Royal Ascot returns from 16–20 June 2026, delivering five days of elite Flat racing, royal pageantry, and some of the deepest fields seen anywhere in the sport. Your Express will be with you for every glorious moment!
With 35 races, including eight Group 1 contests, the Berkshire showpiece once again promises to be the focal point of the European summer season. Your favourite racing paper brings you everything you need to make the most of it, including packed pullouts from the pundits you trust every day of the festival.
Powerhouse Yards and Top Contenders
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.
Jockeys to Watch
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.
With unmissable racing pullouts every day of the festival, plus an incredible reader offer every day, don't miss your paper from Tuesday June 16 until Saturday June 20, 2026 to make the most of Royal Ascot 2026.
