Kyprios became only the third horse in 220 years to regain the Gold Cup after a pulsating victory at Royal Ascot on Thursday.
The 2022 winner missed the majority of last year through a joint infection many did not think he would survive, but nursed back to health by trainer Aidan O’Brien the six-year-old came out best here in an epic tussle up the straight with his old foe, Trawlerman.
For much of this battle there was nothing in it except a certain inevitability that the 11-10 favourite would come out on top and Ryan Moore must have felt the same way for he barely went for his stick before the chestnut with a white blaze finished a length up with his ears pricked.
If Kyprios has a super power, it must be his mind, which is so important in a race like the Gold Cup, an extreme distance over which the elite stayers rarely race. Going past the post with a circuit to run, Moore had his reins in loops while nearly every other jockey’s reins were taut like fishing lines, a sure giveaway their mounts were expending energy while Kyprios conserved his.
Victory put Kyprios into a very select group, following Anticipation (1816 and 1819) and Kayf Tara (1998 and 2000) in returning to regain their titles.
It is now something of a standing joke how O’Brien can reel off a long list of the first names of people who have contributed towards a big winner. “No horse has been scanned and X-rayed more in his life than this horse” the trainer said, as his name-checking extended to most of the population of Tipperary.
ITV’s Matt Chapman did his tactful best to intervene but O’Brien continued: “Sorry, I’ve forgotten John, Jack and Gerry.”
On Kyprios’s amazing return, O’Brien added: “I’d say it is millions to one. It was really impossible to come back from what he came back from. At one stage we weren’t sure he would live. This horse has got back to the very top level, which is just incredible.
“From there it was getting him to stand, and then to walk, then to trot, then teaching him how to canter again, because he had to move all his body in different ways again. It’s unbelievable really. He always had the most incredible mind, that was always his power, his mind. Nothing is impossible when you see that.”
The trainer said Moore was getting better every year. Earlier the jockey passed Frankie Dettori’s Royal Ascot total of 81 winners when O’Brien’s Port Fairy became his 82nd in the Ribblesdale. He now stands on 83 with clear sight of Lester Piggott’s record (116) in front of him.
“I said to Aidan that he’s the class horse in the race and he stays the best, so I’ve just got to get it right,” explained Moore. “I didn’t get it quite right but he still won. He’s an unbelievable horse.”
About Dettori’s record he added: “I wouldn’t have even given a thought, to be honest. Every day, it’s on to the next one. And the only reason I’m riding that amount of winners is I’ve ridden for the two most successful trainers in the history of Ascot – Aidan and Sir Michael Stoute. It’s all about the horses – I’m just lucky to be riding them.
“I remember Frankie when I was a kid, riding for my grandad at Brighton. He’s always been the best in my eyes.”
Callum Rodriguez is king of the ring at Ascot after drugs ban
He is the boxer-turned-jockey who has been rolling with the punches long after his younger days training alongside Tyson Fury.
However, in his 10th year of trying at Royal Ascot, Callum Rodriguez finally landed a knockout blow, having bounced back from a drug ban in 2019.
Rodriguez, 27, who is from Lancaster, and Mickley dominated the Britannia Stakes Heritage Handicap to secure the jockey’s first ever win here.
He and runner-up Skukuza pulled well clear of the rest of the field to leave Rodriquez, now hitting his prime in the sport, hailing a “very, very special moment”.
A first Ascot triumph may also prove his easiest, with Rodriguez hailing his “laid back” Mickley. But there was an acknowledgement from Rodriquez, who used to train in the same gym as Fury while winning schoolboy boxing titles, that life has not always been this “smooth”.
He has steadily built his career back up since serving a six-month ban after testing positive for taking cocaine at Southwell in February 2019.
Referencing an ordeal for which he has repeatedly apologised, he expressed gratitude to those in the sport who have stood by him since. “It’s never smooth sailing in this game is it,” he told The Telegraph. “There’s ups and downs every day of the week and you just have to keep a level head all the time and really work hard.
“And I feel like that’s what we’ve done throughout my career since linking up with Ed [Bethell, the trainer] two years ago. We’ve really had a good relationship together and fingers crossed it’ll keep going.”
He maintained that even during the darkest days in 2019 he never considered walking away from the sport, saying. “You know you want success.”
