having participated in one or more of the Classics. In the first half of the 20th century, it generally became rarer for horses of the Classic generation to run in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes. One very notable exception was the great Hyperion, who was successful in 1933, the same year that he won the Derby and St Leger.

When racing resumed at Royal Ascot in 1946, there was no Prince Of Wales’s Stakes because George VI was on the throne and, as he had no male heirs, there was no Prince of Wales. The race did not take place again until 1968, a year before the former Prince of Wales’s investiture in 1969, with the distance changed to a mile and a quarter.

The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, which became a G1 contest for four-year-olds and upwards in 2000, is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series and a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ contest.

Brigadier Gerard (1972) – won 17 of his 18 careers starts over distances from five furlongs to a mile and a half; successful in one of the best renewals of the 2,000 Guineas that also featured Mill Reef and My Swallow; Timeform rating of 144, bettered only by Frankel and Sea-Bird.

Mtoto (1987 & 1988) – dual winner who won two Eclipse Stakes as well as Ascot’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Bosra Sham (1997) – fragile filly who showed her class with a memorable eight-length victory, having captured the 1,000 Guineas and Champion Stakes, both at Newmarket, the season before.

Dubai Millennium (2000) – one of the modern-day greats on dirt and turf; won the Dubai World Cup by six lengths before an eight-length victory in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.

Ouija Board (2006) – star racemare who racked up seven G1 successes on three continents during her career; dam of 2014 Derby winner Australia.

So You Think (2012) – won back-to-back Cox Plates, Australia’s most prestigious race, for legendary trainer Bart Cummings; continued his career in Europe for Aidan O’Brien – adding five G1s to his CV including the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes.

There have been three dual winners – Connaught (1969 & 1970), Mtoto (1987 & 1988) and Muhtarram (1994 & 1995)

Overseas-trained winners (since 1968)

Ireland (8): Stanerra (1983), Azamour (2005), Duke Of Marmalade (2008), So You Think (2012), Free Eagle (2015), Highland Reel (2017), Love (2021), State Of Rest (2022)

France (5): Gift Card (1973), Admetus (1974), Manduro (2007), Vision d’Etat (2009), Byword (2010)

Betting (since 1968)

Longest-priced winner: Bob Back 33/1 (1985)

Shortest-priced winner: Royal Palace 1/4 (1968)

Market leaders: 22 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 55 runnings

Most successful trainer (since 1968)

5 wins: Sir Henry Cecil – Lucky Wednesday (1977), Gunner B (1978), Perpendicular (1992), Placerville (1993), Bosra Sham (1997)

Most successful jockey (since 1968)

5 wins: Pat Eddery – Record Run (1975), English Spring (1986), Two Timing (1989), Batshoof (1990), Placerville (1993)

Most successful owner (since 1968)

5 wins: Godolphin – Faithful Son (1998), Dubai Millennium (2000), Fantastic Light (2001), Grandera (2002), Rewilding (2011)

PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES WINNERS

The royal hunt cup.

The Royal Hunt Cup is not only one of the major betting races of the season but has also established itself as a tremendous spectacle. The inaugural running in 1843 was won decisively by Knight Of Whistle, but behind was a desperate battle for second place between Garry Owen, Epaulette and Bourra Tomacha - the judge could not split them and eventually awarded a triple dead-heat for the runner-up position.

The Royal Hunt Cup has long been the subject of heavy gambles and two enormous touches were landed at the turn of the 20th century. Prior to the 1900 running, Royal Flush had shown form only in minor races and appeared to be out of his depth. But his trainer, Enoch Wishard, had perfected the technique of doping and was able to induce the necessary improvement. Royal Flush won and netted a fortune for his unscrupulous American owners.

The next significant tilt at the ring was executed by the infamous Druid’s Lodge Confederacy. Lally, one of the best horses ever trained at Druid’s Lodge, was thought to be a certainty for the 1906 Derby at Epsom over a mile and a half, and was backed down to favouritism. Unable to stay the trip, he was prepared for the 1907 Royal Hunt Cup, which he won defeating Andover by half a length.

The handicap was originally over a distance of seven furlongs and 155 yards, until the course was re-aligned and a straight mile laid out in time for the 1955 meeting. A maximum field of 30 is allowed.

Fly To The Stars, favourite in 1998 to defy 9st 11lb, could not cope with 20/1 chance Refuse To Lose, but went on to success in three Group races culminating in the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in 1999, demonstrating what a competitive race the Royal Hunt Cup is.

Master Vote (1947 & 1948) – the only horse to win two editions of the Royal Hunt Cup.

Buzzards Bay (1982) – completed prestigious handicap double when winning what is now the John Smith’s Cup at York the following month; returned to Ascot later in the year to win the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Cesare (2006) – progressed into high-class miler; won four of his nine starts, with his most notable success coming in the 2007 G2 Summer Mile; also runner-up to Paco Boy in 2009 Queen Anne Stakes.

Real World (2021) – followed up his Ascot triumph with four straight wins in Stakes company, including G2 victories in France and Dubai, before chasing home Baaeed in the Lockinge Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes.

Overseas-trained winners (since 1960)

Ireland (3): Continuation (1966), Portage (2016), Settle For Bay (2018)

Betting (since 1960)

Longest-priced winner: Pontenuovo 50/1 (1990)

Shortest-priced winner: Forgotten Voice 4/1 (2009)

Market leaders: Only 4 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 63 runnings

Most successful trainer (since 1960)

John Sutcliffe jnr – Tempest Boy (1972), My Hussar (1977), Tender Heart (1980)

John Dunlop – Camouflage (1973), Patriarch (1986), Eurolink The Lad (1991)

Most successful jockey (since 1960)

Lester Piggott – Spaniard’s Close (1963), Casabianca (1965), Kamundu (1969), Jumping Hill (1976)

Most successful owner (since 1960)

Godolphin – Invisible Man (2010), Portage (2016), Dark Vision (2020), Real World (2021)

ROYAL HUNT CUP WINNERS

The queen’s vase.

Queen Victoria donated a gold vase for a mile and a half race at Ascot in 1838. This race would become the Gold Cup Vase and then in 1960 was renamed the Queen’s Vase after Queen Elizabeth II. It was restricted to three-year-olds in 1987.

The distance of the Queen’s Vase was reduced to a mile and six furlongs in 2017, having previously been run at two miles, and upgraded to G2 status for the first time.

Le Moss (1978) – one of the greatest stayers of modern times; completed the stayers’ Triple Crown in 1979 by winning the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Doncaster Cup; did the treble again in 1980, defeating future Gold Cup hero Ardross on each occasion. Joanna Morgan became the first female jockey to ride at Royal Ascot in the 1978 Queen’s Vase on Gallowshill Boy, who finished ninth.

Estimate (2012) – subsequently gained a memorable success in the 2013 Gold Cup, establishing Queen Elizabeth II as the first reigning monarch to win the prestigious race.

Stradivarius (2017) – prolific stayer who won three successive editions of the Gold Cup; also a four-time winner of the Goodwood Cup; crowned Europe’s champion stayer in 2018, 2019 & 2020.

Kew Gardens (2018) – captured the Grand Prix de Paris next time out before winning the final British Classic, the St Leger, at Doncaster; ended Stradivarius’ 10-race winning streak when the pair clashed in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot in October 2019.

Queen’s Vase/St Leger double

Leading Light (2013), Kew Gardens (2018) and Eldar Eldarov (2022) went on to victory in the St Leger at Doncaster.

Queen’s Vase/Gold Cup double

Le Moss (1978), Estimate (2012) and Stradivarius (2017) returned to Royal Ascot to win the Gold Cup.

Ireland (9): Ore (1981), Gordi (1996), Mahler (2007), Mikhail Glinka (2010), Leading Light (2013), Aloft (2015), Sword Fighter (2016), Kew Gardens (2018), Santiago (2020)

France (1): Infrasonic (1993)

Longest-priced winner: Stavordale (1986) & Sword Fighter (2016), both 33/1

Shortest-priced winner: Leading Light 5/4 (2013)

Mark Johnston – And Beyond (2001), Shanty Star (2003), Melrose Avenue (2005), Soapy Danger (2006), Holberg (2009), Namibian (2011), Hartnell (2014)

Aidan O’Brien IRE – Mahler (2007), Mikhail Glinka (2010), Leading Light (2013), Aloft (2015), Sword Fighter (2016), Kew Gardens (2018), Santiago (2020)

The late Sir Henry Cecil won the race eight times between 1972 and 1999

Ryan Moore – Patkai (2008), Estimate (2012), Aloft (2015), Kew Gardens (2018), Santiago (2020)

Coolmore partnerships – Mahler (2007), Mikhail Glinka (2010), Leading Light (2013), Aloft (2015), Sword Fighter (2016), Kew Gardens (2018), Santiago (2020)

QUEEN’S VASE WINNERS

The windsor castle stakes.

Established in 1839, the Windsor Castle Stakes was originally aimed at three-year-old colts and fillies who had competed in the Classics. It is now restricted to two-year-olds and run over five furlongs.

Pharaoh's Delight (1989) – took high rank among that season's juvenile fillies, defeating the boys in the Phoenix Stakes as well as finishing second in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.

Strike The Tiger (2009) – first success at Royal Ascot for pioneering US-based trainer Wesley Ward; also the first Americantrained horse to win at Royal Ascot.

Tactical (2020) – Queen Elizabeth II's 24th and final Royal Ascot winner.

Little Big Bear (2022) – graduated to G1 honours with a devastating seven-length victory in the Phoenix Stakes.

Ireland (5): Tardot (1977), Cooliney Prince (1980), Washington DC (2015), Southern Hills (2019), Little Big Bear (2022)

USA (2): Strike The Tiger (2009), Hootenanny (2014)

Longest-priced winner: Flashman’s Papers 100/1 (2009)

Shortest-priced winner: Space Cruiser 8/11 (1987)

Market leaders: 11 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in 46 runnings

Mick Channon – Great Deeds (1993), Kalindi (1999), Holborn (2003)

Aidan O'Brien IRE – Washington DC (2015), Southern Hills (2019), Little Big Bear (2022)

Most successful jockey (1977)

Pat Eddery – Barry’s Gamble (1988), Pharaoh’s Delight (1989), Gipsy Fiddler (1990), Satank (1992), Autumnal (2000), Irony (2001)

Coolmore partnerships – Hootenanny (2014), Washington DC (2015), Southern Hills (2019), Little Big Bear (2022)

WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES WINNERS

The norfolk stakes.

First run in 1843, this race was formerly known as the New Stakes and staged over a distance of just under four furlongs.

It was renamed in 1973 after the Duke of Norfolk, His and Her Majesty's Representative at Ascot between 1945 and 1972, and is for two-year-olds over five furlongs.

The Norfolk Stakes was promoted to G2 status in 2006 and is part of Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’.

Pall Mall (1957) – followed up victory in the Norfolk Stakes with success in the 2,000 Guineas in 1958, becoming Queen Elizabeth II's first home-bred Classic winner.

Godswalk (1976) – returned to Royal Ascot in 1977 to win the King’ Stand Stakes, despite stumbling leaving the stalls; became one of Coolmore’s early stallions and the first to shuttle between Ireland and Australia.

Johannesburg (2001) – crowned champion juvenile on both sides of the Atlantic following a brilliant unbeaten campaign that included G1 victories in the Phoenix Stakes, Prix Morny, Middle Park Stakes and on dirt in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

No Nay Never (2013) – trained by US handler Wesley Ward to break the two-year-old track record (which he still holds), stopping the clock at 58.80s; won the Prix Morny at Deauville on his next start; now a successful stallion.

Perfect Power (2021) – recorded a G1 double later in the campaign with dominant victories in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes before returning to Royal Ascot in 2022 to win the Commonwealth Cup.

Overseas-trained winners (since 1973)

Ireland (7) – Faliraki (1975), Godswalk (1976), Day Is Done (1981), Magic Mirror (1984), Johannesburg (2001), Waterloo Bridge (2015), Sioux Nation (2017)

USA (2) – No Nay Never (2013), Shang Shang Shang (2018)

Betting (since 1973)

Longest-priced winner: 50/1 The Ridler (2022)

Shortest-priced winner: 4/11 Precocious (1983)

Market leaders: 11 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 50 runnings

Most successful trainer (since 1973)

Richard Hannon snr – Niche (1992), Lucky Lionel (1995), Baron’s Pit (2002)

Peter Chapple-Hyam – Turtle Island (1993), Dutch Art (2006), Winker Watson (2007)

Aidan O’Brien IRE – Johannesburg (2001), Waterloo Bridge (2015), Sioux Nation (2017)

Most successful jockey (since 1973)

Lester Piggott – Faliraki (1975), Emboss (1977), Precocious (1983), Magic Mirror (1984), Niche (1992)

*Piggott also won on Abermaid (1961), Tin King (1965), Falcon (1966) and Swing Easy (1970).

