Royal Ascot 2026: Racing Review

The racing at Royal Ascot delivered a series of competitive Group races, several standout performances from the leading yards, and a number of tight finishes across the week, with Aidan O’Brien again playing a major role alongside William Haggas, Joseph O’Brien and other top trainers.

The week was also notable for the strength of international involvement in several races, particularly in the sprinting divisions, and for a number of decisive late runs that shaped the outcome of key Group One contests.

Queen Anne Stakes: Ten Bob Tony causes 50-1 shock

The meeting began with one of the biggest surprises of the week as Ten Bob Tony won the Queen Anne Stakes at 50-1, beating a strongly fancied field that included Notable Speech, Opera Ballo and More Thunder.

The race was run at a strong pace and developed into a contest for those finishing late. Kieran Shoemark produced Ten Bob Tony with a well-timed run to reel in the leaders in the final stages and secure a shock Group One victory.

It was a breakthrough Royal Ascot success for both Shoemark and trainer Ed Walker at the highest level of the meeting.

Queen Mary Stakes: Victorious delivers for A. O’Brien

Victorious gave Aidan O’Brien a 99th Royal Ascot winner in the Queen Mary Stakes, just edging closer to a major milestone for the Ballydoyle trainer.

The juvenile filly, who is blind in her left eye, travelled well under Ryan Moore and showed determination in the closing stages to hold off Senorita Bonita.

O’Brien later revealed the extent of her impairment after the race, noting that she had always lacked confidence due to having no sight in her left eye, while Moore described her as a highly talented filly.

Prince of Wales’s Stakes: Ombudsman impressive

Ombudsman produced one of the most decisive performances of the week in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

The race was run at a strong pace with Daryz among the key contenders, but Ombudsman was held up before being produced by William Buick approaching the final stages. Once asked, he showed a sharp turn of foot and quickly put the race beyond doubt.

Buick described the performance as exceptional, highlighting the horse’s acceleration over 10 furlongs, while John Gosden also praised the display as one of the best of his career.

Royal Hunt Cup: Rogue Diplomat shocks at 28-1

The Royal Hunt Cup produced another surprise result as Rogue Diplomat won at 28-1, providing James Owen and Harry Davies with their first Royal Ascot winner.

The race developed into a competitive handicap as expected, but Rogue Diplomat came through strongly in the final stages to secure a narrow victory in a tightly packed finish.

Gold Cup: Scandinavia wins after staying battle

The Gold Cup was a staying contest shaped by a prolonged duel between Scandinavia and Trawlerman.

The pair moved clear of the field and gradually turned the race into a two-horse contest. Trawlerman attempted to dictate from the front, but Scandinavia stayed close throughout and edged ahead in the final furlong to win.

The victory also marked a significant milestone for Aidan O’Brien, who reached 100 Royal Ascot winners.

O’Brien said afterwards that the achievement was very special for everyone involved at Ballydoyle, emphasising how difficult it is to win even one race at the meeting.

Jubilee Stakes: Almeraq lands international sprint

Almeraq won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in a tightly contested finish featuring international runners from Japan, Australia, France and Ireland.

The race developed into a fast-run sprint, with Joliestar and Satono Reve appearing to have the race between them inside the final furlong before Almeraq finished strongly to get up on the far side.

It was another successful Group One for William Haggas and Tom Marquand, and Haggas noted afterwards that he was pleased to come out on top in a strong international field.

The 2026 Royal Ascot meeting was characterised by competitive Group races, a number of surprise results in handicaps, and several tightly fought finishes across the week.

Leading trainers again dominated the Group race winners, with Aidan O’Brien continuing to be a central figure throughout the meeting alongside other major yards, while the feature races regularly came down to decisive late runs in the final furlong.