Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd June 2024
IN TER NATIONA L R ACES
RECORD
£10 MILLION PRIZE MONEY
1
AT ROYAL ASCOT 2024
I saw her run in Florida when she won, and I was like, ‘I want to ride that horse at Royal Ascot!’ I actually texted George Weaver right away saying I wanted to go and ride her at Ascot. It’s a dream come true coming here. I try to come here whenever I can. JOHN VELAZQUEZ, JOCKEY, CRIMSON ADVOCATE
Front Cover: CRIMSON ADVOCATE (USA), winner of The Queen Mary Stakes 2023. Crimson Advocate gained automatic entry into any of the Royal Ascot two year-old races following her win in The Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes (Florida) in May 2023.
CONTENTS
John Velazquez celebrates after victory in the Queen Mary Stakes on CRIMSON ADVOCATE (USA).
3
Welcome to Ascot
2
Critical Dates & Nomination Procedures
3
International & Domestic Alliances
4
Travel Allowances
6
Shipping & Quarantine, VAT (Tax/Duty)
7
Stabling & Training Facilities
8
Medication & Doping Control / Vaccination Requirements
9
Testing
10
Equipment
11
Owners’ Experience
12
Course Layout
13
Royal Ascot Pattern & Listed Races 2024
14
The Queen Anne Stakes
16
The King Charles III Stakes
17
The St James’s Palace Stakes
18
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
19
The Gold Cup
20
The Commonwealth Cup
21
The Coronation Stakes
22
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
23
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes
24
QIPCO British Champions Day
25
A Short History
26
Europe Past Winners
28
Australia Past Winners
29
Asia Past Winners
30
USA Past Winners
31
Contacts
32
RECORD
£17.5
MILLION PRIZE MONEY AT ASCOT IN 2024
PLUS, OVER
£4
MILLION ON QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY
W E LCOM E TO AS COT We are looking forward to another truly international Royal Meeting in 2024 after we saw representatives from Australia, America, Hong Kong and across Europe compete last year. In total, 21 horses travelled from outside of Britain and Ireland last year and it was fantastic to see Crimson Advocate win the Queen Mary Stakes for George Weaver, John Velazquez and all her owners. She had previously won the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes at Gulfstream Park, one of two qualifying races run at the track offering automatic entry and travel allowances for any twoyear-old race at Royal Ascot. We were thrilled to see the venture by Gulfstream and 1/ST Racing have such immediate success. This year we are boosting prize money to a total of £10 million across the five days, ensuring that Royal Ascot will once again be the most valuable meeting run anywhere in Europe. All Group 1 races rise to a minimum of £650,000 while the minimum prize fund across all races rises to £110,000. There are also targeted increases to the Coventry Stakes, Norfolk Stakes and Queen Mary Stakes, which are so often attractive targets for international runners. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes are once again being run for £1 million. We are absolutely delighted to have renamed the King’s Stand Stakes as the King Charles III Stakes. Their Majesties The King and Queen were in attendance on all five days last year and of course enjoyed a popular victory in the King George V Stakes with Desert Hero.
2
All nine of our summer Group One races, including the £1.25 million King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, are part of the QIPCO British Champions Series and seven Ascot events are part of the Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In programme. In addition, we have a new wild card scheme in place with Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, May 4th. Details of all the above, the Royal Ascot Pattern and Listed races and QIPCO British Champions Day can be found in this brochure along with information on travel allowances, shipping and options for stabling at our preferred base in Newmarket. The Ascot team, our associates at the International Racing Bureau, our agents around the world, and our colleagues at Great British Racing International are here to help you in any way we can. We look forward to welcoming you.
Nick Smith Director of Racing & Public Affairs
“ Royal Ascot is Royal Ascot – what can you say? You can feel the electricity and how special it is. This is a beautiful feather to have in our cap”.
George Weaver, Trainer of Crimson Advocate, The Queen Mary Stakes 2023.
C R ITICAL DATES & NO MINATION PR O CEDURE CRITICAL DATES ROYAL ASCOT GROUP ONES
THE KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH QIPCO STAKES GROUP ONE
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY GROUP ONES
30th April (29th April for USA and Canada)
4th June (3rd June for USA and Canada)
Races close for nominations in early August (exact date tbc)
PROCEDURE
PROCEDURE FOR HORSES TRAINED IN THE USA
All nominations (race entries) should be made through your local Jockey Club or Racing Authority with the exception of horses trained in the USA (see right). Once a horse is nominated there are three further confirmation stages, the dates for which are detailed on the race conditions pages of this brochure.
American entries need to be made directly to Weatherbys by emailing racingops@weatherbys.co.uk, with nick.smith@ascot.com, USAnominateascot@gmail.com and adrian@irbracing.com copied in. The communication should include:
Once an initial entry is made, the International Racing Bureau, contracted by Ascot, will ensure that the rest of the process is managed smoothly. They, and Ascot’s other agents and international partners, are also available to assist in the initial nomination procedure, and all contact details can be found on page 32.
• Owner’s name, full address, phone number and email address • Horse’s name, age, colour, sex and breeding • Trainer’s name • Description of the owner’s racing colours • A past performance record • The race for which it is being entered and the racecourse
3
I NT E R N ATIONAL & DO ME STIC AL LIAN CES KENTUCKY DERBY MEETING
ROYAL ASCOT
The Twin Spires Turf (Gr2) (5 1/2f) (turf)
The King Charles III Stakes The Queen Anne Stakes
The Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) (1m1f) The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
The winners from two designated races at the Kentucky Derby Meeting, Churchill Downs, on 4th May 2024, will each earn an automatic wild card entry into three races at Royal Ascot in 2024. The winners of the Queen Anne Stakes and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes will receive an entry for the Arlington Million.
ARLINGTON MILLION Colonial Downs Arlington Million Stakes (Gr1) (1m2f) (Mid Aug)
GULFSTREAM PARK RACES
Travel allowances will be paid for the above initiatives.
The Queen Anne Stakes The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
ROYAL ASCOT TWO-YEAR OLD RACES The Coventry Stakes (Gr2)
GULFSTREAM PARK AUTOMATIC WILD CARDS Winners of the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes and Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes at Gulfstream Park (May 13th 2024) will each earn an automatic wild card into any one of Royal Ascot’s six two-year-old races.
ROYAL ASCOT
The Queen Mary Stakes (Gr2) Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes
The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes
The Norfolk Stakes (Gr2) The Albany Stakes (Gr3) The Chesham Stakes (Listed)
2023 saw Crimson Advocate, winner of The Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes gain automatic entry to Royal Ascot and she went on to win The Queen Mary Stakes.
THE WORLD POOL Royal Ascot, QIPCO King George Day and QIPCO British Champions Day are World Pool days, meaning that a strong global pool hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club operates.