Most successful owner (since 1973)

Coolmore Partners – Johannesburg (2001), Waterloo Bridge (2015), Sioux Nation (2017)

Fillies (since 1973)

Four fillies have triumped since 1973 – Petillante (1989), Niche (1992), Superstar Leo (2000), Shang Shang Shang (2018)

NORFOLK STAKES WINNERS

The king george v handicap.

The King George V Handicap, a 12-furlong contest for three-year-olds, was first run in July 1946 before moving to Royal Ascot in 1948.

Notable winners include Moon Madness (1986) – went on to win the St Leger at Doncaster later that season before gaining further G1 success in the 1987 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Dandino (2010) – progressed to win the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in 2011; runner-up in the 2013 Hardwicke Stakes and ran several excellent races throughout the world, including seconds in the Canadian International and Caulfield Cup.

Brown Panther (2011) – runner-up in the 2011 St Leger before gaining a first G1 success in the Irish equivalent three years later; a homebred by former footballer Michael Owen, the top stayer also finished third in the 2014 Gold Cup.

Hukum (2020) – multiple Pattern-race winner, including a breakthrough G1 success in the 2022 Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs; full-brother to Baaeed.

Ireland (1): South Pacific (2019)

Longest-priced winner: 66/1 Cosmic Sun (2009)

Shortest-priced winner: 9/4 Carlingford (1989)

Market leaders: 10 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Mark Johnston – Diaghilef (1995), Systematic (2002), Fantastic Love (2003), Linas Selection (2006), Fennell Bay (2012), Baghdad (2018)

Pat Eddery – John O’Groats (1980), Carlingford (1989), Source Of Light (1992), Give The Slip (2000)

Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Heritage (1997), Beekeeper (2001), Admiral (2004), Colony (2008)

Godolphin – Elite Army (2014), Space Age (2015), Atty Persse (2017), Secret State (2022)

KING GEORGE V HANDICAP WINNERS

The ribblesdale stakes.

First run in 1919, the Ribblesdale Stakes was originally staged over a mile for three and four-year-olds.

Named after the fourth Baron Ribblesdale, Master of the Buckhounds between 1892 and 1895, it is now run over a mile and a half, restricted to three-year-old fillies and mirrors the equivalent contest for colts and geldings, the King Edward VII Stakes.

Notable winners include Park Top (1967) – won the Ribblesdale as a three-year-old but blossomed as a five-year-old, returning to Ascot to win both the Hardwicke Stakes and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes as well as the Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs.

Shoot A Line (1980) – went on to capture both the Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks later in the same season; finished runner-up to Ardross in the 1981 Gold Cup and was the grand-dam of US champion Thunder Gulch, winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1995.

Hellenic (1990) – subsequently won the Yorkshire Oaks and was runner-up in the St Leger; enjoyed great success as a broodmare, producing G1 winners Islington, Mountain High and Greek Dance.

Star Catcher (2019) – notched up a G1 hat-trick following her Ascot triumph, landing the Irish Oaks, Prix Vermeille and QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

Ireland (11) – Nanticious (1977), Relfo (1978), Sahara Slew (2001), Irresistible Jewel (2002), Banimpire (2011), Princess Highway (2012), Bracelet (2014), Curvy (2015), Even Song (2016), Magic Wand (2018), Magical Lagoon (2022)

France (1) – Tulipa (1996)

Longest-priced winner: 25/1 Mont Etoile (2006)

Shortest-priced winner: 11/8 Frankly Darling (2020)

John Dunlop – High Hawk (1983), Gull Nook (1986), Third Watch (1991), Thawakib (1993), Thakafaat (2005)

Saeed bin Suroor – Bahr (1998), Fairy Queen (1999), Punctilious (2004), Flying Cloud (2009), Hibaayeb (2010)

John Gosden – Michita (2008), Coronet (2017), Star Catcher (2019), Frankly Darling (2020), *Loving Dream (2021) *as part of a training partnership

Frankie Dettori – Phantom Gold (1995), Bahr (1998), Fairy Queen (1999), Punctilious (2004), Flying Cloud (2009), Hibaayeb (2010), Star Catcher (2019), Frankly Darling (2020)

Khalid Abdullah – Ballinderry (1984), Bolas (1994), Yashmak (1997), Spanish Sun (2003), Riposte (2013)

Godolphin – Bahr (1998), Fairy Queen (1999), Punctilious (2004), Flying Cloud (2009), Hibaayeb (2010)

RIBBLESDALE STAKES WINNERS

The gold cup.

Founded in 1807, the Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races at Royal Ascot. At two miles and four furlongs, it thoroughly tests a horse’s stamina, but is not the longest contest of the meeting, with that accolade going to the Queen Alexandra Stakes over approaching two miles and six furlongs on the final day.

Pretty Polly’s defeat by Bachelor’s Button in 1906 is arguably the race’s greatest upset. The brilliant 1904 Oaks winner seemed to be unsettled by the sweltering conditions and a wart on her belly.

Winners of the Derby rarely run in the Gold Cup nowadays, but for much of its history, the race served as the primary objective after Epsom Classic glory. West Australian, the first winner of the Triple Crown (2,000 Guineas, Derby, St Leger), The Flying Dutchman (1850), Gladiateur (1866) and Isinglass (1895) are other famous winners of both races. Ocean Swell, successful in 1945, is the last horse to have completed the Derby/Gold Cup double. Blakeney, who was runner-up in 1970, and Serpentine (2021, 8th) are the most recent Derby winners to have lined up.

The Gold Cup is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

Sagaro (1975, 1976 & 1977) – one of the greatest stayers of all time and the first horse to win the Gold Cup on three occasions; renowned for being a stayer with a true turn of foot, he also won the Grand Prix de Paris and the Prix du Cadran.

Ardross (1981 & 1982) – part of a vintage era of stayers that also included Sagaro and Le Moss; went down by three-quarters of a length to Le Moss in the 1980 Gold Cup before going on to dominate the staying division for the next two years; beaten a head on final appearance in Europe’s premier middle-distance contest, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in 1982.

Yeats (2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009) – the only horse to win the Gold Cup four times; one-time Derby contender who also won the Coronation Cup, Irish St Leger, Prix Royal-Oak and Goodwood Cup; became the oldest winner (8yo) of the Gold Cup since Merman in 1900 when gaining his fourth success in 2009 and is commemorated with a statue in Ascot’s parade ring.

Estimate (2013) – Queen Elizabeth II's stayer created history by becoming the first horse owned by a reigning monarch to win the Gold Cup. A half-sister to the 1999 Gold Cup winner Enzeli, Estimate also won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot in 2012.

Stradivarius (2018, 2019 & 2020) – big race haul also included four Goodwood Cups, three Lonsdale Cups, three Yorkshire Cups, two Doncaster Cups as well as further success at Ascot in the Queen’s Vase, QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup and Sagaro Stakes.

France (15) – Caracalla II (1946), Souverain (1947), Arbar (1948), Pan II (1951), Elpenor (1954), Macip (1956), Wallaby II (1959), Sheshoon (1960), Balto (1962), Pardallo II (1968), Lassalle (1973), Sagaro (1975, 1976 & 1977), Westerner (2005)

Ireland (12) – Gladness (1958), Levmoss (1969), Enzeli (1999), Yeats (2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009), Rite Of Passage (2010), Fame And Glory (2011), Leading Light (2014), Order Of St George (2016), Kyprios (2022)

Italy (1) – Botticelli (1955)

Longest-priced winner: 25/1 Indian Queen (1991); Shortest-priced winner: 1/5 Ardross (1981); Market leaders: 31 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 76 runnings

8 wins: Aidan O’Brien IRE – Yeats (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), Fame And Glory (2011), Leading Light (2014), Order Of St George (2016), Kyprios (2022)

11 wins: Lester Piggott – Zarathustra (1957), Gladness (1958), Pandofell (1961), Twilight Alley (1963), Fighting Charlie (1965), Sagaro (1975, 1976, 1977), Le Moss (1979), Ardross (1981, 1982)

8 wins: Coolmore Partners – Yeats (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), Fame And Glory (2011), Leading Light (2014), Order Of St George (2016), Kyprios (2022)

GOLD CUP WINNERS

The britannia handicap.

First run in 1928, the Britannia takes place over the straight mile of the Royal Hunt Cup course.

The race is a handicap for three-year-old colts and geldings.

Teleprompter (1983) – subsequently won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in 1984 and the following year’s Arlington Million in Chicago, USA.

Fly To The Stars (1997) – went on to capture the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in 1999.

Ireland (2) – Roca Tumu (2013), War Envoy (2015)

Longest-priced winner: 100/1 Fox Chapel (1990)

Shortest-priced winner: 100/30 Mostashaar (2005)

Sir Michael Stoute – Finite (1977), Bal Dancer (1982), Ajaad (1991), Mostashaar (2005)

John Gosden – North Song (1996), Plan-B (1998), El Gran Papa (2000), Analyser (2001)

Pat Eddery – Rhineland (1978), Dallas (1986), Foreign Survivor (1988), Show Faith (1993)

Jamie Spencer – New Seeker (2003), Sir Gerard (2006), Defrocked (2016), Bless Him (2017)

Hamdan Al Maktoum – Mostasaar (2005), Fareer (2009), Khaloosy (2020)

BRITANNIA HANDICAP WINNERS

The hampton court stakes.

Initially run as the New Stakes as part of the Saturday Heath Day card after the four days of Royal Ascot, the Hampton Court Stakes became a Royal Ascot contest in 2002 when the Royal Meeting was extended to five days.

The 10-furlong contest for three-year-olds was named the Tercentenary Stakes between 2011 and 2016 as the racecourse celebrated 300 years since its inauguration but reverted to the Hampton Court Stakes in 2017.

Notable winners include Collection (2008) – went on to become one of Hong Kong’s top middle-distance performers, winning both the Hong Kong Derby in 2009 and the Hong Kong Gold Cup in 2010.

Cannock Chase (2014) – graduated to G1 honours when taking the Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine in 2015.

Hawkbill (2016) – followed up Royal Ascot success with victory in the Eclipse Stakes next time out, his sixth consecutive victory. He added a further G1 to his CV at Meydan, when taking the 2018 Dubai Sheema Classic.

Benbatl (2017) – Godolphin flagbearer who subsequently landed G1 prizes in Australia, Germany and Dubai.

Ireland (4) – Moscow Ballet (2004), Indigo Cat (2006), Hunting Horn (2018), Russian Emperor (2020) Germany (1) – Energizer (2012)

Longest-priced winner: 33/1 Snoqualmie Boy (2006)

Shortest-priced winner: 11/8 Mohaafeth (2021)

Market leaders: 7 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 21 runnings

Aidan O’Brien IRE – Moscow Ballet (2004), Indigo Cat (2005), Hunting Horn (2018), Russian Emperor (2020)

Ryan Moore – Glass Harmonium (2009), Cannock Chase (2014), Hunting Horn (2018), Russian Emperor (2020)

Khalid Abdullah – Burning Sun (2002), Remote (2013), Time Test (2015), Sangarius (2019) Coolmore partners – Moscow Ballet (2004), Indigo Cat (2005), Hunting Horn (2018), Russian Emperor (2020)

HAMPTON COURT STAKES WINNERS

THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE HANDICAP

The Buckingham Palace Handicap was reinstated in 2020 as part of the extended race programme following a six-year hiatus.

It was originally introduced to the expanded Royal meeting in 2002, the year of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, and named after the London royal residence. Staged over seven furlongs for three-year-olds and upwards, the contest typically attracted a maximum field and was one of the big betting races on Friday.

It was removed from the race programme ahead of Royal Ascot 2015 to allow space for the G1 Commonwealth Cup.

Notable winners include Jedburgh (2005) – subsequently captured the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh for his owner-breeder, The Earl Cadogan; also runner-up in Goodwod’s Celebration Mile.

Regal Parade (2008) – went on to win the Ayr Gold Cup later in the season and proved even better as he got older, taking the 2009 Haydock Sprint Cup and the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville in 2010.

