One of the biggest social events of the whole year would finally descend on Ascot as the Royal meeting opened its doors for 2025. An event where the general public can mingle with royalty, celebrities and VIP's and celebrate all that is British with the main serving of high quality horse racing.  Royal Ascot is a staple of the sport's calendar and audiences from around the world tune in and watch, no matter what time it is in their country. The magnitude of having a runner at this meeting is great enough that trainers from Australia, America, Europe and the Far East all converge onto the hallowed Berkshire turf and do combat, determining who is the world's best. In the grandstands, the sound champagne corks popping, live music and the bright colours of racegoers' outfits and floral displays made the racecourse a vibrant place for all attending. Patrons from around the world converge with the love of racing.

Day one of the five day extravaganza would open with the highest quality, with three Group One contests in the first four races. Undisputed champions will be decided in the older horse mile division, sprinting division and three-year-old mile division with the Queen Anne, King Charles and St James's Palace Stakes races taking place. Elsewhere, some of the best juveniles of the season would do battle in the Group Two Coventry Stakes over six furlongs and high class handicaps would complete the bill with the famous Ascot Stakes (2m 4f), Wolferton Stakes (1m 2f) and Copper Horse Stakes (1m 6f).

Before racing, the traditional Royal procession would take place before racing, featuring the King and Queen and all of their special guests. A spectacle which many non-racing fans flock to Ascot for and a chance to show their appreciation before the racing action takes centre stage. The start of a week long heatwave would provide perfect summer weather, but all measures required to look after horses and humans were put in place and the water vendors were making plenty of business. 

Race One: The Queen Anne Stakes - Group One - One Mile - Runners: 10

The meeting would dive straight into the highest level with the traditional curtain raiser, the Group One Queen Anne Stakes. The mile contest is an opportunity for horses aged over four years old to solidify their status as the very best in the division and the roll of honour includes some fantastic names. From the late nineties to early two-thousands, memorable horses such as Markofdistinction, Kalanisi and Cape Cross have all won this race during their illustrious careers and 2012 saw one of the most dominant wins ever at Royal Ascot as Frankel blitzed his rivals by eleven lengths.
In recent times, the race hasn't been immune from shock results, such as Accidental Agent's 50-1 shocker in 2018, Lord Glitters a year later and Triple Time's all-the-way success in 2023. Despite this, some brilliant horses have won this race since 2010, with many going on to win best horse of the year. They include Goldikova, Canford Cliffs, Palace Pier and Baaeed. Last year, the progression of Charyn continued as the grey landed his second Group One following his win in the Lockinge Stakes previously.

This year's line up saw a brilliant line up and a clash of countries that whetted the appetite for the rest of the meeting. Heading the racecard would be the Alice Haynes-trained Cairo, who once finished second in an Irish Guineas and has shown decent form at a lower level. The five year old was last seen finishing second in the Huxley Stakes at Chester last month. American superstar Carl Spackler cleaned up in the mile division in the States and flew in to battle Europe's best. Having recently moved to Australian trainer Ciaran Maher, the five year old has won three Grade Ones with consummate ease and would add a new dimension to the race. Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini has emerged from the shadows to announce himself as one of the best milers in the country this year. The four year old won on seasonal comeback at Doncaster before adding the Bet365 Mile at Sandown next time. He would go down by just a neck in the Lockinge and would be looking to reverse the form with Lead Artist. Aidan O'Brien has won this race just four times in the past and would saddle Diego Velazquez here. The son of Frankel cost a big sum as a yearling but hasn't set the world alight on the track. He won his last two starts at a lower level, but that was towards the end of last year. Docklands won the Britannia Stakes Handicap at this meeting two years ago and confirmed his good record at the course by finishing a great second in last year's Queen Anne. Harry Eustace's five year old was last seen at Epsom just over a week ago but could only manage third. Lake Forest won the Gimcrack Stakes at York as a 2-year-old and hasn't seen much racing since then. William Haggas's four year old landed a valuable race in Australia in November but wasn't at his best in a Group Three in May. The Juddmonte-owned Lead Artist had progressed quietly last year for the John and Thady Gosden stable, but put his name in lights by landing the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last time. He wouldn't be out of the question given his gradual rise over the last twelve months. Godolphin's first runner would be last year's 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech. Charlie Appleby's four year old looked a star in the making in last year's Classic, but his form has taken a few bumps along the way. He would race too keenly on his return at Newbury, finishing a held fourth. The well bred Quddwah lined up for the Simon and Ed Crisford stable with a record of five wins in seven starts. The five year old returned to winning ways with a victory in listed company in France and has two wins at Ascot already. One of last year's star milers Rosallion took his place in the line up to add more quality. Richard Hannon's four year old landed the St James's Palace Stakes on this card last year before injury cut his year short. He was expected to improve from his Lockinge third on his comeback. One of the fastest rising horses in the line up would be the John and Thady Gosden-trained Sardinian Warrior. The four year old climbed the ladder and won a listed race over course and distance in some style before making a race of it against a top class French horse in the Prix Ganay last time out. 

Winner: DOCKLANDS (Massaat x Icky Woo) (#5) - M. Zahra - J. Eustace

The dark horse in the line up Sardinian Warrior was found to be off colour on the eve of the meeting which reduced the field to ten, but this would still remain a quality opening race.

The gates would burst open to signal the start of Royal Ascot and it would be accompanied by a Cheltenham-like roar from the swelling crowd. Quddwah was sent into the early lead under Callum Shepherd and he would bring the field down the centre of the track, following the wheeltracks of the Royal Procession carriages that took place before racing.  He would be joined up front by Lead Artist in the Juddmonte silks, along with Carl Spackler and Dancing Gemini. The early gallop would be a relatively sedate on for the type of race and a number of runners raced keenly. Leading fancies Rosallion and Notable Speech were using more energy than ideal, but they both raced just behind the leading trio. Diego Velazquez was slightly slow from the stalls but had quickly the ground back up to race prominently under Ryan Moore. Docklands was another to miss the break and raced towards the rear, in company with Cairo and Lake Forest. Approaching the three furlong pole, Callum Shepherd began to increase the pace on Quddwah as the race reached a critical point. The long time leader began to struggle and Lead Artist would take over. There would be plenty of change in the order as things began to heat up on track. Docklands had been well placed throughout and was the first to make headway from out of the pack. Carl Spackler was also right there, producing a big run on his British debut while Notable Speech was still boxed in under Will Buick. Entering the final, lung bursting furlong, Docklands joined Carl Spackler in the lead, but Mark Zahra would be hindered by dropping his whip. Rosallion also quickened up smartly to challenge Docklands and the pair would go eye to eye in the opener. In a rousing finish to the contest, Docklands and Rosallion exchanged blows all the way to the line and a photo finish was called. A long, nervy hush would descend on Ascot until the result was announced, but a few groans would go up as Docklands was declared the winner by a nose over Rosallion. Away from the main battle, Cairo ran an outstanding race by finishing strongly into third as Notable Speech could manage only fourth after getting out of the hole he was in earlier in the race.