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THE JAPAN CUP The JRA offer a bonus to any horse successful in the three Ascot races outlined which goes on to win or be placed in the Japan Cup. The JRA will provide transportation subsidies for invited horses and their stable staff, and business class flights for Owners, Trainers and Jockeys and respective partners.
WIN
SECOND
THIRD
FOURTH OR BELOW
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
US$3 million
$1.2 million
$750,000
$200,000
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes
US$3 million
$1.2 million
$750,000
$200,000
The QIPCO Champion Stakes
US$3 million
$1.2 million
$750,000
$200,000
JAPAN CUP BONUS
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES The QIPCO British Champions Series is designed to throw the spotlight on Britain’s best Flat races and will climax on Saturday 19th October 2024 with the most valuable fixture in the British racing calendar, QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot. The Series features 35 Flat races staged at ten of the UK’s leading racecourses: Ascot, Doncaster, Epsom Downs, Goodwood, Haydock Park, Newbury, Newmarket’s July Course, Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, Sandown Park and York. It encompasses all British Flat racing’s key festivals, including the QIPCO Guineas Festival, The Betfred Derby Meeting, Royal Ascot, the July Festival at Newmarket, The Qatar Goodwood Festival, The Ebor Festival at York and the St Leger Meeting at Doncaster.
ASCOT
BREEDERS’ CUP
BREEDERS’ CUP
The Queen Anne Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The Breeders’ Cup Mile
Seven races run at Ascot are designated Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In Challenge races. This year’s Breeders’ Cup will take place on November 1st and 2nd at San Diego’s iconic Del Mar.
The King Charles III Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The Breeders’ Cup Turf
The Norfolk Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
For further information please contact Josh Christian, whose contact details are on page 32.
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes
The Breeders’ Cup Turf
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO)
The Breeders’ Cup Mile
The QIPCO Champion Stakes
The Breeders’ Cup Turf
breederscup.com/challenge-series/fullschedule
5
T RAV E L ALLOWAN C E S We welcome enquiries concerning potential contributions towards the cost of transport. • Ascot will contribute towards the cost of transport for 115+ rated horses travelling to the UK from outside Europe to compete specifically in Group One races at Ascot. • Travel incentives will not apply for horses that have been trained outside Europe but are being transferred to be campaigned in Europe in the name of a European trainer. Ascot offers connections of each travelling horse (subject to meeting the criteria above) an agreed “all in” travel allowance towards the cost of the venture. This sum will depend on the races being targeted, the horse’s rating and its profile. It is thereafter the responsibility of the horse’s connections to settle directly all charges incurred, including the horse shipping, personal flights, stabling, access to training facilities and general expenditure.
The great BLACK CAVIAR (left) narrowly defeats French champion MOONLIGHT CLOUD in the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes
6
The International Racing Bureau will be available to assist with organising and booking all of the above, under their contract with Ascot. All contact details can be found on pages 32. For more information regarding the Owners’ experience at Royal Ascot, please see page 12. Note: The racecourse reserves the right to decide what does and what does not qualify as an international horse for the purposes of travel allowances.
S H IP P ING & QUARANT INE Trainers are free to choose their own shipping agencies and to decide on their own stabling arrangements but most visitors prefer to be based in Newmarket or Lambourn, which are both approximately two hours from London Heathrow Airport and Ascot Racecourse. There is no post-arrival quarantine period for horses coming to race in Britain. There will be some pre-export quarantine for horses returning to Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand, and your local shipping agencies /turf club can advise on this. It is also important that your horse’s EI vaccinations correspond with any requirements by countries through which you are transiting and for your onward destination after your visit to the UK. Connections are advised to check with their IRB representative on current travel restrictions for both visiting the UK and returning home.
“ The experience leading up to and during Royal Ascot was exceptional. From the IRB looking after our every need whilst based in Newmarket, along with all the others that helped us and made us so welcome, to the fantastic hospitality received on course during Royal Ascot, it has been an incredible journey and an absolute honour to be involved in. I would recommend the Royal Ascot experience to anyone considering running their horse overseas.”
Yoshi Hashida, Assistant Trainer, Deirdre (Japan), 2019.
VAT (TA X/ DUT Y ) Colts and fillies imported into the UK have a VAT liability of 20% of their landed value (the value of the horse and cost of shipping). Geldings carry a further 10% Import Duty. The VAT can be secured by a deposit or bank guarantee, which is refunded when the horse leaves the country. If the horse remains in the UK after the end of October, or is sold, the VAT will need to be paid outright by the connections.
7
STA B L ING & TRA INING FAC IL I T IES There are no training facilities available at Ascot Racecourse. Horses visiting from abroad must be trained away from the track. ASCOT RACECOURSE GALLOP International runners will be given an opportunity to undertake a racecourse gallop before Royal Ascot, at a mutually agreed time arranged between connections and Ascot Racecourse. The International Racing Bureau (IRB) is available to give advice on stabling options and will assist you finding a temporary home for your horse, that best suits your needs.
They have facilitated stabling at many well-known yards including The National Stud, Roger Varian’s Carlburg Stables, Charlie Hills’ Faringdon Place and Charlie Fellowes’ Bedford House Stables. NEWMARKET The home of UK horse racing with equine facilities that are second to none worldwide, has been by far the most popular choice of temporary home for visiting trainers. Access to the many and varied gallops in Newmarket is straightforward. The gallops cover an area of approximately 2,500 acres
(1,000ha) and provide 50 miles (80km) of turf gallops and canters as well as 15 artificial tracks totalling some 13 miles (21km). The gallops are owned by Jockey Club Estates, and managed by Nick Patton. Overseas winners temporarily based in Newmarket have included Little Bridge (HK), Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast, Black Caviar (AUS), Lady Aurelia, Campanelle and Crimson Advocate (USA). LAMBOURN Set on the Berkshire Downs with its varied gradients and centuries old downland turf, Lambourn has become known as the ‘Valley of the Racehorse’. Jockey Club Estates has owned and managed the Lambourn Training Grounds since 2006. First class facilities include 600 acres of maintained training grounds, 8 miles of turf gallops and 7 miles of artificial tracks. Winners Nature Strip (AUS) and Tepin (USA) were stabled in Lambourn, at Faringdon Place and Kingsdown Stables, during their stay.