Highfield Princess (2021) – having started out in handicaps with an official rating of 57, progressed to win a hat-trick of G1 sprints in 2022 - the Prix Maurice de Gheest, Nunthorpe Stakes and Flying Five Stakes.

Oldest winner

Uhoomagoo was eight when scoring in 2006.

Longest-priced winner: Binanti (2007) & Louis The Pious (2014), both 33/1 Shortest-priced winner: Unscrupulous (2004) & Jedburgh (2005), both 8/1 Market leaders: No market leaders were successful in the previous 16 runnings.

2 wins: Kevin Ryan - Uhoomagoo (2006), Lightning Cloud (2013)

3 wins: Neil Callan - Uhoomagoo (2006), Eton Forever (2012), Lightning Cloud (2013)

BUCKINGHAM PALACE HANDICAP WINNERS

THE ALBANY STAKES

This race was first run in 2002 as the Henry Carnarvon Stakes, honouring Queen Elizabeth II's late racing manager, and the Listed event proved so successful that it was promoted to G3 status in 2005.

Restricted to two-year-old fillies, the six-furlong contest provides one of the first opportunities of the season for promising types to prove their ability and go on to harbour Guineas’ aspirations.

Samitar (2011) – progressed to land the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2012.

Cursory Glance (2014) – successful in Ireland’s Moyglare Stud Stakes later in the season.

Brave Anna (2016) – subsequently triumphed in Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in the autumn.

Meditate (2022) – defeated subsequent QIPCO 1,000 Guineas heroine Mawj at Royal Ascot; twice runner-up at G1 level later that season before a dominant success in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Ireland (3): Cuis Ghaire (2008), Brave Anna (2016), Meditate (2022)

France (1): Different League (2017)

Longest-priced winner: Nijoom Dubai 50/1 (2007)

Shortest-priced winner: Cuis Ghaire 8/11 (2008)

Market leaders: 5 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 21 runnings

Mick Channon – Silca’s Gift (2003), Nijoom Dubai (2008), Samitar (2011)

Jamie Spencer – La Chunga (2005), Nijoom Dubai (2007), Samitar (2011), Kiyoshi (2013)

Sir Robert Ogden – La Chunga (2005), Sander Camillo (2006)

ALBANY STAKES WINNERS

The commonwealth cup.

The inaugural running of the Commonwealth Cup in 2015 marked the first G1 sprint contest in Europe confined to three-yearolds.

It was also the first new race in the 44-year history of the European Pattern to go straight in with G1 status, rather than with a probationary period at a lower level or no grade at all.

Muhaarar (2015) – remained unbeaten for the rest of the year in three more G1 sprints, the July Cup, the Prix Maurice De Gheest and the QIPCO British Champions Sprint, becoming European champion sprinter.

Quiet Reflection (2016) – proved more than a match for her elders later that season with a dominant victory in the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park.

Caravaggio (2017) – 2016 Coventry Stakes winner doubled his tally at Royal Ascot in an outstanding renewal; chased home by Harry Angel, who ended the year as Europe’s champion sprinter, and Blue Point, who in 2019 emulated Choisir by winning the King’s Stand Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Ireland (1): Caravaggio (2017)

USA (1): Campanelle (2021)

Two fillies have been successful – Quiet Reflection (2016) and Campanelle (2021)

Longest-priced winner: 12/1 Eqtidaar (2018)

Shortest-priced winner: 5/6 Caravaggio (2017)

Market leaders: three favourites or joint-favourites have been successful in the eight runnings

No multiple winners

Frankie Dettori – Advertise (2019), Campanelle (2021)

Hamdan Al Maktoum – Muhaarar (2015), Eqtidaar (2018)

COMMONWEALTH CUP WINNERS

The duke of edinburgh handicap.

First run over five furlongs as the Bessborough Stakes in 1914, the race is now a mile and a half handicap open to three-yearolds and upwards rated 0-105.

It was renamed the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap in 1999.

Blueprint (1999) – owned by Queen Elizabeth II; captured the following year’s Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket and was subsequently placed in G1s in the USA.

Young Mick (2006) – Ascot specialist, who completed a four-timer at the course during the 2006 season, culminating in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes in September.

Fox Hunt (2011) – won German St Leger for Mark Johnston before being transferred to Godolphin and winning the Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan in 2012.

Arab Spring (2014) – dual G3 winner for Sir Michael Stoute and Ballymacoll Stud.

Quickthorn (2021) – multiple Group-race winner, headlined by a stunning 14-length victory in the 2022 Lonsdale Cup at York.

Ireland (1): Katiykha (2000)

Longest-priced winner: Scarlet Dragon 33/1 (2020)

Shortest-priced winner: Arab Spring 11/4 (2014)

Market leaders: 11 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Sir Michael Stoute – Greek Palace (1998), Blueprint (1999), Notable Guest (2005), Sugar Ray (2008), Opinion (2013), Arab Spring (2014)

Pat Eddery – Stratford Ponds (1989), Source Of Light (1993), Son Of Sharp Shot (1995), Zaralaska (1997)

Ryan Moore – Sugar Ray (2008), Opinion (2013), Arab Spring (2014), Baghdad (2019)

Robert Sangster – Sikorsky (1984), Clanrallier (1985)

Khalid Abdullah – Source Of Light (1993), Notable Guest (2005)

DUKE OF EDINBURGH HANDICAP WINNERS

The coronation stakes.

First run in 1840, the Coronation Stakes was founded to commemorate the crowning of Queen Victoria in 1838. The mile event for three-year-olds became the fillies’ equivalent of the St James’s Palace Stakes and established itself as a natural progression for fillies who had run in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May.

The first filly to complete the 1,000 Guineas/Coronation Stakes double was the Jos Dawson-trained Lady Augusta in 1863. Twelve fillies have done the double in the post-war period – Belle Of All (1951), Zabara (1952), Happy Laughter (1953), Festoon (1954), Fleet (1967), Humble Duty (1970), One In A Million (1979), Russian Rhythm (2003), Attraction (2004), Ghanaati (2009), Sky Lantern (2013) and Winter (2017).

The Coronation Stakes, run over the round mile, is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series and was promoted to G1 status in 1988.

Pretty Polly (1904) – one of the greatest fillies of all time. Won 22 of her 24 races, including the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, St Leger, two renewals of the Coronation Cup and the Champion Stakes; went on to become an outstanding broodmare.

Book Law (1927) – runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas before going on to Classic glory in the St Leger at Doncaster over three quarters of a mile further; dam of Archive, who went on to sire brilliant chaser Arkle.

Meld (1955) – gained the fillies’ Triple Crown with victories in the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger; dam of the 1966 Derby winner Charlottown.

Humble Duty (1970) – top miler, who won the 1,000 Guineas by seven lengths, and then Goodwood’s Sussex Stakes.

Ridgewood Pearl (1995) – a G1 winner in four countries, winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas, the Prix du Moulin and the Breeders’ Cup Mile in addition to her Royal Ascot success.

Attraction (2004) – captured the 1,000 Guineas, Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Coronation Stakes; also won the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot during an unbeaten juvenile campaign.

Alpha Centauri (2018) – won by six lengths in a track record time of 1m 35.89s, over a second inside the previous best set by Barney Roy in the 2017 St James’s Palace Stakes; won four G1 prizes in 2018.

Ireland (15) – Display (1962), Calve (1972), Lisadell (1974), Orchestration (1977), Sutton Place (1978), Cairn Rouge (1980), Flame Of Tara (1983), Kooyonga (1991), Ridgewood Pearl (1995), Sophisticat (2002), Lush Lashes (2008), Lille Langtry (2010), Winter (2017), Alpha Centauri (2018), Alpine Star (2020)

France (12) – Midget II (1956), Toro (1957), Barbaresque (1960), Kesar Queen (1976), Golden Opinion (1989), Gold Splash (1993), Shake The Yoke (1996), Banks Hill (2001), Immortal Verse (2011), Ervedya (2015), Qemah (2016), Watch Me (2019)

Longest-priced winner: 25/1 Rebecca Sharp (1997)

Shortest-priced winner: 1/6 Humble Duty (1970)

Market leaders: 33 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 77 runnings

Sir Henry Cecil – Roussalka (1975), One In A Million (1979), Chalon (1982), Chimes of Freedom (1990), Kissing Cousin (1994).

Joe Mercer – Festoon (1954), Rosalba (1959), Haymaking (1966), One In A Million (1979)

Lester Piggott – Aiming High (1961), Lisadell (1974), Roussalka (1975), Chalon (1982)

Walter Swinburn – Sonic Lady (1986), Milligram (1987), Marling (1992), Exclusive (1998)

Cheveley Park Stud – Exclusive (1998) , Russian Rhythm (2003), Nannina (2006), Inspiral (2022)

CORONATION STAKES WINNERS

The sandringham handicap.

The Sandringham Handicap was first staged at Royal Ascot in 2002 when the meeting was expanded to five days. Before that, it was known as the Fern Hill Stakes and formed part of the traditional Heath Day card on the Saturday after the four-day Royal Meeting. The race, for three-year-old fillies over the straight mile, had Listed status until 2017. It is now a handicap for threeyear-old fillies rated 0-105.

Red Evie (2006) - captured the Matron Stakes in 2006 before repelling Ramonti in a thrilling finish to the following season’s Lockinge Stakes; dam of champion racemare Found.

Timepiece (2010) - went on to win the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket in 2011.

Persuasive (2016) - finished her career in 2017 with G1 success at Ascot in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO).

Con Te Partiro (2017) - successful on three continents; started her career in North America and went on to establish herself as a top mare in Australia with two G1 wins.

Ireland (3): Beautyandthebeast (2005), Duntle (2012), Create Belief (2021)

USA (1): Con Te Partiro (2017)

Longest-priced winner: Thanks Be (2019) and Onassis (2020), both 33/1

Shortest-priced winner: Persuasive 11/4 (2016)

2 wins: John Dunlop – Tashawak (2002), Festivale (2008)

Michael Bell – Red Evie (2006), Moneycantbuymelove (2009)

Richard Hannon – Osaila (2015), Heredia (2022)

Charlie Fellowes – Thanks Be (2019), Onassis (2020)

4 wins: Jamie Spencer – Red Evie (2003), Moneycantbuymelove (2009), Con Te Partiro (2017), Agrotera (2018)

2 wins: Hamdan Al Maktoum – Tashawak (2002), Muteela (2014)

SANDRINGHAM HANDICAP WINNERS

THE KING EDWARD VII STAKES

Formerly known by the name, and still colloquially referred to as the Ascot Derby, the King Edward VII Stakes was inaugurated in 1834 and regularly featured horses of both sexes who had competed in the middle-distance Classics.

First run as the King Edward VII Stakes in 1926 and now restricted to three-year-old colts and geldings, the G2 contest still attracts horses that have competed in the Derby and takes place over a mile and a half.

Notable winners include Supreme Court (1951), Ile De Bourbon (1978) & Nathaniel (2011) – all progressed to win the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in the same season.

Shareef Dancer (1983) – won the Irish Derby next time out; dam sire of Dubai Millennium.

Light Cavalry (1980) & Mutafaweq (1999) – both subsequently won the final British Classic, the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Japan (2019) – after a close third in the Derby, proved arguably the best middle-distance colt of his generation with G1 victories in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Juddmonte International.

Ireland (3): Five Dynasties (2004), Japan (2019), Changingoftheguard (2022)

Longest-priced winner: Amfortas 66/1 (1996)

Shortest-priced winner: Cacoethes 8/13 (1989)

Market leaders: 18 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Sir Henry Cecil – Light Cavalry (1980), Lanfranco (1985), Bonhomie (1986), Private Tender (1990), Royal Anthem (1998), Subtle Power (2000), Father Time (2009), Thomas Chippendale (2012)

Pat Eddery – Classic Example (1977), Love The Groom (1987), Cacoethes (1989), Kingfisher Mill (1997)

William Buick – Nathaniel (2011), Eagle Top (2014), Permian (2017), Old Persian (2018)

*Eddery also won on English Prince (1974)

Sheikh Mohammed – Head For Heights (1984), Bonhomie (1986), Foyer (1994), Plea Bargain (2005), Boscobel (2007)

KING EDWARD VII STAKES WINNERS

The palace of holyroodhouse handicap.

Inaugurated as part of Royal Ascot’s enhanced order of running in 2020, this five-furlong handicap for three-year-olds (0-105) is named after the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland.

