The Royal Ascot horse racing meeting is scheduled from June 16 to 20, 2026, at Ascot Racecourse in England. The event will host 35 races over five days, including eight Group 1 races, showcasing top international competition [1, 2].
Royal Ascot draws more than 250,000 spectators annually and is broadcast worldwide [1, 2]. It traces its history back over 300 years, having been founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. The event maintains strong royal patronage, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla expected to attend, arriving in traditional landaus pulled by Windsor Greys [1, 2].
Highlights include the King Charles III Stakes (1,000m) and the Queen Anne Stakes (1,600m) on opening day, June 16. The Prince of Wales's Stakes (2,000m) will run on June 17, followed by the oldest race of the meeting, the Gold Cup (4,000m), on June 18. The Commonwealth Cup (1,200m) for three-year-olds takes place June 19, and the meeting concludes June 20 with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1,200m) for sprinters aged four and older [1, 2].
The event sees international entrants from France, Japan, Australia, the United States, Denmark, Norway, and the Czech Republic. Marquee competitors include Arc winner Daryz, two-time Grade 1 winner Satono Reve, Australian speedsters Overpass and Joliestar, plus runners trained by US horseman Wesley Ward [1, 2].
Royal Ascot's five-day schedule combines tradition and top-level racing, with daily feature races that attract global attention. The meeting will begin Tuesday, June 16, setting the stage for a high-profile summer series of contests at Ascot Racecourse [1, 2].