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ME D ICATION & D O PING CO N T R O L / VAC C INAT IO N R EQU I R EMENTS The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is the sport’s governing and regulatory body in Great Britain and encourages international participation in British Racing.
withdrawn prior to racing) is detailed in the Rules. A list of published Detection Times for commonly used therapeutic veterinary treatments can be found here:
The BHA’s Rules of Racing (Rules) stipulate that international visiting horses compete on equal terms with each other and resident British horses; that is to say, they race free from the effects of Prohibited Substances, whether that be medication or other substances e.g. herbal products.
https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ PUBLISHED-DETECTION-TIMES-updated-June-2019.pdf
General information on the BHA’s equine antidoping and controlled medication rules can be found at:
Please note that a Detection Time is not equivalent to a Withdrawal Time. For further clarification, or any questions, please contact anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.
https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/anti-dopingmedication-control/anti-doping-medication-control/
Chapter K of the BHA Rules of Racing – Anti-Doping:
The EU has amended the Import / Transit regulation with regards to the Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis clause. It now requires records of a Primary EEE / WEE course of two vaccinations and a booster plus the normal Flu vaccinations for transiting to the UK or racing here. Unless trainers / vets have records it might take up to two months to complete the primary course / booster for EEE / WEE. Connections of Group One / Two horses are advised to undertake this process alongside or preferably before making nominations for Royal Ascot in mid-April. Connections of other potential runners, notably twoyear-olds, should follow this process at the same time although no early nominations are required.
https://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/chapter/s3457anti-doping
Prohibited List Code of the BHA Rules of Racing: https://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/chapter/s3564prohibited-list-code
The BHA would advise trainers to familiarise themselves with the following sections of the new Rules, Codes 18-21, found at: http://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/contents
Please contact your shipping agent as soon as Royal Ascot becomes a tenable option for full details of what vaccinations are required.
Overseas trainers are advised to familiarise themselves with Chapter K because it includes important information about Prohibited Substances, and the whereabouts requirements. Information regarding substances that are prohibited at all times and those that are prohibited on raceday (i.e. must not be present in the horse’s system on raceday and must therefore be
SPECIAL NOTICE TO US CONNECTIONS
Wesley Ward runner with pony in the Pre-Parade Ring 2021
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ANABOLIC STEROIDS (AND OTHER PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES SUBSTANCES)
TE STING As with horses resident in Britain, overseas horses may be subject to out-of-competition testing and raceday testing at any time. The BHA may also order its own testing of the horse before departure from the country of origin.
POST-ARRIVAL DRUG TESTING / WHEREABOUTS REQUIREMENTS In order for the BHA to conduct post-arrival testing, horses shipping to race as temporary imports (from outside Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, Sweden and Norway) must submit a Whereabouts Form a minimum of 14 business days before the first race in which the horse is entered or intended to be entered. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/anti-dopingmedication-control/forms-2/
The information must remain up to date and accurate, or it might result in a filing failure or missed test. Where the horse is not going to be in Great Britain for a minimum of ten business days prior to arrival, the trainer should contact the BHA at least 30 days prior to the intended first race to discuss the possibility of pre-departure testing. Note: a horse will not be permitted to race in Great Britain until the sample has been reported as negative.
ELECTIVE TESTING Elective Testing may be requested prior to racing in Great Britain. It is undertaken at the trainer’s expense, and at the discretion of the BHA. Full details, including Terms and Conditions, can be found on the BHA website, or alternatively contact the Equine Health & Welfare team at anti-doping@ britishhorseracing.com. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/anti-dopingmedication-control/forms/
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From 2015, a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of anabolic steroids and other prohibited at all times substances (such as growth hormone, EPO) applies. https://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/chapter/s3564prohibited-list-code
INTRA-ARTICULAR CORTICOSTEROIDS STAND-DOWN PERIOD The BHA also draws trainers’ particular attention to Rules relating to the use of intra-articular corticosteroids close to raceday. From 2015 it is not permitted to use intra-articular corticosteroids for 14 clear days prior to raceday (see notice). https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ Intra-articular-administration-of-corticosteroids.pdf
ALTRENOGEST There is on-going work internationally regarding reports that altrenogest products (such as Regumate) contain trenbolone and/or trendione. Both of which as anabolic-androgenic steroids are prohibited at all times substances under the BHA Rules of Racing. The BHA has issued two notices regarding the current prohibition of the use of altrenogest-trainers are also advised to check for possible updates on the BHA website prior to racing in Great Britain. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ BHA-Notice-Altrenogest-update-March-2019.pdf
ANTI-ULCER MEDICATION The BHA would also like to reiterate that ranitidine (which may be called by its trade name Zantac), used to treat gastric ulcers in some countries, is not licensed for equine use in Great Britain. With no definitive withdrawal period, a minimum of 18 days clear of the medication before racing is advised and veterinary advice should be sought before use. Other anti-ulcer medications, including omeprazole, are prohibited on raceday and therefore are subject to withdrawal prior to racing.
BISPHOSPHONATES There is a mandatory 30-day stand down period from racing following the administration of bisphosphonates, and they may not be administered to horses under the age of 4 years. http://media.britishhorseracing.com/bha/AntiDoping/Prohibited_ Substances/Bisphosphonates.pdf
LEVOTHYROXINE The BHA would not expect horses participating in these races to have been administered Levothyroxine, unless fulfilling the outlined criteria. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ BHA-Notice-Use-of-Levothyroxine-Sodium.pdf
MEDICATION DECLARATION / RECORDS The BHA requires all trainers of runners from non-exempt countries to sign a medication declaration prior to the horse being eligible to run in Great Britain (Schedule (B) 3). In addition it is a requirement of the Rules that trainers maintain a record of medicines administered to horses whilst in Great Britain. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ International-Runners-Medication-Declaration.pdf
RACEDAY RESTRICTIONS Schedule (B)3 – Requirements for horses to run, state that a horse must not have received any substance on the day of racing, other than normal feed and water. This Rule incorporates all supplements (including herbal supplements) or veterinary medicines administered by intravenous injection, oral syringe or directly into feed, or administered by any other method. Two notices are available on the BHA’s website with additional information to assist trainers: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ Racecourse-Stable-Restrictions-English.pdf
DECLARATION OF WIND OPS The BHA draws trainers attention to a new rule Chapter D Paragraph 30, effective 19 January 2018, which requires trainers to notify the Racing Calendar Office on each occasion a horse has had Wind Surgery, prior to it being declared to run (excepting where the horse has not raced previously). Trainers should refer to the Rules website for full details. https://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/chapter/ s3142-horse-welfare-and-management/content?section=s3162information-about-wind-surgery
EQUINE INFLUENZA Trainers are reminded of the requirement for Equine Influenza vaccination. The Rules can be found on the BHA’s Rules website – Vaccinations Code: https://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/chapter/s3534vaccinations-code/content
A copy of the passport, or vaccination record, for all International Runners must be emailed to equine@britishhorseracing.com. Please note that the Vaccination Code was updated as of 01 January 2022, including a requirement for six-monthly booster vaccinations. For any questions regarding vaccinations, please contact equine@britishhorseracing.com. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/bha-confirmschanges-to-the-rules-of-racing/
EQ U I P M ENT
http://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/ chapter/s3101-equipment-code/content?section=s3105requirement-to-declare-headgear-or-a-tongue-strap
Lip chains must be covered and nasal strips are not allowed. Any horse wearing non-declared equipment on the way to the start will be withdrawn at the start by the starter. No shoes can have protrusions on the ground surface other than calkins or studs on the hind, limited to 3/8” in height. The use of American type toe-grab plates or those with a sharp flange is forbidden.