It is often the case that course form is key at venues like Ascot and that applies strongly to the winner Docklands, who was winning at Group One level for the first time. The five year old burst onto the scene at this meeting in 2023 by winning the ultra-competitive Britannia Handicap and he would then climb further up the ladder. After finishing second in two listed races at the start of 2024, he would then post a career best at the time by staying on into second behind Charyn in last year's running of this race. After then, he could only manage midfield finishes in the Juddmonte International, Cox Plate, Champions Plate and Hong Kong Mile, all of which are world class races. Prior to this race, it would be a similar story of a steady start where he finished a close second over this course once again at listed level before lining up just ten days earlier in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom. On that occasion, he was trapped in at a crucial point and appeared to not handle the unique course. Harry Eustace's entire already has big targets later in the season with a return trip to Australia on the cards for another go at the Cox Plate in October. It would also be a memorable day for jockey Mark Zahra, who was having his first ever ride at Royal Ascot. The winning rider of the Melbourne Cup for the last two seasons showed his quality in the saddle, despite losing his whip. It is likely that the pair will be reunited in the Cox Plate and this would be a perfect way to get acquainted. 

Race Two: The Coventry Stakes - Group Two - 2-y-o Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 20

The focus would switch to the stars of tomorrow with the one of the flagship races of the juvenile race calendar, the Group Two Coventry Stakes. Taking place over six furlongs, this famous race has produced many top class youngsters and despite the distance, it has also produced many winners of the following year's 2000 Guineas. Henrythenavigator, Dawn Approach and Power completed the double of the Coventry Stakes and Guineas success, but former winners include Canford Cliffs, Bradsell and Royal Applause, all of whom went on to win at Group One level. Just like any other race, the Coventry Stakes isn't shy of a freak result, as seen by Nando Parrado's 125-1 shock win in 2020 and last year, where Reshabar gave young Billy Loughnane a first Royal winner at odds of 80-1, breaking his maiden tag in the process.

The class of 2025 would feature some exciting prospects, headed by the Paul and Oliver Cole-trained American Gulf in the Fitri Hay silks. He was always well positioned on debut at Windsor and quickened away from his rivals but this would be a quick jump in class, having won just fifteen days ago. Joseph O'Brien's Andab produced an eye catching display on debut by winning by four lengths and then bettered that form by finishing third in a Group Three at the end of May. Richard Hannon has won this race many times in the past with high class juveniles and would aim to do it again with Ballistic Missile. The son of Mehmas showed a good turn of gear when winning over five furlongs at York in May, but is bred to be appreciate this distance. The Ollie Sangster-trained Bone Marra would line up under new ownership having gone under the hammer at the previous night's auction and potential buyers will have been impressed by his debut at Wolverhampton where he was tailed off at one point but flew home in the straight and won with some ease in the end. The combination of Billy Loughnane and Brian Meehan were looking to repeat last year's success, this time on Bourbon Blues. Horses from the Meehan stable often improve for their debut and the gelding did just that by winning very easily in a modest maiden at Brighton. Clive Cox was responsible for the shock winner Nando Parrado five years ago, but Coppull had a better chance on paper this year. The son of Bated Breath made a winning debut over five furlongs, but wasn't fully extended which suggests there is more potential to unlock. The Ed Walker stable has been in great form recently and they would saddle the maiden Do Or Do Not. After a low key debut effort, the chestnut ran much better by chasing home the reopposing Tadej at York just over a fortnight ago. Another Irish challenger would be the David Marnane-trained Gavoo, who was left behind when chasing home Andab on his debut, but quickened up in good style to win next time out at Listowel. The leading contender for Aidan O'Brien this year would be Gstaad, who is bred to be high class but showed inexperience on his debut. Once the penny dropped, he quickened up sharply to win going away at Navan, a display which clearly impressed Ryan Moore enough to choose him as his ride here. Tom Dascombe traditionally does well in the juvenile division and would be represented by Kolkata Knight. He would show a lot of natural speed by making all the running and pulling away by five lengths at Hamilton on debut. Godolphin have never won the Coventry Stakes, but they would have a strong contender with Military Code. Charlie Appleby's colt remains unbeaten in two starts and despite winning over five furlongs, he looked strong at the finish to suggest this trip will be better suited. Wathnan Racing aren't afraid of spending big, but their eye for talent has unearthed the exciting Postmodern. The son of Too Darn Hot made an explosive debut, winning by five lengths and looked to give Qatari champion trainer Hamad Al Jehani a first Royal Ascot winner. Adrian Murray has trained juvenile winners at the Royal meeting in recent years and sent over Power Blue for this year's renewal. After winning the first turf race of the Irish season, he would give the high class prospect Albert Einstein a race last time out in a Group Three race. Richard Hannon would also be represented by Raakeb in this race. After making a smart winning debut at Ripon, he has since taken podium placed finishes in a pair of conditions races at Beverley and Epsom recently. Kevin Ryan would sent Rock On Thunder from his Yorkshire base as the colt put his unbeaten record on the line. The colt saw out the distance strongly by winning at Leicester and is related to a couple of Group-class horses. Hollie Doyle and Archie Watson combined to win this race in 2022 with Bradsell and this year, they would be represented by Shaatir. After showing promise on his debut, the grey looked speedy when pulling clear to win at Lingfield recently. The sole runner for the Karl Burke stable would be Super Soldier, who made a winning debut and has shown Group race potential with good efforts in defeat in a conditions race and listed race recently. Archie Watson would also saddle Tadej, who won the same race at York as Bradsell prior to winning this contest. Tadej had the benefit of experience, but still did the job nicely to book his ticket for Ascot. Hugo Palmer's Tricky Tel has famous connections as owners and on the track, he has been sharp enough to navigate Chester's twists and turns to win twice there; most recently over six furlongs, but this would be much tougher. Another big runner in the race for Wathnan Racing would be Underwriter from the Archie Watson stable. The son of Mehmas knew his job from the get go and powered clear inside the final furlong at Ayr before getting eased down when the race was sealed.  The Scottish venue has an good record of producing placed horses in this race in recent seasons. Warsaw would accompany his stablemate Gstaad in the lineup and made a very good first impression by running away at Navan just ten days ago. He would provide a strong back up option for the Aidan O'Bryan team. 

