Royal Ascot free bets & betting offers: get £455 ahead for this week + Day 3 tips

Day 3 of Royal Ascot 2025—Thursday, June 19—is set to be one of the most anticipated days of the Flat racing calendar. Known as “Ladies’ Day,” it’s headlined by the historic Ascot Gold Cup, a Group 1 contest that draws the best stayers from across the globe.

With tradition, style, and elite racing on show, bookmakers are rolling out their biggest Royal Ascot free bets and betting offers to help punters make the most of the action.

Royal Ascot Day 3: Thursday’s race schedule

Here’s what’s in store for Thursday, June 19, 2025:

• 14:30 - Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
• 15:05 - King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
• 15:40 - Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
• 16:20 - Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1)
• 17:00 - Britannia Stakes (Heritcage Handicap)
• 17:35 - Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
• 18:10 - Buckingham Palace Stakes 

The Gold Cup at 16:20 is the centrepiece, but every race on the card offers betting opportunities and the chance to land a big win.

How to claim your Royal Ascot 2025 free bets

Bookmakers are competing to offer the best Royal Ascot 2025 free bets, with some promotions adding up to hundreds of pounds in bonuses if you take advantage across multiple sites. Here’s how to make the most of Thursday’s action:

• Visit your chosen bookmaker’s website and select the Royal Ascot offer.
• Complete the registration process.
• Make a qualifying deposit (usually £10 or £20 minimum).
• Place a qualifying bet at the required minimum odds.
• Receive your free bets, often credited after your qualifying bet settles.
• Use your free bets on any race during Day 3—including the Gold Cup.

Why Thursday at Royal Ascot is unmissable

• The Gold Cup: The most prestigious staying race in the UK, with a rich history and a field packed with talent.
• Ladies’ Day Atmosphere: Famed for its fashion and pageantry, adding extra sparkle to the racing.
• Competitive Fields: Every race attracts top-class horses, trainers, and jockeys, making for thrilling betting opportunities.

Royal Ascot Day 3 tips

Charles Darwin to win Norfolk Stakes (2.30 Ascot) - @5-4 with Paddy Power

Charles Darwin managed only fourth on his debut at the Curragh in April but has progressed well since, winning a 6f Navan maiden before successfully dropping back to the same 5f trip he would encounter in the Norfolk Stakes at Naas. The son of No Nay Never can emulate his sire by winning this race.

Trawlerman to win Gold Cup (4.20 Ascot) - @9-4 with Sky Bet

With dominant stayer Kyprios now retired, Trawlerman can go one better than when a length second to that rival in last year’s Gold Cup. John and Thady Gosden’s six-year-old’s stamina and class is proven, and he demonstrated his wellbeing with a comfortable Sandown Group 3 success last month.

Looking for Royal Ascot tips? Get the best racing picks here. Plus, RP Recommends ranks the top bookmakers and offers across all sports, so you can find the best sites for your bets. Explore our latest recommendations now.

Remember to gamble responsibly

Gambling can be an enjoyable and exciting form of entertainment, but it can also be a serious risk if not done responsibly. It is important to understand the risks associated with gambling and to take steps to minimise them. You can always call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamstop.co.uk if you need extra help or advice.

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