During jubilant scenes in the parade ring, Rodriguez went on to pay tribute to “a very classy horse”.
“He only does whatever is asked of him,” Rodriguez said. “I was hopeful that a big field scenario like this today would really bring out his best and keep him thinking. He did that and the step up in trip has obviously helped him. It was very smooth really from start to finish.”
The 5.05pm was billed as a competitive field but he said the performance was no surprise. “I’ve always really liked this horse,” Rodriguez added. “He’s so laid back but always works to a very good level at home and never does any more than is required of him. I’m just so pleased he could show how good he is.”
There was no doubt from Rodriguez that this has been one of his finest weeks in the sport. “It’s very special, very special. I think this is my 10th year ride and I’ve been down here a few times.”
Day three at Royal Ascot: As it happened…
06:20 PM BST
Confirmed result
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English Oak 100/30F
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Billyjoh 28/1
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Carrytheone 25/1
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Mostabshir 16/1
06:19 PM BST
Watch: English Oak is a Group horse in a handicap
06:19 PM BST
ENLGISH OAK WINS THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Impressive. There was only one winner from a long way out there. Another big win for Wathnan Racing.
06:18 PM BST
And…
….they’re off.
06:13 PM BST
The runners are gathering…
…for our concluding race – the Buckingham Palace Stakes.
06:07 PM BST
Market check
English Oak is the one leading the market in the now-familiar colours of Wathnan Racing. He was a good winner at Haydock last time and could yet better than a mark of 99. Divine Libra, Fresh and Koy Koy are also well fancied in the market.
06:01 PM BST
Marlborough tip
In spite of him likely going off a short-priced favourite in a full and competitive-looking field of 29 runners, it is very hard to get away from the strong claims of ENGLISH OAK, who looks a colt on his way to Stakes company and can confirm that impression with a massive run here. He was a wide-margin winner of a handicap at Haydock last time out (albeit in more testing conditions) and brings good course form to the table via his good 2nd to course specialist Rohaan in a 6f handicap last term. A switch back to firmer going should hold no fears and he can take a lot of beating here.
05:56 PM BST
Royal Ascot betting offers
The Buckingham Palace Stakes brings day three to a close. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of any Royal Ascot betting offers, be sure to visit our dedicated page.
05:55 PM BST
‘He’s got a huge stride and we know he stays’
05:50 PM BST
While that race was crossing the line…
…however inside the Grandstand
05:48 PM BST
Confirmed result
-
Jayarebe 7/1
-
King’s Gambit 2/1F
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Bellum Justum 10/1
05:46 PM BST
Watch: Jayarebe stays on well
05:45 PM BST
JAYAREBE WINS THE HAMPTON COURT
King’s Gambit was closing late but the winner had just enough to hold him off.
05:43 PM BST
Early stages
Bellum Justum pushes up on the inside, with Caviar Heights on his outside.
05:42 PM BST
And they’re off…
…in the Hampton Court.
05:42 PM BST
They are loading up…
…for the Hampton Court as King’s Gambit drifts out to 2/1.
05:39 PM BST
Slight delay
Owing to the Britannia running over. Bracken’s Laugh looks very well in the paddock and his trainer, Richard Hughes, rates him as the best horse in his stable.
05:32 PM BST
Marlborough tip
CAVIAR HEIGHTS may have fluffed his lines in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, but he had previously shaped like a potential top-class colt when tearing apart the Newmarket Stakes at the Guineas meeting in May, seeing off Sayedaty Sadaty who subsequently ran a big race in the Derby. The Dante may have come too soon for Caviar Heights but he is taken to confirm that Newmarket effort with a big performance here; he can reward each-way support at the least.
05:31 PM BST
Next up…
…the Hampton Court Stakes – interesting race this. King’s Gambit is very warm in the market after his win in the London Gold Cup but the form of that race has taken some knock today and there may be value elsewhere. Jayarebe for Brian Meehan is the best-backed horse against the favourite and at the prices he represents decent ach-way value.
05:25 PM BST
Never in doubt
05:21 PM BST
Royal Ascot betting offers
There’s little to separate King’s Gambit and First Look heading into the Hampton Court Stakes, and you can back either with any one of these tremendous Royal Ascot free bets.
