by 1/ST BET
June 18, 2025
The 5-day Royal Ascot meeting hits the midway mark as Day 3 puts the stayers in the spotlight. The 2-3/4 miles Ascot Gold Cup goes as the feature, led by Aidan O’Brien’s Illinois – who deputizes for the retired, 2-time defending champ Kyprios. American interest will be keen early as Royal Palm Juvenile winner Sandal’s Song punched his ticket at Gulfstream Park for the Group 2 Norfolk and helps kickstart the Thursday card.
Download the free Sky Sports Racing Royal Ascot Wager Guide for today’s full card.
Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet can enjoy a 15% boost on successful win bets – up to $25 total per day per player – during each race of the Royal Ascot meeting.
9:30AM ET | Group 2 Norfolk | 5 furlongs
10:05AM ET | King George V Stakes | 1-1/2 miles
10:40AM ET | Group 2 Ribblesdale | 1-1/2 miles
11:20AM ET | Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup | 2-1/2 miles
12:00PM ET | Britannia Stakes | 1 mile
12:35PM ET | Group 2 Hampton Court | 1-1/4 miles
1:10PM ET | Buckingham Palace Stakes | 7 furlongs
17.5% takeout Win & Place
17.5% takeout Quinella
17.5% takeout Omni (2 of 3 must finish top 3)
19.5% takeout Exacta
25% takeout Trifecta
25% takeout Pick 3
26% takeout Place Pick 4
27% takeout Place Pick 6