Day three of Royal Ascot 2025 is set to commence on June 19th with a stellar lineup of seven races at the iconic Ascot Racecourse. Regarded as Britain’s most valuable race meeting, Royal Ascot attracts top contenders and global spectators to compete for over £10 million in prize money. Following two thrilling days of racing, Thursday’s card promises more elite action, with the presence of esteemed guests and racing fans adding to the electric atmosphere. The track conditions are rated good to firm, aided by warm, dry weather and no overnight rainfall, with temperatures expected to reach 28°C.
The day’s action kicks off at 2:30 pm with The Norfolk Stakes, a Group 2 contest first run in 1843, formerly known as the New Stakes before it was renamed in 1973 after the Duke of Norfolk. This five-furlong race for two-year-olds carries a £150,000 purse. The sixteen runners are: AFJAN, AMEEQ, CHARLES DARWIN, CLEAR FORCE, COMICAL POINT, EXCLAMATION, FIRST LEGION, GRAFT, HEY TRU BLUE, IRISH FIGHTER, LIL BROTHER, LONDON BOY, NAVAL LIGHT, SANDAL’S SONG, STAR MATERIAL, and WISE APPROACH.
Next is the King George V Stakes, a Class 2 handicap inaugurated in 1946. Open to three-year-olds over one mile and four furlongs, it offers £110,000 in prize money. The nineteen contenders include: MASAI MOON, NAUTICAL FORCE, BOATSWAIN, DAIQUIRI BAY, SERIOUS CONTENDER, SING US A SONG, CHESS DAD, MERCHANT, OMNI MAN, GUNSHIP, PROPOSE, LIGHT AS AIR, THE CURSOR, PANTILE WARRIOR, AMMES, LIGHTENING MANN, MAFTING, GRECIAN LEGACY, and WATERFORD FLOW.
At 3:40 pm, attention turns to the Ribblesdale Stakes, a Group 2 race dating back to 1919, for three-year-old fillies over one mile and four furlongs, with £250,000 up for grabs. Eleven runners will line up: CASPI STAR, CATALINA DELCARPIO, ECSTATIC, GARDEN OF EDEN, GO GO BOOTS, HOLLY’S GRACES, ISLAND HOPPING, LADY VIVIAN, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, SERENITY PRAYER, and UNDERSTUDY.
The feature race of the day, The Gold Cup, begins at 4:20 pm. Established in 1807, it is the oldest and most prestigious race at Royal Ascot. Open to horses four years and older, this two-mile, four-furlong test carries a whopping £650,000 in prize money. Eight horses will compete: COLTRANE, DUBAI FUTURE, SWEET WILLIAM, TRAWLERMAN, WONDER LEGEND, YASHIN, CANDELARI, and ILLINOIS.
At 5:00 pm, the Britannia Stakes, a heritage handicap first run in 1928, will see thirty three-year-old colts and geldings tackle a one-mile course for £120,000. Notables among the runners include: WOLF OF BADENOCH, LA BOTTE, HOTT SHOTT, SUPIDO, ARABIAN STORY, SEAGOLAZO, MR CHAPLIN, THUNDER WONDER, GOD OF WAR, SHOUT, TRIBAL NATION, and COMPETIZIONE, among many others.
The Hampton Court Stakes follows at 5:35 pm. This Group 3 race for three-year-olds runs over ten furlongs, offering £150,000 in prize money. The entries include: ARABIAN FORCE, DETAIN, EMIT, GLITTERING LEGEND, GREAT DAVID, HIGH STOCK, JACKKNIFE, REYENZI, SEA SCOUT, STARDROP, TIBERIUS THUNDER, TORNADO ALERT, and TRINITY COLLEGE.
Wrapping up the day is the Buckingham Palace Stakes, a Class 2 handicap introduced in 2002, run over seven furlongs at 6:10 pm, with £110,000 on offer. The 29-strong field includes names like ROI DE FRANCE, TARKHAN, NEVER SO BRAVE, WITCH HUNTER, WATCH MY TRACER, MYAL, THUNDER BALL, RAMAZAN, AKKADIAN THUNDER, and DIVINE LIBRA.