05:19 PM BST
‘Absolutely over the moon – the stuff of dreams’
05:16 PM BST
Confirmed result
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Mickley 15/2
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Skukuza 16/1
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Native Warrior 22/1
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Mission To Moon 25/1
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King’s Gamble 8/1
05:14 PM BST
Watch: Mickley a superb winner of the Brittania
05:12 PM BST
MICKLEY WINS THE BRITANNIA
That was very impressive. He and runner-up Skukuza pulled miles clear of the reast of the field.
05:10 PM BST
And they’re off…
…in the Britannia.
05:05 PM BST
Runners just gathering
The chances of them getting this race off on time are virtually none. 29 runners to load is an awful lot.
05:03 PM BST
Value is a must
Seven of the last ten winners of this race have returned at double-figure odds. Basically a favourite has to be very good and fairly fortunate if they are to meet market confidence. Look for value…I’ll leave it at that.
04:57 PM BST
Market check
Qirat is the 11/2 favourite for Ralph Beckett, already successful this afternoon with Going The Distance. Volterra, Mickley and Dashing Darcey are also well-fancied, along with another Beckett challenger King’s Gamble.
04:54 PM BST
Marlborough tip
Another furiously competitive renewal of this race, where chances can be given for plenty in the line up. CRACKING GOLD may not have as obvious a profile for this race as some of his rivals coming into this, but on each of his four starts he has shaped like a horse who can prove better than his current rating of 92. Hailing from a warm Esher Cup formline, it is surely notable that trainer Clive Cox has looked to protect Cracking Gold’s mark by not running him since that race in April; patience can be rewarded with a big run here.
04:52 PM BST
Next up…
What a race that was. Worthy of a Gold Cup and we have a superb winner in Kyprios but the time has come to move on. Next up is the Britannia Stakes. One mile, 29 runners…god has blessed you if you mind the winner of this one.
04:44 PM BST
Another angle…
…of that superb battle between Kyprios and Trawlerman.
04:39 PM BST
Royal Ascot free bets
A huge field of 32 battle it out in the Britannia Stakes and you can back any of them with these verified Royal Ascot free bets.
04:39 PM BST
‘He’s more value than the winning distance’
04:34 PM BST
Confirmed result
-
Kyprios 11/10F
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Trawlerman 7/1
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Sweet William 9/1
04:32 PM BST
Watch: Kyprios wins remarkable head-to-head battle
04:32 PM BST
KYPRIOS WINS ASCOT GOLD CUP
He regains the title he won back in 2022. What a battle up the straight with Trawlerman that was!
04:29 PM BST
Chance gone…
Caius Chorister is spoiling his chances by pulling far too hard.
04:28 PM BST
Pace is steady
The tactics of William Buick on Trawlerman are already clear. He’s going to try and stack the field up and kick late off an even gallop.
04:27 PM BST
Early stages
Trawlerman sets an easy pace, with Kyprios sitting on the outside of the pack in third.
04:27 PM BST
And they’re off…
…in the Ascot Gold Cup. A staying test of 2m4f.
04:23 PM BST
The horses are circling…
…down behind the gates ahead of the Ascot Gold Cup. A real buzz in the crowd ahead of this one. Kyrpios still a solid 11/10 favourite.
04:21 PM BST
Two of the greats
04:16 PM BST
Marlborough tip
Many eyes will be on KYPRIOS and it is easy to see why, having taken this prize back in 2022 in a glorious campaign where he swept all before him, winning all 6 starts that year. Injury intervened in 2023 but he reappeared towards the end of the year and has improved with each start since his return. He looks to be building very nicely into this race and can confirm himself the stayer that they all have to catch both today and for the remainder of the season.
04:13 PM BST
Mullins eyes biggest prize
Willie Mullins – famed for his domination over jumps – has an interesting runner here in Vauban. He is a cross-code specialist, having won at both the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot in the past. He won the Copper Horse at this meeting last year and is a good candidate to give the favourite all he can handle this afternoon.
04:05 PM BST
Favourite buzzing
Kyprios is looking very, very fizzy in the pre-parade ring. A second handler has just taken hold of his reins. Hardly terminal to his chances but certainly not ideal to be that lit up this soon before a race.
04:03 PM BST
Ascot Gold Cup – horse-by-horse preview
Marlborough breaks down every runner of in the Ascot Gold Cup, including 10/11 favourite Kyprios.
