

Is Royal Ascot good to bet on? Royal Ascot is an iconic horse racing festival and a staple in the horse racing calendar. With a rich history steeped in the finest of races dating back to 1711 and the esteemed royal attendance, it draws global attention each June. But beyond the top hats and tails, the spectacle, pageantry, and top-class racing, one question often comes up among punters: So is Royal Ascot good to bet on? We will explore.
We will explore what makes Royal Ascot interesting for betting, whether it offers real value for money, and if the dream of landing a big win is realistic or just hype.
Is Royal Ascot Good To Bet On?
The Prestige and the Punters
What makes Royal Ascot unlike any other racing festival in the UK? Well, with eight Group 1 races, over £10 million in prize money, and international competition, it brings together the best horses on the planet. From a betting standpoint, this not only boosts the quality of racing but also adds layers. Big-name horses, high-profile jockeys, and competitive fields mean there’s a lot to study, but also plenty of angles to exploit.
Are Big Wins Common?
Yes, but not predictable. Royal Ascot has a history of shocking the race day goers and people watching at home, producing shock results and long odds winners. In recent years, we’ve seen runners win at 33/1, 80/1, even 150/1. In 2023, 150/1 shot Valiant Force stunned the punters and delighted anyone brave enough to back it. These aren’t isolated cases either; the size of the fields and the class of competition often lead to surprising results.
While this might make it tough for favourites to dominate, it also presents opportunities for value hunters and each-way backers. It’s a place where knowledgeable betting, informed by trends and form, can pay off handsomely.
What Makes Betting at Ascot Challenging?
Several factors make Royal Ascot a tough nut to crack for bettors:
- Large fields: Handicap races often have 20+ runners.
- International competition: Horses from Ireland, France, the US, and beyond enter, complicating the form lines.
- Changing conditions: The going can shift over the week, influencing race outcomes.
- Market hype: Favourites can be overbet due to hype and media buzz, reducing value.
These challenges don’t make it a bad festival to bet on, just one that requires thought, patience, and perhaps a touch of bravery.
Where is the Betting Value?
Handicap races and juvenile contests often present the best betting opportunities. With less media focus and more unpredictability, prices tend to be more generous. Experienced punters often look to early markets or anti-post prices before the hype drives odds down.
Additionally, following trends like top trainers (Aidan O’Brien, Charlie Appleby) and in-form jockeys (Ryan Moore, William Buick) can offer clues, especially when paired with deeper form analysis.
Should Casual Punters Get Involved?
Absolutely. While not every race is easy to read, Royal Ascot is still great fun to bet on, particularly for those who enjoy the thrill of big races and the chance of an upset. Even small stakes on long shots or fun accumulators can add excitement to the day. Just remember: it’s entertainment first, profit second.
A Festival Worth Betting On?
In short, Royal Ascot is definitely worth betting on if you approach it with the right mindset. It combines prestige, unpredictability, and potential for big wins, making it one of the most engaging weeks on the racing calendar.
It may not always be kind to favourites or casual guesses, but for punters who enjoy the challenge of reading form, spotting value, and taking a risk, there are few festivals more rewarding.
Whether you’re placing a small each-way bet or going bold on a long shot, Royal Ascot is as much a punter’s puzzle as it is a sporting spectacle.
If you want more betting tips, please see our dedicated horse racing betting tips or visit Tangobet to have a punt.