Royal Ascot 2013: Dates, Race Schedule, TV Coverage, Preview and More

Royal Ascot 2013 is taking place in Berkshire, England in the third week of June. The Queen Anne Stakes will be the first race of the event. There are 30 races over the course of five days. Various members of British Royal Family will attend the Royal Meeting.

Royal Ascot 2013 is taking place from Tuesday, June 18 to Saturday, 22nd.

Animal Kingdom is the clear-cut favorite for the Queen Anne Stakes. John Velazquez rode Animal Kingdom to victory in the 2011 Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stake. Animal kingdom has won on the dirt of Churchill Downs and on all-weather track at Dubai World Cup.

Animal Kingdom is the biggest storyline in the race that will open the Royal Ascot meeting. Nick Smith compares the horse's quest for history to tennis. The horse will have to get past Grade 1 winner Elusive Kate and the O'Briens' Declaration Of War.

Dawn Approach is the main attraction on the first day of the St. James' Palace Stakes. He will be ridden by Kevin Manning. Dawn Approach was thought to be a threat for the British Triple Crown after winning the 2,000 Guineas Stake at Rowley Mile, but he fell flat in the Epsom Derby.

Rite of Passage is the defending champion of the Gold Cup. Colour Vision is defending his title. Right Of Passage won the last race after a two-year hiatus. The field is projected at 19. The last showing in particular bodes well for Rite of passage to emerge victorious again.