2026 Royal Ascot Day 3 Races at OTB

Bet the Royal Ascot festival online with OffTrackBetting.com! (OTB) is excited to once again offer wagering on one the premiere race meets from across the pond - the 2026 Royal Ascot located at Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire, England.

The Gold Cup, Flat racing's pinnacle of staying contests, is the highlight on Day 3 of Royal Ascot which also features two Group races and four fiercely competitive handicaps.

Chesham Stakes

The Chesham Stakes gets us underway at 2.30pm, a seven-furlong contest for two-year-olds. Aidan O'Brien has won this a record seven times and saddles two this year, with Aix La Chapelle the stable first string after a cosy debut success.

Sea Venture looked better the further she went on her first racetrack start and is open to more improvement whilst Time For The Moon certainly passed the eye test when sauntering clear last time out at Musselburgh. Trainer Charlie Johnston also runs Pikachu, who ran a more experienced rival close on his debut at the end of May, with Whispering Moon further back in third.

King George V Stakes

The King George V Stakes (3.05pm) sees progressive three-year-old colts tackle this mile-and-a-half handicap. Heyzoom and Into The Light have both had just three starts and represent powerful connections whilst Tierra Del Toro and Al Azd will look to uphold the always-informative London Gold Cup form from last month at Newbury.

Waterford Castle has finished runner-up on his last four starts including the last of those here in May. The Al Shaqab silks are doubly presented by Cannes and Joulany, the latter trained by Ralph Beckett who won this race in 2024 with Going The Distance.

Ribblesdale Stakes

The Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes follows at 3.40pm and this time it's three-year-old fillies over a mile and a half. The obvious starting point is Aidan O'Brien who has won this race the last three years and sends out Composing to try and extend that run.

It's Juddmonte who would appear to have the strangehold this year though with both Legacy Link and Gilded Prize looking to uphold lofty reputations. The latter lost her unbeaten record in uncharacteristic fashion last time out whilst the former was a gallant second in the Oaks at Epsom and represents John & Thady Gosden who won this race four times from 2017 to 2021. Earth Shot ran well in Listed company at Goodwood last time and could improve for the step up in trip.

Gold Cup

The feature Group 1 Gold Cup over two miles and four furlongs takes centre-stage at 4.15pm, with Trawlerman looking to defend the title he won in track-record time last year. The eight-year-old hasn't raced since October last year and was touch-and-go for the 2026 renewal but, aided by 'ski goggles' in the preliminaries for light sensitivity in his eyes, he will presumably aim to gallop his rivals into submission once again.

Aidan O'Brien has trained a record nine winners including Yeats' four-in-a-row from 2006 to 2009 and Kyprios' victories in 2022 and 2024. Scandinavia is the latest staying star from the stable and he's followed a tried and tested route to get to today.

There are plenty of other young pretenders in the field with Carmers, Furthur and Rahiebb all chasing the crown whilst the older guard is represented by the likes of seven-year-old Sweet William and ten-year-old Dubai Future. Caballo De Mar is a proven two-time Group 1 winner in France and adds yet more quality to what looks a strong renewal of the Gold Cup.

Britannia Stakes

Next is the Britannia Stakes at 4.50pm, a handicap for three-year-old males over a mile. Harry Eustace won this in 2023 with subsequent Group 1 winner Docklands and Outback Heat will look to follow a similar path having won the same race in May.

Moonfall had nothing go his way last time out and finished with a flourish so is well worth following again whilst the likes of We're Goosers, St Anton and Blue Courvoisier bring winning handicap form to the table and are progressive. Organise lost his unbeaten record last time but may well have been saved for this, with Wathnan Racing targeting the Royal Meeting as they do.

Hampton Court Stakes

The Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes for three-year-olds over ten furlongs follows at 5.35pm. Endorsement has led from the front of late and may well look to do the same today as it did so well for him when winning a Listed race at Leopardstown earlier in the month.