SHOEING HORSES WHILST IN GB It is a legislative requirement for a farrier to be registered to shoe horses whilst in Great Britain. In applicable circumstances, trainers and their (international) farrier(s) are advised to contact the Farriers Registration Council farrier-reg.gov.uk well in advance of their intended visit to clarify the requirements and obtain the appropriate certification.
All equipment must be named at the time of declaration to run. Permissible equipment:
Horses running in Flat Races conducted on turf must enter the parade ring fully shod except where: The BHA has consented before the Declaration to Run is submitted; or in exceptional circumstances the Stewards give permission.
HOOD means a garment similar to blinkers,
Further information is available at:
incorporating ear covers but without eye cowls. BLINKERS means a garment fitted over a horse’s
head with holes for the eyes and ears, one or both eyeholes being fitted with cowls cutting out all vision to the rear but permitting full forward vision. VISOR means a garment similar to blinkers in which
HERE TO HELP The International Racing Bureau will assist with any questions that may arise Adrian Beaumont (IRB) Tel: +44 (0) 1638 668881 Mobile: +44 (0) 7808 903 158 adrian@irbracing.com Alternatively, please contact the Equine Health and Welfare Department at equine@britishhorseracing.com Visitors are also welcome to contact: Lucinda Tyler Senior Veterinary Officer Mobile: +44 (0) 7500 191167 anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com James Given Director of Equine Health and Welfare British Horseracing Authority Tel: +44 20 7152 0007 Mobile +44 7826 671535 jgiven@britishhorseracing.com
https://rules.britishhorseracing.com/#!/book/34/chapter/ s3101-equipment-code/content?section=s3108-shoes
And a shoe dispensation form can be found at: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/welfareinfo/
one or both cowls have holes cut in them permitting limited side or rear vision. EYESHIELD means a garment similar to blinkers
except that in place of the eye cowls, both eyes are covered with a mesh or other transparent material. EYECOVER means a garment similar to blinkers except that in place of the eye cowls, one eye only is completely covered by an opaque cover. CHEEK PIECES means two strips of sheepskin
or any other similar material or device which is attached to the cheek pieces of the bridle. TONGUE STRAP means any device used to tie down a horse’s tongue. These must not encircle the bit and further detail about the conditions that apply to them can be found at
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OW N E R S’ E X P E R I ENC E Whether you have a runner at Royal Ascot, in The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes or on QIPCO British Champions Day, we are here to ensure international connections have the best possible experience during their visit to the UK. ROYAL ASCOT Unquestionably, Royal Ascot is the jewel in the crown of the British social season. Revered across the globe, from the arrival of the Royal Procession to the communal singing around Ascot’s Bandstand, the experience is like no other. All international owners and trainers with a horse running from outside of Europe will be provided with: • Fully catered hospitality on the day their horse runs • Royal Enclosure guest badges. • Badges for any other days that they wish to attend. • Return car transfers to and from the racecourse if required.
Our team includes Owners and Trainers’ Manager, Hannah Parlett who will work closely with our colleagues from the International Racing Bureau (IRB) and the team at Great British Racing International (GBRI).
Hannah Parlett Owners’ and Trainers’ Manager Ascot Racecourse +44 (0) 7738 716395 hannah.parlett@ascot.com Amanda Prior Client Relations Manager GBRI +44 (0) 207 152 0103 aprior@greatbritishracing.com
On the day, you will have a dedicated International Connections Liaison who will be your main contact on race day and will escort you to where you need to be throughout the afternoon. GBRI provide a concierge service to overseas connections which includes help and advice with accommodation, a bespoke itinerary of activities during your stay or even just the hiring or purchasing of your morning suit or hat for Royal Ascot.
“Racing at Royal Ascot is like your first taste of the Kentucky Derby. It makes you want to go back for more and win a race there. If we ever have another horse capable of being there, we’ll be back for sure. It’s completely different from American racing. The pageantry, it truly feels like the Sport of Kings. It’s a different world. It exceeded all my expectations to be there and see it all in person, I can’t compare it to anything.” Justin Zayat, Zayat Racing LLC (owner Gidu, 6th, Commonwealth Cup 2018) 12
HERE TO HELP
GOFFS LONDON SALE The Goffs London Sale is a boutique thoroughbred auction held on the eve of Royal Ascot in the beautiful setting of Kensington Palace Gardens. In 2023 Ascot Racecourse hosted international guests at this curtain raiser to the most prestigious week in flat racing.
“ It is such an honor for Tepin. Also look at what she has accomplished for American horses now racing at Ascot. Everyone wants to take a chance. The world’s greatest meet which I will never forget.” Robert Masterson, owner, Tepin, Queen Anne Stakes winner, 2016.
Tepin
COU R SE L AYOU T
The St James’s Palace Stakes, The Coronation Stakes
Ascot’s round track is just under one and three-quarter miles in length. The round course descends from the mile-and-a-half (2400m) start into Swinley Bottom, the lowest part of the track. It then turns right-handed and joins the “Old Mile” course, which starts at a separate chute 1600m from the finish.
The course then rises to the right-handed home turn to join the Straight Mile course. The run-in of about three furlongs (600m) rises slightly to the Winning Post. A detailed topography map is available upon request.
Old Mile Start The Gold Cup Swinley Bottom
The King Charles III Stakes Straight Mile Start The Prince of Wales’s Stakes The Queen Anne Stakes The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, The Commonwealth Cup
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, The Hardwicke Stakes
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R OYA L AS C OT PATT ERN & L IST ED RAC ES 2024
NATURE STRIP (AUS) (Chris Waller) wins The King’s Stand Stakes 2022 for Australia.
