Royal Ascot LIVE: Frankie Dettori wins Gold Cup on Courage Mon Ami plus latest results

Frankie Dettori recorded a fairytale victory on his final Gold Cup ride, with the aptly-named Courage Mon Ami showing plenty of grit to down Coltrane in a titanic battle through the final furlong of the Royal Ascot showpiece.

It was a ninth Gold Cup for the Italian, who will hang up his boots at the end of the year. Courage Mon Ami was having only his fourth lifetime start, having won his three previous races for John and Thady Gosden.

“Unbelievable! I thought it was a bridge too far from handicaps, but I had the perfect race,” said a jubilant Dettori, who returned to a tremendous reception and even gave the Queen a kiss at the presentation ceremony.

“He’s still a baby, but when Coltrane came back he picked up again. I can’t hear myself talking!”

Follow all of our coverage from the Royal Ascot 2023 below:

Royal Ascot Day 3

• Frankie Dettori wins a ninth Gold Cup on Courage Mon Ami in his final festival

• 150-1 Valiant Force causes huge upset in opening race

• The King and Queen’s horse, Desert Hero, wins in the King George V Stakes

• Warm Heart provides Ryan Moore’s fourth festival victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes

• Hayley Turner win on Docklands in the Britannia Stakes

• Tom Marquand secures second win of the day on Waipiro in in the Hampton Court Stakes

• Jamie Spencer ends five-year drought with 50-1 winner in the Buckingham Palace Stakes

Frankie Dettori: Racing’s great showman produces Royal Ascot fairytale with Courage Mon Ami

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:00 , Mike Jones

Royal Ascot is a stage unlike any other in horseracing. It’s a course that mixes royalty with fashion, sport, and theatre.

Yet, despite how the races unfurl this week, nothing will reach the heights of drama quite like the final performance of legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, who raced here for the last time in his career.

Atop Courage Mon Ami, Dettori bided his time at the back of a stacked field, across the two mile course, in the showpiece Gold Cup on Thursday. He spotted a gap open up to his left and kicked the John Gosden trained horse into the front line...

Frankie Dettori: Racing’s great showman produces Royal Ascot fairytale

Goodbye!

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:39 , Ben Fleming

Well, what a great day of racing that was at Royal Ascot. From a shock 150/1 winner to start the day, to a royal victory with the King and Queen watching on, and then a dramatic farewell victory for the legendary Frankie Dettori in his final Royal Ascott Gold Cup.

They don’t come much better than that. Thanks for tuning in - we hope you enjoyed!

Witch Hunter wins in the Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:29 , Ben Fleming

And a look at the final winner of the day, Jamie Spencer on Witch Hunter:

Witch Hunter wins in the Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:23 , Ben Fleming

And here are the full results of the final race:

1) Witch Hunter - 50/1

2) Croupier - 7/1

3) Northern Express - 16/1

Witch Hunter wins in the Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:21 , Ben Fleming

Winning jockey Jamie Spencer, who claims his 27th win at Royal Ascot, speaking to ITV Racing: “It’s grand. Every time you get a winner here you are happy.

“It’s a hard place to win, you have to right every horse accordingly, block out what happened half an hour ago and go out positively again and see what works out.”

Witch Hunter wins in the Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:15 , Ben Fleming

At 50/1, Jamie Spencer rides a great race to end his five-year drought without a win at the Royal Festival! Croupier looked good but it was Witch Hunter that surged through the outside of the field in the closing stages to claim the win.

Royal Ascot - Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:14 , Ben Fleming

Great Max makes a good start on the far side.

Royal Ascot - Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:13 , Ben Fleming

And we are off!

Royal Ascot - Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:10 , Ben Fleming

The horses and jockeys are making their way to the starting stalls and we’re nearly underway in our final race here at Ascot.

Royal Ascot - Buckingham Palace Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:00 , Ben Fleming

The final race of an exhilarating and dramatic third day here at Royal Ascot. One can only wonder what the Buckingham Palace Stakes has in store. Here’s a look at the top five with the bookies:

Biggles - 11/2

Croupier - 6/1

Montassib - 8/1

Rhoscolyn - 11/1

Vafortino - 12/1

Waipiro wins in the Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:53 , Ben Fleming

Here’s a look at the winning moment:

Waipiro wins in the Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:47 , Ben Fleming

The final results in the Hampton Court Stakes:

1) Waipiro - 7/1

2) Exoplanet - 12/1

3) Bold Act - 9/1

Waipiro wins in the Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:44 , Ben Fleming

Tom Marquand, speaking to ITV Racing: “It’s been so magical.”