Coltrane
Thoroughly likeable and high-class stayer who was 2nd in this as favourite last year. Winner on seasonal reappearance and fancied to go well again here.
Enemy
Been on the go since November and has been below-par the last twice, having run a big race in Saudi Arabia back in February. Likely to struggle here against fresher legs.
Kyprios
Elite stayer who missed most of last year but has looked back on track in 2 starts this campaign. Easy to see why many think he’s one of the bankers of the week; far and away the one to beat.
Prydwen
Has been in superb form of late, but the majority of that form has been on the all-weather and he has a bit to prove back on turf. Could struggle here with that in mind; best watched.
Sweet William
Wonderfully consistent stayer who has yet to miss the placings in 11 career starts to date. Fast ground could be a stumbling block but otherwise a leading contender.
Trawlerman
Defeated Kyprios on their last meeting back in October last year and had just the one start since. Ground likely to suit and should appreciate this marathon test; player.
Vauban
Bolted up at this meeting last year and been lightly campaigned since. Resumed with a good 2nd in the Yorkshire Cup and ready to peak here. Stamina is a question mark at this distance but otherwise greatly respected.
04:01 PM BST
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03:57 PM BST
Let’s hear from the winning jockey
03:54 PM BST
A landmark win
With that success Ryan Moore becomes the second winning-most jockey in Royal Ascot history, supplanting Frankie Dettori with his 82nd winner. Lester Piggott leads the way on 116 winners.
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Lester Piggot – 116
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Ryan Moore – 82
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Frankie Dettori – 81
03:52 PM BST
Confirmed result
-
Port Fairy 12/1
-
Lava Stream 20/1
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Kalpana 9/4F
03:50 PM BST
Watch: Port Fairy gets the job done
03:49 PM BST
PORT FAIRY WINS THE RIBBLESDALE
A 12/1 winner for Aidan O’Brien. She outbattled Lava Stream up the run in there.
03:47 PM BST
Blazing speed
You Got To Me has broken well clear. Must be ten lengths clear of the pack.
03:46 PM BST
Decent pace early
You Got To Me leads along with Port Fairy and Siyola.
03:46 PM BST
And they are off…
…in the Ribblesdale.
03:45 PM BST
What’s being said here do we think?
03:44 PM BST
They are loading up…
…cracking race in store here.
03:41 PM BST
Money still coming
Five minutes from the start of the Ribblesdale and Kalpana is still rock solid atop the market. This filly is possibly the best-backed horse of the entire week so far at Royal Ascot.
03:32 PM BST
Cats who got the cream
03:28 PM BST
Marlborough tip
An open contest, more so than the market might suggest, with likely favourite Diamond Rain having stamina questions to answer on pedigree. One who shouldn’t have those questions to answer is KALPANA, whose form this year has been taking markedly improved steps with each start and continues to stack up nicely. She can relish this step up in trip and prove the one they all have to catch.
03:24 PM BST
Up next…
…we have the Ribblesdale Stakes for three-year-old fillies and this one looks very competitive. Kalpana has been backed off the boards the morning to supplant Diamond Rain as the 5/2 favourite. You Got To Me and Rubies Are Red have also been popular with punters this morning.
03:19 PM BST
Royal Ascot betting offers
Diamond Rain is certainly one to watch in the Ribblesdale Stakes. You can back her with one of these exclusive Royal Ascot betting offers.
03:18 PM BST
‘Ralph has plotted this all year’
03:17 PM BST
Celebrations for Frankie
Dettori is a close friend of winning owner Marc Chan.
03:15 PM BST
Royal runner
Gilded Water had a lovely passage through the race but faded quickly in the straight. He either has not stayed the trip or paid the price for his early exuberance.
03:13 PM BST
Confirmed result
-
Going The Distance 9/1
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Neski Sherelski 33/1
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Go Daddy 25/1
-
Fouroneohfever 10/1
03:10 PM BST
Watch: Going The Distance swings wide
03:09 PM BST
GOING THE DISTANCE WINS!
He had a nightmare passage around the outside but swooped late to take the King George V. A superb result for Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan.
03:07 PM BST
Early stages
City Burglar takes them along…Gilded Water is very keen.
03:06 PM BST
And they’re off…
… in the King George V Stakes.
