First run in 1807, The Ascot Gold Cup, or Ladies’ Day as it is more commonly known, is one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the racing calendar. During Ladies’ Day, women flock to the racecourse in their thousands, wearing elegant dresses and extravagant hats, some of which have to be seen to be believed! Leading bookmakers, Betfair and Skybet recognise the importance of this amazing race and are giving away free bets up to the value of £10 that can be used to place free bets on Ladies’ Day.

Ladies’ Day is the feature event of the 5-day Royal Ascot meeting. Open to 4-year-old thoroughbreds, the race is over two miles four furlongs and makes up one of the three parts of the ‘Stayers’ Triple Crown’. None of the current jockeys have come close to emulating the legendry Lester Piggott, who rode 11 winners on Ladies’ Day, although there are a number on three wins including Michael Kinane who rode the 2007 Ladies’ Day winner.

History could be made at the 2008 Ladies’ Day as the Aidan O’Brien trained, Yeats, looks to make it a hat-trick of successive victories, a feat only one other horse has achieved, Sagaro who won the race in 1975, 76 and 77. Yeats will be the early favourite but many think his nearest rival will be Coastal Path who has been in impressive form of late.

Two of our leading partners, online bookmakers, Betfair and Skybet are offering free bets that can be used for Ladies’ Day. Both offer market-leading odds but by choosing Betfair, you can take advantage of the in-race facility and can bet and lay as the race unfolds. You can use your free bets to bet on the winner of Ladies’ Day, the winning distance, the nationality of the jockey or the most successful trainer and owner.