Wesley Ward: prestige is the big attraction for overseas runners at Royal Ascot

Boosted prize-money for Royal Ascot next year has been welcomed by arguably the leading international trainer at the meeting, Wesley Ward, who nevertheless put the prestige of competing and winning at the fixture as a bigger motivator for overseas horses lining up.

Ascot announced on Tuesday that total prize-money would be increased to £17 million for 2023, an increase of 8.5 per cent on this year’s total of £15.7m, with a record £9.52m up for grabs at Royal Ascot.

The course cited the high level of international competition for the best horses to compete as a key factor in its decision making, as well as seeking to provide more enticement for people to keep their horses in Britain and race them.