Owner & Trainer Information
We are once again looking forward to welcoming you to the Royal Meeting in June.
There will be £10.65 million in prize money available across the five days, with 26 of the 35 races run for more in 2026 than they were last year. Every race will be run for at least £120,000 (up from £110,000 last year) with all eight Group 1 races now worth at least £700,000 (the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes are worth £1 million each).
One notable change to the race programme is that the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes will now be a sire-restricted race run over six furlongs after consultation with the British Horseracing Authority’s Flat Pattern Committee. Other minor changes include the Copper Horse Stakes Handicap now having a ratings cap of 100, from 105 last year, to support other high-value handicaps and Pattern races.
Meanwhile the Listed Chesham Stakes over seven furlongs will be the first race on Thursday now, with the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes over five furlongs opening proceedings on the Saturday, allowing our broadcast partners at NBC to showcase a key Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In Challenge race across the main network.
Last year we were privileged to witness some of racing’s global superstars at the Royal Meeting with four of the top 15 turf horses in the world running at Royal Ascot, including Ombudsman (Prince of Wales’s Stakes winner) and Field Of Gold (St James’s Palace Stakes winner). The first-named contest was named the joint-eighth best race in the world
in 2025 at the Longines World Racing Awards whilst the Gold Cup, won by Trawlerman in a track-record time, was awarded the world’s best extended distance (stayers’) race.
We had participants trained in nine countries at last year’s Royal Meeting with an international flavour to the finish of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, as France’s Lazzat fought off Japan’s Satono Reve to claim victory. Australia’s defending champion Asfoora ran creditably in the King Charles III Stakes and later in the year won Group 1 races at York and Longchamp, showcasing the merits of a European sprint campaign throughout the summer and autumn. We also welcomed runners from the likes of Qatar, Germany and Norway as the Royal Meeting continues to shine as a global spectacle.
We hope to see you at Royal Ascot this summer.
Nick Smith LVO Director of Racing & Public Affairs
Front cover: Ombudsman winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes for Godolphin (owner and breeder), John & Thady Gosden (trainer) and William Buick (jockey)
Owners
Owner/Trainer star badge Owner badge
OWNER/TRAINER
BADGES
Complimentary personalised badges, with the horse’s name and owner’s individual silks, will now be offered to owners with a runner at Royal Ascot. Please see the table on page 12 for details on where badges permit access to.
BADGE ALLOCATION
*Any additional badges above the allocation stated above, will be Queen Anne Enclosure tickets, available to purchase on the day.
Please note, ROA, NTF, PJA and RCA badges are NOT valid for Royal Ascot and cannot be exchanged for badges.
PARADE RING PASS
PARADE RING PASSES
Owner and Trainer badges will NOT admit access to the Parade Ring or the Pre-Parade Ring. Owners will be issued up to six by race Parade Ring passes per runner, additional badge requests may be considered if field size allows.
Ascot reserves the right to offer additional Parade Ring badges at their discretion and subject to space.
SYNDICATES
We understand that ownership comes in many different forms and as such we offer for syndicates to swap their complimentary lunches for up to ten owner badges. Additional Owner star badges are available to purchase (up to 20 in total). Any additional badges above the allocation stated above, will be Queen Anne Enclosure tickets, available to purchase on the day.
Ascot reserves the right to offer additional badges and lunches at their discretion and subject to space. Any requests for additional badges should be made by email in advance.
For owners who wish to attend Royal Ascot, even if their horse is not declared to run, we recommend that tickets are purchased in advance. If your horse is then declared to run, we will be happy to arrange a refund for tickets you have purchased, after the five days of racing.
APPLICATION FOR BADGES
Please note that the PASS System will not be in use for Royal Ascot.
Applications for badges, lunches and Parade Ring passes will open after declarations for each Royal Ascot raceday (10am, 48 hours before). The link to the dedicated online booking system for badges and lunch will be sent out via email to the listed owner, or the first named in a partnership or syndicate manager.
The link will also be found on ascot.com/royal-ascot-owners (open from Sunday June 14th 2026).
Irish & European runners
All owners of Irish and European runners will be able to use the dedicated online booking system once their horse is declared. Alternatively, email the names of who will be attending by 4.00pm the day before racing. Our European agents will also be delighted to help (see page 35 for their details).
International runners
Owners with runners from further afield please contact our Owners and Trainers’ Manager (page 35) if we haven’t already been in touch.
BADGE COLLECTION
Exclusively for Royal Ascot, all Owner and Trainer badges will be available to collect on the day from the Owners & Trainers’ Desk in the dedicated marquee situated at the east end of Car Park 2 (see map on page 13). An official form of photo identification will be required on arrival and failure to provide this may result in badges not being released. Please note, only badges for the day will be available for collection, no badges will be available to collect in advance.