“It’s a huge buzz to ride on a Royal Ascot winner for Ed [Walker] because I love riding for him as a trainer, he’s been great. I can go in for a coffee and a chat just see how he is, he’s been a great mate and delighted to repay him with a winner on such an important occasion.”

Waipiro wins in the Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:42 , Ben Fleming

And Tom Marquand’s day just keeps better and better! It’s his fifth win at Royal Ascot and his second of the day after his historic winning ride on the King’s horse in the King George V Stakes earlier in the day.

Oviedo took the lead as they made their way around the corner but it was the 7/1 Waipiro that surged through the middle of the field to take the victory.

Royal Ascot - Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:39 , Ben Fleming

Brave Warrior leads Oviedo by about a length past the halfway point.

Royal Ascot - Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:37 , Ben Fleming

And we are off!

Royal Ascot - Hampton Court Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:35 , Ben Fleming

Frankie Dettori is chasing his 80th Royal Ascot win on Epictetus who is third favourite.

How will he fare? We will find out shortly...

Hampton Court Stakes up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:29 , Ben Fleming

Another great story with Hayley’s victory - day three is the day that keeps on giving for the horse-racing purists.

There’s just under ten minutes until the next race - the Hampton Court Stakes - and here is a look at the top-five favourites with the bookies.

Torito - 16/5

Drumroll - 10/3

Epictetus - 13/2

Waipiro - 7/1

Caernarfon - 9/1

Docklands win in the Britannia Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:20 , Ben Fleming

A great ride from Turner. Watch her winning moment below:

Docklands win in the Britannia Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:14 , Ben Fleming

Winning jockey Hayley Turner speaking to ITV Racing: “I’m thrilled for Harry and the team. They’ve really come through the ranks over the last couple of years. They’ve had him spot-on for the race so it’s great.

“I had my side beaten but I knew there was one on the far side so I just had to keep him going forward on his own. I didn’t know until they shouted the photo whether I’d won or not because it was so far away but I’m delighted now.

“It’s such a thrill - there’s been a lot of history made today so it’s amazing.”

Docklands win in the Britannia Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:11 , Ben Fleming

Full results as follows:

1) Docklands 6/1f

2) New Endeavour 22/1

3) Urban Sprawl 50/1

Docklands win in the Britannia Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:09 , Ben Fleming

A huge race from Docklands on the near side, who storms out of the pack to just pip New Endeavour on the far side. The 6/1 f favourite was ridden perfectly by Hayley Turner and peaked at just the right time to secure that win.

Royal Ascot - Britannia Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:03 , Ben Fleming

And we are off in the Britannia Stakes.

Britannia Stakes up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:55 , Ben Fleming

No time to get too caught up for Frankie Dettori as he’s back in the saddle riding Quantum Impact in the Britannia Stakes coming up in about five minutes. Here are the top five with the bookies:

Docklands - 9/2

Quantum Impact - 5/1

Racingbreaks Ryder - 15/2

Saxon King - 10/1

Surely not - 12/1

FRANKIE DETTORI WINS THE GOLD CUP

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:48 , Ben Fleming

Careful, Frankie!

FRANKIE DETTORI WINS THE GOLD CUP

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:39 , Ben Fleming

Frankie goes up to receive the Gold Cup, presented by the King and Queen who have had their own great moment earlier with their winner in the King George V Stakes

Here’s another look at Dettori’s winning ride:

FRANKIE DETTORI WINS THE GOLD CUP

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:34 , Ben Fleming

Frankie Dettori speaking to ITV Racing: “Unbelievable! I thought it was a bridge too far. But we had the perfect race.

“I thought Coltrane was going to come back at the end. In fairness, Courage Mon Ami is still a baby but when Coltrane came back, he picked up again.”

