Royal Ascot 2026 – The World’s Most Prestigious Horse Racing Festival

Royal Ascot 2026 returns to Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, from 16–20 June 2026, bringing together the finest racehorses, jockeys, trainers, owners, and racing fans from around the world. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of British flat racing, Royal Ascot combines elite sport, royal tradition, fashion, and pageantry unlike any other racing event.

A Tradition Dating Back Over 300 Years

Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, Royal Ascot has grown into Britain’s most famous horse racing festival. More than three centuries later, the event remains closely associated with the British Royal Family, who attend throughout the week and participate in the famous Royal Procession before racing each day.

Royal Ascot 2026 at a Glance

• Dates: 16–20 June 2026
• Venue: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England
• Duration: Five days
• Total Races: 35 races
• Group 1 Races: Eight
• Attendance: Approximately 300,000 racegoers
• International runners from Britain, Ireland, France, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, the United States, and other major racing nations.

Feature Races of Royal Ascot 2026

Tuesday – Opening Day

• Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
• King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)
• St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)

Wednesday

• Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)

Thursday – Gold Cup Day

• Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1)

Friday

• Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
• Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)

Saturday

• Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
• Wokingham Stakes