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE HANDICAP WINNERS

The chesham stakes.

First run in 1919, the Chesham Stakes takes its name from the third Baron Chesham, who was the last Master of the Buckhounds at Ascot (1900-1901) – the role was replaced by His or Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot on King Edward VII’s accession to the throne.

The Chesham Stakes took over from the first leg of the Triennial Stakes, a five-furlong two-year-old contest. The middle leg of the Triennial Stakes, a seven-furlong contest for three-year-olds, became the Jersey Stakes, while the final leg, for four-yearolds over two miles, became the Churchill Stakes. Extended to its current distance of seven furlongs in 1996 after being run at five furlongs and then six furlongs, the Chesham Stakes is restricted to two-year-olds whose dam or sire won over a distance in excess of nine and a half furlongs (or 1900m).

Abernant (1948) – champion juvenile of 1948 with victories in the Champagne Stakes and Middle Park Stakes to add to his Royal Ascot success; beaten a short-head in the following year’s 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket before establishing himself as a brilliant sprinter.

Major Portion (1957) – went on to capture the Middle Park Stakes before returning to Ascot to win the St James’s Palace Stakes in 1958; also successful in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

Be My Chief (1989) – unbeaten in six starts as a two-year-old, including the Vintage Stakes, Solario Stakes and Racing Post Trophy.

Churchill (2016) – crowned Europe’s champion juvenile of 2016 following impressive displays in the Futurity Stakes, National Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes; victorious in the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas the following spring.

Pinatubo (2019) – ended his unbeaten two-year-old season with an official rating of 128, the highest awarded to a juvenile since Celtic Swing in 1994; the pick of his six victories came in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, when he powered to a ninelength success.

Ireland (7) – Sookera (1977), Bach (1999), Maybe (2011), Churchill (2016), September (2017), Battleground (2020), Point Lonsdale (2021)

France (1) – Suits You (2015)

Longest-priced winner: Jacamar 50/1 (1988)

Shortest-priced winner: Main Reef 8/15 (1978)

Market leaders: 20 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Aidan O’Brien – Bach (1999), Maybe (2011), Churchill (2016), September (2017), Battleground (2020), Point Lonsdale (2021)

Ryan Moore – Maybe (2011), Churchill (2016), September (2017), Battleground (2020), Point Lonsdale (2021)

Coolmore partnerships – Bach (1999), Maybe (2011), Churchill (2016), September (2017), Battleground (2020), Point Lonsdale (2021)

CHESHAM STAKES WINNERS

The jersey stakes.

Named after the 4th Earl of Jersey, the Jersey Stakes was established in 1919 and replaced the second leg of the Triennial Stakes, a three-year cycle of races which was discontinued after the First World War. The 4th Earl of Jersey was Master of the Buckhounds in 1782 and 1783.

Indian Ridge (1988) – returned to Ascot in 1989 to win the five-furlong King’s Stand Stakes; successful stallion and broodmare sire.

Zilzal (1989) – awarded the highest Timeform rating (137) of the year, ahead of Nashwan and Old Vic, following dominant displays in Goodwood’s Sussex Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes back at Ascot.

Diktat (1998) – proved himself a top-class sprinter in 1999 with G1 victories in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and Haydock Sprint Cup; sire of 2011 European champion sprinter Dream Ahead.

Mozart (2001) – dropped back in trip to win the six-furlong July Cup at Newmarket and five-furlong Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Ribchester (2016) – progressed to win the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville later that year as well as the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury and Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2017.

Ireland (4): Mozart (2001), Ishvana (2012), Gale Force Ten (2013), Mustajeeb (2014)

France (1): Le Brivido (2017)

Longest-priced winner: Lucayan Prince 50/1 (1996)

Shortest-priced winner: Zilzal 10/11 (1989)

Market leaders: 13 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings.

Sir Michael Stoute – Etienne Gerard (1977), Hard Fought (1980), Zilzal (1989), Among Men (1997), Jeremy (2006), Expert Eye (2018)

Steve Cauthen – Merlins Charm (1982), Midyan (1987), Stain Flower (1991)

Richard Hughes – Sergeyev (1995), Lucayan Prince (1996), Strong Suit (2011)

Mick Kinane – Among Men (1997), Mozart (2001), Jeremy (2006)

Godolphin – Kheleyf (2004), Ribchester (2016), Creative Force (2021), Noble Truth (2022)

Hamdan Al Maktoum – Aqlaam (2008), Ouqba (2009), Mustajeeb (2014), Molatham (2020)

JERSEY STAKES WINNERS

The queen elizabeth ii jubilee stakes.

Royal Ascot’s most valuable sprint has been renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in memory of Her Late Majesty. It was elevated to G1 status to celebrate her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and run as the Golden Jubilee Stakes from 2002-2011, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes from 2012-2021 and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes in 2022. Prior to 2002, the contest was known as the Cork & Orrery Stakes.

The inaugural running of this six-furlong contest took place in 1868. The race was named the Cork & Orrery Stakes after Lord Cork, a Master of the Buckhounds, from 1926 to 2001. It was restricted to four-year-olds and upwards with the first running of the Commonwealth Cup in 2015. The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

Right Boy (1958 & 1959) – the last of this race’s six multiple winners, Right Boy also won the King’s Stand Stakes in 1957; one of the leading post-War sprinters, he also gained two victories in both the July Cup and the Nunthorpe Stakes.

Danehill (1989) – top sprinter who also won the Haydock Sprint Cup in 1989 before going on to establish himself as one of the most influential stallions of modern times, becoming champion sire in both Europe and Australia.

Choisir (2002) – the first Australian-trained horse to triumph in Britain, annexing both the King’s Stand Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in the same year – the first horse to complete the Royal Ascot sprint double since Diadem in 1920.

Black Caviar (2012) – one of the best sprinters of all-time and unbeaten in 25 starts in a glittering career. The Australian-trained mare had already won 11 G1 races before lining up at Royal Ascot in 2012 and scored at odds of 1/6, despite jockey Luke Nolen almost snatching defeat from the jaws of victory by easing up near the line.

Blue Point (2019) – emulated Choisir by winning the King’s Stand Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in the same week; also captured the King’s Stand Stakes in 2018.

Ireland (18) – Solonaway (1949), Abadan (1950), Bun Penny (1961), Majority Blue (1965), Current Coin (1966), Welsh Saint (1970), King’s Country (1971), Saritamer (1974), Swingtime (1975), Sweet Mint (1978), Thatching (1979), Kearney (1980), Committed (1984), Big Shuffle (1987), College Chapel (1993), Starspangledbanner (2010), Slade Power (2014), Merchant Navy (2018)

Australia (2) – Choisir (2003), Black Caviar (2012)

Hong Kong (1) – Cape Of Good Hope (2005)

USA (1) – Undrafted (2015)

Oldest winners (since 1946)

Seven-year-olds Cape Of Good Hope (2005), who became the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win in Britain, and Dream Of Dreams (2021).

Longest-priced winner: 40/1 Kearney (1980)

Shortest-priced winner: 1/6 Black Caviar (2012)

Market leaders: 26 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 76 runnings

5 wins: Vincent O’Brien – Welsh Saint (1970), Saritamer (1974), Swingtime (1975), Thatching (1979), College Chapel (1993)

9 wins: Lester Piggott – Right Boy (1958, 1959), Tin Whistle (1960), El Gallo (1963), Mountain Call (1968), Welsh Saint (1970), Saritamer (1974), Thatching (1979), College Chapel (1993)

Godolphin - So Factual (1995), Blue Point (2019), Naval Crown (2022)

QUEEN ELIZABETH II JUBILEE STAKES WINNERS

The hardwicke stakes.

First run in 1879 and named after the fifth Earl of Hardwicke, Master of the Buckhounds between 1874 and 1879. Initially run as a weight-for-age conditions race open to three-year-olds, the 12-furlong contest is now for four-year-olds and upwards.

Early winners of the Hardwicke Stakes include Tristan, the only three-time victor (1882-1884) who also captured the July Cup, the Coronation Cup twice and the Gold Cup in an outstanding career, and the brilliant Triple Crown winner Ormonde (1886 & 1887).

The race conditions were enhanced in 2012, with no penalties for G1 or G2 winners, along with a significant injection of prize money.

Aureole (1954) – one of Queen Elizabeth II's best horses; second in the 1953 Derby and followed up success in the Hardwicke with victory in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, becoming the first horse to complete that big-race double; went on to become champion sire in Britain.

Rheingold (1973) – also runner-up in the previous year’s Derby and subsequently defeated the mighty Allez France in the 1973 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Stanerra (1983) – top-class mare who became the first horse since Shaddock in 1896 to win both the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and the Hardwicke Stakes at the same Royal Ascot, breaking the track record in the latter race; captured the Japan Cup later that year.

Harbinger (2010) – the most recent of five horses to follow up victory in the Hardwicke Stakes by taking the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, joining Aureole (1954), Aggressor (1960), Park Top (1969) and Doyen (2004); won the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes by a record 11 lengths, a performance judged to be the best in the world that year by the World Thoroughbred Rankings.

Ireland (7) – Meneval (1977), Stanerra (1983), Oscar Schindler (1996), Macarthur (2008), Await The Dawn (2011), Idaho (2017), Broome (2022)

France (2) – Montcontour (1978), Scorpio (1980)

Oldest winners (since 1977)

The oldest winners have been six-year-olds Jupiter Island (1985), Posidonas (1998), Zindabab (2002), Bandari (2005), Maraahel (2007) and Broome (2022).

Longest-priced winner: 50/1 Assatis (1990)

Shortest-priced winner: 4/11 Assatis (1989)

Market leaders: 15 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Sir Michael Stoute – Dihistan (1986), Rock Hopper (1991, 1992), Maraahel (2006, 2007), Harbinger (2010), Sea Moon (2012), Telescope (2014), Snow Sky (2015), Dartmouth (2016), Crystal Ocean (2018)

Pat Eddery – Orange Bay (1976), Dihistan (1986), Assatis (1989), Rock Hopper (1991, 1992), Posidonas (1998)

Ryan Moore – Harbinger (2010), Await The Dawn (2011), Sea Moon (2012), Telescope (2014), Crystal Ocean (2018), Broome (2022) *Eddery also won on Charlie Bubbles in 1975

Hamdan Al Maktoum – Almaarad (1988), Bandari (2005), Maraahel (2006 & 2007)

Coolmore partners – Macarthur (2008), Await The Dawn (2011), Idaho (2017), Broome (2022)

HARDWICKE STAKES WINNERS

The wokingham handicap.

The inaugural Wokingham took place in 1813, making the race the oldest of the handicaps still run at Royal Ascot.

The famous sprint, which has been run over six furlongs since its inception, is named after the market town seven miles from the Royal course.

The attraction of a handicap as a betting medium was a prime reason for the Wokingham’s initial success.

Notable winners include Fayr Jag (DH 2003) – dead-heated with Ratio before returning to Royal Ascot a year later to capture the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Iffraaj (2005) – readily won by two lengths in 2005, when the Royal Meeting was run at York due to the redevelopment of Ascot; subsequently won three G2 races and was beaten a head in the 2006 July Cup before establishing himself as a top stallion.

Laddies Poker Two (2010) – had been off the racecourse for 610 days before scoring emphatically for trainer Jeremy Noseda; the talented but fragile mare, who didn’t race following her Royal Ascot success, is the dam of the dual Guineas and 2017 Coronation Stakes winner Winter.

Rohaan (2021 & 2022) – one of only two horses alongside Selhurst Park Flyer in 1997 & 1998 to win multiple editions of the Wokingham in the post-war period.

Ireland (3) – Boone’s Cabin (1975), Time Machine (1985), Dandy Boy (2012)

France (1) – Ratio (DH 2003)

Oldest winner (since 1960)

Eight-year-old Out Do, trained by David O’Meara, became the oldest winner in 2017

Longest-priced winner: 33/1 Red Rosen (1992), Emerging Market (1996), Dandy Boy (2012), Bacchus (2018)

Shortest-priced winner: 9/4 Iffraaj (2005)

Market leaders: 11 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 62 runnings

Paul Cole – Calibina (1977), Queen’s Pride (1980), Bel Byou (1987)

Willie Carson – Plummet (1973), Great Eastern (1981), Time Machine (1985)

Johnny Murtagh – Nice One Clare (2001), Laddies Poker Two (2010), Deacon Blues (2011)

Benny Schmidt-Bodner – Spaniard’s Mount (1967), Virginia Boy (1970), Whistling Fool (1971)

WOKINGHAM HANDICAP WINNERS

The golden gates handicap.