FRANKIE DETTORI WINS THE GOLD CUP

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:31 , Ben Fleming

Here are the final results from the Gold Cup:

1) Courage Mon Ami - 15/2

2) Coltrane - 11/4f

3) Subjectivist - 9/2

FRANKIE DETTORI WINS THE GOLD CUP

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:30 , Ben Fleming

Courage Mon Ami was unbeaten in its three-race career but it’s fair to say this was a huge step up in quality and competition so early in its journey. But what a performance from the young horse who has surpassed all expectations to give Frankie a famous victory and the perfect sign-off for the legendary Italian jockey.

FRANKIE DETTORI WINS THE GOLD CUP

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:27 , Ben Fleming

Frankie Dettori takes the victory in his final Ascot - what a story!

Subjectivist led for almost the entire race but as they made the turn the pack turned up the pace and closed him down. Long Eagle made his move before Coltrane pushed up in front but it was Frankie Dettori and Courage Mon Ami who had the final burst down the straight to push past the pre-race favourite and secure a famous victory in front of a jubilant Ascot crowd.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:24 , Ben Fleming

Coltrane begins to try and move through the field, as is Eldar Eldarov but Subjectivist still up in front.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:24 , Ben Fleming

Still a comfortable lead for Subjectivist by about four lengths. Lone Eagle has drifted back to the pack with Emily Dickinson still in third.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:23 , Ben Fleming

Subjectivist continues to press from the front with Yabir bringing up the rear. Frankie Dettori, riding Courage Mon Ami, is three from the back.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:22 , Ben Fleming

Lone eagle hunts down Subjectivist who has a sixth-length lead from Emily Dickinson in third.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:22 , Ben Fleming

Eldar Eldarov with a poor start with Subjectivist leading from the front by around a length.

Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:21 , Ben Fleming

And we are off - two and a half miles for one of these horses to etch their name in the Gold Cup history books!

Royal Ascot Gold Cup up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:17 , Ben Fleming

The horses have taken to the track, Coltrane still looking the clear favourite with the bookies as the race nears it’s start

Royal Ascot Gold Cup up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:10 , Ben Fleming

Here is how the top five are looking with the bookies:

Coltrane - 5/2

Eldar Eldarov - 5/1

Courage Mon Ami - 13/2

Subjectivist - 7/1

Yibir - 9/1

Royal Ascot Gold Cup up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:02 , Ben Fleming

A couple of non-runners to make you aware of as both Tashkhan and Trueshan have been pulled before the start.

An open field for the Gold Cup: 4:20pm - Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:00 , Ben Fleming

The big one is next, and it looks like a wide-open field with a real mix of experience and some much fresher, younger horses. Subjectivist, the 2021 champion, is one of those experience heads who will be looking to become one of few horses to win a second Gold Cup but has raced infrequently since his win two years ago.

Coltrane, the rising star, is the bookie favourite currently but will face competition from Eldar Eldarov and Courage Mon Ami - the unbeaten horse ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Kyprios, the defending champion will not race due to injury.

Warm Heart takes victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:55 , Ben Fleming

Here’s a look at the winning ride from Ryan Moore:

Warm Heart takes victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:49 , Ben Fleming

The top three are as follows:

1) Warm Heart - 13/2

2) Lumiere Rock - 14/1

3) Bluestocking - 9.2

Warm Heart takes victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:47 , Ben Fleming

Ryan Moore takes victory and his fourth of the festival with Warm Heart at 13/2! Moore picked his way through the field and stormed ahead in the closing stages to win by four lengths. A perfect ride and a fourth Ribblesdale for the Irish jockey who is enjoying a great Ascot.

It’s an Irish 1-2 as Lumiere Rock is behind him at 14/1. Pre-race favourite Al Asifah is well back - it never really got going and failed to make a late charge wide of the pack, finishing sixth.

Royal Ascot - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:42 , Ben Fleming

Up the hill and it’s Sea of Roses Ferrari Queen leading the pack

Royal Ascot - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:42 , Ben Fleming

Sea of Roses makes an early burst out wide as Warm Heart makes its way through the field.

Royal Ascot - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:41 , Ben Fleming

And we are off!

