Royal Ascot reaches its fourth day on Friday, 19 June, with another exceptional card featuring seven races and total prize money of ÂŁ2.135 million. The meeting continues to attract some of the finest horses, trainers and jockeys in the sport, with two Group 1 contests headlining an afternoon packed with quality and prestige.
Ascot Racecards 19 June
The action begins at 2:30pm with the Albany Stakes, a Group 3 contest for two-year-old fillies over six furlongs. Worth £125,000, the race often provides an early glimpse of future stars. Young fillies from leading yards will line up seeking a breakthrough success on one of racing’s biggest stages. The Albany has a reputation for producing talented performers who go on to compete at the highest level later in their careers, making it one of the most anticipated juvenile races of the week.
At 3:05pm, attention turns to the Commonwealth Cup, one of the standout races of the entire Royal Ascot meeting. The Group 1 sprint for three-year-old colts and fillies carries prize money of £700,000 and is run over six furlongs. Since its introduction in 2015, the race has quickly established itself as a premier target for elite young sprinters. Friday’s renewal is expected to feature a highly competitive field, with speed, class and tactical positioning likely to play decisive roles in determining the outcome.
The middle race on the ITV schedule comes at 3:40pm with the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. This handicap over one mile and four furlongs offers £120,000 in prize money and regularly attracts a large and competitive field. Open to horses aged three and older, the contest combines established performers with progressive runners aiming to climb the ranks. Stamina and the ability to handle Ascot’s demanding finish are usually key factors in this prestigious handicap.
Another major highlight arrives at 4:20pm with the Coronation Stakes. The Group 1 event for three-year-old fillies carries a prize fund of £700,000 and is contested over Ascot’s famous round mile. Traditionally one of the most important races for fillies in Europe, the Coronation Stakes frequently brings together leading performers from the English, Irish and French Classic races. The event often serves as a clash between the season’s best milers, producing memorable performances and establishing champions for the remainder of the campaign.
The competitive Sandringham Stakes follows at 5:00pm. This handicap for three-year-old fillies is worth ÂŁ120,000 and takes place over the straight mile course. Known for attracting a large field of improving fillies, the race is often one of the most open contests of the afternoon. Many participants arrive with progressive profiles and limited exposure, creating an intriguing contest in which future stakes performers can emerge.
At 5:35pm, the King Edward VII Stakes takes centre stage. This Group 2 race for three-year-old colts and geldings is run over one mile and four furlongs and offers £250,000 in prize money. Often referred to as the “Ascot Derby,” the race provides an opportunity for talented middle-distance horses to enhance their reputations following earlier Classic engagements. Previous winners have gone on to enjoy distinguished careers at both domestic and international level, making it a significant stepping stone in the season’s calendar.
The final race on the card is the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at 6:10pm. Broadcast on ITV4, the £120,000 handicap is restricted to three-year-olds and takes place over a sharp five furlongs. The race often features rapidly improving sprinters and promises an exciting conclusion to the day’s proceedings. With the straight course placing emphasis on pace and finishing speed, spectators can expect a thrilling finale.
Friday’s programme perfectly showcases the diversity that makes Royal Ascot one of the world’s most celebrated racing festivals. From promising juveniles in the Albany Stakes to elite Group 1 performers in the Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes, the card offers something for every racing enthusiast. The combination of prestigious pattern races and fiercely competitive handicaps ensures that quality is present throughout the afternoon.
With more than £2.1 million on offer and several championship-level contests on the schedule, Day Four is set to play a crucial role in shaping the racing season. Trainers, owners and jockeys from across Britain, Ireland and beyond will be aiming to secure success at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
As Royal Ascot moves toward its concluding stages, Friday’s card promises memorable performances, emerging stars and top-class competition, reinforcing the meeting’s reputation as the pinnacle of the flat racing calendar.
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