The Royal Ascot 2025
Each June, Ascot Racecourse transforms into the ultimate showcase of speed, sport, extravagance, and high-stakes betting. For South African punters, Royal Ascot delivers an exhilarating blend of world-class racing, elite fashion, and strong international fields. Thus perfect for online betting and odds comparisons. In 2025, it promises even greater excitement, with major bookies already offering attractive ante-post markets.
More than just a racing festival, Royal Ascot is a week-long spectacle of British tradition and global flair. From the daily Royal Procession led by King Charles III to Michelin-starred hospitality and dramatic photo-finishes, it draws everyone from seasoned bettors to first-time racegoers. Whether you’re betting on homegrown favourites or global challengers, this is where legends are made and fortunes can be too.
Royal Ascot Details
- Dates: Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June 2025.
- Venue: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire. Which is about 6 miles west of Windsor Castle, capacity approx. 80,000, hosting 350,000+ week‑long spectators annually.
- The Races: Five racing days, 36 fixtures including eight top-tier Group 1 contests. Highlights include the Queen Anne Stakes to open on Tuesday, mid-week Prince of Wales’s Stakes, legendary Gold Cup on Thursday, Coronation Stakes and Commonwealth Cup on Friday, and the sprint finale—the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes—on Saturday.
Breakdown of Royal Ascot Days
Tuesday (17 June)
The festival kicks off with the Queen Anne Stakes, the King Charles III Stakes, and the St James’s Palace Stakes. Racing begins around 14:30, preceded by the ceremonial Royal Procession at 14:00.
Wednesday (18 June)
Features the middle‑distance elite Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Expect stiff competition and live betting markets.
Thursday (19 June) – Ladies’ Day
The iconic Gold Cup over 2½ miles takes centre stage, underlining Ascot’s unique blend of stamina and elegance on “Ladies’ Day”.
Friday (20 June)
Showcases two Group 1 races: the Coronation Stakes and Commonwealth Cup. Betting action spreads across middle-distance contenders.
Saturday (21 June)
Closes with high-octane races including the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes sprint and the Chesham Stakes for the 2‑year‑old set.
Royal Ascot Enclosures & Dress Code
This is an interesting tit bit to know. Ascot divides attendees into four enclosures with clear dress code variations:
| Enclosure | Dress Code |
|---|---|
| Royal | Strict morning dress for men (navy/grey/black tailcoat, waistcoat, tie, top hat); women must wear knee‑length or longer dresses/jumpsuits with ≥1″ shoulder straps and hats with ≥4″ base. |
| Queen Anne | Formal attire; men in lounge suits and ties; women must wear hats or fascinators; strict no strapless/sheer outfits . |
| Windsor | Smart daywear; no specific style constraints but no branded or novelty clothing; women encouraged to wear headgear . |
| Village | Smart casual, allowing colourful floral ensembles and lighter hats/fascinators . |
Storied Legacy
Royal Ascot began in 1711 under Queen Anne and has since evolved into a globally celebrated event. The iconic Royal Procession tradition began in 1825 under King George IV, and today the grandstand, rebuilt in 2006, draws over 350,000 guests during the royal week . The racecourse also hosts 18 flat Group 1 contests and offers around £7–10 million in prize money.
What to Expect for Royal Ascot 2025
- Royal Presence: King Charles III is expected to lead each Royal Procession, adding regal gravitas.
- Elite Fields: Look for heavyweights from the UK, Ireland, US, Australia, Japan, and SA.
- Fashion Focus: Milliners bring bold headpieces in pastel pink, sage, lilac, and blue. With Royal Enclosure hats topping 10 cm in diameter.
- Culinary Delights: Expect Michelin-starred hospitality, including 28 stars across venues.
- Unmissable Traditions: From sing-alongs at the bandstand to the national anthem, Ascot offers immersive British pageantry.
Betting Tips for South African Punters
- Ante-Post Strategy: Lock in value early. Top ante-post tips from UK experts include Rosallion (Queen Anne), Candelari (Gold Cup), Falakeyah (Coronation Stakes), Treanmor (Chesham), as well as Kikkuli (Jubilee) .
- Bookmaker Comparison: South African punters should compare local and UK odds, notably with BetVictor, bet365 (for non-runner no‑bet), Betfred, Coral, to extract best value. Some local betting sites are Hollywoodbets, Betway, Easybet and 10bet.
- Bet Types: Use each-way bets in open Group 1 sprints, and non-runner/no-bet options for ante-post markets to reduce risk .
- Race-Specific Angles: Follow US sprinter(s), especially Buchley Ward horses in 5f/6f events. Look for jockey form from Frankie Dettori or Ryan Moore riding for Ballydoyle .
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on track conditions, horse form as well as declared fields via live SA racecard sites for Royal Ascot 2025, boat race application like Racing-Odds is helpful as well.
Top Horses According to South African Bookies
As markets stand ahead of the big meeting, top-rated contenders include:
- Rosallion: Favored in the Queen Anne Stakes (5/2)
- Candelari: Lead in ante-post Gold Cup odds (7/2)
- Falakeyah: Tipped for Coronation Stakes at 3/1
- Treanmor: Emerging pick for Chesham Stakes; odds TBC
- Kikkuli: A long shot (33/1) for Jubilee Stakes
SA bookies closely mirror these markets, thus offering competitive terms via ante-post and live betting. Therefore have a look at the best Horse Racing betting sites in South Africa:
- Great Welcome Bonus
- Extensive sports markets
- Slots, Aviator and Live Games
- Wealth of promotions
- Varied games portfolio
- Fun and friendly
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
- Live In-Play, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
- Optimised for mobile + data free offer
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Jika Sports, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
Royal Notes
Royal Ascot 2025 promises thrilling racing, head-turning fashion, and dynamic betting opportunities whether you’re wagering from Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. Compare SA and UK bookie odds, leverage ante-post advantages, and soak in the pageantry. This week offers not just racing, but a full-blown betting spectacle.
Keep an eye out for final declarations, track updates, and value shifts as Ascot week approaches. Thus ensuring you place smarter bets on the sport’s grandest stage!
This is also a great race in the run up to the Mzansi spectacular – Hollywoodbets Durban July! So get cracking and start familiarising yourself with horse racing promos, welcome offers and the best betting site for you. Therefore here we list our recommendations!