A 10-furlong handicap for three-year-olds only, this race was introduced as part of Royal Ascot’s enhanced programme in 2020. The Golden Gates are the ceremonial entrance point for the Royal Procession at the end of Ascot’s straight mile.

GOLDEN GATES HANDICAP WINNERS

The queen alexandra stakes.

Named after the consort of King Edward VII, the Queen Alexandra Stakes was first run in 1864 as the Alexandra Plate over three miles.

Now contested over nearly two and three quarter miles (2m 5f 143y), it is not only the longest race of the meeting, but also the longest contest run under Flat racing rules in Britain.

Brown Jack (1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933 & 1934) – won the Champion Hurdle and Ascot Stakes in 1928, but is better known for his remarkable six consecutive victories in the Queen Alexandra Stakes; also successful in the Goodwood Cup, Doncaster Cup, Chester Cup and the Ebor. One of the most popular horses of the 20th century, he is commemorated at Ascot by the Brown Jack Handicap, a two-mile handicap run in July.

Sprowston Boy (1987) – Gay Kelleway made headlines when partnering Sprowston Boy to glory, becoming the first female jockey to succeed at Royal Ascot.

Simenon (2012) - talented dual-code performer who completed the Ascot Stakes/Queen Alexandra double; went down by a neck to Estimate in the 2013 Gold Cup.

Ireland (10) – Ore (1982), Erins Invader (1984), San Sebastian (1999), Honolulu (2008), Simenon (2012), Pique Sous (2014), Commissioned (2016), Pallasator (2018), Stratum (2021 & 2022)

Oldest winner (since 1977)

Caracciola (2009) – triumphed at the sprightly age of 12, having captured the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket the previous year.

Longest-priced winner: 25/1 Corrib Eclipse (2004)

Shortest-priced winner: 8/13 Mountain Cross (1978)

Market leaders: 14 favourites or joint favourites have been successful in the 46 runnings

Willie Mullins – Simenon (2012), Pique Sous (2014), Stratum (2021 & 2022)

Ryan Moore – Bergo (2010), Simenon (2012), Pique Sous (2014), Stratum (2021)

Lord Weinstock – Cuff Link (1994 & 1995), Cover Up (2002 & 2003)

QUEEN ALEXANDRA STAKES WINNERS

Trainers & owners.

WINNERS OF THE QIPCO ROYAL ASCOT TOP TRAINER AWARD

*Aidan O’Brien and the late Sir Henry Cecil hold the post-war record of seven for the number of Royal Ascot winners trained in a year. Cecil achieved the feat in 1987 when the Royal Meeting consisted of four days and 24 races, while O’Brien’s seven came in 2016 over five days and 30 races.

Among current trainers, Aidan O’Brien has topped the table on 11 occasions, with Sir Michael Stoute achieving six annual accolades, and Saeed bin Suroor four.

NB: In some years, the winner was decided on the number of placed horses.

TOP CURRENT TRAINERS AT THE ROYAL MEETING

Recent leading trainer award standings, royal ascot leading owner award, recent leading owner award standings, winning records of selected trainers at royal ascot, trainer (no. of wins).

Roger Charlton (11) (NB - 10 Royal Ascot wins for Roger Charlton, 1 for Harry & Roger Charlton)

*in partnership with Harry Charlton

Paul Cole (22) (NB - 21 Royal Ascot wins for Paul Cole, 1 for Paul & Oliver Cole)

*in partnership with Oliver Cole

Gosden (60) (NB - 55 Royal Ascot wins for John Gosden, 5 for John & Thady Gosden)

*in partnership with Thady Gosden

WINNERS OF THE LEADING JOCKEY AWARD

*Ryan Moore set a new post-war record of nine winners for a single Royal Ascot Meeting in 2015. The previous best total of eight since 1945 was achieved by Lester Piggott in 1965 and 1975 and Pat Eddery in 1989 when Royal Ascot took place over four rather than the current five days (since 2002). The best ever score by a jockey at Royal Ascot is 12, set by Fred Archer in 1878.

Four female riders have enjoyed success at Royal Ascot, the first being Gay Kelleway on Sprowston Boy in the 1987 Queen Alexandra Stakes. Hayley Turner, Hollie Doyle and Laura Pearson have ridden winners in recent years (see records below).

Joanna Morgan became the first female jockey to ride at Royal Ascot in the 1978 Queen’s Vase on Gallowshill Boy, who finished ninth.

TOP CURRENT JOCKEYS AT THE ROYAL MEETING

Recent leading jockey award standings, winning records of selected jockeys at royal ascot.

UPDATED AFTER RACING ON SATURDAY, 18 JUNE

INTERNATIONAL RUNNERS

OVERSEAS-TRAINED WINNERS AT ROYAL ASCOT

*record number of overseas-trained winners at a single Royal Ascot is 14, achieved in 2016.

Year Race Winner Trainer

2022 (9) King's Stand Stakes

NATURE STRIP

Prince Of Wales's Stakes STATE OF REST

Windsor Castle Stakes

Ribblesdale Stakes

Chris Waller AUS

Joseph O'Brien IRE

LITTLE BIG BEAR Aidan O'Brien IRE

MAGICAL LAGOON

Jessica Harrington IRE

Aidan O'Brien IRE

Albany Stakes MEDITATE Aidan O'Brien IRE

King Edward VII Stakes

CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD Aidan O'Brien IRE

Hardwicke Stakes BROOME Aidan O'Brien IRE

Queen Alexandra Stakes

2021 (7) St James’s Palace Stakes

Queen Mary Stakes

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

Commonwealth Cup

Sandringham Handicap

Chesham Stakes

2020 (6) Queen Anne Stakes

Hampton Court Stakes

Queen’s Vase

POETIC FLARE

Willie Mullins IRE

Jim Bolger IRE

Gavin Cromwell IRE

LOVE Aidan O’Brien IRE

CREATE BELIEF

Wesley Ward USA

Johnny Murtagh IRE

POINT LONSDALE Aidan O’Brien IRE

CIRCUS MAXIMUS Aidan O’Brien IRE

RUSSIAN EMPEROR Aidan O’Brien IRE

BATTLEGROUND Aidan O’Brien IRE

SANTIAGO Aidan O’Brien IRE

Coronation Stakes ALPINE STAR

Coventry Stakes

St James’s Palace Stakes

King George V Handicap

ARIZONA Aidan O’Brien IRE

SOUTHERN HILLS Aidan O’Brien IRE

SOUTH PACIFIC Aidan O’Brien IRE

JAPAN Aidan O’Brien IRE

Coronation Stakes WATCH ME

2018 (9) Ascot Stakes

Royal Hunt Cup

Norfolk Stakes

Coronation Stakes

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes

2017 (12) King’s Stand Stakes

Ascot Stakes

Jersey Stakes

LAGOSTOVEGAS

Francis-Henri Graffard FR

KEW GARDENS Aidan O’Brien IRE

SETTLE FOR BAY

SHANG SHANG SHANG

HUNTING HORN

David Marnane IRE

Aidan O’Brien IRE

MAGIC WAND Aidan O’Brien IRE

ALPHA CENTAURI

MERCHANT NAVY Aidan O’Brien IRE

LADY AURELIA

THOMAS HOBSON

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes QEMAH

Albany Stakes

Gordon Elliott IRE

Andre Fabre FR

Jean-Claude Rouget FR

HIGHLAND REEL Aidan O’Brien IRE

CON TE PARTIRO

SIOUX NATION Aidan O’Brien IRE

DIFFERENT LEAGUE

Matthieu Palussiere FR

CARAVAGGIO Aidan O’Brien IRE

Coronation Stakes WINTER Aidan O’Brien IRE

Hardwicke Stakes

SEPTEMBER Aidan O’Brien IRE

IDAHO Aidan O’Brien IRE

*2016 (14) Queen Anne Stakes

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes

Wolferton Stakes

Mark Casse USA record

JENNIES JEWEL

Jarlath Fahey IRE

Michael Halford IRE

ORDER OF ST GEORGE Aidan O’Brien IRE

SWORD FIGHTER

CHURCHILL Aidan O’Brien IRE

SIR ISAAC NEWTON Aidan O’Brien IRE

COMMISSIONED

Queen Anne Stakes

Freddy Head FR

St James’s Palace Stakes GLENEAGLES Aidan O’Brien IRE

CLONDAW WARRIOR

Windsor Castle Stakes WASHINGTON DC Aidan O’Brien IRE

Queen Mary Stakes ACAPULCO

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes FREE EAGLE

Dermot Weld IRE

Norfolk Stakes WATERLOO BRIDGE Aidan O’Brien IRE

Ribblesdale Stakes CURVY

David Wachman IRE

Britannia Handicap WAR ENVOY Aidan O’Brien IRE

Coronation Stakes ERVEDYA

Queen’s Vase ALOFT Aidan O’Brien IRE

Chesham Stakes SUITS YOU Eoghan O’Neill FR

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes UNDRAFTED

2014 (9) King’s Stand Stakes

Ascot Stakes DOMINATION

Windsor Castle Stakes HOOTENANNY

Jersey Stakes MUSTAJEEB

ANTHEM ALEXANDER

Edward Lynam IRE

Charles Byrnes IRE

Ribblesdale Stakes BRACELET Aidan O’Brien IRE

Gold Cup LEADING LIGHT Aidan O’Brien IRE

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes SLADE POWER

Queen Alexandra Stakes PIQUE SOUS

DECLARATION OF WAR Aidan O’Brien IRE

King’s Stand Stakes SOLE POWER

St James’s Palace Stakes DAWN APPROACH

Coventry Stakes WAR COMMAND Aidan O’Brien IRE

Jersey Stakes GALE FORCE TEN Aidan O’Brien IRE

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes DUNTLE

Norfolk Stakes NO NAY NEVER

Britannia Handicap ROCA TUMU

Joanna Morgan IRE

Queen’s Vase LEADING LIGHT Aidan O’Brien IRE

King’s Stand Stakes

LITTLE BRIDGE

Coventry Stakes DAWN APPROACH

Ascot Stakes SIMENON

Jersey Stakes ISHVANA

Danny Shum HK

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes SO YOU THINK Aidan O’Brien IRE

Sandringham Handicap DUNTLE

Ribblesdale Stakes PRINCESS HIGHWAY

Tercentenary Stakes ENERGIZER

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes BLACK CAVIAR

Wokingham Handicap

Queen Alexandra Stakes SIMENON

2011 (7) Coventry Stakes

Windsor Forest Stakes LOLLY FOR DOLLY

Ribblesdale Stakes BANIMPIRE

FAME AND GLORY

IMMORTAL VERSE

Chesham Stakes MAYBE

Jens Hirschberger GER

Peter Moody AUS

Tommy Stack IRE

Robert Collet FR

AWAIT THE DAWN Aidan O’Brien IRE

RITE OF PASSAGE

Coronation Stakes LILLIE LANGTRY Aidan O’Brien IRE

2009 (6) King’s Stand Stakes

MIKHAIL GLINKA Aidan O’Brien IRE

STARSPANGLEDBANNER

SCENIC BLAST

MASTERCRAFTSMAN

STRIKE THE TIGER

Danny Morton AUS

VISION D’ETAT Eric Libaud FR

JEALOUS AGAIN

Windsor Forest Stakes

HENRYTHENAVIGATOR

SABANA PERDIDA

DUKE OF MARMALADE

Mauricio Delcher-Sanchez ESP

Alain de Royer-Dupre FR

CUIS GHAIRE Jim Bolger IRE

LUSH LASHES

MACARTHUR Aidan O’Brien IRE

2007 (7) King’s Stand Stakes

MISS ANDRETTI

Lee Freedman AUS

EXCELLENT ART Aidan O’Brien IRE

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes MANDURO

Queen Mary Stakes ELLETELLE

Ger Lyons IRE

YEATS Aidan O’Brien IRE

Queen’s Vase MAHLER Aidan O’Brien IRE

2006 (3) King’s Stand Stakes

TAKEOVER TARGET

Joe Janiak AUS

AD VALOREM Aidan O’Brien IRE

Gold Cup YEATS Aidan O’Brien IRE

2005 (8) King’s Stand Stakes

Mikel Delzangles FR (York)