Winner: GSTAAD (Starspangledbanner x Mosa Mine) (#9) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

The quick ground would see the withdrawal of Tricky Tel for this race, but a twenty-strong field of exciting juveniles would head to post in this cauldron like venue. 

The young horses generally behaved well in testing conditions, although American Gulf would be noticeably restless in his gate. Once the stalls opened, Postmodern would miss the break slightly which gave him an uphill battle, added to the fact that he began to race keenly in the early stages. As so often is the case with races over the straight course at Ascot, the field began to split into two definitive groups. Over on the far side, there would be a smaller group which was headed by Kolkata Knight, who showed good early speed to tow his rivals along. He would be pestered by Powder Blue with Rock On Thunder and Bourbon Blues also sitting in the slipstream. Towards the rear of the far side group would be American Gulf, Bone Marra, Raaheb Do Or Do Not and Warsaw. The much larger group would race closer to the stand's side, but at the halfway stage the far side group held the overall lead. Coppull would lead the near side group under David Probert and he would have Tadej, Super Soldier and the keen going Underwriter. Other leading candidates to race in the larger group included Postmodern, Military Code and Andab, as Gstaad was smothered up in the pack under a quiet Ryan Moore. The race would begin to take shape approaching the final furlong pole and on the far side, Kolkata Knight began to feel the pinch as Raakeb took over in front. The near side group had caught up with their counterparts on the far side and it would leave a potentially wide open finish. Gstaad had made smooth headway through the field and emerged in the centre of the course and turned the afterburners on. The colt would shoot two lengths clear and extended his lead, crossing the line in splendid isolation; an impressive three lengths to the good. Over on the far side, Ed Walker's Do Or Do Not ran a brilliant race to take second, becoming the best maiden in training, while on the near side Coppull gained plenty of credit for making all in his group to finish third. Andab would be another to make late headway into a never nearer fourth. 

Aidan O'Brien already had a record number of wins in this race and would extend it to eleven with this sparkling display from Gstaad. Early season plans for this race would be hindered for the master of Ballydoyle as Albert Einstein, who is viewed as a much more exciting prospect, had to miss the race through injury. O'Brien would be represented with numerous horses at the six day entry stage, but the Ryan Moore's choice to ride Gstaad would be notable. The son of speedy sire Starspangledbanner, Gstaad is a half brother to another brilliant juvenile Vandeek, who was unbeaten at two and won the Group One Middle Park Stakes and Prix Morny in 2023. He would make his debut at Navan exactly a month earlier and during the race, he looked to be struggling at the halfway point. Once the penny dropped, he would quickly make up for lost ground and looked much better than the official half length margin on that day. He was very strong at the finish which suggests the colt could go further in trip, but with a host of sprinters in his close family, Gstaad could conquer all in the sprinting division. This success highlighted the dominance of the Aidan O'Brien stable, especially with post race comments declaring that Albert Einstein is a much better horse than Gstaad, a scary thought for all rival stables. 

Race Three: The King Charles III Stakes - Group One - Five Furlongs - Runners: 23

Group One action would make a quick return to the fray, this time with the always exciting King Charles III Stakes. Formerly known as the King's Stand Stakes, this five furlong dash is a thrilling test of speed and quality and is another race that attracts some of the very best from around the world. The race can also lay claim to holding one of the best roll of honours list throughout the decades, with former winners including Dayjur, Lochsong, Battaash and Blue Point from the home team and the likes of Takeover Target, Miss Aurelia and Nature Strip showing their skills from further afield. The unpredictable nature of the race can produce surprise winners, such as Prohibit in 2011 and Little Bridge for Hong Kong in 2012. Last year, the high class Australian mare Asfoora blasted her way to victory under Oisin Murphy during her brief stay in Britain that summer.

