Royal Ascot 2025 - what can we expect?

The event is one of the standout social events on the schedule, with visitors encouraged to dress to the nines. 

The action on every day of the meet gets underway with the Royal Precession, which has been an Ascot tradition since 1825. However, what are some of the stories to follow ahead of the 2025 edition of Royal Ascot in mid-June?

Red-Hot St James’s Palace Stakes

Three Group Ones are featured on the opening day of Royal Ascot, including a red-hot renewal of the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes. The race always features Classic contenders, but this year’s edition features the winners of the British, Irish, and French 2000 Guineas. 

Ruling Court will once again clash with Field Of Gold, with the first two home at Newmarket likely to dominate the betting. Henri Matisse, who is already a multiple-time winner at the highest level for the Aidan O’Brien yard should also be challenge to dismiss. 

Shadow Of Light, Jonquil, and Rashabar are fascinating alternatives who would be much shorter in the horse betting strategies for traditional renewals of the race. 

Racing and Royalty Collide

Royal Ascot is all about celebrating the links between the royal family and their association with horse racing. King Charles wasn’t a massive fan of the sport before taking to the throne, especially compared to Queen Elizabeth, who was an avid follower of all things equine. 

However, a winner for the King last year appears to have lit a passion. A number of royal runners will be involved at Ascot this year, but potentially few are more intriguing than Reaching High. 

The four-year-old moved to the all-conquering Willie Mullins yard earlier this year, and was a close second on his return to action at Leopardstown in May. Ryan Moore is already booked to take the ride, and it could be a case of how short the Sea The Stars gelding goes off in the Ascot Stakes. 

International Contenders

Unfortunately, there will be no further Royal Ascot winners for Wesley Ward this year, as his leading hope, Outlander, suffered a setback before travelling to the United Kingdom. 

However, there will still be a representative from North America. Carl Spackler has made a name for himself in the United States with Chad Brown, and the five-year-old will look to continue his progression after previously winning the G1 Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes at Keeneland. But, he will likely be a massive outsider against a talented field in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes. 

Japan will also be aiming for a first winner at Royal Ascot in 2025, with the nation’s hopes resting on Satono Reve in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. The Noriyuki Hori-trained runner has substance to his form after finishing a close second behind the outstanding Ka Ying Rising in Sha Tin in April. 

O’Brien Chasing Further Gold Cup Glory

The feature of the five-day meet comes in the form of the Ascot Gold Cup, which will be run on Thursday over two miles and three furlongs. A bit of the gloss of the event has been taken off the race following the withdrawal of superstar stayer Kyprios, but Aidan O’Brien will still have leading hopes in his bid to win the race for a record-extending tenth time. 

Illinois very much looks like the one to beat on his step up in trip. Last year’s St Leger runner-up has already dazzled since returning to action this year, easily seeing off Al Qareem in the G3 Ormonde Stakes. 

However, stamina concerns will be a worry for many siding with the short-price favorite. Therefore, proven stayers such as Trawlerman and Sweet William could be popular selections against the market leader. 

French Stars to Star at Ascot

Francis Henri Graffard could be an interesting trainer to follow throughout the week at Ascot. The Frenchman has leading contenders in some of the key races over the five days, including Candelari in the Gold Cup and Map Of Stars in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. 

However, all eyes will be on his superstar filly on the final day of the meet, as Zarigana looks to further her reputation in the G1 Coronation Stakes. The three-year-old has already won on both of her starts this season, although she was arguably fortunate to get the race in the stewards’ room after overcoming She’s Perfect in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp last time out. 

But, the first two home that day have plenty of ability, and they will be fillies to note as the season progresses. Zarigana could be the star of the day on Saturday, with her progression as the top female miler set to go to the next level.