Queen Anne Stakes VALIXIR

LEG SPINNER

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes AZAMOUR

BEAUTYANDTHEBEAST

Tony Martin IRE

John Oxx IRE

Hampton Court Stakes INDIGO CAT Aidan O’Brien IRE

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

2004 (4) St James’s Palace Stakes

Queen Mary Stakes DAMSON

Elie Lellouche FR

David Oughton HK

Hampton Court Stakes MOSCOW BALLET Aidan O’Brien IRE

King Edward VII Stakes FIVE DYNASTIES Aidan O’Brien IRE

2003 (4) King’s Stand Stakes CHOISIR

Paul Perry AUS

Wolferton Stakes IN TIME’S EYE Dermot Weld IRE

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes CHOISIR

Wokingham Handicap RATIO

2002 (4) St James’s Palace Stakes

ROCK OF GIBRALTAR

John Hammond FR

Coventry Stakes STATUE OF LIBERTY Aidan O’Brien IRE

Ribblesdale Stakes IRRESISTIBLE JEWEL Dermot Weld IRE

Coronation Stakes SOPHISTICAT Aidan O’Brien IRE

2001 (6) St James’s Palace Stakes

BLACK MINNALOUSHE

Coventry Stakes LANDSEER Aidan O’Brien IRE

Jersey Stakes MOZART Aidan O’Brien IRE

Ribblesdale Stakes SAHARA SLEW

Norfolk Stakes JOHANNESBURG Aidan O’Brien IRE

Coronation Stakes BANKS HILL

2000 (4) St James’s Palace Stakes

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY Aidan O’Brien IRE

NUCLEAR DEBATE

Ascot Stakes BARBA PAPA

Duke Of Edinburgh H’cap KATIYKHA

1999 (5) St James’s Palace Stakes

FASLIYEV Aidan O’Brien IRE

Chesham Stakes BACH Aidan O’Brien IRE

1998 (1) Ascot Stakes

1997 (2) Coventry Stakes

1996 (5) Coventry Stakes

1995 (1) Coronation Stakes

1994 No overseas-trained winners

1993 (5) St James’s Palace Stakes

Cork and Orrery Stakes

1992 (1) St James’s Palace Stakes

1991 (2) Coronation Stakes

SAN SEBASTIAN Michael Grassick IRE

SAN SEBASTIAN

HARBOUR MASTER

DON’T WORRY ME

SHAKE THE YOKE

OSCAR SCHINDLER

RIDGEWOOD PEARL

GOLD SPLASH

COLLEGE CHAPEL

BRIEF TRUCE

EASY TO PLEASE

Michael Grassick IRE

Guy Henrot FR

Kevin Prendergast IRE

Francois Boutin FR

Criquette Head FR

Vincent O’Brien IRE

Michael Kauntze IRE

1990 No overseas-trained winners

1989 (1) Coronation Stakes

1988 (1) Queen Mary Stakes

1987 (2) Cork and Orrery Stakes

GOLDEN OPINION

BIG SHUFFLE

King’s Stand Stakes BLUEBIRD

1986 (1) King’s Stand Stakes

1985 (1) Wokingham Handicap

1984 (3) Norfolk Stakes

1983 (3) Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

1982 (2) St James’s Palace Stakes

LAST TYCOON

TIME MACHINE

MAGIC MIRROR

ERINS INVADER

FLAME OF TARA

DARA MONARCH

Queen Alexandra Stakes ORE

1981 (2) Queen’s Vase

Norfolk Stakes DAY IS DONE

1980 (4) Coronation Stakes

CAIRN ROUGE

Cork and Orrery Stakes KEARNEY

Hardwicke Stakes SCORPIO

Windsor Castle Stakes COOLINEY PRINCE

1979 (1) Cork and Orrery Stakes

1978 (6) St James’s Palace Stakes

Coronation Stakes SUTTON PLACE

Ribblesdale Stakes RELFO

Hardwicke Stakes MONTCONTOUR

King’s Stand Stakes SOLINUS

1977 (8) Coventry Stakes

Coronation Stakes ORCHESTRATION

Chesham Stakes SOOKERA

Hardwicke Stakes MENEVAL

Windsor Castle Stakes TARDOT

1976 (3) Coronation Stakes

1975 (9) Queen Anne Stakes

1974 (6) Cork and Orrery Stakes

1973 (6) St James’s Palace Stakes

KESAR QUEEN

IMPERIAL MARCH

GAY FANDANGO

BLOOD ROYAL

BOONE’S CABIN

FLIRTING AROUND

HIGHEST TRUMP

TARA BROOCH

John McLoughlin IRE

Pat Hughes IRE

Hugh McCaffrey IRE

Frank Dunne IRE

Liam Browne IRE

Michael Cunningham IRE

Willie Robinson IRE

Paddy Prendergast IRE

Noel Meade IRE

Maurice Zilber FR

Adrian Maxwell IRE

Scobie Breasley FR

Christy Grassick IRE

Mick O’Toole IRE

Richard Carver FR

John Cunningham FR

Mario Benetti ITY

Angel Penna FR

Seamus McGrath IRE

Ascot Stakes BALIOS

1971 (5) Queen Anne Stakes

Queen’s Vase PARNELL

1970 (2) King’s Stand Stakes

1969 (3) Gold Cup

KING’S COMPANY

WELSH SAINT

PRINCE TENDERFOOT

Queen Alexandra Stakes LAURENCE O

1968 (4) Gold Cup

PARDALLO II

Queen Mary Stakes GRIZEL

1967 (2) Coventry Stakes

Queen Alexandra Stakes ALCIGLIDE

1966 (5) Royal Hunt Cup

CONTINUATION

Coventry Stakes BOLD LAD

Cork and Orrery Stakes CURRENT COIN

Hardwicke Stakes PROMINER

Queen Alexandra Stakes PANIC

1965 (3) Queen’s Vase

Coventry Stakes YOUNG EMPEROR

Cork and Orrery Stakes MAJORITY BLUE

1964 (1) Queen Mary Stakes BRASSIA

1963 (2) Queen’s Vase

Charles Bartholomew FR

Stephen Quirke IRE

Francois Mathet FR

Paddy Norris IRE

Stuart Murless IRE

MESOPOTAMIA Brud Fetherstonhaugh IRE

1962 (5) Coronation Stakes DISPLAY

Gold Cup BALTO

Queen’s Vase PAVOT

TENDER ANNIE

King’s Stand Stakes CASSARATE

1961 (5) Cork and Orrery Stakes

1960 (7) St James’s Palace Stakes

M Bonaventure FR

Brud Fetherstonhaugh IRE

Thomas O’Brien IRE

SILVER TOR Brud Fetherstonhaugh IRE

VENTURE VII

BARBARESQUE

SOUND TRACK

Alec Head FR

H Nicholas FR

Phonsie O’Brien IRE

RECORD OF HORSES FROM OUTSIDE EUROPE AT ROYAL ASCOT

2007 (8) MISS ANDRETTI

BENTLEY BISCUIT

Stand Stakes

TAKEOVER TARGET Joe Janiak AUSTRALIA Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes

DRAYTON Mike De Kock SOUTH AFRICA

MAGNUS Peter Moody AUSTRALIA

MISS ANDRETTI Lee Freedman AUSTRALIA

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 5th

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 14th

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 15th

2006 (6) TAKEOVER TARGET Joe Janiak AUSTRALIA King’s Stand Stakes WON

FALKIRK Lee Freedman AUSTRALIA King’s Stand Stakes 4th

GLAMOUR PUSS Danny O’Brien AUSTRALIA King’s Stand Stakes 7th

TAKEOVER TARGET Joe Janiak AUSTRALIA

GLAMOUR PUSS Danny O’Brien AUSTRALIA

SIR EDWIN LANDSEER Christian Wroe UAE

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 3rd

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 10th

Wokingham Handicap 24th

2005 (6) CAPE OF GOOD HOPE David Oughton HONG KONG

ELVSTROEM Tony Vasil AUSTRALIA

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

KEENELAND SWAN

MIGHTY BEAU

2004 (7) CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

King’s Stand Stakes 5th

King’s Stand Stakes 4th (York) MIGHTY BEAU Jeff Mullins USA

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes 3rd

Oughton HONG KONG Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes WON

Mori JAPAN Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 10th

Mullins USA Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 11th

Oughton HONG KONG

RECORD OF NON-EUROPEAN TRAINERS AT ROYAL ASCOT BY COUNTRY

Australia (40 runners, 7 winners), bahrain (2 runners, no winners), hong kong (14 runners, 2 winners), japan (10 runners, no winners).

NEW ZEALAND (3 RUNNERS, NO WINNERS)

SINGAPORE (1 RUNNER, NO WINNER)

SOUTH AFRICA (10 RUNNERS, NO WINNERS)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (4 RUNNERS, NO WINNERS)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (120 RUNNERS, 13 WINNERS)

GROUND AND TIMES

ROYAL ASCOT OFFICIAL GOING

Ascot course records.

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2022 ROYAL ASCOT CARNIVAL

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• 11 - 20 June 2022
• 10 Days 9 Nights

Tour Details

BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED – REGISTER FOR 2023!

GAI & ROB WATERHOUSE TO JOIN US AT ROYAL ASCOT!

The Royal Ascot Carnival is one of the world’s great racing festivals and a truly amazing experience for horse racing fans, and we are delighted at GAI & ROB WATERHOUSE will be joining us for select days at the races to gives their tips and insights. The tour comprises the best of everything English racing offers including warm-up races at Windsor, visit a Newmarket training complex & gallops, visit Dalham Hall Stud, 3 days at Royal Ascot plus much much more including a Private Box on the final day. This is one incredible experience not to be missed with Australian racing royalty!

Price Includes

• London to Newmarket Group Transfer
• 2 Nights Accommodation in Newmarket at Bedford Lodge Hotel
• 7 Nights Accommodation at 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow
• Full English breakfasts included daily
• Welcome dinner and farewell luncheon
• Visit a leading Newmarket Stable and the National Stud
• Tour of Godolphin’s Dalham Hall Stud Farm
• Club Enclosure Tickets to the Windsor Cider Racing Festival
• Admission into The Lawn Club Hospitality Suite for Day 1 at Royal Ascot including four-course buffet and premium beverages
• Admission into the Queen Anne Enclosure for Day 3 at Royal Ascot
• VIP Hospitality in Private Box for Day 5 at Royal Ascot including lunch, afternoon tea & full bar
• Thames River cruise including lunch and drinks
• All travel & race day transfers throughout
• Services of Experienced Tour Host

Price Excludes

• Airport Transfers
• Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
• Items of a personal nature

PAYMENT  – $500pp deposit due on booking, balance due 60 days before the tour begins.

These prices are in Australian Dollars, US Dollar pricing is $5995 per person twin/double share or $7095 for a single room.

SATURDAY 11 JUNE 2022 London to Newmarket & Welcome Function

We meet in London for a group transfer to Newmarket, the heart of English racing, where we’ll check into the beautiful Newmarket Jockey Club rooms. We’ll then have a freshen up and meet for some welcome drinks and dinner as we get to know everyone with a special guest coming along.

SUNDAY 12 JUNE Newmarket Stable & Stud Tour

After an early breakfast, we head off to explore the home of English racing, Newmarket.  We’ll see a few horses work on the famous Warren Hill gallops, visit a local stable or two to see how it’s done here in the UK. We’ll take a tour of the English National Stud before enjoying a nice local Sunday carvery lunch.

MONDAY 13 JUNE Stud Visit and Windsor Races

Before breakfast we’ll walk down to Warren Hill and see over a 1000 horses work, it’s a sight to behold. Then back to the Jockey Club for breakfast before we enjoy a tour of the historic Jockey Club Rooms and learn about their amazing history.

Afterwards, we head to Tattersalls sales complex to see where many champions have been sold. Then it’s onto Goldolphin’s Dalham Stud to see some amazing stallions. Then we’ll make our way to the newly renovated Crowne Plaza hotel in the picturesque riverside town of Marlow. We’ll check in for the rest of the week before heading to the local Windsor races for a twilight meet on the famous figure eight circuit. A nice casual evening under the sunshine (fingers crossed) where we’ll kick off the racing week!

TUESDAY 14 JUNE Day One @ Royal Ascot - Lawn Club Hospitality

A fantastic opening to the week with the 1600m Queen Anne Stakes and we’ve got a great spot to see it all unfold.  We’re in The Lawn Club hospitality suite with beautiful lunch and drinks all afternoon. Gai and Rob will join us for a pre races drink, chat about the day ahead and we’ll get the tips from Rob as he’s going to be bookmaking on track. It’ll be our chance to take on the best bookie around!