This year's line up would be headed by the rapid improver American Affair from the Jim Goldie stable. The five year old landed valuable handicaps last season and into this year on his way to this big day out. He looked a shade unlucky when only fifth in the Temple Stakes at Haydock on his first try in Group company. The very talented Irish sprinter Bucanero Fuerte was a late supplementary entry for trainer Adrian Murray and Amo Racing. The Group One winning juvenile warmed up for this race with an authoritative success last month at Naas. Clive Cox has produced plenty of high class sprinters in recent seasons and would rely on Jasour this season. The four year old grey finished third in last year's Commonwealth Cup at this meeting, but pulled too hard over this distance on his recent comeback. Another runner for the Cox stable would be Kerdos, who emerged on the scene with a win in last year's Temple Stakes at Haydock. He fell just short of Group One level later that season, but finished a good fifth in this race twelve months ago. Manaccan flew the flag for the John Ryan stable a few seasons ago and won a listed race over course and distance in 2022. Injuries have kept him out of action and this would be his first start since May 2023. Night Raider has shown a high cruising speed in his races, so this could be an ideal race for Karl Burke's four year old. With four wins on the all-weather, he showed he is capable on turf with a front-running third in the Duke Of York Stakes last time and tried the minimum trip for the first time. Regional gave his trainer Ed Bethell a first Group One victory in the Sprint Cup in 2023 and ran a stormer to chase home Asfoora by finish second in this race last year. He would finish a close up third in the Al Quoz Sprint in Meydan when last seen in April. The smaller scale stable of Johnathan Portman would saddle the speedy Rumstar in this contest and he booked his ticket with a success in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket in May. He was unable to confirm the form by finishing sixth next time at Haydock. Starlust improved leaps and bounds throughout 2024 and it culminated with a third in the Nunthorpe Stakes and victory in the Breeders' Cup Sprint last November. He is another with plenty of natural speed, but looked rusty on his comeback at Haydock. Twilight Calls remains classy enough to be competitive at this level, despite not winning for over three years. Now trained by Richard Spencer, the seven year old has a good record in this race though with a second, fourth and sixth in the last three seasons. Another Yorkshire raider would be the Kevin Ryan-trained Washington Heights, who is a Group Three winner in the past but has gradually finished closer with each start over five furlongs; most recently when a close up third in the Temple Stakes at Haydock last time. Last year's winner Asfoora was back in Britain for the chance to defend her title and Henry Dwyer's mare landed a Group Three in Australia as a warm up and will enjoy the return to a familiar place. A filly on the rise would be Ed Walker's four year old Balmoral Lady. Graduating through the handicap ladder last season, she showed a smart turn of pace to win at Haydock to win a listed race on her latest start. The in foal Believing was unlucky to not win a Group One last season with a few near misses, but she was at her brilliant best in Dubai where she landed the Al Quoz Sprint in March. The roan filly Frost At Dawn is another former winner in Dubai and William Knight's four year old gained a deserved victory for the first time since then by winning at Haydock over six furlongs. Another runner for the Ed Walker stable would be Mgheera, who has been a transformed character this year since her move from France. The mare went from last to first in good style when winning the Temple Stakes last time and would be a strong contender here. There would be interest from Italy as Marco Baratti's filly Monteille lined up against some of Europe's best sprinters. The four year old has won two Group Three contests already, most recently at Chantilly on the slower side of good ground. Richard Hughes won this race twice as a jockey and would look to win it as a trainer with his filly No Half Measures. The four year old prefers softer ground but showed her talent with a fifth place in the Prix de l'Abbaye last autumn. She was caught close home in a listed race at Haydock last time out. First of the three year olds would be Archie Watson's Aesterius, who won the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster last September. He would have a bit to prove now following a flat reappearance at York last month.  Mauricio Delcher Sanchez became a household name in 2008 when he brought over Equiano for a historic win for Spain in this race and would look for another victory with Estepona. The two time winner saw his finishing effort peter out over six furlongs in France last time out. The second horse to be supplemented for this contest would be Prime Art for the Jane Chapple-Hyam stable. The filly has won over a Group Three over six furlongs in the past, but this would be her first start over five furlongs. Another very useful sort would be Tropical Storm for the Andrew Balding yard. After finishing second in the Norfolk Stakes at last year's Royal meeting, he showed a liking to York by winning two listed races there, most recently in May. George Scott's West Acre burst onto the sprinting scene with two emphatic wins in Meydan at the start of the season, but his winning run came to an end at the highest level in March, albeit over six furlongs.

Winner: AMERICAN AFFAIR (Washington DC x Classy Anne) (#1) - P Mulrennan - J. Goldie

The field would be reduced by two in the hours leading up to the race as connections of No Half Measures and Bucanero Fuerte found the going too quick for their horses. Before the race, Christophe Soumillion would taste the Ascot turf as Kerdos unseated him on the way to post. The pair would be reunited shortly afterwards and cantered to post with the tail slightly behind their tails. The drama would continue at the stalls as the mare Mgheera became edgy before loading, after kicking out and refusing to enter the stalls, she would be withdrawn before the race. 

Once the race was underway, the nineteen remaining runners burst out of their gates like coiled springs. Regional would make a perfect getaway to lead in the initial stages. The race would turn messy from an early point however as the pack would split into four small groups across the width of the track. The far side group would be led by Night Raider, who went hard and fast as expected. Racing just him would be Rumstar, the well fancied Believing, Jasour and the filly Balmoral Lady. The central group would follow Regional's lead and the group included the keen going Aesterius, Washington Heights, the Aussie mare Asfoora and long absent Manaccan. Finally, the near side group saw plenty of pace shown by the Spanish raider Estepona with Frost At Dawn and Prime Art amongst those with a prominent position. Despite the runners spread across the track, the pace was still hot and the final furlong was looming large. Estepona would challenge for the overall lead up the stand's side but the action would remain competitive in the centre. Regional was still right there with every chance as Asfoora emerged on the scene with a good looking challenge. The eye would be drawn once again to the nearside as Frost At Dawn burst into the lead and looked set to cause a big shock. She would be joined by American Affair who had crept into contention and unleashed his patented turn of foot to inch ahead under Paul Mulrennan. The gelding stuck his neck out bravely to hold off Frost At Dawn in a driving finish. In the centre, Regional held on for an honourable third and placing in this race for the second year in a row, while on the far side, Starlust did his best work at the finish to take fourth. Fifth place would be shared by Asfoora as well as Kerdos, who ran a brilliant race considering his pre race antics.

The sprint division often throws up surprise results, but an improving sort can go a long way. The five year old gelding has taken the Jim Goldie stable on a memorable journey over the past eighteen months. There is a real family feel to the success as Jim Goldie trained American Affair's dam Classy Anne as well as his grand-dam Class Won. The winner's rise has been stratospheric since winning a class four handicap at Musselburgh in April 2024. Later that season, he would win the historic Portland Handicap at Doncaster's St Leger Festival which showed he was well on the way up the ladder. He started this year with a vengeance by winning a pair of class two handicaps at Musselburgh and York which paved the way for a tilt at pattern company. Lining up at Haydock in the Temple Stakes, he would find himself boxed in and unable to challenge; returning only fifth. The nature of this race was always likely to suit American Affair's running style as he shows a short burst of speed and holds on. It would be a win on the board for the Scottish and an emotional day for the Jim Goldie yard as they landed their first Group One winner and first Royal Ascot success. After rising from a rating of 70 to a new high of 115, his progression is similar to that of Highfield Princess's. The story may not be finished just yet and he will be expected to go close in the Nunthorpe at York in August. Further down the line, connections can plan a holiday to America as American Affair booked his guaranteed place in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. 

