What is the Wokingham Stakes?

The Wokingham Stakes is a traditional, high-profile six-furlong handicap, officially rated ‘Class 2’, which is open to horses aged three years and upwards and officially rated 0-110. Named after the historic market town in Berkshire, seven miles west of Ascot, the Wokingham Stakes was inaugurated in 1813 and is currently scheduled as the penultimate race on the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot in June each year.

Indeed, the Wokingham Stakes is the oldest of the handicap races still run at the Royal Meeting and, with total prize money of £175,000, £108,937.50 of which goes to the winner, the race falls into the category of ‘Heritage Handicap’. In common with similar races, such as the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood, the Great St. Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon and Ayr Gold Cup, the Wokingham Stakes tends to attract a high quality field; in 2019, the lowest rated horse in the field, Sir Maximilian, was rated 95. Nevertheless, with a safety limit of 30, the Wokingham Stakes is invariably a popular betting heat and has thrown up winners at 33/1 twice, 25/1 and 14/1 in the last ten renewals.