Ascot Meetings, Race Days & Races

Of course we all know Ascot wouldn’t be the course it is if it wasn’t for Royal Ascot but it is only one of many race meetings held each year at the historic racecourse.  While that is the pinnacle event there are a host of other meetings in the lead up to and after Royal Ascot, we cover all of them here.

The flat racing season at Ascot begins in early May with the Ascot Trials Day and then the Victoria Cup. Following Royal Ascot we have the Summer Mile Racing weened, the King George weekend, Shergar Cup, September meeting, Autumn meeting and the spectacular British Champions Day – that boasts the highest prize money of a single day in British racing and signifies the end of the flat season.

Although Ascot is synonymous with flat racing there has also been jumps racing at the course since 1965 that happens during the National Hunt season.  This starts with the November meeting and runs until April featuring the Christmas Racing weekend, Clarence House Chase Raceday, Ascot Chase Raceday and the Spring Family Raceday.

On this page you can find a list of all the meetings, race days and races that are held at Ascot through the year.  If you click on any race or day you will see dedicated summaries describing everything you need to know about the events and races.

List Of Meetings At Ascot

Royal Ascot

Tuesday Queen Anne Stakes Day

Wednesday Prince Of Wales Stakes Day

Thursday Ladies Day

Friday Coronation Stakes Day

Saturday Diamond Jubilee Stakes Day

When it comes to Ascot Racecourse, there is no meeting that is as prestigious or important as Royal Ascot. After all, until 1939 Royal Ascot was the only meeting that was run at the course, so it is hardly surprising that it is the centre of attention for the majority of the horse racing family. From the second the Royal Procession starts on the first day through to the final horse crossing the finish line five days later, this small section of Berkshire is gripped by racing fever. Whether you’re a bookmaker or a bettor, it will be a week filled with highs and lows, thrills and spills.

The meeting is typically held in June, which is when the great and the good from the world of horse racing make their way to the course in order to challenge themselves against some of the most prestigious flat races in the sport. Celebrities and members of the Royal Family are also known to head there, so don’t be surprised if you recognise more than a few faces during the week. The Gold Cup is the most prestigious of the events held during the week, but each day of the meeting has got its feature race to keep you amused and entertained.

British Champions Day

There is no question that Royal Ascot is the most influential meeting at Ascot Racecourse, but it isn’t the only one that is worth mentioning that takes place at the famous venue. In its own way, British Champions Day is just as important to the flat racing calendar, being a conclusion to numerous different divisions throughout the year. Such is the extent to which it is a crucial part of flat racing’s season, it is the richest single day of horse racing. In 2016, for example, there was more than £4 million in prize money on offer across the entire day’s racing, which is impressive.

Boasting four Group 1 events, a Group 2 race and a respected handicap, British Champions Day is a chance to see some excellent racing take place one race after another. It sees the conclusion of the likes of the Long Distance series, the Sprint series and the Mile and Middle Distance divisions. It means that it is a day on which champions will be crowned, being named the best horses in their area of expertise until the day is hosted again 12 months later. With more than 30,000 often turning up to watch and horses like Frankel making their name, it is a day of racing not to be missed.