Race Four: The St James's Palace Stakes - Group One - One Mile - Runners: 7

The third and final Group One contest of day one would see a clash of the three-year-olds with an epic rematch on the cards. The St James's Palace Stakes is often the definitive race to decide the season's best miler of the Classic generation and can often make for a brilliant spectacle. Raced on the round mile course, the race has been won some of the all time greats of the sport throughout the years with Brigadier Gerard, Giant's Causeway, Shamardal, Frankel and Kingman to name just a few champions who have this race on their CV's. In recent seasons, victories in this race have been shared between Aidan O'Brien, Richard Hannon and Charlie Appleby, with the Guineas winner of the same year often completing the Newmarket-Ascot double. 

This year's renewal would be no different as it served up a clash between the English, Irish and French Guineas winners with the title of undisputed best on the line. The racecard would be headed by Field Of Gold who finished runner up in the English Guineas last month, but many felt he should have won that day. The grey would show his sparkling ability with a stunning victory in the Irish Guineas to set up a rematch with Ruling Court. The first of the Aidan O'Brien runners would be First Wave, who got off the mark at the fifth attempt but did so in smart style. He would likely be running as a pacesetter here though. The Ballydoyle operation first string would be Henri Matisse, who has racked up the air miles already. After winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Mile, he scored again on the international scene with a gutsy display to win the French Guineas. The very well bred Officer provided Aidan O'Brien with another leading fancy and was popular in the betting for the Irish Guineas last time, but was found to be not right after the race when only finishing seventh. Rashabar caused a big shock in last year's Coventry Stakes when breaking his maiden tag, but has shown it wasn't a fluke by placing twice at Group One level. Brian Meehan's colt would finish just behind a few of his rivals at the Curragh in the Irish Guineas last time. Godolphin have won this race four times since 2000 and would their main hope would be this year's English Guineas winner Ruling Court. The son of Justify quickened up smartly to deny Field Of Gold that day and after a last minute withdrawal from the Epsom Derby, he was rerouted her for an exciting rematch. Completing the field would be the Andrew Balding-trained Windlord, who has gradually progressed. He finished third in the Beresford Stakes last year and third in the Classic Trial at Sandown in April, but was utilised as a pacemaker in the Irish Guineas last time out.

Winner: FIELD OF GOLD (Kingman x Princess de Lune) (#1) - C. Keane - J & T. Gosden

As the sun continued to blaze down over the Ascot heath, the hottest race of the day was set to take place. The seven runners would generally behave themselves in the preliminaries despite the stifling heat. The exception would be Ruling Court, who began to boil over with sweat heading to post.

It would be time for the pre-race debating to end and the horses to do the talking as the race got underway. As expected, the second runner for Juddmonte, Windlord, was sent to the lead in the opening exchanges. Aidan O'Brien's second runner Officer also went forward but the longer priced stablemate First Wave fluffed his lines briefly with a slow start. He was soon rushed forward by Dylan McMonagle and made it three wide for the lead. Rashabar would sit in fourth as Ruling Court was held up in midfield along the rail. The final pair would be Henri Matisse and Field Of Gold, whose grey coat was easy to spot. Heading past the trees at Swinley Bottom, Officer took over in the outright lead. The pace would be a good one as the all important home bend loomed large. The pack would be tightly grouped as the swung around the bend and Field Of Gold edged further forward. As Officer kicked on into the straight, the race began to heat up. Field Of Gold brushed his way between First Wave and Rashabar, but once he was into the clear, the signs looked ominous for his rivals. Colin Keane arrived on the scene still on the bridle and the volume of the crowd began to rise. The grey went into overdrive once his rider pressed the button and he delivered an electrifying turn of pace into the lead. He would drift towards the far side rail but he galloped on relentlessly with gap between him and his rivals widening with each stride. A round of applause would be resonate around the grandstands to appreciate Field Of Gold as he crossed the line four lengths clear. It would be a case of Ireland ahead of France and England as Henri Matisse ran a respectable race into second despite receiving a few bumps while Ruling Court plugged on into third. Rashabar rounded out the top four, but it was all about one horse, the new undisputed star, Field Of Gold.

John and Thady Gosden's colt has had an unusually busy career compared to other winners in the past, but the imposing grey is able to take in plenty of races. The son of Kingman made his debut at Doncaster just under a year ago in July where he finished third, showing plenty of inexperience. After then, he show plenty of ability by winning next time out at Newmarket's July Festival. A first Group race success would come shortly after as he ran out a comfortable winner in the Solario Stakes at Sandown. His first season would conclude with a decent fourth on soft ground in the Prix Jean Luc Lagadere at Longchamp in October. This year has seen a different beast altogether and he reappeared in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket. He would show a sign of what is to come by stretching clear and setting up a tilt at the Guineas. The first Classic of the season would be run at a slower than usual pace which suited the winner Ruling Court, but Field Of Gold made up an alarming amount of ground in the final furlong and went down by just half a length. There would be plenty of talking points about the ride by Kieran Shoemark, who would later admit that he left it too late and would lose the retained job to the Gosdens. Moving on to the Curragh, Colin Keane would take over in the plate and produced a stunning success in the Irish Guineas. The running style of Field Of Gold is awfully similar to that of his sire Kingman, who was a brilliant miler with a sharp turn of foot and it appears to be watching history repeat itself. A potential clash of generations against older horses in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood could be next, with small hints of a step up in trip for the Juddmonte International as a mouthwatering prospect 

Race Five: The Ascot Stakes Heritage Handicap - Class Two - Two Miles, Four Furlongs - Runners: 20

The focus would switch to handicaps as one of the longest races of the season took place, the Ascot Stakes Heritage Handicap. Ran over the Gold Cup distance of two and a half miles, it is a distance rarely used in British flat racing, so there would be plenty of unknowns on the stamina front. With that being said, this race has been dominated by National Hunt trainers since the turn of the century with twelve renewals since 2000 being won by jumps trainers. Willie Mullins unsurprisingly has a good record in this race and won it in 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2018 with Simenon, Clondaw Warrior, Thomas Hobson and Lagostovegas respectively. Last year, there would be a victory for the flat racing community as Pledgeofallegiance gamely saw out the distance to win for Sir Mark Prescott.

