Early entries for this year’s Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse have revealed a truly international flavour, with Australian sprint star Joliestar among the standout names set to contest the meeting’s eight Group 1 features.
The five-time top-level winner has emerged as a central figure in a strong Australian contingent, while interest is further heightened by the inclusion of Japan’s dirt champion Forever Young, whose potential switch to turf adds intrigue to an already compelling line-up. In total, eight countries are represented at the entry stage, underlining the meeting’s global reach.
Trained by Chris Waller, Joliestar arrives with an exceptional record, highlighted by victories in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in 2025 and the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick earlier this month. Her profile mirrors that of several Australian greats who have successfully transitioned from domestic success to Royal Ascot glory, including Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast and Black Caviar.
Connections have mapped out a carefully structured preparation. After a short break at Hermitage Farm near Sydney, Joliestar has returned to work and is expected to remain in Australia until late May before travelling to Melbourne and then onward to the United Kingdom in early June. A preparatory trial down the Flemington straight is also planned before departure.
Henry Plumptre, chief executive of Cambridge Stud, confirmed that the mare is being primed for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, a race the ownership group previously won with Hello Youmzain in 2022. He expressed confidence that, provided travel goes smoothly, Joliestar would arrive in peak condition.
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes itself is shaping into one of the meeting’s most competitive sprints. Among those likely to oppose Joliestar are last year’s first two, Lazzat and Satono Reve, the latter having already secured another Group 1 success in Japan this season before finishing second behind Ka Ying Rising in Hong Kong. Fellow Japanese contender Lugal, a Group 1 winner at Nakayama, is also being readied for the race following a strong performance in Dubai.
Elsewhere, Forever Young has been entered for the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, raising the prospect of a fascinating clash with leading European middle-distance performers such as Daryz and Ombudsman. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the five-year-old has built his reputation on dirt but possesses a pedigree that suggests he could adapt to turf conditions.
Japanese participation extends further, with Shin Emperor also entered in the same contest, while American Stage is another possible runner in the Jubilee Stakes. Trainer Daisuke Takayanagi has nominated T O Elvis as a developing sprinter to watch, with plans to head to Britain following a start at Churchill Downs.
The King Charles III Stakes could also see a strong international presence. Australian mare Asfoora, already a Royal Ascot winner, remains on course alongside defending champion American Affair. Additional Australian hopes include Overpass and Lady Of Camelot, whose upcoming performances in Queensland will determine whether she travels.
From the United States, Cy Fair is among the leading entries across multiple races, while French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard could saddle Daryz, an impressive recent winner of the Prix Ganay, in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.
In the staying division, Trawlerman heads the Gold Cup entries as he seeks a second victory in the race, with potential challengers including Scandinavia, Rahiebb and Dubai Gold Cup winner Fairy Glen.
The Queen Anne Stakes also promises depth, featuring Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Notable Speech alongside Opera Ballo, Docklands and Field Of Gold, ensuring a competitive start to the meeting’s Group 1 programme.
With entries spanning Europe, Australia, Japan and North America, the early shape of Royal Ascot 2026 suggests another high-class renewal, combining established champions with emerging talent across every division.
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