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King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
In late July every year Ascot Racecourse stages the King George Day as the centrepiece of the Betfair Weekend. King George Day is the date of the Ascot Summer Cocktail Party, inviting spectators to enjoy the mid-summer in outdoor cocktail lounges while cheering for the races. It is a glamorous event, the tickets for the experience are quickly sold out, and it is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Among the races on King George Day are the esteemed Abu Dhabi International Handicap, with a prize of £150,000, which is one of the most popular races for the betting community; as well as the Group Three Princess Margaret Abu Dhabi Stakes, which are considered the unofficial trial race for the 1000 Guinea Stakes. The highlight of this day of decadence and delights however, is the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes - informally referred to as the 'King George' - was first staged in 1951 as the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Festival of Britain Stakes, in honour of the Festival of Britain, a national exhibition opening the same year. Today the King George is the second most valuable race of the British horse racing season and, with a prize of £1 million, the richest race taking place at Ascot Racecourse. The race is open to thoroughbreds aged three and over and runs over a distance of one mile and four furlongs.
The running of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1975 is to this day often referred to as 'the race of the century'. It featured opponents Grundy and Bustino, who battled so fiercely for the win their efforts left Bustino unable to race ever again while Grundy started only one last time after their showdown. Grundy, the winner by half a length, shaved two and a half seconds of the long standing track record with his time of 2:26.98 - a record which remains untouched to this day.
Race Days
King George Day
This is held on the second day of the meeting and is the running of the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. However, long after the horses have run, race goers continue celebrating, as there are plenty of activities that carry on throughout the day. In fact, 2010 King George Day will be celebrated with an Ascot summer cocktail party.
Family Day
This is a day for the kids. Not only are there plenty of races going off all day long, but there are also plenty of events to keep the kids entertained. During the course of the day, Ascot sets up plenty of activities, rides, concerts, and fun for kids of all ages. All entertainment is free of charge and all children aged 16 and under have free admission to the course. The theme for the 2010 Family Day is Alice's Adventures at Ascot.
Recent Winners of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes:
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
2010 |
Harbinger |
Olivier Peslier |
Sir Michael Stoute |
2:26.78 |
2009 |
Conduit |
Ryan Moore |
Sir Michael Stout |
2:28.73 |
2008 |
Duke of Marmalade |
Johnny Murtagh |
Aidan O'Brien |
2:27.91 |
2007 |
Dylan Thomas |
Johnny Murtagh |
Aidan O'Brien |
2:31.11 |
2006 |
Hurricane Run |
Christophe Soumillon |
Andre Fabre |
2:30.29 |
2005 |
Azamour |
Michael Kinane |
John Oxx |
2:28.26 |
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Odds and News
3 Sep 2010: Harbinger Goes To Japan
Harbinger, one of the greatest race horses of our time, is making the move to Japan to start life as a stud, following a career ending injury. It is a happy ending to what could have been a shocking loss to the British racing scene.
In early August Harbinger, who was trained by Sir Michael Stoute throughout his short but impressive career, was the highest rating racehorse in the world. The four-year-old colt had won four consecutive races, all of his 2010 starts, including the Hardwicke Stakes and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot Racecourse. However, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes were to be Harbingers last professional race – and what a way to farewell the world of horse racing.
Harbinger ran what can only be described as the race of a lifetime. Biding his time under jockey Olivier Peslier, the colt surged forward over the final furlong and won the race by an astonishing 11 lengths, leaving a staggered Cape Blanco to collect runner-up. This performance, which resulted in Harbinger’s sixth win, only reinstated the colt as the greatest runner of our time.
Only weeks after the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, on Saturday 7th August, Harbinger suffered a stumble and fractured his near-fore cannon bone during a training session at the Newmarket gallops. The injury, which was immediately recognised as the end to Harbinger’s incredible career, left the colt’s connections devastated. Harbinger had been considered a sure contender for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York – handled at 10-11 odds by Sky Bet – and a hot ticket for the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe at Longchamp. Now however, it was clear that Harbinger’s racing days were over and his connections were facing challenging decisions about the four-year-olds future.
Thankfully, Harbinger’s inability to continue his racing career did not leave him lacking in demand. Considering his lifetime statistics it is no surprise that bidding over the potential champion stud ensued as soon as his retirement was announced. The colt stated in only nine professional races, but only finished outside the money once. He recorded six wins – including his legendary last win in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes – one second and one third place, building a reputation as the best active racehorse in the world.
The bidding for the rights to breed with the prodigious runner were purchased by the Shadai Group, a Japanese breeder headed by the Yoshida brothers. Harbinger’s owners and connections would have preferred to see their charge settle down to a stud career in the United Kingdom, but the Japanese bidders simply swept British competition off the board. While there is some disappointment about Harbinger’s imminent departure, his connections have announced they feel their golden colt will be in excellent hands in his new home on Japanese soil.
We remember this equine hero of the track and wish him all the best in his new life. Thank you for the great times – and we can’t wait for your offspring to hit the turf.
28 Jul 2010: Top 10 Horse Racing Moments Of All Time
26 Jul 2010: Harbinger Wins King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2010
23 Jul 2010: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2010 Odds & Preview
