Royal Ascot

Publication date: 08 Jul 2025

The Royal Ascot (Ascot Gold Cup) is the most famous horse race in the world. They’ve been held annually since 1711 at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England.

Royal Ascot website

Royal Ascot 2026

In 2026, the legendary Royal Ascot horse racing festival will take place from 16 to 20 June. The venue will once again be the historic Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. This five-day race is not just a sporting event, but a true symbol of British tradition, style and royal etiquette.

Each day of racing begins with a royal procession – members of the royal family solemnly ride around the racecourse in horse-drawn carriages. They are followed by a series of prestigious races with the participation of the best racehorses in Europe and the world. The most anticipated day is Thursday, the famous Ladies’ Day with the Ascot Gold Cup.

Dress code

Royal Ascot has a strict dress code: ladies wear elegant dresses and hats, men – suits or even tailcoats, especially in the closed Royal Enclosure. Guests have access to different areas – from the more casual and festive Village to the elite stands with exquisite service.

Royal Ascot 2026 is a combination of sport, British elegance and high society. If you want to feel the atmosphere of a real aristocratic holiday, this event is definitely worth your attention.

History of the Royal Ascot

The history of the Ascot Gold Cup dates back to 1711. It was then that Queen Anne saw an ideal place for horse racing in a wasteland. On 11 August she inaugurated the first of three heats. The length of the race in those days was 4 miles. Nowadays, the distance for the race is one to two miles (1200 to 2400 m).

Queen Elizabeth II is a big fan of royal horse racing. She has not missed a race since 1945.

Lester Piggott is a jockey who has won Royal Ascot 116 times. His career lasted from 1952 to 1993.

Until 2001, the whole event lasted 4 days, but in 2002 the Queen made a gift to herself for the anniversary of her accession to the throne and added another day.

Queen Elizabeth II personally presents the Gold Cup to the winner.

Previous horse races results

Royal Ascot 2027

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

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