Royal Ascot 2025 Day 3 dazzles today June 19 in Berkshire with the Gold Cup and bold fashion stealing the show. If you’re watching or attending here’s how to catch the best races spot winning horses and nail Ladies’ Day style. Get our expert picks and tips to make the most of this iconic event.
Gold Cup Takes Center Stage
Day 3 of Royal Ascot known as Ladies’ Day brings the prestigious Gold Cup at 4:20 p.m. BST a Group 1 race over 2m4f. Illinois trained by Aidan O’Brien leads the pack after a dominant Ormonde Stakes win at Chester. But Trawlerman a gritty runner-up last year is turning heads with jockey William Buick hyping his stamina. “He’s like a warrior out there” a stablehand overheard Buick say near the parade ring yesterday.
A local spectator told friends the Gold Cup’s roar last year felt like “a jet taking off” with the crowd’s energy shaking Ascot’s grandstands. With 300000 fans expected this week and clear skies forecast today’s races promise high drama.
Why Day 3’s Unmissable in 2025
Royal Ascot runs June 17-21 with 35 races across five days. Day 3’s seven races from 2:30 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. BST mix speed and stamina. The Norfolk Stakes (2:30 p.m.) features zippy two-year-olds while the Ribblesdale Stakes (3:40 p.m.) showcases fillies with star potential. The Gold Cup’s endurance test draws global eyes as a historic race since 1807.
Day 2 saw Ombudsman upset favorite Los Angeles in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes proving surprises happen. Social media’s alight with fans raving about True Love’s Queen Mary Stakes sprint calling her “electric.” Today’s firm ground suits front-runners so expect fast finishes.
Top Races and Horses to Watch
Here’s your guide to Day 3’s key races based on form and track buzz:
- Gold Cup (4:20 p.m.): Illinois is the one to beat with proven staying power. Trawlerman at 5-1 could surprise for a strong finish. His Sandown run showed heart.
- Norfolk Stakes (2:30 p.m.): Hey True Blue from stall 10 has speed to burn. Trainer George Boughey’s colt thrives on Ascot’s 5f sprint.
- Ribblesdale Stakes (3:40 p.m.): Serenity Prayer shines after a Chantilly win. Trainer Francis Graffard’s filly has class.
- King George V Stakes (3:05 p.m.): Sing Us a Song at 12-1 offers value. His York form suits this handicap.
- Hampton Court Stakes (5:00 p.m.): Teroomm looks solid for a top-three spot with recent form clicking.
I learned from a pal who goes yearly to check racecards for stall draws low numbers often win sprints like the Norfolk. It’s a small edge but it works.
Fashion and Royal Spotlight
Ladies’ Day is a style parade with extravagant hats and bold dresses ruling Ascot’s enclosures. King Charles and Queen Camilla lead the 200th Royal Procession but Catherine Princess of Wales’s absence due to her cancer recovery has sparked concern after she skipped Day 2’s carriage ride. Prince William joined Carole Middleton yesterday sharing a laugh in the Royal Box. Zara Tindall’s blue dress and Princess Beatrice’s sleek look wowed Day 1 while today’s outfits are set to trend.
A somber note hit Day 2 when Harry’s Girl tragically died in the Queen Mary Stakes. “It’s heartbreaking for everyone” a groom told reporters near the stables.