Box holders
For owners who are annual box holders or have a box at Royal Ascot, we will be happy to arrange for your badges to be in your box on arrival, please email us to make arrangements.
Helicopter arrivals
Convenient badge collection for those arriving by helicopter can be arranged, please email us to make arrangements.
CAR PARK PASSES
Owners’ car parking is situated in Car Park 2 and is allocated one car park label for each horse running. Owners with a declared runner will be emailed a digital car park pass, valid for the day their horse is running, which must be shown to access Car Park 2. Full travel information can be found on page 25.
ROYAL ENCLOSURE MEMBERS
Royal Enclosure members with runners may purchase their Royal Enclosure badges the day before racing or on the day in the Royal Enclosure office, adjacent to the West Turnstiles.
Contact the Royal Enclosure Office on 01344 878474 or via royal.enclosure@ascot.com
Trainers
Owner/Trainer star badge
BADGES
BADGE ALLOCATION TRAINER
OWNER/TRAINER
Trainers with a runner at Royal Ascot will be offered a daily Trainer badge. Weekly badges will be issued as necessary. Please see the table on page 12 for details on where your badge permits access to.
Please note, ROA, NTF, PJA and RCA badges are NOT valid for Royal Ascot and cannot be exchanged for badges.
APPLICATION FOR BADGES
Please note that the PASS System will not be in use for Royal Ascot.
Applications for badges, lunches and Parade Ring passes will open after declarations for each Royal Ascot raceday (10am, 48 hours before).
The link will also be found on ascot.com/royal-ascot-owners (open from Sunday June 14th 2026).
Irish & European runners
All trainers of Irish and European runners will be able to use the dedicated online booking system once their horse is declared. Alternatively, email the names of who will be attending by 4.00pm the day before racing. Our European agents will also be delighted to help (see page 35 for their details).
International runners
Trainers with runners from further afield please contact our Owners and Trainers’ Manager (page 35) if we haven’t already been in touch.
Trainers with no runner (GB & Ireland)
Badges are strictly non transferable and must be used by the trainer themselves. We ask all trainers that do not have a runner to contact us in advance to organise complimentary badges.
Irish trainers, please contact the Irish Racehorse Trainer Association, who will collate all requests.
BADGE COLLECTION
Exclusively for Royal Ascot, all Owner and Trainer badges will be available to collect on the day from the Owners & Trainers’ Desk in the dedicated marquee situated at the east end of Car Park 2 (see map on page 13). An official form of photo identification will be required on arrival and failure to provide this may result in badges not being released. Please note, only badges for the day will be available for collection, no badges will be available to collect in advance.
Helicopter arrivals
Convenient badge collection for those arriving by helicopter can be arranged, please email us to make arrangements.
CAR PARK PASSES
Trainers are entitled to one free car parking space in Car Park 2 using their T parking pass. Trainers with a runner will receive a text message on the morning their horse is running with a priority parking pass for Car Park 2. Full travel information can be found on page 25.
Jockeys
Owner/Trainer star badge
OWNER/TRAINER
BADGES
Please note:
- PJA badges and passes are NOT valid for Royal Ascot.
- All jockey badge requests, with or without a ride, have to be made via the PJA.
BADGE COLLECTION
Exclusively at Royal Ascot, jockeys will be required to collect their badges from the Owners & Trainers’ Desk in the dedicated marquee situated at the east end of Car Park 2 (see map on page 17). Please note, that an official form of photo identification will be required on arrival and failure to provide this may result in badges not being released.
CAR PARK PASSES
Jockeys with a ride are entitled to one free car parking space in Car Park 2, and will receive a text message via the PJA on the morning they are riding with a priority parking pass for Car Park 2. Please show this label to ensure you are given access and have priority for parking. Full travel information can be found on page 30.
Complimentary offer Lunch Parade Ring Pass
Jockey
Badge access
Dining & facilities
We are pleased to offer complimentary lunch to owners and trainers with runners on the day, served in our Owners & Trainers’ Dining Rooms. Owners and trainers with a runner will be given a lunch voucher on collection of their badges. Lunch vouchers must be presented at the Dining Room to be seated.
In order to accommodate everyone who wishes to dine, tables cannot be reserved and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis on the day.
Not available for pre-booking.
EXCLUSIVE VIEWING AREAS
Owners and trainers with a runner can view races from our two dedicated viewing areas. One located underneath the Royal Box, within easy reach from the Parade Ring. The other is to the left of the horsewalk.
