Royal Ascot: Britain’s Most Glamorous Horse Racing Week Kicks Off!
Over 300,000 race fans will storm Berkshire from June 14 to 18 for the iconic Royal Ascot. Known worldwide for its royal ties and top-tier competition, this five-day meet features 35 races, including a blockbuster eight Group 1 contests. Here’s your quick guide to the must-watch fixtures and hot tips heading into the festivities.
Tuesday’s St. James’ Palace Stakes – One Mile, Three-Year-Old Colts
This tight, mile-long sprint is where future star milers shine. Pinatubo, once dubbed “Pinaturbo” for his blistering pace, narrowly missed out in 2020 behind Palace Pier. Expect stiff competition this year from elite entries including 2000 Guineas contenders Luxembourg, Eydon, Native Trail, and Coroebus. The Godolphin blue-blooded Coroebus and Native Trail are early favourites, with plenty of seasoned talent ready to pounce.
Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes – £400k Prize on the Line
Just shy of 1 mile 2 furlongs, this Group 1 race is anyone’s game. Last year’s winner Love, trained by Aidan O’Brien, returns aiming to defend her crown after a stellar season boasting wins at Epsom and Yorkshire Oaks. Baaeed, the star performer from the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes, could also feature heavily, but he may target the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday instead.
Thursday’s Ascot Gold Cup – Stradivarius’ Farewell?
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori hinted this might be a fitting goodbye for the 21-year-old wonder horse Stradivarius. With five Ascot wins under his belt and a commanding Gold Cup victory by ten lengths in 2020, Stradivarius remains a powerhouse on the 2-mile 4-furlong turf. Fresh from a recent Group triumph at York, expect him to take the lead if the ground stays firm.
Friday’s Coronation Stakes – The Battle of the Females
All eyes on Inspiral, the unbeaten powerhouse in Cheveley Park Stud colours. Skipping the Irish 1000 Guineas, the Gosden-trained filly targets glory at Ascot after a strong showing in the French 1000 Guineas. Meanwhile, Newmarket’s 1000 Guineas champ Cachet will challenge over 7 furlongs, but Inspiral’s flawless record makes her the one to beat.
Saturday’s Platinum Jubilee Stakes – Sprint Showdown
Highfield Princess looks set to roar in this 6-furlong dash. The five-year-old mare, fresh from a Group 2 win at the Duke of York Stakes, has previous Ascot success at the Buckingham Palace Stakes. She’s a frontrunner in a fiercely competitive sprint that caps off a thrilling week.
Royal Ascot promises breathtaking action, with big stakes and even bigger reputations on the line. Stay tuned to see which horses will storm the turf and who will wear the crown this June!
