Royal Ascot 2025 runs from Tuesday 17 June to Saturday 21 June, drawing over 300,000 racegoers to Ascot Racecourse for five days of exceptional racing, royal tradition and high fashion. With eight Group 1 races, international contenders and a royal runner making headlines, this year’s meeting promises to be both emotional and exhilarating.

The spotlight this year falls firmly on King Charles III, who continues Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy with a standout homebred entry. The media has dubbed it the King Charles gamble — and it’s generating strong betting interest ahead of Day One.

Tuesday 17 June – Royal Opening and the King’s Bold Bet

Royal Ascot 2025 opens with a full parade of prestige. The Royal Procession returns at 2pm sharp, with King Charles and Queen Camilla expected to lead the daily pageantry. Tuesday offers some of the most anticipated Group races of the week, and this year’s royal storyline adds emotional depth to the day.

A key moment is the entry of Desert Hero, bred by Queen Elizabeth II and now representing her son in the Ascot Stakes. Already popular with patriotic punters, the horse could become the story of the week.

Main races:

• Queen Anne Stakes (2:30pm) – Seasoned milers Rosallion, Facteur Cheval and Maljoom clash in the opener.
• Coventry Stakes (3:05pm) – Leading juvenile sprinters line up, including the exciting Whistlejacket.
• King Charles III Stakes (3:40pm) – Speedsters Big Evs and Regional top the field in this renamed sprint feature.
• St James’s Palace Stakes (4:20pm) – Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Rosallion looks for more Group 1 glory.
• Ascot Stakes (5:00pm) – The centrepiece of the King Charles gamble, with Desert Hero aiming to deliver a royal win.

Wednesday 18 June – Middle-Distance Majesty

Wednesday is traditionally the most international day of the meeting, attracting runners from around the world. The centrepiece is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a Group 1 test over ten furlongs that often showcases horses with international ambitions.

Main races:

• Queen Mary Stakes (2:30pm) – American trainer Wesley Ward brings Ultima Grace, who is expected to challenge for honours.
• Queen’s Vase (3:05pm) – A key trial for stayers, with Illinois heading the market.
• Prince of Wales’s Stakes (4:20pm) – A top-class field including Inspiral, Adayar, and Dubai Honour.
• Royal Hunt Cup (5:00pm) – One of the toughest handicaps to solve, with over 30 runners charging down the straight mile.

Thursday 19 June – Ladies’ Day and the Gold Cup

Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot 2025 is a British summer tradition, combining elite fashion with the most prestigious staying race of the season: the Gold Cup. It’s a day of long distances and long-standing rivalries.

With the fashion spotlight on racegoers in the Royal Enclosure, the action on the course remains just as dramatic. A resurgent Kyprios looks to reclaim his crown in the week’s longest and most demanding contest.

Main races:

• Ribblesdale Stakes (3:05pm) – For three-year-old fillies stepping up in distance; Rubies Are Red is a strong contender.
• Gold Cup (4:20pm) – The race of the day; Kyprios faces off with Coltrane and new French challenger Double Major.
• Britannia Stakes and Hampton Court Stakes add depth to the card with competitive handicaps.

Friday 20 June – Rising Stars and Classic Rematches

Day Four turns the spotlight on top three-year-old fillies and sprinters. The Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes take centre stage, offering explosive speed and Guineas rematches. It’s a day known for its competitive betting and future champions.

Main races:

• Albany Stakes (2:30pm) – Two-year-old fillies with early season form lines converge.
• Commonwealth Cup (3:40pm) – Highly anticipated sprint for three-year-olds, with Inisherin and Elite Statusamong the favourites.
• Coronation Stakes (4:20pm) – 1,000 Guineas winner Elmalka renews her rivalry with French star Ramatuelle.

Saturday 21 June – Final Flourish and Global Glory

The final day brings a fast-paced conclusion to the festival. International sprinters target the Jubilee Stakes, and attention turns to future stars in the Chesham Stakes. The traditional Queen Alexandra Stakes, the longest race of the British flat season, closes the meeting.

Main races:

• Chesham Stakes (2:30pm) – Juvenile prospects with Derby and Oaks pedigrees often emerge here.
• Jubilee Stakes (4:20pm) – Global Group 1 sprint with entries from Australia, France and the UK including Kinross, Art Power, and Asfoora.
• Hardwicke Stakes, Wokingham Stakes, and Queen Alexandra Stakes round out a competitive final card.

The Royal Connection

King Charles III’s presence is expected throughout the week, marking a new chapter in royal racing tradition. With Desert Hero carrying the monarch’s colours, Tuesday’s Ascot Stakes could prove a defining moment in his early legacy as a racehorse owner — a true King Charles gamble that blends legacy, sentiment, and sport.