03:05 PM BST
They are loading up…
…19 runners for this.
03:04 PM BST
The runners are down at the start…
…Gilded Water is still very strong at the top of the market. Could we have a royal winner upcoming? He is a handsome beast that much is for sure.
03:00 PM BST
The winning moment…
…delight for member’s of Karl Burke’s yard after that win for Shareholder.
02:52 PM BST
Marlborough tip
The London Gold Cup form gets its chance to prove itself a strong formline, with the second, third, fourth & sixth from that race, namely Poniros, Chantilly, Persica and Go Daddy set to reoppose (with the winner that day lining up in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes later on the card). All three can feature in the finish here, with PONIROS fancied to confirm the form with his Newbury rivals: he has finished runner-up behind two smart horses in as many starts this year and should relish this step up to 1m4f.
02:51 PM BST
Time for the next…
…and all attention now turns to the royal favourite in the King George V Stakes. Gilded Water is rock-solid atop the market for this at 5/1. Chantilly, French Duke and Autumn Winter are the other market principles in this 19-runner field.
02:47 PM BST
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02:46 PM BST
‘He’s very quick – I just tried to keep a lid on him’
02:42 PM BST
Confirmed result
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) – 2.30
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Shareholder 12/1
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Tropical Storm 11/1
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Arizona Blaze 14/1
02:39 PM BST
Watch: Shareholder takes the Norfolk Stakes
02:37 PM BST
SHAREHOLDER WINS THE NORFOLK
Deja-vu….yesterday, Leovanni drifted wildly before the Queen Mary yesterday and romped home for Karl Burke and Wathnan Racing. Shareholder has just done exactly the same for connections.
02:35 PM BST
And they’re off…
…in the Norfolk Stakes. Blink and you’ll miss it.
02:30 PM BST
Day three is moments from gettig underway
They are loading up for the Norfolk.
02:28 PM BST
Best of the rest…
The colours of Wathnan racing have been ever present so far this week and they have two good chances again in this one. Both Aesterius and Shareholder hold good chances in the face of this very well-supported favourite.
02:24 PM BST
Marlbourough tip
WHISTLEJACKET will be many people’s idea of one of the bankers of the whole week and it is easy to see why, having bumped into a smart colt in Cowardofthecounty on debut prior to bolting up at the second time of asking, looking every inch a Group performer. He should improve for a switch to fast ground and, as a full-brother to Little Big Bear, he is certainly bred for this job. The fact that he is Aidan O’Brien’s sole representative in the race speaks volumes and he can get favourite backers off to a flyer.
02:24 PM BST
Time for some racing…
The first race this afternoon is the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) over five furlongs, in which Whistlejacket is a red-hot 10-11 favourite for Aidan O’Brien.
02:21 PM BST
More from the Royal Procession
02:14 PM BST
Royal Ascot free bets
Whistlejacket is the bookies’ favourite for the Norfolk Stakes. You can back him with any one of these Royal Ascot free bets if you share their confidence
02:13 PM BST
Packed gantries
The paddock is jam packed as everyone jostles to get a good view of the Royal Procession.
02:11 PM BST
Arriving in style
02:10 PM BST
Ryan Moore…
…could overtake Frankie Dettori for second on the list of winning-most jockeys at Royal Ascot this afternoon. Both sit on 81 career winners at the royal meeting. He has seven bites at the cherry this afternoon:
2.30: Whistlejacket
3.05: Chantilly
3.45: Port Fairy
4.25: Kyprios
5.05: Air Commander
5.40: Portland
6.15: Divine Libra
02:05 PM BST
What do you think?
Ed Chamberlain musing on ITV whether the Royal Procession needs a little more energy. “Does it need a Taylor Swift or the Obamas?” he asks Charlotte Hawkins and Brough Scott…
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
02:02 PM BST
Here they come…
The gates open and here come the four carriages that form this afternoon’s Royal Procession. Here is a reminder of who it comprises today:
1st Carriage
The King
The Queen
The Duke of Devonshire
The Duchess of Devonshire
2nd Carriage
The Duke of Edinburgh
The Duchess of Edinburgh
The Earl of Snowdon
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
3rd Carriage
The Princess Royal
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence
The Lady Sarah Chatto
Mr Daniel Chatto
4th Carriage
The Duke of Richmond and Gordon
The Duchess of Richmond and Gordon
Mr Mike Tindall
Mrs Mike Tindall
01:44 PM BST
The Royal Procession…
Has just left Windsor Castle and will be pulling through the gates of Ascot in around 15 minutes time.