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RACE NAME
TOTAL RACE VALUE
GRADE
RACE DATE
CLOSE DATE
DISTANCE
AGE
SEX
ENTRY FEE
Queen Anne Stakes
£750,000
Gr 1
18th June 2024
30th April 2024
1m (S)
4+
Open
£3,285*
Coventry Stakes
£175,000
Gr 2
18th June 2024
12th June 2024
6f
2
Open
£1,750
King Charles III Stakes
£650,000
Gr 1
18th June 2024
30th April 2024
5f
3+
Open
£2,845*
St James’s Palace Stakes
£650,000
Gr 1
18th June 2024
30th April 2024
1m (R)
3
C
£2,845*
Wolferton Stakes
£120,000
Listed
18th June 2024
12th June 2024
1m 2f
4+
Open
£600
Queen Mary Stakes
£150,000
Gr 2
19th June 2024
13th June 2024
5f
2
F
£1,500
Queen’s Vase
£265,000
Gr 2
19th June 2024
13th June 2024
1m 6f
3
Open
£2,650
Duke of Cambridge Stakes
£225,000
Gr 2
19th June 2024
30th April 2024
1m (R)
4+
F/M
£790*
Prince of Wales’s Stakes
£1,000,000
Gr 1
19th June 2024
30th April 2024
1m 2f
4+
Open
£4,370*
Windsor Castle Stakes
£110,000
Listed
19th June 2024
13th June 2024
5f
2
Open
£550
Norfolk Stakes
£150,000
Gr 2
20th June 2024
14th June 2024
5f
2
Open
£1,500
Hampton Court Stakes
£150,000
Gr 3
20th June 2024
14th June 2024
1m 2f
3
Open
£1,500
Ribblesdale Stakes
£250,000
Gr 2
20th June 2024
30th April 2024
1m 4f
3
F
£790*
Gold Cup
£650,000
Gr 1
20th June 2024
30th April 2024
2m 4f
4+
Open
£2,845*
Albany Stakes
£125,000
Gr 3
21st June 2024
15th June 2024
6f
2
F
£1250
King Edward VII Stakes
£250,000
Gr 2
21st June 2024
30th April 2024
1m 4f
3
C/G
£870*
Commonwealth Cup
£650,000
Gr 1
21st June 2024
30th April 2024
6f
3
C/F
£2,845*
Coronation Stakes
£650,000
Gr 1
21st June 2024
30th April 2024
1m (R)
3
F
£2,845*
Chesham Stakes
£110,000
Listed
22nd June 2024
17th June 2024
7f
2
Open
£550
Jersey Stakes
£150,000
Gr 3
22nd June 2024
17th June 2024
7f
3
Open
£1,500
Hardwicke Stakes
£250,000
Gr 2
22nd June 2024
30th April 2024
1m 4f
4+
Open
£870*
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
£1,000,000
Gr 1
22nd June 2024
30th April 2024
6f
4+
Open
£4,370*
Pattern and Listed Race Total
£8,480,000 *Initial Entry Fee – further fees payable. R - round, S - straight (for mile races).
15
THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES Date:
Tuesday 18th June 2024
Distance:
1 mile (1,600 metres) straight
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£750,000
Winning Horse:
£425,325
Age Range:
4yo and upwards
Field Safety Limit:
30
Weights:
G R OU P ONE
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Declaration Of War, Good, 1m 38.48s
2014:
Toronado, Good, 1m 37.73s
2015:
Solow, Good, 1m 37.97s
Colts and Geldings:
9st 2lb / 58kg
2016:
Tepin, Soft, 1m 43.98s
Fillies and Mares:
8st 13lb / 56.7kg
2017:
Ribchester, Good to Firm, 1m 36.60s
Southern Hemisphere Allowance:
4yo 1lb / 0.5kg
2018:
Accidental Agent, Good to Firm, 1m 38.85s
Nomination (Entry):
£3,285 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Lord Glitters, Good, 1m 37.40s
Scratching Stage:
£3,750 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Circus Maximus, Good to Soft, 1m 40.05s
Confirmation:
£2,340 by noon on 12th June
2021:
Palace Pier, Good to Firm, 1m 39.18s
Declaration:
by 10am on 16th June
2022:
Baaeed, Good to Firm, 1m 37.76s
Supplementary Nomination:
£53,000 by noon on 12th June
2023 (pictured):
Triple Time, Good, 1m 40.70s
16
THE KING CHARLES III STAKES
G R OU P ONE
(Formerly the King’s Stand Stakes) Date:
Tuesday 18th June 2024
Distance:
5 furlongs (1,000 metres)
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£650,000
Winning Horse:
£368,615
Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Field Safety Limit:
28
Weights:
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Sole Power, Good, 58.88s
2014:
Sole Power, Good, 58.85s
3yo Colts and Geldings:
9st 1lb / 57.6kg
2015:
Goldream, Good to Firm, 59.11s
3yo Fillies:
8st 12lb / 56.2kg
2016:
Profitable, Soft, 1m 2.69s
4yo+ Colts and Geldings:
9st 7lb / 60.3kg
2017:
Lady Aurelia, Good to Firm, 57.45s
4yo+ Fillies and Mares:
9st 4lb / 60kg
2018:
Blue Point, Good to Firm, 58.14s
Nomination (Entry):
£2,845 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Blue Point, Good, 58.53s
Scratching Stage:
£3,250 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Battaash, Good to Soft, 58.64s
Confirmation:
£2,030 by noon on 12th June
2021:
Oxted, Good to Firm, 59.03s
Declaration:
by 10am on 16th June
2022:
Nature Strip, Good to Firm, 58.25s
Supplementary Nomination:
£46,000 by noon on 12th June
2023 (pictured):
Bradsell, Good, 1m 0.91s
17
THE ST JAMES’S PAL ACE STAKES
G R OU P ONE
Date:
Tuesday 18th June 2024
Distance:
1 mile (1,600 metres) round
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£650,000
Winning Horse:
£368,615
Age Range:
3yo colts
Field Safety Limit:
20
Weights:
9st 2lbs / 58.1kg
38.64s
Nomination (Entry):
£2,845 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Circus Maximus, Good, 1m 39.90s
Scratching Stage:
£3,250 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Palace Pier, Good to Soft, 1m 42.38s
Confirmation:
£2,030 by noon on 12th June
2021:
Poetic Flare, Good to Firm 1m 37.40s
Declaration:
by 10am on 16th June
2022:
Coroebus, Good to Firm 1m 39.42s
Supplementary Nomination:
£46,000 by noon on 12th June
2023 (pictured):
Paddington, Good, 1m 40.74s
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Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Dawn Approach, Good, 1m 39.48s
2014:
Kingman, Good, 1m 39.06s
2015:
Gleneagles, Good to Firm, 1m 38.86s
2016:
Galileo Gold, Soft, 1m 44.01s
2017:
Barney Roy, Good to Firm, 1m 37.22s
2018:
Without Parole, Good to Firm, 1m
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES Date:
G R OU P ONE
Wednesday 19th June 2024
Distance:
1 mile 2 furlongs (2,000 metres)
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£1,000,000
Winning Horse:
£567,100
Age Range:
4yo and upwards
Field Safety Limit:
16
Weights:
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Al Kazeem, Good to firm, 2m 3.06s
2014:
The Fugue, Good to Firm, 2m 1.90s
2015:
Free Eagle, Good to Firm, 2m 5.07s
Colts and Geldings:
9st 2lb / 58.1kg
2016:
My Dream Boat, Soft, 2m 11.38s
Fillies and Mares:
8st 13lb / 56.7kg
2017:
Highland Reel, Good to Firm, 2m 5.04s
Southern Hemisphere Allowance:
4yo 2lb / 1kg
2018:
Poet’s Word, Good to Firm, 2m 3.51s
Nomination (Entry):
£4,370 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Crystal Ocean, Good, 2m 10.25s
Scratching Stage:
£5,000 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Lord North, Good, 2m 5.63s
Confirmation:
£3,130 by noon on 13th June
2021:
Love, Good to Firm, 2m 6.86s
Declaration:
by 10am on 17th June
2022:
State Of Rest, Good to Firm, 2m 7.79s
Supplementary Nomination:
£70,000 by noon on 13th June
2023 (pictured):
Mostahdaf, Good, 2m 5.95s
19
THE GOLD CUP Date:
G R OU P ONE
Thursday 20th June 2024
Distance:
2 miles 4 furlongs (4,000 metres)
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£650,000
