Prestigious Royal Ascot carnival heads to Seven this week – One of the world’s most iconic horse racing carnivals is set to return to Australian screens, with Seven confirming comprehensive live and free coverage of Royal Ascot 2026 across 7two and 7plus Sport.
Beginning on Tuesday, 16 June and running through to Saturday, 20 June, every race from the prestigious five-day meeting will be available to Australian audiences.
Held annually at Ascot Racecourse in England, Royal Ascot combines elite thoroughbred racing with fashion, pageantry and royal tradition. The carnival features 35 races, including eight Group 1 contests, with more than £10 million in prize money on offer. The famous Royal Procession, attended by members of the Royal Family, remains one of the highlights of each race day.
Australia will have a strong presence at this year’s carnival, with sprinters Asfoora, Overpass and Joliestar among the local hopes taking on the world’s best. Leading jockey James McDonald will also return to Ascot, where he has previously ridden five winners, alongside fellow Australians Zac Lloyd, Mark Zahra and Josh Parr.
7Horse Racing analyst Lizzie Jelfs said Australian viewers were in for a treat.
“It’s so exciting to have one of the world’s most prestigious racing carnivals available for fans in Australia to watch live and free on Seven and 7plus this year.
“Royal Ascot is a major milestone on the international racing calendar, the atmosphere on and off the track is world-class, and I’m particularly excited to see how some of the Australian thoroughbreds go against the world’s best in 2026.
“I will be keeping a close eye on Joliestar, Overpass and Asfoora as the Australian horses competing, as well as top Australian jockeys in James McDonald, Zac Lloyd, Mark Zahra and Josh Parr. It is set to be an amazing week of racing.”
Seven will utilise ITV Racing’s international feed, with Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani hosting the coverage. Jason Weaver, Megan Nicholls and Adele Mulrennan will provide expert analysis throughout the carnival.
Racing fans who can’t stay up into the early hours will also be able to catch replays on 7plus Sport, with each day’s action available via the dedicated Royal Ascot section on the platform.
How to watch Royal Ascot 2026
Tuesday, 16 June – Royal Ascot Day One
- Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 10.30pm on 7plus Sport, 11.00pm on 7two
- Adelaide: 10.00pm on 7plus Sport, 11.00pm on 7two
- Perth: 8.30pm on 7plus Sport, 11.00pm on 7two
Wednesday, 17 June – Royal Ascot Day Two
- Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 10.30pm on 7plus Sport, 11.00pm on 7two
- Adelaide: 10.00pm on 7plus Sport, 11.00pm on 7two
- Perth: 8.30pm on 7plus Sport, 11.00pm on 7two
Thursday, 18 June – Royal Ascot Day Three
- National: 10.30pm on 7two and 7plus Sport
Friday, 19 June – Royal Ascot Day Four
- National: 10.30pm on 7two and 7plus Sport
Saturday, 20 June – Royal Ascot Day Five
- National: 10.30pm on 7two and 7plus Sport.
TV Central Horse Racing content HERE
Prestigious Royal Ascot carnival heads to Seven this week
