Royal Ascot 2026 continued with a spectacular day four, headlined by the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and the Coronation Stakes. The crowd at Ascot was treated to top-class racing under sunny skies, with several horses cementing their status as stars of the turf.
Commonwealth Cup Thriller
The Commonwealth Cup, a six-furlong sprint for three-year-olds, produced a nail-biting finish. The favourite, Mountain Peak, trained by Aidan O'Brien, surged late to snatch victory by a neck from the fast-finishing Desert Wind. Jockey Ryan Moore delivered a perfectly timed ride, holding off a strong challenge from the Charlie Appleby-trained runner. The win marked O'Brien's third Commonwealth Cup triumph.
Coronation Stakes Dominance
Earlier, the Coronation Stakes over a mile saw the filly Lavender Sky put on a dominant display. Trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, she led from start to finish, winning by three lengths. The victory was a highlight for the Gosden stable, which had been seeking a major win at the meeting.
Other Highlights
- Queen's Vase: The staying race over two miles went to Endurance King, trained by Willie Mullins, who powered away in the final furlong.
- Norfolk Stakes: Two-year-old Swift Arrow impressed in the five-furlong dash, winning easily for trainer Wesley Ward.
- King Edward VII Stakes: Royal Admiral took the honours in the 1m4f contest, giving jockey James Doyle a well-deserved win.
Fashion and Atmosphere
Day four also saw a vibrant display of fashion, with racegoers donning elegant hats and suits. The royal procession was led by the Prince of Wales, who presented trophies to the winning connections. The atmosphere was electric, with many anticipating the final day's feature races.
Royal Ascot 2026 continues to deliver world-class racing, and day five promises more excitement with the Gold Cup and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