Royal Ascot - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:34 , Ben Fleming

Here are the top five according to the bookies with under ten to go:

Al Asifah - 9/10

Bluestocking - 4/1

Warm Heart - 11/2

Crown Princesse - 14/1

Maman Joon - 16/1

Al Asifah the star of the show: 3.40pm - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:31 , Ben Fleming

Coming up next is the Ribblesdale Stakes and the start of the show looks to be Al Asifah.

The young horse only made his debut less than a month ago but is already a whopping 4/6 favourite currently for the Ribblesdale Stakes. They competed just 11 days ago but strode to a commanding victory at Goodwood. Can they do so again on Ladies Day?

Desert Hero wins for King and Queen at the King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:26 , Ben Fleming

William Haggas, trainer of Desert Hero, speaks to ITV Racing: “It’s as big as it gets and I’m thrilled that they were here to see it. It’s obviously a surprise, you only hope that things like this can happen, but I’m delighted that it has.

“They [the King and Queen] have been looking to Ascot for a long time. They wanted to have as many runners as possible and I think they will be absolutely delighted.”

Desert Hero wins for King and Queen at the King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:21 , Ben Fleming

Zara Tindall, speaking to ITV Racing: “It’s Bittersweet. To think how proud and excited our grandmother The Queen would have been. To have a win for Charles and Camilla, to keep the dream alive is incredible - what a race.”

Desert Hero wins for King and Queen at the King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:18 , Ben Fleming

Here’s the top three:

1) Desert Hero 18/1

2) Valiant King 7/1

3) Bertinelli 6/1

Desert Hero wins for King and Queen at the King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:17 , Ben Fleming

Winning jockey, Tom Marquand: “That’s one of my proudest moments being in the saddle so far. I grew up watching horses winning for her Majesty the Queen so to win for the King - it’s just dreamworld.”

Desert Hero wins the King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:10 , Ben Fleming

A royal victory in the King George V Stakes!

It was a feverous pace in the early goings with Davideo up front but as they made the turn, the early leaders began to face. Perfuse and Tagabawa were in front as we approached the line but they began to fade and pre-face favourite Bertinelli came to the fore.

It was not to be for him either and instead, it is the royal horse, Desert Hero, who timed his surge to perfection and wins in front of the King at his first meeting since his coronation. What a remarkable moment!

Royal Ascot - King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:07 , Ben Fleming

Bertinelli towards the back of the pack early on with Davideo leading the charge early on.

Royal Ascot - King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:06 , Ben Fleming

And they are off!

King George V Stakes up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:57 , Ben Fleming

Here’s a look at the top five according to the bookies:

Perfuse - 4/1

Tagabawa - 11/2

Bertinelli - 13/2

Davideo - 13/2

Burglar - 13/2

King George V Stakes up next

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:53 , Ben Fleming

Those who follow the Royal Ascot and horse racing throughout the UK will know the festival has deep ties to the Royal Family where its Windsor Castle lies just six miles to the north. King Charles III has entered eight horses and one of those is in the 3:05pm race which is named after his great-grandfather.

Desert Hero is the King’s horse. He has two wins in its four races but finished a disappointing eighth out of 14 in their first race this season and will have some work to do to upset the odds today. The winner of that race at Newbury was Bertinelli who will go off as one of the favourites today alongside Burglar who is ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Valiant Force wins at 150-1!

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:48 , Ben Fleming

Football superagent and owner of the victorious Valiant Force, Kia Joorabchian said: “They worked their arses off, they wake up at 4am every day, they deserve it. We've been trying for a long time, getting beat, knock down get up.

“Now we've done it, broken the duck. Everybody on the team, look what it means to him. We loved him from the morning, unfortunately he got on the wrong side before, thankfully Collin took care of him, we knew he could do it. I can barely speak. We live to fight now.”

Valiant Force wins at 150-1!

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:46 , Ben Fleming

Winning jockey Rossa Ryan secures his second win of the festival with Valiant Force.

Speaking to ITV Sport, he said: “We were confident he would run a big race. He’s bred well, he’s bred to be a sprinter. He’s something else to look for. He jumped well, did everything right and I was just in a rhythm. I probably could have won by further if I’d had someone come at me but he’s got the job done.”

Royal Ascot - Norfolk Stakes results

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:40 , Ben Fleming

1) Valiant Force 150-1

2) Malc 66-1

3) Valiant Force 7/4f

4) His Majesty 11/2

Valiant Force wins at 150-1!