Oxagon won the Craven Stakes earlier in the year but has twice come up short in Group 1 company so a return to calmer waters may help. Generic, My Love Is King and Maho Bay have all had just three runs including in Pattern company and remain with plenty of potential whilst Mountain Cat - a second runner for Godolphin - is completely unexposed having had just two starts in his career.

Buckingham Palace Stakes

We close with the Buckingham Palace Stakes at 6.10pm, a handicap over seven furlongs. Cosi Bello ran well over course and distance last July and he should be spot on for today having won at Haydock in April.

Blue Brother was well fancied for the Royal Hunt Cup last year but disappointed backers on the day after an unlucky passage - he will return to the track exactly a year later in this race instead. Never So Brave won this last year for the Andrew Balding yard and he aims to repeat the feat with Dance In The Storm, The Lost King and Storm Star.

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Scandinavia brings up O'Brien century in memorable Gold Cup

Scandinavia (11/8F) overhauled defending champion Trawlerman in a spellbinding edition of the Gold Cup, handing trainer Aidan O'Brien a remarkable 100th Royal Ascot success in the feature race of day three of Royal Ascot.

In what turned into a straight shootout between Scandinavia and Trawlerman, racegoers and the millions watching worldwide were treated to a pulsating battle at the end of two and a half miles.

On his first start of the year, Trawlerman attempted to draw out his younger rival's stamina off the home turn and it was only inside the final 50 yards that Scandinavia was able to confirm his superiority under Ryan Moore.

Scandinavia and Trawlerman pulled nine lengths clear of Sweet William in third, with last year's Irish St Leger victor Al Riffa taking fourth in a top-class renewal.

O'Brien said: "This is a very special day for myself and everybody in Ballydoyle. There are so many people involved to help a horse get this far.

"Ryan was incredible on Scandinavia - he nursed him and nursed him. He was perfect until Oisin [Murphy] came up and took his slot a little bit. Ryan had to manoeuvre round him, and at the same time he minded him and didn't waste any gas. He got him into a position where he wanted him for one last surge.

"That's just incredible really [100 Royal Ascot winners]. It is something that we wouldn't dream of thinking about, because for that to happen you could not believe. Even this week, it's literally one race at a time and you don't even think what it could be or whether it could happen because it's so competitive, so hard to win races here."

Moore said: "Scandinavia should have won easier! I was happy where I was and then Oisin [Murphy] came up around me. I didn't want us all going three in a line, which then he took me out of the race, and I've had to work to get to Trawlerman. I thought had it and then had to go again. Trawlerman is a brave horse, he kept coming. Scandinavia's record since he got beat here last year... he keeps finding a way to win."

MV Magnier of Coolmore said: "It is incredible. For Aidan to get 100 winners here and win the Gold Cup - you have the King and Queen here - it is a very big deal. For Justify to have first and second in the Chesham and then to have the Gold Cup winner, it's incredible. Aidan has always told me that Scandinavia is a very good horse, and Ryan gave him a great ride."

Co-trainer John Gosden said of Trawlerman and Sweet William: "To me, it was the most exciting race to watch. A phenomenal finish between two magnificent stayers. The staying division when it's like that is beyond exciting. To do that as an eight-year-old off no prep race, limited preparation time-wise, it was an unbelievable run. He just got caught in the last 10 yards - just there, the lack of a prep run cost him. Going a mile and a quarter on the July Course is not the same as having a two-mile prep run around Sandown, I can tell you!"

Trawlerman has had issues with his eyesight caused by sunlight, which interrupted his preparation. Gosden said: "Having been sick, having looked like he would never, ever race again, it's quite extraordinary. This horse... we thought, 'What are we going to do? What are we going to do with him?' He was in agony at Easter, unable to train him, left him alone, and only managed to train him in the last short period of time. It was the eye trouble. He was in some pain with it, but these goggles have helped, and the vets have done a brilliant job."