As it’s our first day, we’ll soak up all the atmosphere and stick around after the last to sing a few traditional English songs with everyone else.

LAWN CLUB – Situated right at the heart of the trackside excitement, the Lawn Club is located just meters from the track in a private enclave of the Queen Anne Enclosure, the ideal way to start the week in an intimate surrounding with four-course cold buffet and premium beverages.

WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE Rest Day

After a busy few days, today is yours to spend at leisure. Maybe head down to Windsor and visit Windsor Castle, catch the train to London for some shopping or just relax and explore beautiful Marlow.  

THURSDAY 16 JUNE Ladies Day @ Royal Ascot

We’re back at Royal Ascot today for Ladies Day, with the highlight being the Group 1 Gold Cup. We’ll have general  Queen Anne Enclosure tickets giving you the freedom to roam, explore the track, check out the mounting yard, visit the gift shop and see the Queen up close.  We’ll meet up with Rob at his stand before the first to go through his thoughts and tips, then hopefully clean him out! Gai will join us for a drink in the famous Choisir Bar during the afternoon.

And we might do some post races singing again!

FRIDAY 17 JUNE Thames River Cruise

Today is a day of leisure where we’ll head off for a cruise up the Thames River for a few hours to relax, enjoy the English countryside and enjoy a few drinks and a light lunch. Then the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy the surrounds of beautiful Windsor.

SATURDAY 18 JUNE Final Day @ Royal Ascot - Private Box

After breakfast, we head back to Royal Ascot for the final day of the carnival, highlighted by the Golden Jubilee Sprint. We finish the week with the best spot in the course,  a  Private Box near the Queen overlooking the whole course with premium hospitality including lunch, afternoon tea and drinks all afternoon. Rob will visit us before the first to give his final tips for the week and then Gai will join us in the afternoon for a glass of champagne and some afternoon tea. This will be a day to remember!

Private Box – A Private Box affords guests privacy, exclusivity and impeccable service at the heart of the action, all  Boxes are catered to the very highest standards. Every box comes with a private bar and dining area, a large flat-screen TV and a private balcony so you won’t miss a second of the action. Betting facilities are within easy access of all private boxes.

SUNDAY 19 JUNE Farewell Country Luncheon

We finish off the tour with a recovery luncheon at a beautiful old English country pub where we celebrate our wins and reminisce about our near misses. Then we get packing for the journey home tomorrow.

MONDAY 20 JUNE 2022 TOUR CONCLUDES

The tour concludes after breakfast with a bus trip back to London via Heathrow for those leaving immediately.

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Class of 2023

Simon rowlands reveals his exclusive sectional ratings for this season's leading two-year-old contenders for royal ascot, live on sky sports racing..

• Royal Ascot - Features

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Royal Ascot provides the first major test for two-year-olds, as well as for those attempting to evaluate the form of that cohort.

Many factors are likely to go into those evaluations, including race standardisation, collateral form lines, pedigree information, trainer assessments, the effect of dates of birth, sales information, and time analysis.

Watch every race of Royal Ascot 2023 live on  Sky Sports Racing  (Sky 415 | Virgin 519) from Tuesday 20th June to Saturday 24th June.

The less you know about a horse, or a population of horses, the more time analysis tends to come to the fore. We may not have a precise idea of what an impressive debut winner beat, but we will have timing benchmarks against which to compare it, and those benchmarks now include sectional ones.

A horse may not run an especially fast time, but if it is talented it should manifest that fact somewhere along the way with a good sectional, or sectionals. Spotting stars in the making before others do is the challenge.

One of those factors - race standardisation - also provides a framework for what to expect at the Royal meeting. Races will have weaker and stronger editions but, over time, they tend to conform to certain levels of achievement.

That can be illustrated by considering the performance ratings on the day (my figures) of the first three in each of the six two-year-old races at Royal Ascot in the past decade.

The Coventry Stakes (3:05) on Tuesday usually takes the most winning, as well as the most to get placed, though it is not so far ahead of Thursday’s Norfolk Stakes (2:30) in that latter respect.

There is little in it between the two fillies’ races, the Queen Mary Stakes (2:30) on Wednesday and the Albany Stakes (2:30) on Friday, with the former traditionally slightly more difficult to win and the latter more difficult in which to make the first three.

Wednesday’s Windsor Castle Stakes (5:35) is generally the weakest of the sextet, but that was not the case last year, when it went to the ultimate Champion Two-Year-Old in Little Big Bear.

That said, the horses Little Big Bear beat, some of them fairly narrowly, were not top-notchers, and he probably ran to a performance figure of about 106 in doing so. Similarly, the subsequent Breeders’ Cup winner Meditate beating the subsequent 1000 Guineas winner Mawj in the Albany Stakes reads exceptionally well, but there were some ordinary fillies behind them both that day.

What have the leaders of the Class of 2023 achieved compared to those historical standards? These are my sectionally adjusted ratings for them, up to a week before Royal Ascot 2023 gets under way:

ELITE STATUS (108) leads the way, courtesy of his five-length win in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown. He might not have beaten a lot that day - 93-rated runner-up WORLD OF DARCY is just outside the top 20 - but he did it with ease and looks potentially very smart. He also did it by running efficiently - a 23.93s (100.2% finishing speed) is almost bang on par - so no upgrade is prompted on that score.

Elite Status is already up to the usual standard required to win the Norfolk, for which he is a short-priced favourite, but arguably the second-best juvenile at Royal Ascot, AMERICAN RASCAL (106) , is likely to turn up in that race also.

My rating for American Rascal is more speculative, and leans on Equibase figures to a degree. But what cannot be gainsaid is that he ran fast when winning a maiden special weight over 4½f on dirt at Keeneland on his only start.

Indeed, he ran only 0.36s (about two lengths) slower overall than his dam Lady Aurelia managed when debuting over the same course and distance seven years earlier, and was matching strides with her until after halfway. Lady Aurelia won the Queen Mary on her next start by seven lengths: a tough act to follow, but American Rascal has started off well!

ASADNA (105) owes his lofty position to a remarkable 12-length win at Ripon on his only appearance, when he ran significantly faster than two half-decent three-year-old winners on the same card. Sectionals show that he ran efficiently (23.91s final 2f, 98.8% finishing speed), whereas they did not, and nor did his rivals in the race itself. But he has to be at least useful to do what he did.

The only horse to have run out of the Ripon race is the runner-up, who was beaten nearly as far when down the back behind 93-rated BOBSLEIGH in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom. Asadna beat the clock, but not a lot else, by the look of it.

BARNWELL BOY (102) did a bit of both when winning at Goodwood on his only outing, posting one of the fastest juvenile times on record at the course and distance, while beating by four and a half lengths a rival who has gone one better since. Barnwell Boy deserves plenty of respect if he lines up for the Coventry.

MAXIMUM IMPACT (101) (unbeaten in two races, including at this course) and ANCIENT WISDOM (97) (slow overall time but fast finish when winning by five lengths at Haydock on his only start) are other British-trained colts with impressive credentials.

The Irish-trained males are strong in number, if a little behind in terms of achievement to date. Best of them is RIVER TIBER (104) , who beat nothing much on debut but did account for 92-rated TOURIST convincingly, and in a useful time, at Naas in May (third and fourth have run well/won since).

Many Aidan O’Brien-trained youngsters prove themselves fully for the first time at Royal Ascot, and two candidates to step up to the plate are JOHANNES BRAHMS (96) , who beat Tourist by half a length at Naas earlier in May, and the unraced DIEGO VELAZQUEZ , a £2.4m yearling and close relative of Broome and Point Lonsdale, who is the current favourite for the Chesham Stakes (2:30) on Saturday.

A couple of the Irish-trained fillies are further forward in relative terms. PORTA FORTUNA (102) and NAVASSA ISLAND (100) fought out the finish of a Group 3 at Naas in May, with the former briefly clear before holding on by a neck.

That was at a shortened 6f, with Porta Fortuna’s time comparing well with a Group 3 three-year-old winner on the same card and with River Tiber at shorter earlier on. Porta Fortuna is pretty good, and she might well cope with a return to the minimum trip in the Queen Mary if tried in that rather than the Albany.

Adjusting overall times in the light of how they were arrived at has continued to be difficult in Ireland due to the absence of sectionals and doubts about race distances. But official splits finally showed up at Leopardstown on June 8th, which accounts for why CONTENT (93) is rated ahead of two (the 90-rated BUTTONS and SERIOUS NOTIONS ) who finished in front of her that day.

We have had reliable sectionals at ATR tracks for several years now, and those sectionals speak highly of the wins of CARLA’S WAY (101) at Doncaster and BORN TO ROCK (97) at Yarmouth.

The former, an expensive Breeze-Up buy, ran remarkably fast overall and an eye-catching 23.45s for the final 2f (101.3% finishing speed) when beating STAR OF MYSTERY (94) and SERENE SERAPH (91) readily, and looks an Albany type.

The latter was almost as good when scoring by a wider margin (22.30s final 2f for 104.6% finishing speed), but the second, third and fourth have all been beaten since, with the first-named much further by Carla’s Way than she had been by Born To Rock.

JABAARA (95) and SOPRANO (94) figure at quite short prices for what could be a vintage Albany, and arrive with similar backgrounds having won at Newmarket on their only starts.

Jabaara took a race that had fallen to subsequent 1000 Guineas winners in the previous two years and flashed through the final 2f of six in 23.26s (107.9% finishing speed), while Soprano followed in the hoofprints of last year’s Queen Mary winner Dramatised and posted 22.95s (104.8% FS) at the minimum trip.

That said, both pieces of form look fairly useful, rather than better, in terms of those they beat.

CLASSIC FLOWER (96) has won at lowly Salon-de-Provence and Bordeaux, though the latter was by six lengths (race standard of 96) and with late splits equivalent to 22.32s (115.2% FS) in imperial terms. Whatever else, the daughter of Calyx has plenty of raw speed judged on that.

Declarations are some way off, as is precise knowledge of the ground conditions, the draw, and more besides. But, at this stage, I am most interested in Barnwell Boy for the Coventry, Porta Fortuna if she goes for the Queen Mary, Elite Status in the Norfolk, and Carla’s Way for the Albany.

What is for sure is that we should know a lot more about the elite two-year-olds in general at the end of the week than we did at the beginning!

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Royal Ascot 2024 Packages From London

TICKETS £125 

Stoke Travel is going to the races on Saturday June 22, 2024. Come and enjoy this day of regal horse racing with the best of London’s expat, traveller, and local community. Dress to impress, cause Charlie is going to want to see you at your sloppy, dapper best. Stoke Travel’s Royal Ascot 2024 tours are legendary, as we consistently get together the best bunch of good-looking rascals to enjoy a day at the races together.

Stoke Travel provides:

🚌 Private return  executive coach from London Victoria Station to Royal Ascot

🏇 Royal Ascot 2024 Windsor Enclosure tickets and entry

🍾 Pre-Ascot party with unlimited booze, and

🥩 BBQ lunch, and

🪕 Live music

London, England

June 24th 2023

Return Private Coach

Young at Heart Traveller 18+

Already booked? View your trip details

Royal Ascot 2024

This royal ascot package from london includes your windsor enclosure ticket, private pre-party with open bar, return executive coach  from london, full bbq lunch and flowing bar, live music, free entry to our after party and an awesome crew who love to party with you.

You know Stoke, we do culture and wild at the same time, the world’s best parties experienced while having as much fun as is humanly possible –  and this is no different! Royal Ascot is the one day we can dress to impress and be a little bit posh too. Join us on the party bus for Royal Ascot and you’ll be plied with bubbles and beer on the journey there. Once we arrive at the race-grounds we will head in to ensure we have a good spot to see the King, bet on the fillies, look as dapper as possible, etc. 

Royal Ascot is the United Kingdom’s most famous race meeting, it attracts the world’s finest racehorses and jockeys, all competing for over £5.5 million in prize money. The Queen attended every Race Meeting during her reign and now it’s King Charles’ time to take part in the Royal Procession at the start of every race. Running for five days, Royal Ascot is an event that is highly anticipated and has a huge social scene. It is known as an event where fashion thrives and where the outfits worn are talked about around the world.