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:39 , Ben Fleming

Here is how the opening-race shock happened:

Royal Ascot - Norfolk Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:35 , Ben Fleming

Wow! A massive-price winner to start the day. Valiant Force storms over the line to win at 150-1. The two favourites - Elite Status and American Rascal - never got going in this quick opener and the outsider stormed down the middle to take a shock win.

Malc, pre-race favourite Elite Status and His Majesty make up the top four.

Royal Ascot - Norfolk Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:33 , Ben Fleming

And we’re off!

Royal Ascot - Norfolk Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:30 , Ben Fleming

The horses have taken to the track and we’re near the start of today’s first race. All the focus has been on the top two - Elite Status and American Rascal - but can someone from the rest of the field spring up and cause a surprise? Only time will tell...

First race coming up

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:20 , Ben Fleming

We’re just over ten minutes until the day’s first race, the Norfolk chase: Here’s a look at the current five favourites with the bookies:

Elite Status - 13/8

American Rascal - 7/2

No Ney Mets - 5/1

Noche Magica - 8/1

His Majesty - 17/2

Royal precession

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:11 , Ben Fleming

The King and Queen begin their journey into the centre of Ascot for today’s proceedings. Here’s a live look at the royal procession:

Trainer standings

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:10 , Ben Fleming

And here are the standings for the top trainer with Aidan O’Brien leading the standings currently:

1st: Aidan O’Brien - 2 wins, 2 second places

2nd: John & Thady Gosden - 2 wins, 1 second place

3rd: Ralph Beckett - 1 win, 1 second place, 1 third place

4th: Archie Watson - 1 win, 1 second place

= Willie Mullins - 1 win, 1 second place

6th Roger Varian - 1 win, 1 third place

= Mick Appleby - 1 win, 1 third place

Jockey standings

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:05 , Ben Fleming

Before we get underway with the first race, here’s a look at the jockey standings after the first two days - it’s fair to say it’s been a great festival so far for Ryan Moore

1st: Ryan Moore - 3 wins, 4 second places

2nd: Frankie Dettori - 1 win, 3 second places, 1 third place

3rd: Hollie Doyle - 1 win, 1 second place

= Jack Mitchell - 1 win, 1 second place

= Jason Hart - 1 win, 1 second place

6th: William Buick - 1 win, 3 third places

7th: Rossa Ryan - 1 win, 2 third places

An open field for the Gold Cup: 4:20pm - Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:00 , Ben Fleming

Here is a look at the main favourites for the Gold Cup:

Coltrane - 10/3

Eldar Eldarov - 4/1

Courage Mon Ami - 5/1

Subjectivist - 8/1

Emily Dickinson - 9/1

An open field for the Gold Cup: 4:20pm - Gold Cup

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:53 , Ben Fleming

Look ahead to the big one, and it looks like a wide-open field with a real mix of experience and some much fresher, younger horses. Subjectivist, the 2021 champion, is one of those experience heads who will be looking to become one of few horses to win a second Gold Cup but has raced infrequently since his win two years ago.

Coltrane, the rising star, is the bookie favourite currently but will face competition from Eldar Eldarov and Courage Mon Ami - the unbeaten horse ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Kyprios, the defending champion will not race due to injury.

Weather update

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:43 , Ben Fleming

Were just under an hour from the first race and the sun is beating down on the course. Here is the latest conditions:

Round course: Good, good to firm in places.

Straight course: Good to firm.

Al Asifah the star of the show: 3.40pm - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:36 , Ben Fleming

And here are the other favourites alongside Al Asifah for the 3:40 Ribblesdale:

Al Asifah - 4/6

Bluestocking - 11/2

Warm Heart - 7/1

Village Voice - 11/1

Crown Princesse - 16/1

Al Asifah the star of the show: 3.40pm - Ribblesdale Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:34 , Ben Fleming

The young horse only made his debut less than a month ago but is already a whopping 4/6 favourite currently for the Ribblesdale Stakes. They competed just 11 days ago but strode to a commanding victory at Goodwood. Can they do so again on Ladies Day?

