Ascot announce prize money increase for 2018

Prize money at Ascot will top £13 million this year after the track announced a rise of £1.2 million compared to 2017.

The increase equates to 10 per cent over 25 race days, excluding the industry-owned Qipco Champions Day. Total prize money at the track is now £13,452,000 with the five days of Royal Ascot accounting for £7,305,000.

The King's Stand Stakes has seen its value increase by £100,000 to £500,000, as has the St James's Palace Stakes. The Gold Cup, Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes have benefited from similar increases and are also worth £500,000.

The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July has been raised in value by £100,000 and is now worth £1,250,000.

Guy Henderson, chief executive at Ascot, said: "Under our statutory racing trust, all of Ascot's returns are invested for the benefit of horsemen, our racegoers and off course followers, both in the UK and internationally. In order to continue to attract the best horses to run at Ascot, and with the Royal meeting a shop window for international investment in British racing, it is important that we offer as competitive prize money as we can, particularly at the high end."