Heading the weights for this gruelling stamina test would be Dawn Rising for the Joseph O'Brien stable. Carrying the JP McManus silks, the eight year old landed the Queen Alexandra Stakes at this meeting two years ago before finishing third in an Irish St Leger. He would run badly below his best when last in the Chester Cup last time out. Next up came the Ralph Beckett-trained Artistic Star. The five year old competed at a high level two seasons ago, but has gone without a win since then. He would finish fourth at Newmarket when last seen in action and moved up in distance. San Salvador has taken in an unorthodox career so far with victories over hurdles and fences and switched to the flat as recently as January. He wasn't beaten far in a listed race at Killarney when last seen. Charlie Johnston's yard is often synonymous with stayers and Align The Stars would take his place here. The four year landed three races in a row last year and finished third in listed company at the start of this year so has a bit of class about him despite the doubts about the distance. The Harry Eustace-trained mare Divine Comedy ran a superb race last year when pushing the winner all the way, but settled for second. Now a seven year old, her rating is much higher this year but she at least finished third in a Group Three here earlier in the year.  A second runner for Ralph Beckett would be Feigning Madness, who is a lightly raced four year old. He would be another to attempt this distance for the first time, but he has plugged on at the same pace in his races to suggest he could stay. James Owen's East India Dock was a high class juvenile hurdler over the winter and finished third in the Triumph at Cheltenham. He would revert to the flat in May where he landed the prestigious Chester Cup and seems to stay forever. Henry de Bromhead has conquered the Cheltenham Festival, but has yet to win at Royal Ascot yet. He would saddle the improving Ascending, who showed a good attitude to win the Cork Derby on his comeback run and still looked unexposed on the flat. There wouldn't be a more fitting winner than Reaching High. Owned by the King and Queen, the son of Gold Cup winner Estimate has all the attributes and has recently joined the Willie Mullins stable. He would taste a narrow defeat on stable debut recently and this race will have been the plan for a while. The five year old Liari is best known for his exploits over hurdles where he won three times so should have the stamina needed. After joining the Michael Bell stable this season, he landed a Newmarket staying handicap in impressive style to set up a tilt at this contest.  Jessie Harrington's Saturn is one of the best bred horses in the field and has won twice over a mile and three quarters, including on his seasonal reappearance. He would weaken away when dropped in trip last time out though. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Manxman enjoyed a highly profitable season last year when climaxed with a controversial and close defeat in the Cesarewitch Handicap. The five year old has continued his good run this year though by beating Mr Hampstead last time and this would be good compensation for the Newmarket defeat. Alphonse Le Grande would gain the verdict in last October's Cesarewitch Handicap and would look for a rarely achieved double of wins in this race. Tony Martin's six year old was given a tender ride on his comeback at the Curragh. The veteran Zoffee lined up for the Hugo Palmer stable and is a former Chester Cup winner. He has a good record at Chester as shown with a third in this year's running of the Chester Cup in May. Nurburgring would swap hurdles for the flat here for the Joseph O'Brien stable. After winning the Galway Hurdle last summer, the five year old has shown flashes of good form on the flat, but is generally better over obstacles; as shown with a fourth at the Cheltenham Festival over fences. The second runner in the JP McManus silks would be the Joseph O'Brien-trained Comfort Zone. The very smart hurdler has also backed his form on the flat and was a smooth winner of a premier handicap when last seen on the flat in November. Another for the Joseph O'Brien stable would the lightly raced Leinster. The four year old has just a handful of starts so far, but he ran well when fourth in the Chester Cup on his latest start. The most eyecatching runner in this contest would be Poniros for the Willie Mullins army. He would make a stunning hurdling debut by winning the Grade One Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March before finishing second at Punchestown. He was a very smart horse on the flat last year so would be a strong contender. The Amo Racing-owned Mr Hampstead was highly tried at this time last year, but he appears to be reinvented as a stayer. After a wide margin success at Goodwood, he went down narrowly to Manxman at the same venue last time out. 

Winner: ASCENDING (Awtaad x Midnight Mojito) (#9) - B. Lee - H. de Bromhead

After the excitement of Field Of Gold's stunning success forty minutes earlier, the calmer nature of this staying handicap would take to the fray.

The early lead would be taken up by Align The Stars and Liari from their low draws but they would be joined after a couple of furlongs by Leinster, who steadily tracked over from his wide draw. As the field rejoined the main racecourse, the keen going Artistic Star was close to the leaders as Manxman came next on the rails. East India Dock would be never far away early on and raced with Mr Hampstead in midfield. Reaching High would be held up towards the rear under Ryan Moore and stablemate Poniros was slightly further back in the order. The pace would be a steady one, given the weather conditions and stamina test and there would be little change in the positions for most of the contest. As the pack reached Swinley Bottom, they began to make the steady incline uphill towards the home bend. Liari and Align The Stars would remain in front as they had at the first time they passed the three furlong pole, but the chasing pack was biting at their heels. Nurburgring swept around the bend into contention and he was joined by East India Dock as they had their eyes on the leader Leinster. A number of horses in the pack had to sit and wait for a gap, no more so than Reaching High, who had nowhere to go on the inside. Ascending had quietly picked off rivals from the rear and emerged on the outside with a good looking run. He would join the fray with Nurburgring in the lead and the pair went head to head in the final furlong. From further back, another Joseph O'Brien runner Comfort Zone made plenty of late headway, but it would be Ascending who dug deepest of all to grimly land the Ascot Stakes. Joseph O'Brien's tactic of emulating his father with multiple runners resulted in him being responsible for the second, third and fourth as Nurburgring took second ahead of Comfort Zone and Leinster. The mare Divine Comedy suffered a luckless run as she was unable to get a clear run until late on and took fifth. 

Henry de Bromhead is no stranger to winning prestigious races in Britain having won all four of the championship races at the Cheltenham Festival as well as the Grand National, but prior to this race, he had never tasted success at the Royal meeting. The hoodoo would be finally broken with this quickly improving six year old, who is in the form of his life at the moment. The son of Awtaad began his career in Britain with Clive Cox and even began over six furlongs initially. His time in Britain would end with just one victory, but he would link up with the de Bromhead stable for a career over hurdles. Despite not winning over obstacles, he would show top class form as a juvenile hurdler by finishing fifth in the Triumph Hurdle, but his form steadily regressed. Connections would revert to the flat with Ascending and the gelding hasn't looked back since. He would rout his rivals in a two mile handicap at Dundalk by nine lengths before starting this year with another success on turf. His latest win came over a mile and a half, but he showed the same battling qualities that put him in good stead that day to win over a mile longer. The gelding could be well named as he ascends up the ladder with some big race targets on the flat and hurdles on the cards in the future.