Winning Horse:
£368,615
Age Range:
4yo and upwards
Field Safety Limit:
20
Weights:
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Estimate, Good to Firm, 4m 20.51s
4yo Colts and Geldings:
9st 3lb / 58.5kg
2014:
Leading Light, Good to Firm, 4m 21.09s
4yo Fillies:
9st / 57.2kg
2015:
Trip To Paris, Good to Firm, 4m 22.61s
5yo+ Colts and Geldings:
9st 4lb / 60kg
2016:
Order Of St George, Soft, 4m 26.21s
5yo+ Mares:
9st 1lb / 57.6kg
2017:
Big Orange, Good to Firm, 4m 22.40s
Southern Hemisphere Allowance:
7st 3lb / 4.5kg
2018:
Stradivarius, Good to Firm, 4m 21.08s
Nomination (Entry):
£2,845 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Stradivarius, Soft, 4m 30.88s
Scratching Stage:
£3,250 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Stradivarius, Soft, 4m 32.06s
Confirmation:
£2,030 by noon on 14th June
2021:
Subjectivist, Good to Firm, 4m 20.28s
Declaration:
by 10am on 18th June
2022:
Kyprios, Good to Firm, 4m 26.52s
Supplementary Nomination:
£46,000 by noon on 14th June
2023 (pictured):
Courage Mon Ami, Good To Firm, 4m 20.97s
20
THE COMMONWEALTH CUP Date:
Friday 21st June 2024
Distance:
6 furlongs (1,200 metres)
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£650,000
Winning Horse:
£368,615
Age Range:
3yo
Field Safety Limit:
28
Weights:
G R OU P ONE
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2015:
Muhaarar, Good to Firm, 1m 12.05s
Colts:
9st 2lb / 58kg
2016:
Quiet Reflection, Good to Soft, 1m 14.50s
Fillies:
8st 13lb / 56.7kg
2017:
Caravaggio, Good to Firm, 1m 13.49s
Southern Hemisphere Allowance:
10lb / 4.5 kg (see below)
2018:
Eqtidaar, Good to Firm, 1m 12.12s
Nomination (Entry):
£2,845 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Advertise, Good to Soft, 1m 11.88s
Scratching Stage:
£3,250 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Golden Horde, Good to Soft, 1m 14.56s
Confirmation:
£2,030 by noon on 15th June
2021:
Campanelle, Heavy, 1m 16.67s
Declaration:
by 10 am on 19th June
2022:
Perfect Power, Good to Firm, 1m 12.85s
Supplementary Nomination:
£46,000 by noon on 15th June
2023 (pictured):
Shaquille, Good to Firm, 1m 13.15s
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE ALLOWANCE The Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot is for three-year-old colts and fillies. It is open to southern hemisphere two-year-olds, who are designated three-year-olds in the UK. Such entrants – potentially horses that have run in the Blue Diamond or Golden Slipper – are eligible for a 10lb (4.5kg) weight allowance when running against the northern hemisphere three-year-olds.
21
THE COR ONATION STAKES Date:
G R OU P ONE
Friday 21st June 2024
Distance:
1 mile (1,600 metres) round
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£650,000
Winning Horse:
£368,615
Age Range:
3yo fillies
Field Safety Limit:
20
Weights:
9st 2lb / 58kg
Nomination (Entry):
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Sky Lantern, Good to Firm, 1m 39.75s
2014:
Rizeena, Good to Firm, 1m 40.73s
2015:
Ervedya, Good to Firm, 1m 38.46s
2016:
Qemah, Good to Soft, 1m 40.56s
2017:
Winter, Good to Firm, 1m 39.39s
2018:
Alpha Centauri, Good to Firm, 1m 35.89s
£2,845 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Watch Me, Good, 1m 39.61s
Scratching Stage:
£3250 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Alpine Star, Good to Soft, 1m 42.21s
Confirmation:
£2,030 by noon on 15th June
2021:
Alcohol Free, Heavy, 1m 43.13s
Declaration:
by 10am on 19th June
2022:
Inspiral, Good to Firm, 1m 39.20s
Supplementary Nomination:
£46,000 by noon on 15th June
2023 (pictured):
Tahiyra, Good to Firm, 1m, 41.69s
22
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II JUBILEE STAKES Date:
G R OU P ONE
Saturday 22nd June 2024
Distance:
6 furlongs (1,200 metres)
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£1,000,000
Winning Horse:
£567,100
Age Range:
4yo and upwards
Field Safety Limit:
28
Weights:
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Lethal Force, Good to firm, 1m 13.36s
2014:
Slade Power, Good to Firm, 1m 12.40s
2015:
Undrafted, Good to Firm, 1m 12.69s
2016:
Twilight Son, Good to Soft, 1m 13.84s
Colts and Geldings:
9st 5lb / 59.4kg
2017:
The Tin Man, Good to Firm, 1m 12.02s
Fillies:
9st 2lb / 58kg
2018:
Merchant Navy, Good to Firm, 1m 12.09s
Nomination (Entry):
£4,370 by noon on 30th April
2019:
Blue Point, Good to Firm, 1m 11.42s
Scratching Stage:
£5,000 unless taken out by 28th May
2020:
Hello Youmazin, Good, 1m 13.42s
Confirmation:
£3,130 by noon on 17th June
2021:
Dream Of Dreams, Soft, 1m 14.87s
Declaration:
by 10am on 20th June
2022:
Naval Crown, Good to Firm, 1m 12.17s
Supplementary Nomination:
£70,000 by noon on 17th June
2023 (pictured):
Khaadem, Good to Firm, 1m, 12.42s
23
THE KING GEOR GE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH QIPCO STAKES Date:
G R OU P ONE
Saturday 27th July 2024
Distance:
1 mile 4 furlongs (2,400 metres)
Surface:
Turf
Total Prize Fund:
£1,250,000
Winning Horse:
£708,875
Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Field Safety Limit:
19
Weights:
Latest Winners, Ground and Times: 2013:
Novellist, Good to firm, 2m 24.60s
2014:
Taghrooda, Good, 2m 28.13s
3yo Colts and Geldings:
8st 12lb / 56.67kg
2015:
Postponed, Soft, 2m 21.25s
3yo Fillies:
8st 9lb / 54.99kg
2016:
Highland Reel, Good to Firm, 2m 28.97s
4yo+ Colts and Geldings:
9st 9lb / 61.2kg
2017:
Enable, Good to Soft, 2m 36.22s
4yo+ Fillies and Mares:
9st 6lb / 59.87kg
2018:
Poet’s Word, Good to Firm, 2m 25.84s
Nomination (Entry):
£5,450 by noon on 4th June
2019:
Enable, Good to Soft, 2m 32.42s
Scratching Stage:
£6,250 unless taken out by 2nd July
2020:
Enable, Good to Firm, 2m 28.92s
Confirmation:
£3,925 by noon on 22nd July
2021:
Adayar, Good to Firm, 2m 26.54s
Declaration:
by 10am on 25th July
2022:
Pyledriver, Good to Firm, 2m 29.49s
Supplementary Nomination:
£85,000 by noon on 22nd July
2023 (pictured):
Hukum, Good to Soft, 2m 33.95s
The Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot is recommended as a prep race for the King George, over the same course and distance. No penalties are carried in this Group 2
24
QI P C O BRITIS H CH A MP IONS DAY The Flat racing season in Britain culminates at QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday 19th October – the richest raceday in Britain. With four Group 1 Races and one Group 2 race taking up five of the six-race card, it promises to be a stellar afternoon of racing at the world’s most prestigious racecourse. QIPCO British Champions Day offers a total of over £4 million in prize money, with the feature QIPCO Champion Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) both run for over £1 million each. Date:
Saturday 19th October 2024
Nomination (Entry): all five Group races will close in early August (exact date tbc)
King Of Steel, wins The QIPCO Champions Stakes 2023.
