Royal Ascot Guide: Dates, Dress Code, History & Famous Winners

Discover when Royal Ascot takes place, the dress code, rich history, Royal ties, and top jockeys, trainers, and horses at Britain’s most iconic race meeting

A Beginner’s Guide to Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the most famous and prestigious events in the horse racing calendar – and in British sport. It combines world-class racing with high fashion, tradition, and a strong connection to the Royal Family. Whether you're new to racing or just want to understand more, here’s everything you need to know.

When Is Royal Ascot?

Royal Ascot takes place every year in mid-June. In 2025, it will run from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st June, with five days of top-class racing and glamour.

How Long Does Royal Ascot Last?

The event lasts for five days, from Tuesday to Saturday. Each day features a packed racecard with seven races, including several Group 1 contests (the highest level of racing). Every day has its own highlights, but Tuesday is traditionally known for the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes and the King’s Stand Stakes, while Saturday is geared toward a more relaxed, family-friendly crowd.

Dress Code at Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is famous for its strict dress code, especially in the Royal Enclosure. Here's a quick breakdown:

Royal Enclosure: Men must wear a black or grey morning suit with a waistcoat, tie, and top hat. Women should wear formal daywear with a hat (not a fascinator).
Queen Anne Enclosure: Still smart – suits and ties for men, and a formal dress and hat or fascinator for women.
Village & Windsor Enclosures: These are more relaxed, but racegoers are still encouraged to dress smartly.

Think of it as an opportunity to dress up and enjoy one of Britain’s most stylish sporting occasions.

The History of Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot began in 1711, founded by Queen Anne, who believed the flat land near Windsor Castle was ideal for racing horses. Since then, it’s grown into one of the most prestigious race meetings in the world, blending heritage, racing excellence, and social tradition.

Over the centuries, Royal Ascot has remained a staple of British culture. From the racing to the pageantry, including the daily Royal Procession. It’s a unique event unlike any other in the sport.

Royal Connections

As the name suggests, Royal Ascot has always had close ties to the Royal Family. The monarch traditionally attends every day of the meeting, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage as part of the Royal Procession.

Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate supporter of the sport and had many runners at Ascot over the years. King Charles III and Queen Camilla have continued the tradition, ensuring the Royal link remains central to the event.

Successful Jockeys at Royal Ascot

Some of the greatest jockeys in racing history have made their name at Royal Ascot. Lester Piggott, with an incredible 116 Royal Ascot winners, remains the benchmark. More recently, Frankie Dettori has become synonymous with success at the meeting, thrilling fans with his flying dismounts and big-race wins.

Leading Trainers in Royal Ascot History

Sir Michael Stoute, Aidan O’Brien, and the late Sir Henry Cecil are just a few of the trainers who have dominated Royal Ascot over the years. O’Brien, in particular, has broken record after record with his team of horses sent from Ballydoyle in Ireland.

These trainers often target Royal Ascot with their very best horses, and their success helps build their global reputations.

Famous Horses at Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot has been the stage for some of the most famous horses in the world:

Frankel, arguably the greatest racehorse of all time, wowed the crowd in the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes.
Yeats made history by winning the Ascot Gold Cup four years in a row.
Stradivarius became a fan favourite with multiple Gold Cup wins of his own.
International stars like Black Caviar from Australia and American raider Tepin have also made their mark.

These unforgettable performances help make Royal Ascot a global racing spectacle.

Whether you're going for the fashion, the racing, or the sheer atmosphere, Royal Ascot is an event like no other – and through syndicates like Old Gold Racing, you could one day see a horse you part-own running on one of the most famous stages in the world.