Nola Soul defies greenness in Chesham Stakes

Nola Soul (11/2) may not be the finished article yet but Fozzy Stack's runner looks full of promise after maintaining his perfect record in the Listed Chesham Stakes.

There was drama at the start of the seven-furlong contest after favourite Aix La Chapelle reared in the stalls and was subsequently withdrawn.

Noticeably keen in the early stages, Nola Soul was one of the first to come off the bridle but responded to Seamie Heffernan's urgings to run out a decisive half-length winner. On Just Terms (28/1) was second on debut, with Aperoll (12/1) a head further back in third.

Stack, enjoying his first Royal Ascot success, said: "Nola Soul is a lovely horse. We have a high opinion of him. Seamie has always loved him. He is a big strong galloper who can go fast for a long time. If he came out of the debut run alright, it was always the plan to come here. This is the place everyone wants to be."

"We were very hopeful of a good run. You just hope they show up on the day, whether you win, finish third, fourth... whatever. He is a January foal. I would say he would have no problem getting a mile and a quarter in time. I would hope he might turn up in a good race at the end of the year."

Heffernan said: "The beauty is there's more to come. I have plenty of experience with the Justifys, so I know exactly what they like and what they don't like. A lot of them have an engine and, once it's geared the right way, they're good."

Enceladus continues fine O'Brien form in King George V Stakes

Unexposed Sea The Stars colt Enceladus (7/1) provided Joseph O'Brien with a fourth winner of the meeting in the King George V Stakes.

Partnered for the first time by Ryan Moore, Enceladus was able to get a good position from his wide draw [13] and was perfectly placed throughout the 12-furlong contest.

After going for home at the top of the straight, Enceladus found plenty to hold off Al Azd (11/1) by a half-length, with Believed (14/1) and Heyzoom (6/1) filling the minor places.

O'Brien said: "This guy had a very good two-year-old season. We thought he would enjoy stepping up in trip and the plan was to wait for today to do that. If you win a handicap at Royal Ascot, especially one of the three-year-old races, generally you're a Stakes horse or a Group horse in the making. He is potentially [a St Leger horse], but you'd have to go to a trial between now and then - but he is a Group horse in the making, hopefully."

Moore said: "I had a nice smooth run. Enceladus began well and relaxed lovely on the outside of them. He didn't go mad at any stage of the race and found all the way in the straight. He was only having his fourth run, so everyone is probably still learning about him, but he's a fine, big scopey horse. He may get further, but I don't think he has to. It just shows you the strength there is in Ireland; this is Joseph's [O'Brien] fourth winner - quite incredible."

Earth Shot provides Wathnan with instant return in Ribblesdale Stakes

One of Wathnan Racing's pre-Royal Ascot purchases Earth Shot (4/1) proved an instant hit as she got up in the final strides of the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes.

Lady Roisia unshipped Hector Crouch coming out of the stalls, after which she led the field and wandered around at the top of the home straight, forcing Earth Shot to challenge widest of all.

Johanna Walsh (9/1) had kicked off the home turn and looked set for victory until the final half-furlong, when James Doyle galvanised Earth Shot to get up on the line. The verdict was a head, with a length back to French challenger Gilded Prize (5/1) in third.

Trained by William Haggas, Earth Shot changed ownership after finishing a head second in the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood.

Haggas said: "I thought Earth Shot possibly should have won at Goodwood. She has always been a beautiful filly and I've always said she wants soft ground. Fair play to William Buick - she ran second to another one of ours last year in a maiden, and William Buick said 'she's pretty good', and they all say he knows what he's talking about. We always had hopes she would be good and, I guess, for a middle-distance filly, winning the Ribblesdale is second best to winning the Oaks. It is a hell of a prize to win."

Doyle said: "This is a meeting we always target and we know how important it is to have winners here, but we also know how humbling it can be. We've had lots of good chances over the past couple of days and fell a long way short, not just short, so it really does put manners on you, and you really do have to take it in when you get a winner on the board here. You have to really enjoy it."

