A Beginner’s Guide to Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot 2025
If you’re heading to the UK in June and love high class horse racing, fashion, and a bit of pageantry, Royal Ascot is must-see. This isn’t just a race meet, it’s a five-day spectacle where royalty, punters, and fashionistas come together in British style.
Think Melbourne Cup or The Everest Carnival, but with more tradition, stricter dress codes, and a touch of the monarchy.
The Royal Procession
Each day begins with the Royal Procession at as close to 2pm as possible, when the King and Queen along with members of the royal family arrive in horse-drawn carriages down the Straight Mile. Accompanied by the national anthem and the raising of the Royal Standard, it’s a uniquely British way to kick off the day’s action.
18 Group Races
Over 450 horses race across the week, competing for more than $AUD 15 million in prize money. There are 18 Group races of which eight of them are Group 1s. The meeting is watched by millions around the globe and is top-tier racing at its best. In Australia you can watch the action on Sky Racing.
In Summary – the key races you need to know:
Tuesday
The week starts with a bang with the Queen Anne Stakes, King Charles III Stakes, and the St James’s Palace Stakes.
Wednesday
The prestigious Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
Thursday
All eyes turn to the Gold Cup. This is a 2 ½ mile test of stamina and the week’s oldest and most iconic race. It’s also “Ladies Day”, where fashion takes centre stage.
Friday
Features the Coronation Stakes and Commonwealth Cup.
Saturday
A recent addition to the meeting, this is a more relaxed day, headlined by the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Royal Ascot History
Royal Ascot began in 1768, but the format we know today really came together in 1807 with the inaugural Gold Cup. The event has been tied to the royal family ever since, and aside from a one-off move to York in 2005 as Ascot was having a major face lift, it’s been held at the same track for over 250 years.
Where to Watch
There are four main enclosures, each offering a different experience and varying dress expectations.
Royal Enclosure, the most exclusive. Entry requires an invite and a sponsor who’s attended for at least four years. The dress code is very strict: morning suits and top hats for men; dresses and wide-brimmed hats for women.
Queen Anne Enclosure, the premier public area. You will be close to the action, including the parade ring and trackside lawns. Men wear suits and ties; women need to wear formal daywear and a hat or fascinator.
Village Enclosure. This is open from Thursday to Saturday and located in the middle of the track. It’s social, stylish, and has a slightly more relaxed dress code.
Windsor Enclosure by far the most casual spot, perfect for any of you first-timers or those just wanting a more relaxing day. There is no formal dress code, but smart casual is encouraged. It also offers the first view of the Royal Procession.
Tips for Aussies
Expect Pimms over pints of beer, there’s plenty of people-watching, and a while level of British tradition, including an old-fashioned singsong at the end of each day. If you’re an Aussie planning to visit, dress up, place your bets, and prepare for a racing experience like no other.
Understanding UK Horse Racing Form Guides
- 1 furlong is about 200 metres.
- 1 mile is about 1600 metres.
- Horses in the Northern Hemisphere have their birthdays on 1st January.
- Horses in the Southern Hemisphere have their birthdays on 1st August.
- C stands for colts which are male horses.
- G stands for geldings which are male horses without their ‘crown jewels’
- F stands for fillies. This is a female horse which is either a 2- or 3-year-old.
- M stand for mares. This is a female horse which is 4 years old or older.
Please remember to think before you bet. Stay in control, set limits, and seek support if gambling is no longer fun. Head to https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ if you require help.