The St James's Palace Stakes (1 mile) Tuesday 18 June

The St James's Palace Stakes is one of the season's top races over a mile for colts.

First held in 1834, the race attracted just one runner and was thus a walkover for Derby winner Plenipotentiary.

Having won the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas, Rock of Gibraltar is an odds-on favourite to give Aidan O'Brien his third win in a row in the race.

2001: Black Minnaloushe (Aidan O'Brien) Johnny Murtagh 8-1

The Prince of Wales's Stakes (1� miles) Wednesday 19 June
Named after the future King Edward VII, the inaugural running of this race, which was originally run over one mile five furlongs, was in 1862.

From 1940 to 1967, the race disappeared from the card, firstly because of the Second World War and then because there was no Prince of Wales.

However, it reappeared in 1968, the year before Prince Charles' investiture, and since then has been run over its current distance.

In 2000, it was upgraded to Group One status and restricted to four-year-olds and older.

2001: Fantastic Light (Saeed Bin Suroor) Frankie Dettori 100-30

The Gold Cup (2� miles)
Thursday 20 June
Founded in 1807, the Gold Cup is Royal Ascot's blue riband event.

The first race was won by Master Jackey, who carried just six stone 12lb to beat three rivals.

For much of its history, the Gold Cup has been the next objective for Derby winners although these days it is seen more as a specialist event, a fact reflected in the number of multiple winners of the race.

Last year, Royal Rebel held off the popular Persian Punch by a head after a tremendous duel in the closing stages - and the pair are set to renew battle in this year's race.

2001: Royal Rebel (Mark Johnston) Johnny Murtagh 8-1

The Coronation Stakes (1 mile)
Friday 21 June
The race, which is the fillies' equivalent of the St James's Palace Stakes, was first run in 1840 to commemorate the crowning of Queen Victoria two years earlier.

It attracts the principal contenders from the English, Irish and French 1,000 Guineas although no horse has capped a Newmarket Classic success with a Coronation Stakes win since 1979 when One In A Million won both.

Last year's winner, Banks Hill went on to win the prestigious Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Belmont Park in the US.

2001: Banks Hill (Andre Fabre) Olivier Peslier 4-1jf

The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Six furlongs) Saturday 22 June
Formerly known as the Cork and Orrery Stakes, Royal Ascot's most prestigious sprint race has been given a new name and an elevated Group One status in this Jubilee year.

And although, Royal Ascot will revert to its regular four-day card from 2003, the race will keep its name and its Group One standing.

The last three winners have all been sent off at double-figure prices.

2001: Harmonic Way (Roger Charlton) Steve Drowne 10-1

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