Moonfall provides special moment for Lloyd in Britannia Stakes

Visiting rider Zac Lloyd did not have to wait long to break his Royal Ascot duck as he steered the George Boughey-trained Moonfall (13/2) to victory in the Britannia Stakes.

Moonfall moved through the mile handicap in stylish fashion before picking up nicely to hold off the late challenge from Outback Heat (10/1) by three-quarters of a length. In a finish dominated by those on the stands' side, the gambled Jamestown (11/2) was third and Lion Of Alba (33/1) fourth.

A multiple G1-winning rider in Australia, Lloyd is on a working holiday in the UK and has partnered winners at Doncaster and York in the build up to Royal Ascot.

Lloyd said: "This is unreal. To ride a winner here is very special. Everyone kept telling me, 'If you think you're going well, wait another five seconds.' That's all I was thinking about, and by doing that it enabled him to be strong in the last hundred or so, and he was holding his competitors quite comfortably.

"I was asked to come over here by George Boughey, but Billy Loughnane is an absolute star. I was under no illusion I was going to take any of his rides, but I can ride light which helps. He was probably my only bullet for the week.

"I wanted to come here not expecting a winner, but hopeful I could make connections. Then next year if I come back, it will grow and the year after that - that's what I was aiming to do.

"I was under no illusions - this is probably the hardest week of racing in the world, so to get a win is unexpected but very pleasing. It is my mum's birthday as well, so there's a bit more sentimental value to it."

Boughey said: "It has been the plan for a while to come here. Moonfall had a bit of an interrupted autumn last year, and I hope he's a horse who can progress. He did it quite easily.

"I am delighted for Zac. He's a great mate of Billy's from when he was down there, and I said to Billy, 'What's he doing in the winter?', and he said, 'Probably nothing!' I texted him and said, 'Come on, come up and see how you get on.' He called me straight away, booked his flight and over he came. He is a star rider - he's very similar to Billy, very charismatic and with beautiful hands."

Generic proves his class in Hampton Court Stakes

Generic (18/1) paid a handsome compliment to Constitution River as he recorded a decisive victory in the G3 Hampton Court Stakes for Andrew Balding.

Seven lengths behind the Prix du Jockey Club winner at Chester, Generic was well placed turning in and picked up nicely to complete a double on the day for James Doyle. The winning distance was a length from 11/8 favourite Endorsement, with Glacius (33/1) taking third on his first start since October.

Balding said: "I thought James gave Generic a peach of a ride and was always confident that, when he peeled out, he was going to find something. I am delighted.

"I think we have to let the dust settle now and look at our options, but I think this is the ideal trip and he's the type of horse who could go travelling, so we'll look at some nice international races."

Doyle said: "This fellow is super, expertly trained by Andrew and his team. I am always lucky that Andrew puts me on some nice horses and we've had a bit of luck together. Sadly, Gewan passed away and we had a big winner in the Dewhurst with him. And Jeff Smith - fantastic, I bet he enjoyed that. It was great to get the monkey off my back earlier on and nice to ride a winner for Wathnan. Hopefully there are a few more to come - this one feels like a Brucie Bonus!"

Mezcala leaves it late in Buckingham Palace Stakes

Jack Channon's first winner at Royal Ascot came courtesy of a patient ride from Tom Marquand as Mezcala found the gaps and the line at the perfect time to overhaul Elarak close home.

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When is the Royal Ascot Meet?

The 2026 Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday, June 16 through to Saturday, June 20.

Where is the Royal Ascot held?

Royal Ascot is located at Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire, England.

Where can I watch the Royal Ascot?

You can stream all the Royal Ascot races live and watch replays on OffTrackBetting.com

Where can I wager on the Royal Ascot?

You can bet on all the Royal Ascot races online at OffTrackBetting.com! All members have access to Royal Ascot horse race betting, Royal Ascot odds, horse racing results, live video and race replays.