The St James' Palace Stakes traditionally serves as the perfect closing act to Royal Ascot's opening day.
This year's edition shapes up as a true battle of the Classic heavyweights, bringing together winners and contenders from the English, Irish and French 2000 Guineas.
With multiple Classic form lines colliding, the race promises not only elite quality but also a crucial turning point in defining the hierarchy among this season’s three-year-old milers.
GET MORE ROYAL ASCOT TIPS: King Charles III Stakes | Queen Anne Stakes
What time is the St James' Palace Stakes?
The 2025 St James' Palace Stakes will take place on Tuesday, June 17, as the final Group 1 feature on Royal Ascot’s opening day. Scheduled post time is 4:20 p.m. local (BST).
The race is contested over 1 mile (1609 meters) on Ascot’s round course, open exclusively to 3-year-old colts.
St James' Palace Stakes betting tips, predictions, form and latest odds
The 2025 edition presents a textbook clash of the best milers in Europe, bringing together all three Guineas winners alongside multiple placed horses.
It’s a pure Classic showdown, perfectly positioned to sort out the early-season hierarchy among the three-year-old division.
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Key Contenders & Latest Odds (Betfair)
Odds correct at time of publish but subject to change
Ruling Court (7/2)
The English 2000 Guineas winner arrives as the clear divisional leader. Originally aimed at the Epsom Derby, his connections withdrew him just hours before the race due to deteriorating ground conditions, opting instead to refocus on this event. His combination of smooth settling, tactical patience, and an explosive finishing kick make him the standard setter for this deep field.
Field of Gold (5/6)
Narrowly denied by Ruling Court at Newmarket, but bounced back impressively in the Irish 2000 Guineas with a dominant performance. He excels when held up for a late run, delivering a devastating turn of foot in the closing stages. His consistency, maturity, and closing strength make him a serious threat to reverse Newmarket form.
Henri Matisse (7/2)
France's 2000 Guineas hero arrives carrying significant international form. Representing Coolmore, he brings strong adaptability to ground and pace, making him a dangerous player under any scenario. His resilience under pressure suits the typically tactical demands of Ascot’s mile.
TSN's Selections
Win: Ruling Court
Main Danger: Field of Gold
Next Best: Henri Matisse
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Royal Ascot Day 1: St James' Palace Stakes race details
- Date: June 17, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Post Time: 4:20 p.m. local (BST)
- Distance: 1 mile (1609m)
- Conditions: 3-year-old colts
- Grade: Group 1
St James's Palace Stakes — Historical winners (2005–2024)
Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Stall |
2024 | Rosallion | S.M. Levey | Richard Hannon Jr. | 1 |
2023 | Paddington | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 8 |
2022 | Coroebus | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | 2 |
2021 | Poetic Flare | Kevin Manning | Jim Bolger | 7 |
2020 | Palace Pier | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden | 6 |
2019 | Circus Maximus | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 1 |
2018 | Without Parole | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden | 2 |
2017 | Barney Roy | James Doyle | Richard Hannon Jr. | 4 |
2016 | Galileo Gold | Frankie Dettori | Hugo Palmer | 7 |
2015 | Gleneagles | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 5 |
2014 | Kingman | James Doyle | John Gosden | 7 |
2013 | Dawn Approach | Kevin Manning | Jim Bolger | 5 |
2012 | Most Improved | Kieren Fallon | Brian Meehan | 15 |
2011 | Frankel | Tom Queally | Sir Henry Cecil | 5 |
2010 | Canford Cliffs | Richard Hughes | Richard Hannon Sr. | 6 |
2009 | Mastercraftsman | Johnny Murtagh | Aidan O'Brien | 8 |
2008 | Henrythenavigator | Johnny Murtagh | Aidan O'Brien | 6 |
2007 | Excellent Art | Jamie Spencer | Aidan O'Brien | 1 |
2006 | Araafa | Alan Munro | Jeremy Noseda | 2 |
2005 | Shamardal | K. McEvoy | Saeed bin Suroor | 2 |
St James' Palace Stakes 20-year trends (2005–2024)
Leading Trainers:
- Aidan O'Brien – 6 wins
- John Gosden – 3 wins
- Richard Hannon Sr./Jr. – 3 wins
- Jim Bolger – 2 wins
Leading Jockeys:
- Ryan Moore – 3 wins
- Frankie Dettori – 3 wins
- Kevin Manning – 2 wins
- James Doyle – 2 wins
- Johnny Murtagh – 2 wins
Stall Trends:
Stalls 1–4: 8 wins (1: 3 wins, 2: 4 wins, 4: 1 win)
Stalls 5–8: 11 wins (5: 3 wins, 6: 3 wins, 7: 3 wins, 8: 2 wins)
Stalls 9–12: 0 wins
Stalls 13+: 1 win (15: 1 win in 2012)
