Royal Ascot Event Guide
Horse racing fans have one of the most exciting racing festivals to watch this week, as Royal Ascot welcomes hundreds of thousands of patrons to its iconic grounds. Founded in 1711, the Ascot Racecourse hosts 26 days of racing over a calendar year. This week, it’s time for the Royal Meeting which takes place in June every year and always offers surprises.
The festival begins on Tuesday, June 18th at 2:30 pm with the Queen Anne Stakes. There are five days of racing to enjoy this week with seven events on each day. That leaves racing fans with 35 races to bet on. We have created a betting guide to help you with your Royal Ascot predictions.
Royal Ascot Schedule and Race Times
There are five days of racing starting this week at Royal Ascot. The festivities begin on Tuesday at 2:30 pm and continue until the seventh event at 6:15 pm. Each event has certain entry requirements, including age and sex restrictions for the runners. However, that does not subtract from the excitement. Below is a full list of the various races taking place this week, including the prize fund and distance.
Royal Ascot - Tuesday, June 18th
| Time | Race Name | Prize Fund | Age | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) | £750,000 | 4+ | 1 Mile |
| 15:05 | Coventry Stakes (Group 2) | £175,000 | 2 | 6 Furlongs |
| 15:45 | King Charles III Stakes (Group 1) | £650,000 | 3+ | 5 Furlongs |
| 16:25 | St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1) | £650,000 | 3 Colts | Old Mile |
| 17:05 | Ascot Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 4+ | 2m, 4f |
| 17:40 | Wolferton Stakes (Listed) | £120,000 | 4+ | 1m, 2f |
| 18:15 | Copper Horse Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 4+ | 1m, 6f |
Royal Ascot - Wednesday, June 19th
| Time | Race Name | Prize Fund | Age | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) | £150,000 | 2 Fillies | 5 Furlongs |
| 15:05 | Queen’s Vase (Group 2) | £265,000 | 3 | 1m, 6f |
| 15:45 | Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) | £225,000 | 4+ Fillies & Mares | Old Mile |
| 16:25 | Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) | £1,000,000 | 4+ | 1m, 2f |
| 17:05 | Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) | £175,000 | 3+ | Straight Mile |
| 17:40 | Kensington Palace Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 4+ Fillies & Mares | Straight Mile |
| 18:15 | Windsor Castle Stakes | £110,000 | 2 | 5 Furlongs |
Royal Ascot - Thursday, June 20th
| Time | Race Name | Prize Fund | Age | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) | £150,000 | 2 | 5 Furlongs |
| 15:05 | King George V Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) | £110,000 | 3 | 1m, 4f |
| 15:45 | Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) | £250,000 | 3 Fillies | 1m, 4f |
| 16:25 | The Gold Cup (Group 1) | £650,000 | 4+ | 2m, 4f |
| 17:05 | Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) | £120,000 | 3 Colts & Geldings | Straight Mile |
| 17:40 | Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) | £150,000 | 3 | 1m, 2f |
| 18:15 | Buckingham Palace Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 3+ | 7 Furlongs |
Royal Ascot - Friday, June 21st
| Time | Race Name | Prize Fund | Age | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Albany Stakes (Group 3) | £125,000 | 2 Fillies | 6 Furlongs |
| 15:05 | The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) | £650,000 | 3 Colts & Fillies | 6 Furlongs |
| 15:45 | The Coronation Stakes (Group 1) | £650,000 | 3 Fillies | Round Mile |
| 16:25 | Duke of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 3+ | 1m, 4f |
| 17:05 | Sandringham Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 3 Fillies | Straight Mile |
| 17:40 | King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) | £250,000 | 3 Colts & Geldings | 1m, 4f |
| 18:15 | Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 3 | 5 Furlongs |
Royal Ascot - Saturday, June 22nd
| Time | Race Name | Prize Fund | Age | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Chesham Stakes (Listed) | £110,000 | 2 | 7 Furlongs |
| 15:05 | Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) | £250,000 | 4+ | 1m, 4f |
| 15:45 | Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) | £1,000,000 | 4+ | 6 Furlongs |
| 16:25 | Jersey Stakes (Group 3) | £150,000 | 3 | 7 Furlongs |
| 17:05 | Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) | £175,000 | 3+ | 6 Furlongs |
| 17:40 | Golden Gates Stakes Handicap (Class 2) | £110,000 | 3 | 1m, 2f |
| 18:15 | Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions) (Class 2) | £110,000 | 4+ | 2m, 6f |
Betting on the Royal Ascot is a lot of fun, but you don’t have to predict each race. Instead, only bet on the races with favourable odds and ensure you do not stake more than you can afford to lose.