Scratching Stage:
(exact date tbc, mid September)
Confirmation:
by noon on Monday 15th October
Declaration:
by 10am on Thursday 17th October
QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) (GROUP 1)
Supplementary Nomination:
by noon on Monday 14th October
Distance: 1 mile (1600 metres, straight course)
QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (GROUP 1) Distance: 1 mile 2 furlongs (2000 metres, round course)
Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Total Prize Fund:
£1,100,000*
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES (GROUP 1)
Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Distance: 1 mile 4 furlongs (2400 metres, round course)
Total Prize Fund:
£1,300,000*
Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Total Prize Fund:
£500,000*
Past Winners, Ground and Times: 2012:
Frankel, Soft, 2m 10.22s,
2013:
Farhh, Soft, 2m 12.02s
2016:
Almanzor, Good, 2m 5.94s
2017:
Cracksman, Soft, 2m 11.75s
2018:
Cracksman, Soft, 2m 8.79s
2019:
Magical, Heavy, 2m 8.42s
2020:
Addeybb, Soft, 2m 12.29s
2021:
Sealiway, Good to Soft, 2m 8.31s
2022:
Bay Bridge, Good to Soft, 2m 9.46s
2023:
King Of Steel, Soft, 2m8.42s
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (GROUP 1) Distance: 6 furlongs (1200 metres, straight course) Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Total Prize Fund:
£500,000*
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (GROUP 2) Distance: 2 miles (3200 metres, round course) Age Range:
3yo and upwards
Total Prize Fund:
£500,000*
*all prize money denoted is 2023 prize money, 2024 prize money TBA
25
A S H ORT H ISTORY ASCOT’S BEGINNINGS
THE FIRST RACE MEETING
ROYAL ASCOT
Few sporting venues can match the rich heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse. Over the past 300 years, Ascot has established itself as a national institution; with Royal Ascot becoming the centrepiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.
The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place later that year, on Saturday 11th August. The inaugural event was Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over six years of age. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12 stone and the seven runners were all English hunters, rather different to the speedy thoroughbreds that race on the Flat today.
The precise origins of the Royal Meeting are unclear, as the event evolved from the first four-day meeting that took place in 1768. The meeting as it’s known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807. Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at Ascot until 1939.
It was Queen Anne in 1711 who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot (in those days called East Cote). Whilst out riding near Windsor Castle she came upon an area of open heath that looked, in her words, “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch”.
The nature of the contest also bore little resemblance to modern day racing at Ascot. That race consisted of three separate heats, each four miles long – about the length of today’s Grand National course. The winning horse would have required tremendous stamina, but sadly there is no record of who claimed that first plate. Queen Anne’s gift to racing, founding the Royal Racecourse, is marked by the tradition of opening Royal Ascot with the Queen Anne Stakes. THE FIRST RACECOURSE The racecourse was laid out by William Lowen, assisted by a team including a carpenter, a painter, and a racing administrator. The first permanent building was erected around 1794 by a local Windsor builder. Holding 1,650 people, it was used for almost fifty years. In 1813, Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure, which ensured that Ascot Heath would be kept and used as a racecourse for the public in the future. Racing at Ascot was now secure.
26
The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, when high fashion and exquisite millinery take centre stage alongside Flat racing’s most elite stayers. In 2009, Yeats, ridden by Johnny Murtagh and trained by Aidan O’Brien, won his fourth consecutive Gold Cup – a magnificent achievement, and one that Stradivarius just failed to emulate in 2021 and 2022 having won the race three times between 2018 and 2020. MANAGING ASCOT Although founded by a Queen and located on Crown Estate property, the administration of Ascot is handled on behalf of the Crown Estate by a representative appointed by the Monarch. Up until 1901, the racecourse was managed on the Sovereign’s behalf by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds. In 1901, Lord Churchill was appointed as His Majesty’s Representative, responsible for running the course and determining entrance to the Royal Enclosure. The Ascot Authority was established in 1913 by an Act of Parliament, with His Majesty’s Representative becoming Senior Trustee. Today, as Ascot Authority (Holdings) Limited, Ascot has a formal board chaired by Sir Francis Brooke Bt., who also serves as His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot.
His Majesty The King is the thirteenth monarch that Ascot has operated under having succeeded Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. As an owner and breeder of racehorses, Her Late Majesty took a keen interest in the races and had great success with her own horses over the years, including most famously winning the Gold Cup with Estimate in 2013. The jockeys riding the Sovereign’s horses can be identified by the Royal racing colours: purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves, and black velvet cap with gold fringe – the same as those of King Edward VII and George IV as Prince Regent. During Royal Ascot, the Monarch traditionally presents the Gold Cup. New versions of these trophies are made each year and presented to the winners to keep. Ascot Racecourse closed for a £200 million redevelopment in 2004, and was reopened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20th June 2006. HIGHLIGHTS AT ASCOT SINCE 2006 There have been several landmark occasions since Ascot Racecourse reopened in 2006 and none more memorable than two special Gold Cup days – when Yeats completed his four-timer of Gold Cup wins in 2009 and when Queen Elizabeth II won the stayers’ championship with Estimate in 2013. In 2011, Ascot celebrated its tercentenary and staged the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day, now the culmination of the European elite Flat racing season. The great Frankel won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day in 2011, and the curtain came down on the career of officially the best horse of all time when he won the Champion Stakes a year later. Sir Henry Cecil’s pride and joy won five of his remarkable unbeaten run of 14 races at Ascot.
