ASCOT racecourse boasts a rich and famous history after it was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne.
Although the Berkshire track hosts events throughout the year, Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of these and thousands will scramble for tickets once again this year so they can watch the five-day event unfold in June.
From the famous Gold Cup to the Royal Procession, a trip to Ascot is a must for all race fanatics.
Here is all the information you need ahead of the highly-anticipated event this year.
What is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot is a five-day horse racing meeting which continues to attract the world's best horses from around the world to compete for a shot of glory.
The Queen has attended every Royal Meeting during her reign and is introduced to the thousands in attendance by a horse-drawn carriage with the Royal procession taking place at the start of each race day.
30 races are scheduled across five days of action opening with the Queen Anne Stakes, named after the founder of the racecourse.
When is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot takes place in June every year.
This year, the opening day will be Tuesday 18 June and will last everyday until Saturday 22 June with six races scheduled per day.
How much are tickets for Royal Ascot?
Tickets for the event are highly-sought after and don't come cheap.
Prices vary depending on the enclosure with the cheapest starting at £37 for the Windsor Enclosure while the Queen Anne Enclosure will set you back £77.
For all ticket prices click here.
When is Ladies Day at Royal Ascot?
Ladies Day is on Thursday 20 June and remains one of the most popular days to visit.
It is known as the world's most glamorous racing day with thousands turning up in their best attire and array of hats.
What is the Royal Ascot dress code?
If you are lucky enough to be in the Royal Enclosure, formal daywear is essential. For ladies dresses and skirts should be of modest length falling just above the knee or longer.
Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.
Trouser suits are welcome and hats should be worn.
For males they must wear a waistcoast and tie, a black or grey top hat and plain black shoes, WITH socks!
For the Queen Anne enclosure and Windsor Enclosure males must wear suits and socks must be worn whilst ladies should dress formal with a hat.
How can I watch Royal Ascot?
The whole of Royal Ascot will be broadcast on Sky Sports Racing.
ITV will also broadcast some of the racing, these times will be confirmed closer to the event.
What races are run at Royal Ascot?
Tuesday, June 18th:
- 2:30 – The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
- 3:05 – The Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
- 3:40 – The King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1)
- 4:20 – The St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)
- 5:00 – The Ascot Stakes (Handicap)
- 5:35 – The Wolferton Rated Stakes (Listed)
Wednesday, June 19th:
- 2:30 – The Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
- 3:05 – The Queen’s Vase (Group 2)
- 3:40 – The Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)
- 4:20 – The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)
- 5:00 – The Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)
- 5:35 – The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
Thursday, June 20th:
- 2:30 – The Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
- 3:05 – The Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
- 3:40 – The Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
- 4:20 – The Gold Cup (Group 1)
- 5:00 – The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
- 5:35 – The King George V Stakes (Handicap)
Friday, June 21st:
- 2:30 – The Albany Stakes (Group 3)
- 3:05 – The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)
- 3:40 – The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)
- 4:20 – The Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
- 5:00 – The Sandringham Stakes (Listed) (Handicap)
- 5:35 – The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)
Saturday, June 22nd:
- 2:30 – The Chesham Stakes (Listed)
- 3:05 – The Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
- 3:40 – The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
- 4:20 – The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
- 5:00 – The Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
- 5:35 – The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions)
How do I get to Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot is situated around 50 minute drive from London.
If travelling from the capital and the north take junction 6 on the M4 onto the A332 and follow signs.
From the west take junction 10 off the M4 and then onto the A329.
From the south and east, take junction 3 off the M3 and then onto the A332.
From the midlands take junction 4 on the M40 southbound and then the A404 towards the M4. Leave junction 6 on the M4 onto the A332.
By Rail – South West Trains runs a frequent service to Ascot from both Reading and London Waterloo.
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