Royal Ascot returns from 16–20 June 2026, bringing five days of elite Flat racing, royal pageantry and some of the deepest fields seen anywhere in the sport. With 35 races, including eight Group 1 contests, the Berkshire showpiece once again promises to be the focal point of the European summer season, and your favourite racing paper is bringing you everything you need to make the most of it! With FREE William Hill shop bets every day of the iconic festival, plus packed pullouts from the pundits you trust, don't miss your Mirror from Tuesday June 16 until Saturday June 20, 2026.
Key Races and Contenders
As ever, much attention will centre on the powerhouse yards of Aidan O'Brien, Charlie Appleby and the Gosden operation, whose runners traditionally peak for the meeting. Early ante-post discussion has highlighted horses such as Talk Of New York for the St James’s Palace Stakes, while staying enthusiasts are already debating Gold Cup prospects including Al Nayyir. Among the riders, the established stars remain impossible to ignore. Ryan Moore heads into the festival with a formidable Royal Ascot record, while Oisin Murphy, James Doyle and William Buick look set to dominate the biggest races. Buick, in particular, continues to boast an enviable strike rate on market leaders at the meeting.
How to Get Your Free Bets
Every day of the festival, from Tuesday 16 June to Saturday 20 June, your Mirror will include a free William Hill shop bet voucher. Simply take the coupon to any William Hill shop to place your bet on Royal Ascot races. Additionally, each day's newspaper features a dedicated pullout section with expert tips, race-by-race analysis, and form guides from the most trusted pundits in the sport.
With unmissable racing pullouts every day of the festival, plus an incredible free shop bet every day from William Hill, don't miss your paper from Tuesday June 16 until Saturday June 20, 2026 to make the most of Royal Ascot 2026.