01:43 PM BST
Your host on ITV for the afternoon…
01:41 PM BST
Some more market movers
2.30 Norfolk Stakes
Whistlejacket 11-8 from 7-4
3.05 King George V Stakes
Gilded Water 11-2 from 8
French Duke 6-1 from 8
3.45 Ribblesdale Stakes
Kalpana 11-4 from 9-2
You Got To Me 9-2 from 7-1
4.25 Gold Cup
Gregory 5-1 from 13-2
Trawlerman 11-2 from 7-1
5.05 Britannia Stakes
Volterra 13-2 from 8-1
Mickley 15-2 from 10-1
Starlore 9-1 from 12
Dashing Darcey 11-1 from 14
5.40 Hampton Court Stakes
King’s Gambit 11-8 from 5-2
6.15 Buckingham Palace Handicap
Fresh 10-1 from 16
The X O 16-1 from 33
01:24 PM BST
A reminder of this afternoon’s schedule
2.00 The royal procession
2.30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
3.05 King George V Stakes
3.45 Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
4.25 Gold Cup (Group 1)
5.05 Britannia Stakes
5.40 Hampton Court Stakes
6.15 Buckingham Palace Stakes
01:18 PM BST
Travel latest
Ascot Racecourse is reporting increased traffic congestion around the course as a result of an incident on High Street in Ascot earlier this morning. Worth noting for those of you travelling to course by car.
“All car parks remain open and emergency services are working to ease traffic as quickly as possible,” the statement added.
01:13 PM BST
More arrivals…
01:08 PM BST
The royal runner…
Let’s dig a little deeper into Gilded Water – the horse fancied by many to give the King and Queen a winner at Royal Ascot this afternoon.
Unraced at two, the son of Fastnet Rock has progressed steadily in each of his three starts, cresting with a superb performance at Chester last time.
The form of that race is perhaps not the strongest but he put that company away in the manner of a horse capable of mixing it in far deeper waters.
That is what he faces today and a similar step forward will probably be needed to secure back-to-back wins. However, this is his handicap debut and thus should there be latent potential still be realised he is well placed to go in again.
12:51 PM BST
‘He races lazily which is what you want’
“He then had a year off and returned last autumn a bit below his best but he has won both starts this time including by a length at 1/12 last time. That may not sound impressive but he races lazily and only does enough which is what you want.”
….find out who Marlborough fancies in this afternoon’s feature, the Ascot Gold Cup (4.25). Click here for Telegraph Sport’s full Royal Ascot tipping service.
12:42 PM BST
WATCH: Relive last year’s royal winner
12:40 PM BST
More racegoers arrive
12:36 PM BST
Market movers
There has been plenty of activity in the betting markets this morning. Here are the biggest movers and shakers of the morning.
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King’s Gambit (5.40) 6/4 from 5/2
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Kalpana (3.45) 3/1 from 7/1
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You Got To Me (3.45) 9/2 from 17/2
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Qirat (5.05) 11/2 from 10/1
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Gilded Water (3.05) 6/1 from 10/1
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Mickley (3.05) 17/2 from 16/1
12:26 PM BST
Royal Procession details…
The King was not at Royal Ascot yesterday but returns this afternoon to watch his runner, Gilded Water, go for glory in the King George V Stakes (3.05)
The carriage list
1st Carriage
The King
The Queen
The Duke of Devonshire
The Duchess of Devonshire
2nd Carriage
The Duke of Edinburgh
The Duchess of Edinburgh
The Earl of Snowdon
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
3rd Carriage
The Princess Royal
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence
The Lady Sarah Chatto
Mr Daniel Chatto
4th Carriage
The Duke of Richmond and Gordon
The Duchess of Richmond and Gordon
Mr Mike Tindall
Mrs Mike Tindall
12:23 PM BST
Just me?
Yes, the dress is white instead of brown but getting heavy Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman vibes from this outfit (specific scene in the movie is the one at the polo match, for those that have seen it or, indeed, care).
