From A-list spectators to milestone victories, Royal Ascot 2025 offered its familiar fusion of high style and high stakes, with unexpected twists throughout. Bold fashion and turf triumphs proved that the event continues to evolve without losing its roots.
Here’s a closer look at the moments that mattered, whether captured on camera or caught in a quick whisper between champagne toasts.
Racing Highlights That Made History
The races this year were nothing short of captivating. With 35 events across five days, punters had their hands full and analysts were left rethinking what they thought they knew.
Trawlerman delivered the moment of the week, winning the Ascot Gold Cup in 4:15.02 and shattering a record that had stood since 2010. The Godolphin runner’s achievement was nothing short of historic. Jockey William Buick steered him through a masterclass of control and timing, sealing a historic win.
Docklands shook things up in the Queen Anne Stakes, pulling off a 14-1 upset that thrilled underdog fans. On the flip side, the St James’s Palace Stakes stuck to the script, as Field of Gold claimed a smooth win and kept his rising-star status intact.
In the Prince of Wales’ Stakes, Ombudsman claimed a strong win, keeping his cool through a tactical mid-race battle. Then came the Coronation Stakes, one of the week’s biggest surprises, as Cercene powered home at 33-1. It was a result few saw coming, even among seasoned bettors.
Finally, Lazzat turned heads in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Not just for his victory, but for what happened after. Following the win, jockey James Doyle was dislodged during the removal of the winner’s cloth.
Lazzat briefly bolted, adding unexpected drama to his already thrilling finish. Thankfully, James Doyle and his mount were both unharmed, and the unexpected moment gave the week one last jolt of excitement before Royal Ascot 2025 wrapped up.
Royals, Glamour, and Statement Style
Once you looked past the races, fashion stole the show. Iconic outfits and daring choices turned the enclosure into a live runway.
Harriet Sperling grabbed headlines all week long. She mixed bold confidence with classic elegance, wearing pieces from Suzannah London and The Deck that played beautifully within Ascot’s strict dress code. Style commentators were quick to name her one of the week’s biggest fashion hits.
In a vibrant orange midi and understated accessories, Princess Eugenie lit up Day 5 with effortless style. Her vibrant palette and refined styling drew plenty of admiration. Zara Tindall embraced her signature elegance with soft pastels and tailored lines, complemented by sculptural hats that married classic and modern. Quietly confident, her looks made a lasting impression. Mike Tindall kept pace, choosing crisp morning suits that balanced tradition with a touch of personality.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their entrance on Day 2 in classic form. The King wore his light grey morning suit, a subtle gesture of consistency and timeless appeal. The Queen embraced colour, stepping out in a fresh green midi dress with a matching hat and nude heels. Their fashion choices reflected Ascot’s refined heritage while gently modernizing its dress expectations.
Elsewhere in the royal enclosure, familiar faces like Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Peter Phillips, and Lady Joanna Morton Jack made stylish appearances, each with their own approach. Some leaned into subtle florals, others chose bold simplicity. Style watchers gave top marks to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, thanks to their on-point and complementary fashion choices.
Fashion Hits and Misses
As always, not every outfit landed well with the public. While many guests captured the spirit of Royal Ascot with flair, a few style choices fell flat.
Some guests chose headpieces that leaned toward the theatrical, distracting from outfits that might have otherwise impressed. Others opted for bold prints or sharp modern tailoring that clashed with Ascot’s timeless appeal. A handful even skipped fascinators, a move that didn’t escape notice.
Still, the overall fashion mood was respectful and celebratory. Bold tones, classic prints, and exquisite hats created a striking visual across the grandstands. Regular names on the best-dressed list included Philip Treacy, Suzannah London, and Emilia Wickstead.
What Everyone Overlooked
Between the cameras and champagne flutes, a few big storylines slipped through the cracks.
One of them was the dominance of Wathnan Racing. The syndicate had a stellar week, clocking five victories across various races. Their success wasn’t just about quantity. It marked a strategic rise in racing circles, proving that syndicate ownership is more than just a numbers game. Horses like Crimson Advocate and French Master added gravitas to Wathnan’s name.
Field of Gold continued his unstoppable run, making his case for European Horse of the Year louder than ever. With each win, his mastery of turf grows, becoming harder to ignore.
Also worth noting, many of the races saw international trainers triumph. This highlighted Royal Ascot’s increasing global impact. No longer just a British tradition, it’s now an international stage where elite talent comes to shine.
And for fans wanting more than just race results, the latest sports news delivers timely updates on every development. Still, some stories only came to light through whispers in the paddock or post-race reflections.
The Bigger Picture
This year’s Royal Ascot was more than just another edition of a classic tradition. It showed that Royal Ascot is evolving while staying true to its roots. The races brought high-stakes drama, with surprises, sure bets, and everything in between.
It proved the event can move forward without letting go of what matters. Racing delivered across the board: upsets, big wins, and standout moments. Style-wise, there was clear respect for heritage, but with fresh twists that kept things interesting.