Race Six: The Wolferton Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 16

The pattern racing would make a brief comeback with this very competitive listed race, the Wolferton Stakes. The ten furlong contest can often prove to be a rough race as horses battle for every inch of racing room and the draw can often prove vital. Since moving from a handicap to a listed race in 2018, the standard of horse taking part has risen and the race has seen some very classy winners in the last six years. The most significant winner would be Addeybb in 2019, who went on to win Group Ones in Australia and then the Champion Stakes over course and distance in 2020. Last year, success went the way of Israr for trainers John and Thady Gosden. The beautifully bred gelding would finally live up to his potential in good style. 

Ambiente Friendly was one of the best colts in training this time last year following his second in the Epsom Derby, but the wheels have fallen off completely. James Owen's four year old has been fairly disappointing in his races since then and has plenty to prove. The William Knight-trained Checkandchallenge is a reliable sort at this kind of level, albeit he needed to prove his stamina for ten furlongs. He produced a great effort when fifth over a mile in the Lockinge Stakes last time out. Ralph Beckett's filly Doha landed the Sandringham Handicap at last year's meeting before adding a listed race to her CV. The superbly bred four year old could only manage sixth in a Group Two at York last month on comeback. Richard Fahey's Ecureuil Secret arrived as a relative unknown from France but announced himself in a big way by winning a handicap at Epsom in very easy style. He has previous placed form in Group company to boot. Last year's John Smith's Cup winner Enfjaar lined up for Roger Varian in the silks of last year's winning owner Shadwell Stud. The five year old was unable to live with the company in a Group Three on his comeback, Joseph O'Brien would run the very classy Galen in this slightly easier grade. The four year old's win at the Curragh two starts ago received a boost by the runner up winning a Group One at Epsom recently and the gelding could be a level above his rivals. Richard Hannon would take the interesting step of moving last year's Jersey Stakes winner Haatem up to this new trip of ten furlongs. The high class four year old finished placed in two Guineas last season prior to his win here. In the same ownership of Wathnan Racing, the grey Haunted Dream would aim to go one place better than last year where he came second to Israr. The six year old ran an excellent race to finish fourth in a lucrative race in Saudi Arabia in February. A third runner for the Wathnan Racing outfit would be King's Gambit, who landed a strong handicap at Newbury last year but has been hit and miss in Group company. One of his better efforts came over course and distance at last year's Royal meeting. The Karl Burke-trained Liberty Lane blitzed his rivals in the Cambridgeshire Handicap which prompted a move into pattern company this year. The five year old had to dig deep, but got the job done in a similar race at Goodwood recently. He would defeat Meydaan that day and the pair would renew rivalries. Ed and Simon Crisford's four year old was tried over longer trips last year, so could be better suited to this sort of test. Godolphin would be represented by Military Order here. Charlie Appleby's five year old has won two pattern races on the all-weather, but has yet to match that form on turf; most recently when finishing fourth in a Sandown Group Three. George Scott's Phantom Flight is another who has been on the global stage by winning twice in Bahrain earlier in the year, but the six year old is still a very smart type at this level with a third in a Group Three last time out. Sons And Lovers still has just his maiden victory to his name, but ran well throughout last season with numerous placings in listed races. He would leave Newmarket at the end of the year to join Joseph O'Brien's stable where he has finished in the frame in Group races, so is still improving. The fourth and final runner for Wathnan Racing would be the John and Thady Gosden-trained Torito. The five year hasn't seen much racing and this would be his first start since finishing third in this race twelve months ago.

Winner: HAATEM (Phoenix Of Spain x Hard Walnut) (#9) - J. Doyle - R. Hannon

Despite the listed race title, this looked to be a Group race in disguise given the quality of horse lining up. The field would break away from the far corner of the track and Sons And Lovers would make a quick start from stall one on the inside rail. He would be taken on for the lead by Galen. The urgency for a good early position would be hotly contested as the likes of Enfjaar, Ecureuil Secret and the keen going Ambiente Friendly all raced close to the pace with Liberty Lane trapped out wide. As the field made their way past the trees of Swinley Bottom, the race began to start in earnest. As he rounded the home bend, Ryan Moore attempted to steal a march on his rivals by kicking clear on Sons And Lovers, but Galen was wise to the move. The two leaders threatened to pull away as the group behind fanned out to make their challenge. With a host of contenders in a line, it looked set for a grandstand finish. There would be plenty of bumping and barging in the final two furlongs which affected the likes of Military Order and Enfjaar. On the far rail, Haunted Dream was travelling smoothly into contention until he was stopped in his tracks by others drifting into his path. Galen bravely fended off all comers, but Haatem was the last to emerge on the scene and showed a strong late burst to nose ahead. The black cap of Wathnan Racing's third runner King's Gambit made rapid late headway down the outside, but he left it too late as Haatem returned to winning ways. 

The four year old is often a forgotten horse but reminded everyone of his talent on the biggest stage. Richard Hannon's colt held his form well during a busy two-year-old season, but improved further as a three year old in 2024. He would be a wide margin winner of the Craven Stakes at Newmarket which set him up for the Guineas. In the first Classic of that season, Haatem finished strongly into a never nearer third and then confirmed that form by pushing Rosallion all the way to the line in the Irish 2000 Guineas. The final start of his season came at the Royal meeting last year where he bravely held on to win the Jersey Stakes. His season would end early due to injury and he wasn't seen again until April where he lined up in the Bet365 Mile at Sandown. He wasn't at his best on that day and then subsequently at listed level in France, which opened the possibility of stepping him up in trip. This would be a successful first attempt over ten furlongs and the colt could be one to be held on for as long as possible and delivered late over this new trip. 

