Entries for the Group 1 prizes at Royal Ascot were announced on Tuesday. A strong and wide-ranging international challenge looks likely in June.
Some big names from global racing feature among the early entries. One name not among them is Ka Ying Rising, despite some reports suggesting connections may be tempted to raid the royal meeting.
Nevertheless, there is a strong Australian challenge headed by Joliestar. Trained by Chris Waller, the mare is a five-time top level winner and has won all three starts so far in 2026. Owners Cambridge Stud have confirmed their intention to run her at Ascot, with their CEO Henry Plumptre speaking to Ascot directly.
“While Joliestar won the Thousand Guineas over a mile, she is probably at her best around six or seven furlongs,” Plumptre said. “Her current preparation in Sydney would be her best form to date and, barring a travel issue, she should arrive in the UK in great order to tackle the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
“It is always a challenge to fly a horse halfway around the world for a race, but international travel is very advanced now. We are hoping all goes well and she arrives safely at Charlie Hills’ yard in Lambourn on the 4th June. We are all looking forward to it immensely!”
Forever Young could make surprise turf outing
Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Forever Young has been given a surprise entry in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes. The Japanese-trained five-year-old has raced exclusively on dirt so far in his career. Ten of his 14 starts have resulted in victory though and he would be the star turn of the entire meeting were he to race. Shin Emperor and T O Password are other entries for Japan in the race.
The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes is not short on star quality though. 2025 Arc hero Daryz features for France, as does stablemate Calandagan, the world’s highest-rated horse. The home team boasts Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk and defending champion Ombudsman.
Remaining global challenge focused on sprints
It is often held that British sprinters have fallen behind their international counterparts. Thus, the Group 1 sprints, the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, have attracted notable global intendees.
American Stage features in the 6f contest for Japan, as does T O Elvis. Ai Sansan is the primary far east contender for the King Charles III Stakes
Meanwhile Asfoora is a regular in Britain for Henry Dwyer. She heads the 5f pinnacle, with compatriots Generosity, lady Of Camelot and Overpass also in sprinting contention for Australia.
The USA are not missing out either. George Weaver’s Cy Fair has been given three entries. The filly could run in the Commonwealth Cup, Coronation Stakes or King Charles III Stakes. American runners are also likely to be prominent when the juvenile entries are announced.