King George Racing Weekend Preview

Aside from Royal Ascot, the King George weekend stands out as the most significant, storied, and dazzling racing event on Ascot's schedule.

The racecourse is alive with vibrant colours as the QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend kicks off. Attendees can enjoy a leisurely afternoon of racing, meandering across the lush lawns while indulging in various Champagne and cocktail bars, all set against the backdrop of beautiful English sunshine (fingers crossed).

Most importantly, the main event, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, stands as Europe’s premier midsummer middle-distance spectacle, drawing in the finest horses from all over the continent.

What to expect during King George’s Racing Weekend at Ascot

The top middle-distance contenders from Europe are set to clash in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

This event marks the customary initial encounter between the emerging Classic contenders and the elite older horses, competing over the prestigious 1m4f Derby distance.

The prestigious Group 1 title has been claimed by some of the finest equine athletes in Flat racing history. Only five years back, Enable made history by becoming the first horse to clinch victory in Ascot’s midsummer highlight for a remarkable third time.

This season’s race is poised to be an exceptional showdown, featuring last year’s champion Goliath, St Leger victor Jan Brueghel, and the formidable globetrotter Rebels Romance among the key competitors, and you can check Gambling.com to discover the expected contenders and dark horses.

The Main Event: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

The King George VI stands out as the premier open-age race in the British flat racing schedule. This prestigious race boasts an impressive list of champions, and it draws only the finest thoroughbreds competing at the middle distance, many of whom have significantly influenced the breeding of elite talent for generations.

History & Future Greats

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, founded in 1951, stands as one of the most esteemed open-age flat races in Britain’s racing calendar. The event takes place annually in July, featuring competitors aged three years and older, who cover a distance of one mile and four furlongs. Three-year-olds benefit from an 11lb concession against their older counterparts, while fillies and mares enjoy a 3lb advantage. Additionally, four-year-old entrants from the southern hemisphere receive a 4lb allowance.

A significant number of the victors continue to thrive in elite competitions. The champions of 2012 (Danedream) and 2013 (Novellist) both triumphed in the Grosser Preis von Baden in their subsequent outings, a prestigious Group 1 event in Germany. Similarly, the 2015 champion (Postponed) claimed victory in the Prix Foy at Longchamp next. Notably, Enable, who secured wins in 2020, 2019, and 2017, succeeded in the Prix de l'Arc. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor the future performances of these horses.

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2025 Betting Odds (Top 10)

• Calandagan [5/2]
• Jan Brueghel [2/1]
• Kalpana [4/1]
• Rebels Romance [5/1]
• Ombudsman [8/1]
• Amiloc [10/1]
• Lambourn [10/1]
• Sosie [16/1]
• Trinity College [16/1]
• Goliath [16/1]

Historical Champions of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Below is a list of the past King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winners for the last decade.

Trainer Statistics

In the past two decades of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, John Gosden has emerged as the top trainer, securing victory on five occasions. His triumphant horses include Nathaniel in 2011, Taghrooda in 2014, and the remarkable Enable, who claimed the title in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Several trainers have achieved notable success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with A P O'Brien and Sir Michael Stoute each securing three victories in this prestigious race.

Jockey Statistics

In the past two decades of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, John Gosden has established himself as the top trainer, securing victory on five occasions. His winning horses include Nathaniel in 2011, Taghrooda in 2014, and the remarkable Enable, who triumphed in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Several trainers have achieved notable success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with A P O'Brien and Sir Michael Stoute each securing three victories in this prestigious event.

Record Holders

The record for the slowest time in the last 20 editions of the race was established in 2017 when Enable, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, finished in 2:36.22. Conversely, the fastest time was recorded by Novellist, trained by A Wohler and piloted by Johnny Murtagh, who completed the race in 2:24.60 during the 2013 edition.

A Closer Look at the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2025 Betting Favourite

French contender Calandagan has often played the role of the nearly great in Group One competitions worldwide. Yet, his impressive six-length victory in the King Edward VII Stakes last season solidified his status among the elite in staying prowess.

The offspring of Gleneagles confirmed that performance by stepping down in distance, finishing as the runner-up to City of Troy in the Juddmonte International despite being assigned a significant task from a midfield position. He was among the early ones to lose momentum and surge around the pitch. Yet, he couldn't keep pace with the remarkable acceleration shown by City of Troy, which led throughout and delivered one of the most impressive performances we've witnessed in recent years.

Calandagan reinforced that performance with a strong second-place finish to Anmaat in the Champions Stakes at Ascot, showing commendable resilience in defeat against a remarkably talented competitor known for an exceptional turn of foot. He finished behind talented competitors in his next two outings, particularly in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Still, he demonstrated his ability to secure victory at the highest level with a decisive win in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

After securing his first Group One status, the connections for a rematch with Jan Brueghel (The second-best betting favourite at the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes) are confirmed. This sets the stage for an intriguing showdown between two outstanding middle-distance competitors, and we cannot wait!