As these are stewarded areas, please ensure you have your badge/s on show to gain access. If you require wheelchair or pushchair access, please contact us.
HOSPITALITY AND FINE DINING
Should you require assistance with any of our Fine Dining, Hospitality, or Private Box packages, please contact hospitality@ascot.com
OWNERS & TRAINERS’ DINING ROOMS
The two dining rooms can be found either side of the Owners and Trainers’ Bar, overlooking the Pre-Parade Ring. They both offer:
• Complimentary lunch: starter, self-service buffet lunch, and dessert with a complimentary glass of wine
• TV & betting facilities
• Easy access to the Pre-Parade Ring, Unsaddling Enclosure and Parade Ring
• Cash bar Lunch is served from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
Afternoon tea from 4:30pm.
We were delighted to be awarded an ROA Gold Standard for the ownership experience on offer at Ascot in 2025.
OWNERS & TRAINERS’ BAR
Located in the Old Paddock building, overlooking the Pre-Parade Ring, this bar offers:
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• TV & betting facilities
• Easy access to the Pre-Parade Ring, Unsaddling Enclosure and Parade Ring
• Elevated Pre-Parade Ring viewing
• Cash bar
GRUNDY AND BUSTINO BAR & LAWN
Located in front of the Old Paddock building, next to the Pre-Parade Ring, this bar offers:
• Exclusive lawn area overlooking the Pre-Parade Ring
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• TV & betting facilities
• Easy access to the Pre-Parade Ring, Unsaddling Enclosure and Parade Ring
• Cash bar
Racing information
STABLING
We have 220 stables situated in a secure yard away from the road and close to the hostel with ample parking for cars and lorries.
Stabling for Royal Ascot will be available from Sunday, 14th June (after midday) and due to high demand we are only able to accommodate horses that are:
a) Running at Royal Ascot
b) Declared to run the following day.
RACING STAFF ACCOMMODATION
The racing staff accommodation has 42 double rooms. This area also has a large dining room, lounge area and a bar. Additional single room temporary accommodation will be available on site. Accommodation must be booked in advance.
Booking
Details for booking stables and stable staff accommodation will be emailed to trainers after entry and declaration stages in June.
GOING
For live weather station and going information please visit ascot.com/thegoing
For additional information please call Chris Stickels, Head of Racing & Clerk of the Course on 07970 621440
Flat course plan
SPEEDBUMPS
£10,645,000 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY
Changes 2026
The Chesham Stakes will be run first on the card on Thursday 18th June and The Norfolk Stakes first on the card Saturday 20th June.
The Listed Windsor Castle Stakes will now be a sire-restricted race run over six furlongs after consultation with the British Horseracing Authority’s Flat Pattern Committee.
The Norfolk Stakes and the Chesham Stakes have swapped positions, with the Norfolk Stakes now the first race on the Saturday in order to maximise television exposure for that race in the USA.
Finally, the upper handicap limit for the Copper Horse Handicap has been reduced to 100 from 105, in order to support the rest of the British summer staying programme.
Order of running
TUESDAY 16 TH JUNE 2026
WEDNESDAY 17 TH JUNE 2026
THURSDAY 18 TH JUNE 2026
19 TH JUNE 2026
of running
In conjunction with our Official Trophies and Silverware Supplier, Garrard, owners of all Group 1 winners at Royal Ascot will be presented trophies to keep, along with the Royal Hunt Cup and the Queen’s Vase. We will continue to present the traditional perpetual trophies, which are such an important piece of Ascot history. If you have been awarded a perpetual trophy, commissioning a replica from Garrard is the perfect way to ensure your victory will always be remembered. Whether you are looking for a smaller, scaled-down version or a life-size replica, Garrard can preserve your winning moment for eternity with an exact reproduction of an original trophy. Group 1
Winning breeders
Each year we celebrate the success of breeders who produced winners at the Royal Meeting with a lunch on the Friday of The King George Weekend. We look forward to welcoming this year’s winner on Friday 24th July.
General information
ROYAL ENCLOSURE MEMBERS
Royal Enclosure members with runners may purchase their Royal Enclosure badges the day before racing or on the day in the Royal Enclosure office, adjacent to the west turnstiles.
Contact the Royal Enclosure Office on 01344 878474 or via royal.enclosure@ascot.com
DRESS CODE
All owners and trainers must adhere with the Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code as a compulsory minimum.
Gentlemen are required to dress for a formal daytime occasion; A full length two- or three-piece suit, jacket and trousers of the same colour and fabric, a collared shirt, a neck tie and socks must be worn and should cover the ankle.