A day at Royal Ascot with Stoke Travel

Meet us at our check-in and we’ll grab some professional photos of you all glammed up before jumping on our private buses bound for Ascot! Once we arrive you will be welcomed to the new Stoke Travel pre-Ascot Party. Here you will have a bbq lunch, live music and unlimited bar. Once you’ve lined your stomach we’ll grab a good spot on the grass where you can pop a bottle of bubbly and settle in. Wave at the King, place some bets and dance your heart out at the marquee with live music and DJs. After the races end we’ll jump back on those buses to London, and send those of you still standing off on your way to continue the party!

Doors open for check-in at Victoria Coach Station. Champagne breakfast? We won’t judge you.

Check-in closes – stragglers be warned! 

Buses depart – the journey to Ascot is roughly 90 minutes (depending on traffic), so strap in and mingle, check out the outfits, and get the party started with your new friends.

Enter straight into our exclusive pre-race picnic area, where you’ll be greeted with a glass of bubbles. Line your stomach with some lunch, be your best classy self in our wine and cheese tent, or let old habits die hard at our open bar with some accompanying live music. No matter how you choose to pre-party, make sure you can handle the 10-minute walk to the Windsor enclosure, where you’ll park up for the races (most people depart around 1:30).

2:00pm Royal Prosession

King goes around the racecourse waving to the crowd, did he catch your eye? Wave straight at you? Practice your royal wave to throw some House of Windsor signs back at him.

Race begins, have you placed your bets? Are you going to end the day richer? And not just experiences richer, but richer in pound-pound-bills, y’all. 

Race ends and the live entertainment begins. Take off your heels and undo your tie, this is the time when we boogie.

Buses depart Ascot, make sure you relieve yourself at exactly 7:29pm to comfortably endure the short trip back to the big smoke.

Buses arrive back in London, and those still standing are free to go party into the night! 

Ascot, england

Ascot Racecourse is a British racecourse, located in Ascot, Berkshire, England. This racecourse has been used for many years to hold many thoroughbred horse racing events. Ascot racecourse one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting nine of Britain’s 32 annual Group 1 horse races.

Check-in Venue

Victoria Coach Station

Elizabeth St,

London SW1W 9RH

Destination

Destination:

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What should I wear?

The dress code is pretty formal. In the Windsor Enclosure, there is no set dress code. A few don’ts: fancy dress, novelty, branded/promotional clothing and replica sports shirts are not allowed.

Do women need to wear a hat or fascinator to get in?

Officially you don’t need to, but it’s kind of considered rude not to.

Return private transfers from London with a crew of impeccably dressed fellow race goers

• Windsor Enclosure entrance ticket

Plenty of booze

Party atmosphere

Full BBQ lunch

• Return private coach from London to Royal Ascot (Pick up: Victoria Station)
• Pre-party at the racecourse with full BBQ lunch and unlimited beer, wine and cider

I’m used to the Stoke experience, but this was different. A little more fancy maybe. Loved the chance to dress up and act all royal, and even though the day didn’t end up like that, it was fun while it lasted.

We got frocked up and it felt fabulous! I’m not a gambler, but I had a little flutter, lost, but had a good time all the same. Couldn’t make the afterparty, but was a huge enough day without it. Next year I’ll trooper through. 

Ate my picnic box and drank the Prosecco on the bus there. Lol. Spent a bunch on more food and drinks, but that’s how these events go, and I actually won on the last race of the day and got all my money back, ticket included, and then some for even more drinks at the after party.

I’m a native Englishman living in Spain and the first time I’ve been to Royal Ascot – and the first time I’ve seen the Queen – was with Stoke Travel! Haha, that’s a bit embarrassing to admit. But the day was amazing, the people we went with will become friends for life, and I was able to be the “toff” of the group, which was mostly Aussies and Kiwis living in London. Good times, great people.

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Start Date: 2024-06-22 End Date: 2024-06-22

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Grand Racing Tours

Horseracing tours for horsemen and horselovers

FRANCE, ROYAL ASCOT, NEWMARKET & IRELAND TOUR 202 5

Royal Ascot is a race meeting like no other – five successive days of top class racing, high fashion and great food – topped off with the pageantry that attends the daily presence of HM The King. As always it’s the centrepiece of our tour but there’s much more to see and do on our 2025 tour.

Before Royal Ascot we will again be offering the opportunity of joining us for the optional first leg of the tour in Chantilly, France. We’ll explore the racing centre of Chantilly, visit stables of leading trainers and attend the Prix de Dianne (French Oaks) meeting. With the Great Stables in the backdrop and the nearby Chateau, both of which we will visit, Chantilly has to be the world’s most beautiful racecourse.

Then on to England by Eurostar train where we’ll attend days 1, 3 & 5 of Royal Ascot, leaving two free days between for lots of private sightseeing in London. But of course you may opt to also attend on days 2 or 4. Just let Geoff know so he can arrange the extra tickets.

Our Queen Anne Enclosure (Grandstand) entry tickets give us unfettered access to the parade ring area and the Queen Anne lawn on the track side of the grandstand.  We have great views of His Majesty arriving, the horses parading and the races. 

Then on to historic Newmarket, the home of horseracing, where we’ll spend 5 days and nights immersing ourselves in the 350 year old tradition of the training and breeding side of the Sport of Kings in its ancestral home.

Then last, but certainly not least, the Emerald Isle that is Ireland. More racing, including the Irish Derby, more studs and stables plus some fantastic sightseeing.

Geoff Richardson

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Sprinting division looks wide open and Harry Skelton is a good bet for the title - three things we learned this week

Three key takeaways from across the week . . .

Sprint scene ripe for a shake-up

It was an interesting Saturday for the sprinting division, with two Group 2s at Haydock, another at the Curragh and an intriguing Listed race at Salisbury.

There was no really dominant British-trained sprinter last year, prompting plenty of shocks – Khaadem won the Jubilee Stakes at 80-1, Live In The Dream the Nunthorpe at 28-1, and Art Power the Champions Sprint at 40-1. They weren't easy finds.

It meant there was space for a new dominant force to enter this season and, although that's impossible to pin down on the basis of Saturday, there were at least a few new names to enter the fray.

Inisherin was a striking winner of the Sandy Lane, while Kerdos might just be the sort of sprinter Clive Cox excels with, perhaps enough to land a Group 1 victory further down the line.

Mitbaahy hit new heights at the Curragh with a classic Jamie Spencer ride from the rear and remains relatively unexposed at six furlongs.

However, the sprinter who really caught the eye but whose performance will probably garner least attention was Raqiya , who travelled powerfully before asserting with more comfort than the neck margin suggests in the Cathedral Stakes.

The three-year-old daughter of Blue Point has no fancy entries, but it would not be the greatest surprise if Owen Burrows and Shadwell considered supplementing her for a top sprint in the coming months. She could be up to it. Matt Butler

2,000 Guineas form stacks up

Rosallion and Haatem put the 2,000 Guineas form to the test in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Saturday. 

Richard Hannon’s pair had finished second and third at Newmarket earlier this month and were in the thick of the action again, with Rosallion getting up in the shadow of the post to claim his second Group 1.

Rosallion and Haatem could renew rivalry in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, where they could attempt to reverse form with Newmarket winner Notable Speech.

The 2,000 Guineas form was further boosted with the victory of Inisherin in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes. Kevin Ryan’s colt had cut out much of the early running when sixth in the Guineas and relished the drop back to six furlongs at Haydock, pulling clear by an impressive three and three-quarter lengths under Tom Eaves.

The Sandy Lane is a strong trial for next month’s Commonwealth Cup. Quiet Reflection completed the double in 2016 and four of the next six winners went on to be placed in the Royal Ascot Group 1. And one of the other two went on to win the Wokingham at Royal Ascot.

Inisherin shot to the head of the betting for the Commonwealth Cup after his win, although he does need to be supplemented. Joe Eccles

Change of tack could see Skelton back on top

Seeing brother Dan get so close to a first trainers' championship last season may have added some extra fire to the belly of Harry Skelton, who looks to be giving himself every chance of regaining the jockeys' title he claimed in the Covid-stricken season of 2020-21.

Doubles at Huntingdon, Market Rasen and Hereford last week took the rider's tally in the championship to 14 winners, which he has achieved at an incredible 35 per cent strike-rate.

That looks a sign of intent and a complete change of tack from the last campaign, when Skelton didn't have his first ride until August and hadn't accumulated the same number of rides (40) until midway through October.

Last season's runner-up Sean Bowen is sure to make a bold bid but has managed only half (nine) the number of winners he achieved in May last year, while Harry Cobden is unlikely to go searching for as many rides as he did to win the title. So 12-1 about Skelton winning a second championship could look big if he keeps this up through the summer.

He has already shown he has what it takes to be champion and will not fear putting in the hard yards – he had 240 rides in March and April when winning in 2021. His rivals may have a hard time stopping him. Harry Wilson

Read these next:

Derby contender Ambiente Friendly impresses in Newmarket gallop but Robert Havlin expresses ground concerns ahead of Epsom  

Electric Rosallion tees up Notable Speech rematch with thrilling Irish 2,000 Guineas win over stablemate Haatem  

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Published on 26 May 2024 in What We Learned

Last updated 17:00, 26 May 2024

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Last orders! Ascot revellers look worse for wear as they ditch their heels and stock up on snacks after a day of boozing

• The first day of Royal Ascot 2023 came to a close after hours of partying 
• READ MORE:  Hats off to the races! Zara Tindall leads the glamour alongside Una Healy and Charlotte Hawkins as glamorous racegoers don VERY big fascinators and high heels for the first day of Royal Ascot 

By Melody Fletcher For Mailonline

Published: 03:49 EDT, 21 June 2023 | Updated: 03:50 EDT, 21 June 2023

View comments

Ascot revellers looked a little worse for wear as the first day of the racing festival wrapped up last night - while for some, the party was just getting started.

Racegoers dressed in all their finery were spotted stocking up on evening snacks, taking some time out with a cigarette and having a little lie-down on the pavement.

However for some, the party looked set to go on all night as they were spotted carrying drinks as the sun set on the Berkshire racecourse.

Some well-dressed ladies among the stylish guests were spotted taking a stoop on the kerb to change out of their heels and into their flat shoes before making the journey back home.

And for one reveller, the walk back home was a little too much to bear - so her strapping pal instead hurled her over his shoulders.

A long day comes to an end: This young woman, who perhaps couldn't face the journey home barefoot was carried out of the racecourse on Day One of Royal Ascot

The exhausted revellers made their way home after a thrilling first day of Royal Ascot 2023, where racegoers put their best feet forward in stunning outfits to enjoy the day.

And the festival was given the royal touch as members of the royal family arrived and took part in a procession in King Charles's first as Monarch.

Royal family members spotted at the Berkshire racecourse included racing-mad Princess Anne and Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and King Charles and Queen Camilla.

As part of this year's festival, organisers paid tribute to Ascot's 'biggest fan', Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last September. 

After developing a love and passion for horse racing throughout her 70-year reign, the late monarch only missed one Royal Ascot event in seven decades, which was last year.

This young woman, who had taken off her heels at the end of the day, appeared to be somewhat overwhelmed by the day's festivities

Stocking up! This gentleman, who had added a fetching fascinator to his outfit at some point during the day, thought ahead on his way home and picked up some crisps for the journey

This young reveller, sporting a stylish white ruffled fascinator, took a final sip from a bottle of what appeared to be tonic water

Just a little pit-stop... this reveller laid down on the pavement and took off her headband while she enjoyed a cigarette

Home-time! These stylish revellers still looked glamorous as they exited the racecourse on their way home, although the boys' ties had come loose

This woman took a rest on the kerb as she sat in her zebra-print flat shoes, while her discarded heels were beside her

This woman, who sported a chic pink midi dress with a frilled hem and jazzy mule heels, appeared exhausted as she left the course

A sweet moment was captured as two revellers put their arms around each other and headed home

Another round please! This racegoer gestured towards her empty glass, perhaps suggesting she'd like another, as the sun set on day one of the races

Drink up! This reveller finished her mini bottle of prosecco as the fun and festivities of day one came to a close

This year, Royal Ascot has paid tribute via renaming a race in the late Queen's honour. The Platinum Jubilee Stakes, a six-furlong sprint which is staged on the Saturday of Ascot's five day meeting, will from now on be known as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Queen Elizabeth II had 24 winners in total, having been a keen racehorse owner, with her final triumph coming by way of Tactical in the Windsor Castle Stakes three years ago.

Choir Boy raced home as her first ever winner during the 1953 Royal Hunt Cup, which occurred during the same week of Her Late Majesty's coronation at Westminster Abbey.

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