DESERT HERO wins the King George V Stakes 2023 for Their Majesties The King and Queen.
2012 also saw Ascot at the heart of the country’s celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, with the Golden Jubilee Stakes renamed the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and won by the great Australian mare, Black Caviar. Renamed again in 2022 as the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, the race became one of two contests at Royal Ascot worth £1 million in prize money. It is now run as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in perpetuity. In 2023, Desert Hero became the first Royal Ascot winner for Their Majesties The King & Queen when he won the King George V Stakes. Ascot has continued to cement its reputation as Europe’s premier destination for the best horses in the world. In recent years it is the Americans who have had most success, with Tepin’s win in the 2016 Queen Anne Stakes and Lady Aurelia’s King’s Stand Stakes victory the following year being notable highlights. The latter filly was trained by Wesley Ward, who has now saddled 12 winners at the Royal Meeting, including Campanelle who was successful twice in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the
world’s best sprinter, Nature Strip, travelled over from Australia and produced a brilliant performance to win the King’s Stand Stakes, a seventh win for that nation. It is not just international horses which Ascot is known for, of course. Jockeys also come from all over the world to ride here – perhaps most notably at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, a unique fixture in the global racing calendar which each year sees many of the world’s top jockeys compete for points to lift racing’s ultimate team prize, with four teams battling it out across a thrilling six-race contest. While the grandeur of the Royal Meeting takes centre stage each June, Ascot is also renowned for hosting Europe’s premier midsummer middle-distance contest the following month. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes has been won by many of racing’s most distinguished champions including Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Dancing Brave, Nashwan, Galileo and - more recently the remarkable mare Enable, who in July 2020 made history by becoming the first horse to win three renewals of this prestigious prize.
27
“ Winning the Melbourne Cup was fantastic - absolutely mind blowing and for a European an incredible experience. But I think that my best win has to be Novellist’s King George in 2013.” Andreas Wöhler, trainer.
Novellist
“ I always said to myself I need to come here and win a big race. I’ve tried before but today is just amazing. We’ve had some nice winners but this one is very special.” Francis Graffard, trainer. 28
Watch Me
“ I’ve lived all my life to do this. To win at Royal Ascot has been a lifetime goal and to come here and take on the best and beat them simply there are no superlatives that can describe it.” Australian trainer Lee Freedman following Miss Andretti’s King’s Stand win (2007).
Black Caviar
Miss Andretti
“ It’s been an amazing week. It’s been an amazing ride and we’ve been treated so well. We’re honoured to be here and to win a race was very special. I’ll be back.”
Takeover Target
Nature Strip
Chris Waller, trainer of Nature Strip, King’s Stand winner (2022).
29
“ It was a world-class race and to come so close with a horse who had travelled all the way from Japan was one of the greatest thrills that any owner could wish for. In Japan the King George is recognised as one of the most prestigious and important races in the global calendar.” Teruya Yoshida (Shadai Farm), owner of Heart’s Cry, third in the 2006 King George.
Heart’s Cry (third)
“ I began planning to come six months in advance. It was very important for me as a trainer to win an international race in Britain.” Danny Shum, trainer of Little Bridge, Hong Kong, 2012. 30
Little Bridge
Campanelle
“ If other Americans could see how big Royal Ascot is, they would know it’s an honour to compete there.”
Acapulco
Wesley Ward, record-breaking US trainer with 12 Royal Ascot winners to his name including Jealous Again (2009), No Nay Never (2013), Acapulco (2015) Lady Aurelia (2016 + 2017) and Campanelle (2020 and 2021).
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CO N TACTS ASCOT
INTERNATIONAL RACING BUREAU & OTHER AGENTS
OVERSEAS RACING AUTHORITIES
Nick Smith Director of Racing and Public Affairs
United Kingdom & Europe
Australia
The Breeders’ Cup
Adrian Beaumont (IRB) Alton House 117 High Street Newmarket Suffolk CB8 9WL United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1638 668881 Mobile: +44 (0) 7808 903 158 adrian@irbracing.com
Jack Petley (IRB) 32 Clarence Street, Berry 2535 NSW Australia Tel: +61 2 9380 6390 jackpetley@bigpond.com
Josh Christian Sr. Director, Racing Breeders’ Cup Limited: Kentucky Office 215 W Main Street Suite 250 Lexington KY 40507 Tel: +859 223 5444 or +800 722 3287 josh@breederscup.com
Ascot Racecourse Ascot Berkshire SL5 7JX United Kingdom Mobile: +44 (0) 7771 791449 nick.smith@ascot.com Chris Stickels Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course Tel: +44 (0) 1344 878502 Mobile: +44 (0) 7970 621440 chris.stickels@ascot.com Hannah Parlett Owners’ and Trainers’ Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1344 878529 Mobile: +44 (0) 7738 716395 hannah.parlett@ascot.com Jill Harmer Racing Executive Tel: +44 (0) 1344 878023 jill.harmer@ascot.com
Japan Naohiro Goda (Independent Consultant) Regent Co. Ltd 6-22-11-103 Honcho Nakano, Tokyo 164-0012, Japan Tel: +81 3 5385 4790 lem00453@nifty.ne.jp USA (National) Stephen Nagler (Independent Consultant) Tel: +858 829 6781 USAnominateascot@gmail.com USA (Ca) Cindy Niemetz (IRB) 300 North Mountain Trail Avenue Sierre Madre, California 91024 Tel: +626 355 9750 cinraybar@aol.com USA (NY) Nick Esler (IRB) Tel: +1 (561) 634 1306 naesler11@gmail.com
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New Zealand Mike Dillon (IRB) 10 Thornton Rd Cambridge Central Waipa District North Island New Zealand Mobile: +64 2138 0542 mikeddillon@gmail.com Australasia Mark Player PO Box 4003 Balwyn East Victoria 3103 Mobile +61415497787 mark@markplayerits.com South America Liz Price 2 The Mallards Great Shefford Berkshire RG17 7EJ Tel: 01488 648806 Mobile: 07768257527 lizprice.racing@gmail.com
The Japan Racing Association International Dep. Atsushi Yoshida 1-1-1, Nishi-Shinbashi Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-8401, Japan Tel: +81 50 3139 9518 inter@jra.go.jp The Hong Kong Jockey Club Greg Carpenter Head of Racing Product 1 Sports Road Happy Valley Hong Kong greg.carpenter@hkjc.org.hk The Dubai Racing Club Major General Mohammed Essa Al Adhab General Manager Meydan Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, P.O. Box 9305, Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 327 0077 mohammed.aladhab@dubaiequestrianclub.ae Racing Victoria Paul Bloodworth General Manager International and Racing Operations, 400 Epsom Road, Flemington, Victoria, 3031 Australia P.Bloodworth@racingvictoria.net.au
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Ascot Racecourse Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX + 44 (0)344 346 0346 ascot.com @ascot