12:21 PM BST
Here come the girls
It is Ladies Day at Ascot today and as such it’s time to tap into my dubious knowledge of sartorial elegance to bring you some of the best outfits among Ascot’s early arrivers this afternoon. So here goes…
12:16 PM BST
Non-runners
The going is only getting quicker at Ascot, with the ground now described as good to firm. As such, as few horses will not run despite the heavy overnight watering.
2.30 Evening Saigon
3.45 Forest Fairy
4.25 Trueshan
5.05 Bergamasco, Miletus
6.15 Awaal, Ropey Guest
12:13 PM BST
Order of play today
2.00 The royal procession
2.30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
3.05 King George V Stakes
3.45 Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
4.25 Gold Cup (Group 1)
5.05 Britannia Stakes
5.40 Hampton Court Stakes
6.15 Buckingham Palace Stakes
12:10 PM BST
Runner-by-runner guide to Ascot Gold Cup
The big race of the day is off at 4.25. Here, Marlbourough gives you the rundown on every horse in the race.
Coltrane
Thoroughly likeable and high-class stayer who was 2nd in this as favourite last year. Winner on seasonal reappearance and fancied to go well again here.
Enemy
Been on the go since November and has been below-par the last twice, having run a big race in Saudi Arabia back in February. Likely to struggle here against fresher legs.
Kyprios
Elite stayer who missed most of last year but has looked back on track in 2 starts this campaign. Easy to see why many think he’s one of the bankers of the week; far and away the one to beat.
Prydwen
Has been in superb form of late, but the majority of that form has been on the all-weather and he has a bit to prove back on turf. Could struggle here with that in mind; best watched.
Sweet William
Wonderfully consistent stayer who has yet to miss the placings in 11 career starts to date. Fast ground could be a stumbling block but otherwise a leading contender.
Trawlerman
Defeated Kyprios on their last meeting back in October last year and had just the one start since. Ground likely to suit and should appreciate this marathon test; player.
Vauban
Bolted up at this meeting last year and been lightly campaigned since. Resumed with a good 2nd in the Yorkshire Cup and ready to peak here. Stamina is a question mark at this distance but otherwise greatly respected.
Gregory
Smart winner of the Queen’s Vase at this meeting last year, but hasn’t quite gone on in 3 subsequent starts as hoped. Can improve still but needs to raise his game if he is to make his presence felt here.
Caius Chorister
Very good mare who looks on the improve still. However, the rain has missed Ascot so far and she has shown a liking for cut in the ground. Bit to prove back on firmer going, for all that she cannot be discounted.
12:07 PM BST
Royal Ascot betting offers
It’s day three of Royal Ascot and there are a number of top-class races to enjoy. Be sure to check out the best Royal Ascot betting offers to use across all of Thursday’s action
12:04 PM BST
Tipping service
Our top tipsters Marlborough and Whistler are on hand to guide you through the day three card and hopefully find a winner or two!
Click here to see their fanices this afternoon.
11:55 AM BST
Good afternoon one and all
An exciting day three of Royal Ascot awaits and there is a certain crackle in the air this morning as the potential for a royal winner pervades the Berkshire air.
Desert Hero bought the house down 12 months ago when getting up to win the King George V Stakes for the King and Queen and this year Gilded Water looks to follow suit.
William Haggas and Tom Marquand are, like last year, the trainer-jockey combination trusted to deliver a royal winner and there is confidence in the market they can do just that.
As I type, Gilded Water is 6/1 joint-favourite to get his head in front on handicap debut after sparking performance at Chester last month – where he hammered a well-fancied horse of Sir Michael Stoute’s by over seven lengths.
“The handicapper didn’t miss his win at Chepstow,” Haggas said of Gilded Water. “But he’s a nice horse who I hope is progressing and I think he’ll be fine over a mile and a half.”
Away from potential royal winners, we have a delectable seven-race card to enjoy, headlined by the Ascot Gold Cup (4.25) in which Kyprios returns to defend the crown he won so decisively in 2022.
Elsewhere, an exciting bunch of three-year-old fillies are set to clash in the RIbblesdale Stakes (3.45), while 13 of the fastest two-year-old colts and geldings meet in the opening race of the card, the Norfolk Stakes (2.30).
Off the track, it is Ladies Day at Ascot so stay tuned as we bring you the best and brightest outfits from perhaps the most fashion-focussed day of the meeting.
