The Royal Ascot is one of the best loved events in the racing calendar (Picture: Getty)
One of the most famous racecourses in horse racing, Ascot holds a special week of races every summer which brings out a starry crowd.
The Royal Ascot is a special week of racing frequented by the likes of the Royal Family – it was, indeed, a favourite time of year for the late Queen Elizabeth II who often had horses competing in the events.
For some, it’s all about the fashion. In previous years, the likes of Holly Willoughby, Oti Mabuse, and Georgia Toffolo have brought the glamour.
However, for those actually interested in the races – and looking to put on a bet or five – it’s a thrilling week. Here’s all you need to know about Royal Ascot 2023, including race schedules and how to watch on TV.
When is Royal Ascot?
The five days of Royal Ascot begins today, Tuesday, June 20 and will run through to Saturday, June 24.
Ladies Day – which usually brings out a crowd of celebs – is on Thursday, June 22.
Royals will attend various events throughout the Royal Ascot week (Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images)
Full Royal Ascot race schedules
Full Royal Ascot race schedules
Day one (Tuesday, June 20)
Queen Anne Stakes – 2:30pm (BST)
Coventry Stakes – 3:05pm
King’s Stand Stakes – 3:40pm
St James’s Palace Stakes – 4:20pm – Read Marcus Armytage’s horse-by-horse guide to the race
Ascot Stakes – 5pm
Wolferton Stakes – 5:35pm
Copper Horse Stakes – 6:10pm.
Day two (Wednesday, June 21)
Queen Mary Stakes – 2:30pm
Kensington Palace Stakes – 3:05pm
Duke Of Cambridge Stakes – 3:40pm
Prince Of Wales’s Stakes – 4:20pm
Royal Hunt Cup – 5pm
Queen’s Vase Stakes – 5:35pm
Windsor Castle Stakes – 6:10pm.
Day three (Thursday, June 22)
Norfolk Stakes – 2:30pm
King George V Stakes – 3:05pm
Ribblesdale Stakes – 3:40pm
Gold Cup – 4:20pm
Britannia Stakes – 5pm
Hampton Court Stakes – 5:35pm
Buckingham Palace Stakes – 6:10pm.
Day four (Friday, June 23)
Albany Stakes – 2:30pm
Commonwealth Cup – 3:05pm
Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes – 3:40pm
Coronation Stakes – 4:20pm
Sandringham Stakes – 5pm
King Edward VII Stakes – 5:35pm
Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes – 6:10pm
Day five (Saturday, June 24)
Chesham Stakes – 2:30pm
Jersey Stakes – 3:05pm
Hardwicke Stakes – 3:40pm
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – 4:20pm
Wokingham Stakes – 5pm
Golden Gates Stakes – 5:35pm
Queen Alexandra Stakes – 6:10pm.
How to watch Royal Ascot on TV
The Royal Ascot races will be shown live on ITV every day (June 20-24) from 1:30pm-6pm.
Alternatively, more coverage from the day will be shown on Sky Sports Racing – a Sky or NOW subscription is required.
For NOW customers, you can add a day pass for a one-off payment of £11.98 which comes with 24 hours access to all Sky Sports channels and a 6 month Mobile Month Membership – meaning you can stream 5 channels including Sky Sports Premier League on your smartphone
Stop horsing around, it’s Royal Ascot time!