Royal Ascot 2017 Race Guide

Published: 10/05/2017

Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, The Royal Ascot is one of Britain's most prolific and stylish horse racing events. Even today the festival maintains a royal touch as it is attended by Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales. Over 300,000 people attend the event, and many more watch and bet on the races from the comfort of their homes.

Horse racing fans can bet on 30 races at the Royal Ascot, including a total of 8 Group 1 races with at least one each day. The event takes place from Tuesday 20th June – Saturday 24th June. Bookies will soon release odds for individual races, but until then, we give you the breakdown of the Royal Ascot's greatest.

The opening day kicks off one of the best Flat events on the calendar and includes an epic three Group 1 races starting with the Queen Anne Stakes, named after the founder. Last year's winner was American horse Tepin, who was accurately given 11/2 odds. The King's Stand Stakes and the St James' Palace Stakes also take place on the Tuesday. The St James' Palace Stakes is the highlight, attracting stern competition from the 2000 Guineas races.

The second day of the Royal Ascot has only one Group 1 stage, The Prince Of Wales's Stakes, but it is known to be one of the most important meetings of the event. It is open for thoroughbreds of 4 years and over. Last year's winner was My Dream Boat, an outsider running at 16/1 who caused a bit of a stir. Wednesday is definitely a quiet day on the racecourse, but the Group 1 event is propped up with a gentle schedule of Group 2 and 3 races.

The Thursday of the Royal Ascot is Ladies' Day, and there is certainly more of a buzz in the air as this highly fashionable day of racing kicks off. There is only one Group 1 race on this day, but it is the legendary Gold Cup, a two-and-a-half mile run that is really the main event of the whole competition. Order of St George won the cup last year and was the clear favorite with 10/11 odds – barely worth a bet to be frank! Let's see if this year brings a tougher race.

Friday marks the fourth day of the Royal Ascot, and it really does sprint into the weekend, with two Group 1 races, including the acclaimed Coronation Stakes, which sees the leading three-year old fillies in Europe aim to outpace each other. The Commonwealth Cup is also held on this day, along with several other Group races.

The Saturday is the closing day of the Ascot, but the atmosphere is by no means weary. There are still exciting sprints to be had, including the day's headline race, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, one of the finest sprint races in the world in which international greats line up for a six-furlong race. It's fast and furious and odds tend to be well spread, as anything can happen in this event. Last year's winner, Twilight Son, was still running favorite at 7/2.

We look forward to the Royal Ascot 2017 and all of the betting opportunities that it brings. Stick around to gain new odds as they happen.