Royal procession carriage listing

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:26 , Ben Fleming

As is tradition, the royal party will arrive by carriage at 2pm prior to the first race at 2:30. Here is the carriage list in full:

1st Carriage: The King, The Queen, The Earl of Snowdon, Sir Mark Prescott Bt.

2nd Carriage: The Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Soames of Fletching.

3rd Carriage: The Lady Sarah Chatto, Mr. Daniel Chatto, The Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen, Mr. Colin Chisholm.

4th Carriage: Mr. John Gosden, Mrs. John Gosden, Mr. John Warren, The Lady Carolyn Warren.

Can Desert Hero provide royal winner? 3.05pm - King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:22 , Ben Fleming

Can Desert Hero provide royal winner? 3.05pm - King George V Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:14 , Ben Fleming

Those who follow the Royal Ascot and horse racing throughout the UK will know the festival has deep ties to the Royal Family where its Windsor Castle lies just six miles to the north. King Charles III has entered eight horses and one of those is in the 3:05pm race named after his great-grandfather.

Desert Hero has two wins in its four races but finished a disappointing eighth out of 14 in their first race this season and will have some work to do to upset the odds today. The winner of that race at Newbury was Bertinelli who will go off as one of the favourites today alongside Burglar who is ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Can Elite Status live up to his billing? 2.30pm - Norfolk Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:04 , Ben Fleming

And here is the full race card for the Norfolk Stakes, day three’s first race:

• American Rascal

• Baheer

• Devious

• Elite Status

• His Majesty

• Malc

• Mon Na Slieve

• Noche Magica

• No Nay Mets

• Reveiller

• Shayekh

• The Fixer

• Thunder Blue

• Toca Madera

• Valiant Force

Can Elite Status live up to his billing? 2.30pm - Norfolk Stakes

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:56 , Ben Fleming

The first race of today sees Elite Status as the heavy favourite at around 13/8 currently. There will, however, be a lot of interest in American Rascal. He made his debut at Keeneland where he ran out comfortable winner by over 10 lengths and sits in second with the bookies at around 7/2. Could he be the horse to upset the favourite?

Royal Ascot Day Three

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:46 , Ben Fleming

The big names for today’s premier race are on site as we continue to build for the first race of the day at 2:30.

Can Frankie get his second win?

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:35 , Ben Fleming

All eyes will be on Frankie Dettori as the legendary jockey makes his final appearance at Royal Ascot this week. He’s riding in every race of the day, and here are the horses:

14:30 - No Nay Mets

15:05 - Burglar

15:40 - Bluestocking

16:20 - Courage Mon Ami

17:00 - Quantum Impact

17:35 - Epictetus

18:10 - Unforgotten

Day three full schedule

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:29 , Ben Fleming

Before we dive into each race and the full race cards, here is a look at the schedule for today:

2.30pm - Norfolk Stakes

3.05pm - King George V Stakes

3.40pm Ribblesdale Stakes

4.20pm Gold Cup

5.00pm Britannia Stakes

5.35pm Hampton Court Stakes

6.10pm Buckingham Palace Stakes

Royal Ascot day two recap

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:20 , Ben Fleming

The festival has reached its third day but there was a highlight victory on Wednesday as retiring legendary jockey Frankie Dettori secured his first win of the 2023 festival on his last appearance.

Read all about it here:

Frankie Dettori jumping for joy after getting first win at final Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot Tips

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:09 , Mike Jones

There are plenty of enticing odds in a lot of these races today, with seven, in particular catching the eye of legendary jockey Ruby Walsh.

Take a look at the tips for day three:

Royal Ascot expert tips and best bets for Day 3

Welcome to day three at Royal Ascot

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:02 , Ben Fleming

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of day three at Royal Ascot. The weather looks good, the crowds are already flocking in and it promises to be yet another great day of racing and this most prestigious festival.

The highlight of the day is the Gold Cup which gets going at 4:20. Oisin Murphy-ridden Coltrane is the favourite but he’ll face competition from Eldar Eldarov and 2021 winner Subjectivist to name just two. Prior to that, there is still plenty of action including an enticing opener at the Norfolk Stakes and the third race in a month for the much-hyped Al Asifah at the Ribblesdale Stakes.

The first race gets underway at 14:30 so stay here for all the build-up until then.