Royal Ascot Predictions
There are 35 races to enjoy this week, but some events stand out. Thanks to a combination of the runners and prize pots, there are eight fantastic main events to watch. That includes famous races like the Gold Cup on Thursday and two races with a prize fund of one million pounds. In the sections below, we look at every major race at Royal Ascot this June to help you with your horse bets throughout the week.
The Going is: Good to Firm, Good in places
Watering: Watering 5mm on Straight Course this morning, will water 5mm on Round Course tonight.
Weather:
1.4mm rain recorded over the past 24 hours to 8am Monday. 8.2mm rain recorded over the past 7 days to 8am Monday.
The forecast…— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 17, 2024
Queen Anne Stakes Prediction: Facteur Cheval
The first race of the Royal Ascot Meeting looks like a two-horse race. The co-favourites for this event are Charyn and Facteur Cheval, both worth 3/1 at our online betting site. Jockeyed by Maxime Guyon, Facteur Cheval will fancy improving on the second-place finish to Big Rock in October at Ascot. Since then, the horse has competed in one race in Meydan (UAE) and won in a field of 16. Dubai and Ascot offer very different racing conditions, but we have confidence that Facteur Cheval is the one to bet on in this race.
Big Rock is an attractive option for betting each way, having won at Ascot as recently as October. Many racing fans will turn to Audience for the lucrative returns, especially after beating the co-favourite, Charyn at Newbury in May. Our last pick for betting each way is on Docklands. The horse jockeyed by Hayley Turner has seen two victories at Ascot in the last 12 months. Taking first in a race in soft conditions in May followed by a win in a field of 29 in good to firm going on June 22nd. Docklands might not challenge the leaders, but a top-five or four finish is on the cards.
King Charles III Stakes Prediction: Big Evs
The King Charles III race begins at 3:45 on Tuesday. Our horse racing prediction is for Big Evs, the co-favourite of the event with odds worth 4/1. The horse trained by Michael Appleby has won three races on the trot and five races in 12 months, including a win at Ascot last June. Big Evs won in a field of 23 in good to firm going, just like the conditions this year. The only blot on an otherwise phenomenal record is a 14th place in York last August.
There are 17 horses in the field, and punters will also have a keen eye on Regional. This horse has picked up three wins the past year but recently came second in Curragh. We think a top-four finish is likely, but not very profitable. Instead, Valiant Force and Crimson Advocate won at Ascot last June. Both horses could be worth a punt this week, but Crimson Advocate at 16/1 offers great value, especially after winning in firm going this May.
St James’s Palace Stakes Prediction: Notable Speech
Trained by Charlie Appleby, Notable Speech is the bookies’ favourite. At our online betting site, you can back Notable Speech to win with odds of 1/1. It is the most likely outcome given that the horse has participated in four events in 2024, winning them all by a length or more. The second favourite, Rosallion, is also an option, having finished second to Notable Speech at Newmarket, this May. Rosallion was no match that day but could be closer this time around.
As far as betting each way goes, there are several fantastic options. The field is littered with race winners, including Henry Longfellow, who has three victories in four races. Darlinghurst is even more appealing with four wins since January. However, our pick is Almaqam at 20/1. The horse is a long shot and only has three races’ worth of experience. With two wins in as many races, the colt has a fantastic chance to challenge the leaders. Bet cautiously on this market as this step might be one race too soon for Almaqam.
Prince of Wales’s Stakes: Inspiral
Inspiral has the best chance of winning the big race on Wednesday at 4:25 pm. The horse has only raced once in 2024, a fourth-place finish at Newbury in good going. Before that, Inspiral was on a three-win streak in firm and good-to-firm conditions. Jockey Kieran Shoemark will hope to one-up Frankie Dettori who rode Inspiral to second place at Ascot last June.
Many punters will look to bet on Auguste Rodin to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. As the bookies’ favourite, the horse jockeyed by Ryan Moore will be a popular choice. However, the horse has two last-place finishes in 12 months, including finishing tenth at Ascot last July. Instead, we like Alflaila for betting each way, having ridden well in good to firm going in 2022. The horse doe does not have race experience in 2024 but could be a surprise contender for a top-three finish.
And now, the moment we've been eagerly awaiting—confirmations for the Gold Cup at #RoyalAscot. Kyprios is set to defend his crown next Thursday, facing up to 11 rivals, including: Gregory, Coltrane, Vauban, and Caius Chorister. Who will win your applause? #HorseRacing #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/E7wQLWhDhc
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 14, 2024
The Gold Cup Prediction: Kyprios
The Gold Cup offers incredible excitement every year, but there is more than a chance Kyprios retains the crown. Jockeyed by Ryan Moore, the horse has an incredible record since September 2022, picking up four wins and two runners-up positions. The firmer conditions could trouble Kyprios, but it has the pedigree to win this race by a length.
