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Royal Ascot History

Royal Ascot is many things: a fashion event, a society gathering, and so important in royal circles that it’s been suggested as one of the reasons the Queen’s speech to the newly-elected British Parliament may be delayed, as her attendance is well and truly penciled in. That’s probably only half-true, but the royal parade in horse-drawn carriages before the first race each day is always a highlight.

More than anything, however, Royal Ascot is five consecutive days of the best thoroughbred racing in the world – and of fantastic wagering opportunities.

Over five days there are 30 races: eight group 1 races, eight group 2 races, three group 3s, four listed, one conditions race, and six rich handicaps. The whole meet oozes with quality.

In recent years, Royal Ascot has become a more international event. It always attracted the best Europeans, but horses from Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan have added interest this century.

Just as importantly, it’s also become a target for North Americans. Wesley Ward has blazed a path that has since been taken up by others, highlighted by Tepin’s great Queen Anne Stakes victory for trainer Mark Casse. This year, Ward’s flotilla is joined by horses from the stables of leading trainer Todd Pletcher, regular visitor Graham Motion, and by veteran Bill Mott.

Ward’s biggest-name horse is Lady Aurelia, who will be well fancied in the grade I King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs, probably her best distance. But Ward’s best chances may be with his 2-year-olds, where he normally does very well. Motion once again brings Miss Temple City, Pletcher starts the grade I winner American Patriot against Godolphin hotpot Ribchester in the Queen Anne Stakes, and Mott takes on the Diamond Jubilee Stakes with Long on Value.

The trainer they’re all likely to need to beat is Ireland’s Aidan O’Brien. He is likely to have four short-priced favorites in group I races: Churchill (St James’ Palace Stakes), Order of St George (Ascot Gold Cup), Caravaggio (Commonwealth Cup), and Winter (Coronation Stakes). But they won’t be the only horses from his yard with fantastic chances.

If favorites aren’t your thing, have a look at the handicap races. Races like the Royal Hunt Cup and the Wokingham Handicap tend to have very large fields (up to 30 horses sometimes), and the favorites can be at odds as large as 10-1. If you can figure out these, especially with multiples, then you’re likely to do very well indeed.

So study the form carefully, check for weather and track conditions, and if there’s a bias on any part of the track, which is particularly important for the straight course races. It will be a fantastic five days and worth a bet.