It’s a Royal Ascot affair for the BBC

Royal Ascot once again is broadcast live and exclusive on the BBC as Sport and fashion meet in spectacular style at this prestigious race meeting, which has extra special resonance in this, the Queen’s Jubilee year.This afternoon Clare Balding starts the BBC’s television coverage, joined by racing legends Willie Carson and Mick Fitzgerald. They will offer expert punditry over the five days as some of the world’s fastest horses gather to race, including unbeaten superstar Frankel, who raises the curtain in the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday, and the undefeated Australian mare Black Caviar, who makes her UK debut in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on the Saturday.

Jim McGrath leads the commentary along with Ian Bartlett. Rishi Persad is reporting from out and about in the crowds and John Parrott is on hand in the betting ring with hints and tips. Suzi Perry is reporting on the pick of the fashions, as some of the UK’s best-dressed race goers take to the stands.

Television coverage starts at 1.45pm on BBC One and BBC One HD each weekday. The BBC will show all 30 races live: following each day’s terrestrial coverage viewers can catch the remaining races of the day live on BBC Red Button. Coverage on Saturday 23 June begins at 2.20pm also on BBC One and BBC One HD.

The BBC Sport website will offer live video coverage of all races featured on television (UK users only) as well as previews, news, features and photos. BBC Sport website racing expert Frank Keogh (@HonestFrank) and BBC Radio 5 live’s racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght (@CorneliusRacing) will be giving twitter updates from the course.

Cornelius Lysaght brings coverage of all five days of Royal Ascot on BBC Radio 5 Live with all the latest racing news throughout the week. There will be live commentary on the key races each day from John Hunt, broadcast in the afternoon shows and updates from Luke Harvey on 5 live Breakfast.

Coverage starts today at 1.45pm on BBC One and BBC One HD.