Ascot King George Day

What Is Ascot’s King George Day?

King George Day marks the pinnacle of Ascot’s midsummer racing calendar. Though typically part of a broader “King George Weekend,” this day—usually a Saturday—is headlined by the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, one of Britain’s most prestigious Group 1 flat races.

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The Feature Race: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

• It’s a Group 1 flat race run over 1 mile 3 furlongs and 211 yards (2,406 m) at Ascot for horses aged three and older.

• In 2025, the total purse was £1.5 million, with the winner taking home about £850,650.

• From 2026, the race will become Britain’s richest, with a soaring purse of £2 million.

• In 2025, Calandagan triumphed, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, scoring his second consecutive win following Goliath’s victory

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Race Day Atmosphere & Supporting Events

• Leading up to the main event are high-quality supporting races, such as the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes, Longines Valiant Stakes, along with handicaps and maiden contests.

• The day offers more than thrilling races—it’s a social spectacle. Attendees sip champagne, picnic on the verdant lawns, and enjoy live music from the Ascot bandstand.

• A post-race party at the grandstand keeps the fun going well into the evening.

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When and Where It Happens

• Held annually in July, typically on a Saturday, King George Day is the climax of the two-day King George Weekend.

• For example, the 2025 race day occurred on Friday 25 July, though the main race traditionally lands on Saturday; scheduling can vary slightly.

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Quick Summary Table

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Why It Matters

King George Day isn’t just a race—it’s a highlight of British flat racing, blending world-class equestrian competition with social elegance and summer charm. Whether you’re there for the stakes or the spectacle, it’s a day that truly captures the spirit of Ascot.

1. Past Winners of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Ascot’s premier mid-summer race has a storied history. Its roll of honour includes legendary champions:

• Triumphs by famous names: Winners such as Nijinsky, Brigadier Gerard, Shergar, Dancing Brave, Montjeu, Galileo, and Enable—who notably won three times—feature prominently.

• Dual winners of both this race and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Crews like Enable (2017), Dylan Thomas (2007), Danedream, Hurricane Run, Montjeu, Lammtarra, among others, have pulled off the prestigious double.

• In more recent history (2016), Highland Reel triumphed under Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore, with a prize fund of approximately £1.15 million and a winner’s share of around £689,000.

• In 2018, Poet’s Word (trained by Michael Stoute) won a purse of roughly £1.23 million, with the winner pocketing around £709,000.

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2. Hospitality & Tickets for King George Day

Official Hospitality Packages

Ascot offers a variety of upscale hospitality options for King George Weekend (July 25–26, 2025):

• QIPCO King George Diamond Day: The Windsor Forest Restaurant VIP package is available for Saturday, 26 July 2025, as an officially licensed hospitality provider via Eventmasters.

• Other authorised distributors (e.g., Corinthian Sports) offer private boxes with buffet service and premium trackside views.

• Additionally, you’ll enjoy the signature bandstand after-party on Saturday evening.

How to Book

• Eventmasters is an official supplier for Ascot hospitality.Eventmasters Hospitality

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Summary Table

 

Ascot King George Day Hospitality Packages Now on Sale