Royal Ascot

Get set for five days of top notch Flat racing as we bring you all the latest news from Royal Ascot 2026.

What date is Royal Ascot 2026?

This year’s meeting will take place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June.

Can the public attend Royal Ascot?

Yes, around 300,000 spectators are expected through the gates across the five days, with three of the four enclosures open to the public. Royal Ascot is often a sell out so if you wish to attend you will need to buy Royal Ascot tickets. Those unable to attend will be able to watch Royal Ascot live on TV.

How much prize money is on offer at Royal Ascot?

The Berkshire racecourse will welcome some of the world’s leading horses to compete for £10.65 million in prize money in 2026, with all eight Group One races at the meeting now worth a minimum of £700,000, with two races at £1 million. All races at Royal Ascot will be worth £120,000 or more.

Why is Royal Ascot so famous?

Royal Ascot has over 300 years of history and has long been viewed as a major highlight of the British summer social calendar.

Ascot racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, with the first meeting held on 11 August 1711. Her gift to racing in establishing the course is traditionally marked with The Queen Anne Stakes run over the straight mile as the first race of the royal meeting each year.

The first four-day race meeting was held at Ascot in 1768, although the meeting as it is known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807. Until 1939, Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at the racecourse.

Which is the best day to go to Royal Ascot?

The best day to attend Royal Ascot is subject to debate. All five days of the meeting include Group One races, with three Group Ones on the first day. The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, which is also Ladies’ Day.

Which enclosure is best at Royal Ascot?

There are four Royal Ascot enclosures, three of which are open to the public. The Royal Enclosure works on an invitation-only membership, as it was at its inception, when the area was exclusively reserved for guests of the King.

What to wear at Royal Ascot?

If you’re planning to attend Royal Ascot, then you need to make sure your outfit complies with the Royal Ascot dress code. The rules differ depending on which enclosure you are in. For ladies, there is much to consider when choosing the perfect dress for Royal Ascot, as well as the ideal Royal Ascot hat. The options may be more limited for men, but they should still check out the dress code to ensure their sartorial choices are suitable.

Latest Royal Ascot 2026 news