Ladies are required to dress for a formal daytime occasion; A dress or top and skirt (with shoulder or halter neck straps), trouser suits are welcome but must be of matching colour and material and jumpsuits must fall below the knee. A hat, headpiece of fascinator should be worn at all times. Please note that dresses and tops that are strapless, one shouldered, off the shoulder or bardot are not permitted, along with sheer fabric. Midriffs must be covered.
Those with Royal Enclosure badges will need to adhere to the Royal Enclosure Dress Code.
For information on the full Royal Ascot Dress Code, please visit ascot.com/royalascot
ACCESSIBILITY
Please visit ascot.com/plan-visit/accessibility for details on accesibility at Ascot Racecourse. If you have any questions regarding accessibility please contact us.
OVERSEAS VISITORS
All our visitors from non-visa countries will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Please visit gov.uk/eta for details.
TRAVELLING TO ASCOT
BY ROAD
If you are arriving by car, please note that roads around the racecourse may be congested and journey times may be considerably longer due to the high number of visitors.
Peak travel times are between 11am and 1pm.
For the quickest route to your car park please turn off your satellite navigation system and follow the designated orange colour-coded traffic signs for Car Park 2 in order to navigate the temporary one-way system and reach the correct destination.
Additional car park passes
Additional purchased parking is available in in Car Park 6 (cash only) and 8 (cash and card) on the day. Car Park 8 is available for pre booking via the ticketing portal.
Drop off point
The drop off area in Car Park 2 can be used by drivers or taxis for owners, trainers or jockeys. Please note that cars will not be able to wait in this area.
Forward parking
Please email us in advance to arrange forward parking in Car Park 2 for Blue Badge Holders.
BY RAIL
For those arriving by train (27 minutes from Reading, 30 minutes from Aldershot and 52 minutes from London Waterloo), the racecourse is just a 10-minute uphill walk from Ascot station.
For full travel details please visit ascot.com/plan-visit/travel-to-ascot
HELICOPTER CHARTER & THE FLEXJET HELIPORT
If you wish to charter a helicopter to The Flexjet Heliport at Ascot please book via the heliport operator Fresh Air at ascot@freshair-uk.com or by calling +44 (0) 1869 278244
Convenient badge collection for those arriving by helicopter can be arranged, please email the Owners and Trainers’ team in advance.
As the Official Private Aviation Supplier to Ascot & Royal Ascot, Flexjet provides private helicopter charter, including flights to the official Flexjet Royal Ascot heliport or for other race meetings at Ascot. A wider range of global private aviation services is also available on its worldclass fleet of private jets and helicopters. For more information or to arrange a flight, please contact flexjethouse@flexjet.com or call Flexjet on +44 (0) 203 856 8151
WHEELY | OFFICIAL CHAUFFEUR OF ROYAL ASCOT
Wheely, the Swiss-founded British luxury services company, offers chauffeured journeys to and from Ascot, available on demand or in advance through the Wheely app. When booking your journey, simply enter “Ascot Racecourse” as your desired location and choose Car Park 2 for your drop-off and pick-up location. Special fixed-rate journeys between Ascot and London are available with Business Class (Mercedes-Benz E-Class or EQE).
Wheely’s exquisite fare classes include Business, First (Mercedes-Benz S-Class), and XL (Mercedes Benz V-Class, with seating for up to six). For a truly elevated experience, exclusively available to Members, experience Wheely’s most refined class to date – SUV – featuring the latestgeneration Range Rover Long Wheelbase 4x4. Enjoy a sumptuously appointed and spacious cabin, ample luggage room, and curated amenities.
Wheely would like to offer Owners and Trainers’ an elevated race experience with a complimentary package of two Wheely journeys worth up to £50 each (valid through to 31st October 2026) together with a three-month Wheely Membership.
For any queries, please contact Wheely Customer Service via the in-app chat.
*The fixed-rate applies to non-stop journeys. If a journey includes any stops, the cost will be calculated according to the standard fare.
Scan the QR code to download Wheely app and redeem your complimentary offer.
Alliances
Automatic Wild Cards
Travel allowances will be paid for the below initiatives.
The winners of the designated races at the Kentucky Derby Meeting, Churchill Downs, on 2nd May 2026, will each earn an automatic wild card entry into five races at Royal Ascot. The winners of the Queen Anne Stakes and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes will receive an entry for the Arlington Million.
The winners of the designated races at Gulfstream Park (May 2026) will each earn an automatic wild card entry into any one of Royal Ascot’s six two-year-old races.
