Gold Cup (£700,000) – Thursday, June 18, 16:30 (BST)
Like the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, the Ascot Gold Cup acts as the showpiece event of Royal Ascot.
Even though it doesn’t quite carry the same prize purse, it’s still the most prestigious.
That’s because of its rich history and the gruelling two miles, three furlongs and 210 yards race.
It’s a true test of Flat-racing stayers, and the stamina battle means it’s often best to look for each-way selections to hedge your risk.
The Gold Cup is also open to horses aged four and above.
3lb-weight allowances are reserved for mares and fillies, while 7lb weight allowances are offered for those venturing from the Southern Hemisphere.
The most iconic Ascot Gold Cup horse is Yeats, who won this race four years in succession between 2006 and 2009.
The John Magnier–owned superstar was trained by Aidan O’Brien, who holds the record for the most Ascot Gold Cup wins with nine.
Stradivarius and Sagaro also etched their names into the Royal Ascot record books by winning the Gold Cup three years in a row.
The Ascot Gold Cup is the first leg of the Stayers’ Triple Crown, which also includes the Goodwood Cup and Doncaster Cup.
The eyes of British horse racing will be transfixed on the Royal Ascot to see if the next Yeats or Stradivarius is born at the 2026 festival.
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