Royal Ascot

Publication date: 15 August 2025

Royal Ascot Horse Racing (also known as the Ascot Gold Cup) is the most famous horse racing event in the world. Held annually since 1711 at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, Royal Ascot combines top-level sporting competition, prestigious races, and British royal tradition.

Royal Ascot 2026

In 2026, the legendary Royal Ascot festival will take place from June 16 to June 20. The historic Ascot Racecourse will once again host the event, bringing together the best racehorses and jockeys from around the world. These five days of horse racing are more than a sporting event—they are a symbol of British elegance, style, and royal etiquette.

Each day of racing begins with the royal procession, as members of the royal family parade around the racecourse in horse-drawn carriages. Following this are the prestigious Royal Ascot races, featuring the finest racehorses from Europe and beyond. The highlight of the week is Thursday, the famous Ladies’ Day, featuring the iconic Ascot Gold Cup.

Dress code at Ascot Gold Cup

Royal Ascot enforces a strict dress code: ladies wear elegant dresses and hats, while gentlemen wear suits or even morning coats, especially in the Royal Enclosure. Guests can choose from different areas, from the festive Village to the premium grandstands with exclusive services.

Royal Ascot 2026 represents a perfect blend of horse racing, British sophistication, and high society. For anyone wishing to experience a true aristocratic celebration, this event is unmissable.

History of Royal Ascot

The history of royal horse racing began in 1711 when Queen Anne selected a plot of land in Berkshire for the first Royal Ascot races. On August 11, the inaugural meeting featured three races. The original distance was 4 miles; today, races range from 1,200 to 2,400 meters (approximately 1–2 miles).

Queen Elizabeth II was a devoted fan of Royal Ascot, attending every meeting since 1945.

Legendary jockey Lester Piggott won at Royal Ascot 116 times during his career from 1952 to 1993.

Originally, the festival lasted four days, but in 2002, to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, a fifth day was added.

The Ascot Gold Cup is traditionally presented to the winner by the Queen herself, making these horse racing eventsparticularly prestigious.

Previous horse races results

Royal Ascot 2027

The exact dates of the next Royal Ascot horse race are not yet known.

Royal Ascot website

Keep an eye on the dates of horse races and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.