Royal Ascot 2025 Kicks Off, Where Turf Legends Are Born

Under the patronage of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the iconic meeting once again provides the most distinguished stage for the world’s top horses to become the authors of dreams, emotions, and unforgettable feats

Action Kicks Off Tuesday at Royal Ascot / ASCOT

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Royal Ascot 2025 kicks off Tuesday, launching five days of world-class racing on the hallowed turf of Ascot Racecourse. As it has every June since 1711, the Royal Meeting will once again blend the finest elements of British heritage, elite Thoroughbred competition, and high-society pageantry.

Founded by Queen Anne, Royal Ascot is far more than a racing festival—it is a cultural institution. For over three centuries, it has been the backdrop for unforgettable equine triumphs and a steadfast showcase for tradition, attended by royalty, celebrities, and racing enthusiasts alike. Queen Elizabeth II made the event a cornerstone of the British social calendar, and King Charles III and Queen Camilla now carry that mantle, leading each day's festivities with the Royal Procession—which in 2025 marks its 200th anniversary.

This year's meeting features 35 races, including eight Group 1s, drawing many of the finest horses from Europe and beyond. Among the crown jewels are the Queen Anne Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Gold Cup, Commonwealth Cup, and Diamond Jubilee Stakes, each steeped in prestige.

Tuesday’s opener promises immediate fireworks, beginning with the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) over Ascot’s straight mile. With Sardinian Warrior (Saxon Warrior) not expected to line up, the spotlight falls on Rosallion (Blue Point), returning to the scene of his memorable St James’s Palace Stakes (G1) victory last year. After finishing third behind Lead Artist (Dubawi) and Dancing Gemini (Camelot) in the Lockinge Stakes (G1), he’ll seek redemption.

The field also includes Notable Speech (Dubawi), conqueror of Rosallion in the 2000 Guineas (G1), Diego Velazquez (Frankel) for Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore, and American raider Carl Spackler (Lope de Vega) making his first start abroad.

The day’s second Group 1 is the newly named King Charles III Stakes (G1) over 1000 meters. Australian speedster Asfoora (Flying Artie) returns to defend her crown against familiar foe Regional (Territories) and rising filly Believing (Mehmas), who toppled males in the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) in April.

Closing out the G1 trifecta is the St James’s Palace Stakes, pitting top 3-year-old milers against each other over the round mile. Field of Gold (Kingman) looks to avenge his Newmarket Guineas loss to Ruling Court (Justify), while French-based Henri Matisse (Wootton Bassett), undefeated this year and fresh off a Poule d’Essai des Poulains (G1) score, adds an international flair.

Also on the Tuesday card are the Coventry Stakes (G2) for juveniles, the Wolferton Stakes (L), the Ascot Handicap, and the Copper Horse Stakes, rounding out a spectacular curtain-raiser to one of the most anticipated weeks in the racing year.