20 June 2023 , 06:00
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Royal Ascot is back on Tuesday with all the glitz and glamour befitting one of the world’s biggest horse racing and social occasions.
Beloved by Queen Elizabeth II, who rarely missed the event, this year’s fixture will be the first since her death. King Charles III is expected to attend with Queen Camilla, who will have runners in the royal colours.
Historically Thursday’s Gold Cup is the feature contest, as Royal Ascot ’s oldest race, but it is not the richest race of the week. That distinction is held jointly by the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, run on Wednesday, and Saturday’s renamed Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – each worth £1million.
It will also be the final time to see Frankie Dettori in action at the event. The 52-year-old jockey has announced he will retire at the end of the season. With 77 Royal Ascot wins. he is the most successful active jockey at the meeting and has finished leading jockey seven times.
He will wear the royal silks for one of the final times on Saga, who contests the Wolferton Stakes (5.35) at Ascot on Tuesday.
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When is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot begins on Tuesday, June 20 and will continue until Saturday June 25.
The race meeting features a high concentration of equine talent drawn from around the world.
The 35-race programme features eight Group 1 races and a total of 22 Pattern or Listed level events.
Ascot runs from June 20 to 25 (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)Last year, the Queen Anne Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Gold Cup, St James’s Palace Stakes and Platinum Jubilee Stakes all featured in the Longines World’s Top 100 Races.
A record £9.52million of prize money will be on offer this year with all Group 1 races run for a minimum of £600,000 for the first time.
How can I watch Royal Ascot?
You can watch Royal Ascot live on TV where ITV will have full coverage.
Sky Sports Racing is also set to broadcast each of the 35 races, while it will also be available on bookmaker apps.
Otherwise you can attend in person with tickets for some enclosures still available.
Frankie Dettori’s rides at Royal Ascot – Day 1 and 2
Frankie Dettori will compete at Royal Ascot (PA)Tuesday
2.30pm: Queen Anne Stakes
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Inspiral - 2-1
3.05pm: Coventry Stakes
Givemethebeatboys - 4-1
3.40pm: King’s Stakes Stakes
Manaccan - 5-1
4.20pm: St James’s Palace Stakes
Chaldean - 9-4
5.35pm: Wolferton Stakes
Saga - 4-1
6.10pm: Copper Horse Handicap
Absurde - 6-1
Wednesday
3.05pm Kensington Palace Fillies’ Handicap
Tamarama - 6-1
3.40pm Duke of Cambridge Stakes
Laurel - 11-4
5.35pm - Queen’s Vase
Gregory