Royal Ascot 2026 continued with an exhilarating second day of racing on Tuesday, June 17, drawing crowds of enthusiasts and royalty alike to the Berkshire racecourse. The highlight of the day was the Prince of Wales's Stakes, a Group 1 race over 1 mile 2 furlongs, which saw a thrilling finish.
Prince of Wales's Stakes
The feature race of the afternoon, the Prince of Wales's Stakes, was won by the Aidan O'Brien-trained Auguste Rodin, ridden by Ryan Moore. The 4-year-old colt held off a strong challenge from Mostahdaf to secure victory by a neck. Auguste Rodin's win marked O'Brien's third success in the race, cementing his reputation as a master trainer.
Other Notable Races
- Queen Mary Stakes: The 5-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies was won by Breege, trained by Wesley Ward and ridden by Frankie Dettori. The American-trained filly showed blistering speed to win comfortably.
- Duke of Cambridge Stakes: This Group 2 race over 1 mile saw Nashwa triumph under Hollie Doyle, providing a popular win for the female jockey.
- Royal Hunt Cup: A competitive handicap over 1 mile, won by Dark Power, trained by John Gosden and ridden by William Buick.
Fashion and Atmosphere
Day two of Royal Ascot also showcased stunning fashion, with attendees donning elegant hats and suits. The royal procession, featuring King Charles III and Queen Camilla, added to the grandeur of the event. The crowd enjoyed sunny weather, making for a perfect day at the races.
Looking Ahead
Day three promises more excitement with the Gold Cup, the stayers' championship of the meeting. All eyes will be on defending champion Kyprios as he aims for back-to-back victories.