Race Seven: The Copper Horse Stakes Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 16

The closing race of day one of the Royal meeting would be another fiercely competitive handicap, this time over a mile and three quarters which took in a circuit of the Ascot course. The Copper Horse Handicap is a relatively new addition to the program having first been run in 2020 and has become the source of a top class horse of the future. In the first running of the race, the grey Fujaira Prince took home the prize before winning the Ebor and Irish St Leger later that year. In 2023, the Grade One hurdle winner Vauban was thrown in on ratings and breezed to a facile success. Twelve months ago, the Willie Mullins stable would win the race for a second year in a row as the grey Belloccio pulled clear in the final stages before showing useful form in Graded hurdle races later in the year.

George Scott's Prydwen would tasked with carrying top weight for the finale of day one. The seven year old took his connections on a journey last year with four wins that ended up with a win in the German St Leger. After starting the year well, he has suffered two heavy defeats in his recent starts. Godolphin would be represented by Charlie Appleby's Endless Victory. The four year old enjoyed a good first season with four wins, albeit over shorter distances. He folded quickly once headed at Meydan when last in action. Gordon Elliott would be looking for more Royal Ascot success with Samui. The dual purpose six year old has a good record on the flat and even placed at listed level at this sort of trip last year. The formerly British trained Fairbanks won once and placed a few more times in valuable staying handicaps before moving to the William Durkan stable in Ireland. The five year old was last seen winning at the second time of asking over hurdles recently. Another Irish runner would be Adrian Murray's Crypto Force, who looked to be an exciting prospect earlier in his career and brought Group One placed form to the table. The five year old has been tailed off in both his starts this year though. Real Dream has placed at this distance in the past, but his stamina still needed to proved. Now trained by Ian Williams, the six year old tailed off when last of four in a listed race last time. A leading British hope would be French Master, in the colours of Wathnan Racing and trained by John and Thady Gosden. The four year old has improved steadily and showed a great attitude to win a handicap over this trip at Goodwood last time. The Irish-trained Barnso lined up for Natalia Lupini and connections opted for this race over the Ascot Stakes earlier. The four year old reverted to handicap company having run respectably behind Kyprios in a listed race in April. Charlus was also entered in the Ascot Stakes, but given his trainer Willie Mullins's strong hand in that race, he was diverted here. The formerly French trained four year old finishing second in a listed race on his latest start on the flat and went on to win over hurdles. This would be his first start since the Cheltenham Festival in March. James Owen has seen his profile grow at a rapid rate with big race wins on the flat and over jumps and would aim for a first win at Royal Ascot. He would saddle Lavender Hill Mob here and the gelding returned to winning ways with an easy win at Newmarket last time out. Alan King is another dual purpose trainer with a runner here as Loughville took her place in the lineup. All three of the mare's wins have come on the flat and she has added some class to her profile with a third place in listed company two starts ago. The George Scott-trained Caballo De Mar has been a stayer on the rise with six wins from seven starts. The four year old resumed winning ways in a good handicap over two miles at Haydock last time out. A well known face from the National Hunt scene would be My Mate Mozzie, who lined up here for the Gavin Cromwell stable. The nine year old has placed at Grade One level over fences but his latest run on the flat saw him finish down the field in the Irish Cesarewitch. The grey Champagne Prince has developed into a talented sort on the all-weather of late, but his best run on turf came over course and distance last year. A return to this venue could be a positive for Jane Chapple-Hyam's four year old. Another well travelled nine year old would be Jesse Evans for the Noel Meade stable. The gelding is capable of high class form on the flat and over jumps and warmed up for this race with an easy success over hurdles at Ballinrobe. A second runner for the Joseph O'Brien stable would be the four year old Aeronautic, who won twice on the flat last year. With just five starts to his name, he would be be one of the least exposed runners in the field. 

Winner: FRENCH MASTER (Frankel x French Dressing) (#7) - J. Doyle - J & T. Gosden

A full field of sixteen would take the start as advertised as the three reserves HMS President, Pappano and Crystal Flyer all missed out on a run.

The finale would get underway with all involved aiming to end the day on a high. As the field left the stalls in front of the grandstands, they would have a full circuit of the Ascot racecourse to negotiate. After rounding the first bend, Barnso would settled in front under Oisin Murphy but would have Charlus and Ryan Moore in close company. My Mate Mozzie and Lavender Hill Mob ran in a handy position down the back straight along with Aeronautic and Champagne Prince, another to be trapped outside. After a few furlongs, the keen going Charlus would gain control over his rider and pull his way into the lead but was using up valuable energy all the time. Approaching the bend that brought them back into the home straight, Charlus was still in front but the white flag was beginning to wave. Barnso regained the narrow lead as the race heated up. Aeronautic nosed ahead for a brief time in the lead as Caballo De Mar produced a big effort at the same time. Barnso began to weaken, but eyes would be drawn to the outside of the pack as French Dressing had to come wide but was staying on very strongly. With the crowd acting like a sail, French Dressing swept into contention and once he grabbed the lead, he began to pull right away from this competitive handicap, crossing the line to a comfortable two and a half length victory. Caballo de Mar's consistent run of form continued with an excellent second as Samui was another to make up ground from the rear into third. Early leader Barnso held on for a respectable fourth in a bunched finish for the minor placings.

It would be a back to back double for the Wathnan Racing team as they announced themselves at the meeting. The owners have won the Gold Cup in the past and could have another high class stayer in the making in the form of French Master. The son of Frankel made his debut exactly a year before at Doncaster where he finished a low key ninth, but since then he has gone from strength to strength. He would win two novice events later in the season at Goodwood and Kempton and looked like a strong stayer in the making. The four year old would start off this season with a respectable second at Newmarket during the Guineas meeting where he was caught flat footed over a mile and four furlongs, but he finished off well that day. That would prompt a rise in distance at Goodwood at the end of May where a lot of things went wrong during the race but once he was out in the clear, he flashed home to win on the line. This race was fair from plain sailing as well as he needed to make his move from wide around the bend, but once he straightened up, he looked a very classy horse. With the ability comes an excellent family as he is a full brother to Group Three winner Mohaafeth. He looks to be a natural fit for the Ebor Handicap later this year, a race the Gosdens saddled the runner up in 2023 with Sweet William, the future Group Two winner. Day one would finish with the potential of unearthing a new staying star.