Royal Ascot, the epitome of British horse racing and high society, kicked off today, attracting thousands of spectators and participants worldwide. Known for its grandeur, Royal Ascot is a five-day event featuring 35 races and draws an average attendance of around 300,000 people each year. With over £7.3 million in prize money at stake, this event is a social highlight and a pinnacle of the racing calendar.
Royal Ascot 2024: Highlighting the Feature Races You Shouldn’t Miss
Feature Races of Royal Ascot 2024 include:
The Queen Anne Stakes
- Date: June 18
- Distance: 1 mile
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £600,000
The Queen Anne Stakes traditionally opens the Royal Ascot meeting. Named after the racecourse’s founder, Queen Anne, this Group 1 race is for horses aged four years and older. It often features the best milers in the world, making it a fiercely competitive start to the festival.
The King’s Stand Stakes
- Date: June 18
- Distance: 5 furlongs
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £500,000
On the same day, the King’s Stand Stakes is a sprint race that showcases some of the fastest horses. This Group 1 event is part of the Global Sprint Challenge and is crucial for sprinters aiming to prove their speed and agility over a short distance.
The King Charles III Stakes
- Date: June 19
- Distance: 1 mile 4 furlongs
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £750,000
A new addition to the Royal Ascot lineup, the King Charles III Stakes has quickly gained prestige. This Group 1 race for four-year-olds and up covers a challenging distance, attracting a competitive field. It honors the current monarch and adds a modern twist to the historic event.
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
- Date: June 19
- Distance: 1 mile 2 furlongs
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £1 million
One of the most prestigious races of the week, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes attracts high-quality middle-distance horses. This Group 1 race is open to four-year-olds and up, often featuring winners from other significant international races.
The Gold Cup
- Date: June 20
- Distance: 2 miles 4 furlongs
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £500,000
The Gold Cup is perhaps the most famous race at Royal Ascot, known for its challenging distance and rich history. This Group 1 race tests stamina and endurance, making it a highlight for stayers. Winning the Gold Cup is a prestigious accolade in any horse and jockey career.
The Commonwealth Cup
- Date: June 21
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £500,000
Introduced in 2015, the Commonwealth Cup is a Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds. This race has quickly become a key event for younger sprinters looking to make their mark on the international stage.
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes
- Date: June 22
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Surface: Turf
- Purse: £600,000
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes is another highlight of the final day, featuring top-class sprinters aged four and above. This Group 1 race is known for its thrilling finishes and high stakes, concluding the week on a high note.
Royal Ascot 2024 promises to deliver excitement, high stakes, and world-class racing. Each feature race adds a unique flavour to the festival, showcasing the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe. As the event unfolds, fans and attendees can look forward to witnessing history in the making on the hallowed turf of Ascot Racecourse.
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