Sunday, December 22, 2024

The Royal Hunt Cup is a handicap run on the straight course over a mile. It is open to three year olds or older. Established in 1843 it usually features a large field of seasoned handicappers and the occasional lightly raced unexposed type. It is one of the most competitive one mile handicaps of the season.

Below, you will find all the information you need to bet on the Royal Hunt Cup. Our proven tipsters will provide their top picks the day before the race. You can also gain key insights on the runners and riders through our Royal Hunt Cup racecard and read our essential betting trends to help you find a winner.

17:05 Royal Ascot
Beshtani Silk 6
  • Age:4
  • Weight:9-6
  • Form:21121-2
  • OR:104
The annual cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup has attracted a maximum field of thirty runners this season and as one would expect has a wide open look about it. My short list comprises of the Saedd Bin Suroor trained hat trick seeking Wild Tiger under Oisin Murphy, outsider Tempus (sporting first time blinkers) who was 7th last year and is now 13lb lower in the handicap and my selection the Wathnan Racing owned Beshtani. Trained by Newmarket new boy H Al Jehani, who has yet to have a winner on these shores in just six attempts, he went very close when beaten in a tight photo by subsequent Sandown winner Two Tempting at Epsom on Oaks Day in first time cheek pieces and off of the same handicap mark can go close under the owner’s retained jockey James Doyle who had the pick between him and the William Buick ridden Real Gain. With extra places he looks the value each way play in a wide open handicap where luck in running and draw position will no doubt play a big factor in the outcome.

Tomorrow’s Daily Tips aren’t available yet for Monday, 23rd December 2024. See our expert horse racing tips today for upcoming races at other racecourses.

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Sunday, 22nd Dec 2024

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Royal Hunt Cup Overview

The Royal Hunt Cup is a handicap-level flat race for horses aged three years or older. It takes place over a mile on day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, in Berkshire, UK every June.

It was first run in 1843 over 7 furlongs and 166 yards and was first won by Knight of the Whistle with second place dead-heating between Bourra Tomacha, Garry Owen and Epaulette.

It was shortened to 7 furlongs and 155 yards in 1930 and lengthened to its present distance of 1 mile in 1956. Now it is one of three races at Royal Ascot, along with the Gold Cup and Queen’s Vase, where winning owners are permitted to keep the trophy.

The only horse to have won it more than once is Master Vote, back in 1947 and 1948. The two most successful jockeys are Charles Wood and Lester Piggott, with four wins each.

All Royal Ascot Races

Royal Hunt Cup Betting Trends and Statistics

  • The ideal weight range is 9st to 9st 5lbs. Over the last 10 years, there have been 148 runners outside this range and they have all lost.
  • Horses that have had between 12 and 17 runs have a good record with 5 wins from 65 runs and a profit of £72.
  • Horses aged 4 have the best record with 7 winners from 127 runners and a profit of 12 points.
  • A decent rest is desirable. Horses that last ran more than 37 days ago have 6 wins from 123 runs and a profit of 52 points.
  • The ideal forecast odds range is 8/1 to 16/1 with 7 wins from 91 runs and a profit of 33 points.

Royal Hunt Cup Winners

Royal Hunt Cup FAQ

Who won the Royal Hunt Cup 2023?

The 2023 edition of the Royal Hunt Cup was won by Jimi Hendrix. Rossa Ryan was the winning jockey on the horse and the winning trainer was Ralph Beckett.

Where is the Royal Hunt Cup?

The Royal Hunt Cup is run at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.

Where can I watch the Royal Hunt Cup?

The Royal Hunt Cup is available to watch live on ITV1 and via Sky Sports Racing. Most bookmakers have a free live horse racing streaming function that gives punters the ability to watch the action after placing their bets on the racing.

What is the prize money for the Royal Hunt Cup?

The total prize pool for the Royal Hunt Cup in 2024 is £175,000. The prize money for 1st place in the Royal Hunt Cup in 2023 was £90,195.

When is the Royal Hunt Cup?

The 2024 Royal Hunt Cup is set to take place on Royal Ascot Day 2 with a 17:05 UK time start.

How many horses race in the Royal Hunt Cup?

30 horses competed in the 2023 edition of the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.