In 2025, both Lennilu and Sandal’s Song were placed third at Royal Ascot having won their respective qualifiers. Gabaldon finished second in the 2024 Windsor Castle Stakes having won The Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes. 2023 saw Crimson Advocate, winner of The Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes gain automatic entry to Royal Ascot and she went on to win The Queen Mary Stakes.
American Turf (1m) (G1)
Edgewood Stakes (1m) (G2)
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
St James’s Palace Stakes
The Coronation Stakes
Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes
Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies’ Stakes
The Queen Mary Stakes (Gr2)
The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)*
The Norfolk Stakes (Gr2)
The Albany Stakes (Gr3)
The Chesham Stakes (Listed)*
*pedigree qualifying conditions apply
KENTUCKY DERBY MEETING
ROYAL ASCOT
The Twin Spires Turf (Gr2) (5 1/2f) (turf)
The King Charles III Stakes
The Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) (1m1f)
The Queen Anne Stakes
ARLINGTON MILLION
ROYAL ASCOT
Colonial Downs Arlington Million Stakes (Gr1) (1m2f) (Mid Aug)
The Queen Anne Stakes
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes
GULFSTREAM PARK RACES
ROYAL ASCOT
The Coventry Stakes (Gr2)
Royal Ascot, King George Day and QIPCO Champions Day meetings are World Pool days, meaning that a strong global pool hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club operates.
Breeders’ Cup
Seven races run at Ascot are designated Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In Challenge races. This year’s Breeders’ Cup will take place on October 30th & 31st at Keeneland Racecourse, Lexington, Kentucky.
breederscup.com/challengeseries/full-schedule
Queen Anne Stakes
The King Charles III Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The Breeders’
The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Royal Ascot) The Breeders’ Cup Turf
The Norfolk Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes The Breeders’ Cup Turf
The Princess Margaret Stakes
The QIPCO Champion Stakes
The Japan Cup Bonus
The JRA offer a bonus to any horse successful in the two Ascot races outlined which goes on to win or be placed in the Japan Cup.
The JRA will provide transportation subsidies for invited horses and their stable staff, and business class flights for owners, trainers and jockeys and respective partners.
In 2025, Calandagan won the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and then the Japan Cup, ensuring connections claimed the Japan Cup Bonus.
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Royal Ascot)
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
The Breeders’ Cup Turf
ASCOT
BREEDERS’ CUP
The
(Royal Ascot)
Cup Mile
ASCOT
The 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings
Eight of the horses ranked in the world’s top 21 in the 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings ran at Ascot. They were headlined by the world’s best horse – Calandagan – who won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the QIPCO Champion Stakes. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes winner Ombudsman was rated the joint second best while St James’s Palace Stakes winner Field Of Gold was joint-tenth on the list.
King
OMBUDSMAN (128)
Prince of Wales’s Stakes and QIPCO
(125)
(125)
St
(125)
King
Calandagan wins the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2025.
The 2025 Longines World’s Top 100 Group One Races
We saw 10 races run at Ascot in the top 100 races, five at Royal Ascot, The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakesand four on QIPCO British Champions Day.
The QIPCO Champion Stakes was the joint-top race in the world alongside the Japan Cup while the King George was fourth and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes joint-eighth.
Leading Royal Ascot participants
John & Thady Gosden, winners of the 2025 Royal Ascot Leading Trainer Award
Lazzat winning the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for Wathnan Racing (owner), J Reynier (trainer), James Doyle (jockey) and Sumbe (breeder)
Contacts
ASCOT RACECOURSE
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the dedicated team: ownersandtrainers@ascot.com
Nick Smith Director of Racing & Public Affairs
M: +44 (0) 7771 791449
E: nick.smith@ascot.com
Chris Stickels
Head of Racing & Clerk of the Course
M: +44 (0) 7970 621440
E: chris.stickels@ascot.com
Hannah Parlett
Owners’ & Trainers’ Manager
M: +44 (0) 7738 716395
E: hannah.parlett@ascot.com
Reon Sanford Head Groundsman
M: +44 (0) 7850 914607
E: reon.sanford@ascot.com
Tom Grantham
Stables Manager
M: +44 (0) 7717 631437
E: thomas.grantham@ascot.com
Jane Brightmore
Racing Executive
M: +44 (0) 7817 121835
E: jane.brightmore@ascot.com
INTERNATIONAL RACING BUREAU
All enquiries: Adrian Beaumont
T: +44 (0) 1638 668881
M: +44 (0) 7808 903158
E: adrian@irbracing.com
Enquiries relating to French participation: Chantal Chappuis
M: +33 (0) 6077 63234
E: chantalchappuis@orange.fr
Enquiries relating to German participation: Celina Zindler
T: +49 (0) 176 8431 9716
E: zindlercelina@gmail.com