Theopening dayof Royal Ascot is often considered the best day of flat racing in the UK, but this year it promises to be even more exciting.
With international runners aplenty descending on Berkshire, racing fans are set to feast their eyes on the best horses in the world battling it out for some of the biggest prizes in racing. We start with the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday 14th June, the first of eight Group One contests.
The annual Royal Ascot curtain raiser has been handed some extra zest this year with the inclusion of American Queen of the Turf, TEPIN, who is set to go off as favourite for trainer Mark Casse.
The impressive filly has won her last four races in the United States, including the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland, and is one of the most exciting international runners set to grace the Ascot turf.
This is by no means a one horse race though, with Roger Varian’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes winner BELARDO, flying French filly ERVEDYA and former Ascot winner LIMATO all entered too.
As if the Queen Anne Stakes wasn’t enough for the opening day, there are two more Group One's to come and the King's Stand Stakes quickly follows.
Soft ground enthusiast MECCAS ANGEL could take some beating if the rain comes on Tuesday, however with it likely to be good ground at the start of Royal Ascot week, the likes of impressive Newmarket winner PROFITABLE and Wesley Ward speedster ACAPULCO could be big players.
The five furlong dash is always wide open and 2015 winner GOLDREAM is entered, along with 2014 and 2013 successor SOLE POWER.
The final Group One of the opening day is arguably the most eagerly awaited race of the week with three Guineas winners going head-to-head for the first time.
Ryan Moore will saddle THE GURKHA, who won the French 2000 Guineas in May, and the impressive jockey admitted this is one of the best horses he will ride this year.
The St James’s Palace Stakes will be The Gurkha’s toughest test yet, with British 2000 Guineas winner GALILEO GOLD and Irish 2000 Guineas winner AWTAAD also at the top of the market.
This mouthwatering contest could be the highlight of the week at Royal Ascot and you will not want to miss it.
Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure on the opening day of Royal Ascot are still available,click here for the all the information.
