Royal Ascot kicked off on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, with a dazzling display of top-class racing, unforgettable moments, and surprising outcomes. The first day of this prestigious event lived up to its reputation, offering racing enthusiasts plenty to talk about.
2.30 pm: Queen Anne Stakes
The Queen Anne Stakes opened the day with a spectacular race. Charyn with Silvestre de Sousa in control of the reigns, the 10/3 favourite, secured a well-deserved victory, showcasing remarkable stamina and speed. Docklands, at 10/1, finished strong in second place, while Maljoom, with odds of 15/2, rounded out the top three.
3.05 pm: Coventry Stakes
The Coventry Stakes delivered one of the biggest shocks of the day. An unforgettable moment for 18-year-old Billy Loughnane on board Rashabar, a long shot at 80/1, stunned the crowd by narrowly clinching first place. Electrolyte, another outsider at 40/1, came in second, and Columnist 50/1 completed the trifecta of unexpected results.
3.45 pm: King Charles III Stakes
Asfoora under Oisin Murphy, at 5/1, triumphed in the King Charles III Stakes, displaying exceptional form and resilience. Regional, with odds of 6/1, finished closely behind, while Big Evs, the 11/4 favourite, managed to secure third place.
4.25 pm: St James's Palace Stakes
Rosallion, at 5/2, dominated the St James's Palace Stakes, delivering a commanding performance under the stewardship of Sean Levey. Henry Longfellow, at 11/2, finished a commendable second, and Metropolitan, at 12/2, took third place.
5.05 pm: Ascot Stakes
The Ascot Stakes saw Pledgeofallegiance and Luke Morris, at 20/1, emerge victorious in a thrilling race. Divine Comedy, with odds of 8/1, came in second, and Kyle of Lochalsh, at 12/1, finished third.
5.40 pm: Wolferton Stakes
Israr, the 11/4 favourite, claimed first place in the Wolferton Stakes, impressing spectators with a strong performance guided by Jim Crowley. Haunted Dream, at 14/1, secured second place, while Torito, at 7/2, finished third.
6.15 pm: Copper Horse Stakes Handicap
The final race of the day, the Copper Horse Stakes Handicap, saw Bellocio and William Buick, at 4/1, take the win. Lmay, a surprising contender at 40/1, finished second, and My Mate Mozzie, with odds of 12/1, secured third place.
Upcoming Races at Royal Ascot: Wednesday, June 19
The excitement continues on Wednesday, June 19, with another packed schedule of top-tier races. Here’s what to look forward to:
2.30 pm: Queen Mary Stakes
3.05 pm: Queen’s Vase
3.45 pm: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes
4.25 pm: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
5.05 pm: Royal Hunt Cup
5.40 pm: Kensington Palace Stakes
6.15 pm: Windsor Castle Stakes
Each race promises to bring drama and excitement, with the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes being one of the most anticipated events of the day. Make sure to check out the factor ratings for each race and enter the Pick 10 for a chance to win prizes!