Excitement amongst race fans is building as Royal Ascot begins today.
The legendary horse racing meet has been held at Ascot Racecourse since 1768 and this year will run from June 20-24. Tickets for the Thursday and Friday in the Queen Anne Enclosure have now sold out as such is the clamour for to be there, however there is still limited availability for certain days.
Royal Ascot is known as highlight of the racing season in Britain. Held at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, the race meet is a social peak for many that ecompasses glamour and high stakes horce racing action. Five days of intense action await fans and the race meet and plays host to the best Flat horses from Britain and Ireland, as well as drawing big-name runners from other countries.
40,000 racegoers are expected to descend on the course today and while conditions have been a little wet overnight, the skies are set to clear and hopefully remain that way. This year, the first since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated 24 winners at the meet, will also see legendary jockey Frankie Dettori ride at Royal Ascot for the final time.
Dettori will forever be associated with Royal Ascot after his 'Magnificent Seven' winners on one day in 1996. Thursday will host the Gold Cup. The major Ladies' Day race is always a one to watch while King Charles II and Queen Camilla will be in attendance to watch their horses.
Can I get still tickets for Royal Ascot this year?
The majority of tickets have been sold but you can still get tickets for some enclosures for Royal Ascot 2023 here.
What about for 2024?
Despite it being a year away, yes you can now register for tickets, and select which enclosure you would like, for Royal Ascot 2024 here.
Can you watch Royal Ascot on TV?
You can follow the event on ITV1 and ITV4 and coverage will kick off at 1.30 each day. You can also catch it on ITVX. You can also follow Royal Ascot on Sky Sports Racing and you can find out more about signing upto Sky Sports here.