Gregory was a tantalising option, having won the Queen’s Vase at Ascot last June. However, we are backing Vauban to finish second. The horse, trained by W P Mullins, also has a 2023 Ascot win in June. Both Gregory and Vauban make for safe bets each way, yet they have struggled in recent races. Trawlerman won at Ascot in October and Coltrane is on the up. Anything can happen during a Gold Cup race, but our horse racing prediction only sees one winner, Kyprios.
Commonwealth Cup Prediction: Inisherin
The Commonwealth Cup is for 3-year-old colts and fillies that have a BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at noon on Friday. That means the field is subject to change based on who makes the cut. Inisherin is the clear favourite for horse betting fans having won two races in 2024. There was a poor performance between these two wins at Newmarket where jockey Tom Eaves took the lead too early and fell away to sixth. However, both jockey and horse will be better prepared for Royal Ascot.
The next most likely runners in the field have issues with consistency, either finishing in first or last. However, the River Tiber caught our eye after winning the Coventry Stakes race at Ascot last year. A repeat is not out of the question, but betting each way feels like the safest bet. Starlust is another runner with a chance this week. Out of the top five in the field, trainer Ralph Beckett has put in the most consistent performances. There are plenty of long shots in this field and they can’t all work out. Betting on Pandora’s Gift would be an enormous gamble, especially if the horse does not make the field on race day.
Coronation Stakes Predictions: Elmalka
The second big race on Friday is another with specific rules which could see the field change drastically between now and a couple of hours before race day. Currently, we are backing Elmalka after a powerful performance at Newmarket in early May. Jockey Silvestre de Sousa was in the saddle last time, completing a remarkable charge from last to first to claim a win in a field of 16. This Friday, James Doyle is poised to capitalise on a young and impressive horse.
Opera Singer should be amongst the top finishers in this race, even if we back Elmalka to cross the line first. The horse trained by A P O’Brien has finished in the top three in every race since July 2023. Devoted Queen is worth betting each way, having won three in a row since October. The field could stretch up to 20 for this race, which would work against the Charlie Appleby-trained horse. Depending on how many horses declare for this race should drastically change your approach. This is certainly a horse race to bet cautiously in advance. Waiting until race day or placing live bets could be the best way forward.
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes Prediction: Shartash
The final big race at the Royal Ascot Meeting is looking like a thrilling event. Our racing prediction is for Shartash to take the win. The horse trained by Archie Watson has won two races this year in style. The most recent victory came in good to firm conditions at Haydock where Shartash won by a neck. There is every chance this race could be as tight, seeing as we have 16 horses lined up and a maximum field size of 28.
Horses like Mill Stream and Kinross have the potential to win this race. However, both have struggled to perform at Ascot, recording an eighth and seventh-place finish last year. A lot can change before the final big race in a five-day festival, but if you are betting each way, look at Khaadem. Khaadem raced poorly in May but won at Ascot last year in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Backing former winners can be tough, but a top-five finish is on the cards for trainer Charles Hills with Ryan Moore in the saddle.
Royal Ascot Betting Tips
Betting on the Royal Ascot Meeting is a lot of fun as there are 35 events to enjoy. As seasoned horse racing fans, allow us to share some horse racing betting tips to help you avoid bad wagers this week.
- Budget Each Day: If you are serious about horse racing, you know that having a budget and sticking to it is vital. Whether on a winning streak or losing, ensuring you do not gamble more than you originally intended is vital to enjoying the racing. Do not get carried away.
- Check Every Event: The field and the declared runners will change throughout the week. Ensure you stay updated with the latest horse racing news before betting on any event. Whether the favourite drops out or a new challenger enters, you need to be mindful before locking in any bets early.
- Don’t Bet on Every Race: As we have mentioned, there are 35 races in five days. That does not mean you must make 35 wagers between now and Saturday. The best way to enjoy horse racing is to examine the entire field before deciding on a runner. You can keep the cash in your pocket if the horse has low returns. Sometimes betting €20 on a “sure thing” is not worth the risk or rewards.
- Shop Around: When betting on horse racing events, you have more options than you might think. One is to bet each way, meaning you could still win your bet if your horse comes in the top four positions. Take your time when placing your bet, as patience often pays.
Royal Ascot Dates
The Royal Ascot Meeting in June starts Tuesday the 18th at 2:30 pm. The next race is at 3:05, followed by 3:45, 4:25, 5:05, 5:40, and 6:15 pm each day. From Tuesday, June 18 until Saturday, June 22, the race times and number of events stay the same each day. While there can be delays to start procedures, events at Ascot often take place like clockwork. Whether it’s the royal presence or just fantastic scheduling, most races will take place bang on the start time and not a moment sooner.
