Royal Ascot Preview 2015

Next week Royal Ascot will kick off a whole summer of UK events, ranging from Wimbledon, the British Formula One Grand Prix and Henley Royal Regatta. The former is arguably the biggest though, and whether you’re a horse racing fan or not, chances are that you’ll at least be tuning in. The races themselves will of course be the highlight, as the world’s most talented jockeys will ride the quickest and most powerful horses in the hope for glory. Here are some for you to look out for. Get betting, gentlemen.

TUESDAY

On the opening day, the Group 1 Queen Anne stakes will open proceedings, with favourites including Solow and Hong Kong champion Able Friend. Both horses are unbeaten in their last six races, so the competition is well and truly on.

The King’s Stand Stakes is also set to be a highlight, with Australia’s Shamal Wind taking on Sole Power and Muthmir in what is set to be an unmissable spectacle, and the perfect way to open the annual affair.

WEDNESDAY

The racing well and truly gets underway on the second day, with races including the Coventry Stakes, Duke of Cambridge stakes and the Royal Hunt Cup all taking place. 2014’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness stakes winner, California Chrome, looks set to be one of the most exciting horses competing on the day. Look out for it during the Prince of Wales stakes.

THURSDAY

The Norfolk stakes kicks off the third day of the Royal Ascot, with Richard Hannon’s King of Rooks looking to be the favourite. Following that is the Ascot Gold Cup, a longer race with Dermot Weld’s Forgotten Rules, unbeaten so far, looking to be the favourite.

FRIDAY

One of the highlights of the weekend, forgetting the Ascot Gold Cup for a second, is the Commonwealth Cup, which will be as competitive as any. If you’re going to put money down, we’d recommend going for Adaay, who beat Limato previously – the two are going to re-new their rivalry however.

SATURDAY

Although it’s the final day of the event, Saturday promises to be as exciting as any. The Hardwicke stakes kicks things off, with Telescope looking to win once again, but it’s the Diamond Jubilee stakes that is the one we’re looking forward to most. Brazen Beau is currently the favourite, but Compatriot Wandjina and Mustajeeb won’t back down, and the race to the finish will no doubt be an exciting climax to the week.

FINAL NOTES

If you’re stuck on what to wear to Royal ascot, we’ve got you covered. Read up on our trusty guide on how to dress for Royal Ascot here. In terms of wristwear, we’d recommend going with Swiss brand Longines, and they’re official timekeeper of Royal Ascot, so you know they won’t let you down. We’re particularly fond of their Heritage range, such as the Flagship Heritage model below.

Longines Flagship Heritage, £POA from Longines

For more information on Royal Ascot’s Official Timing Partner, Longines, click here.