King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes sponsored by QIPCO |
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| Group 1, Ascot 15:40 £1,500,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m 3f 211y, Class 1 |
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Ascot Racecourse has announced a record-breaking prize fund of £17.75 million for 2025, marking a significant milestone for British racing. Central to the increase is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (‘the King George’), which will offer £1.5 million for the first time—up from £1.25 million in 2024—making it the richest race ever run at Ascot.
Notably, the £17.75 million total excludes the £4.1 million prize pot for QIPCO British Champions Day, which remains under industry management.
'Run For Free' Revolution for the King George
In a pioneering move, the King George will become a ‘Run For Free’ race in 2025. Entry fees for all participating horses (excluding supplementary entries) will be fully refunded, removing a significant barrier to entry for connections.
Royal Ascot will maintain its position as a premier racing event, with prize money for the festival set at £10 million. No race will offer less than £110,000, and all Group 1 races will carry a minimum value of £650,000. Across Ascot's broader programme, prize money for 2025 will not drop below 2024 levels, with targeted increases for key events.
Industry Applause for Innovative Initiatives
Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Development at the British Horseracing Authority, highlighted the importance of these changes:
"The King George is a cornerstone of the middle-distance programme, and the ‘Run For Free’ initiative demonstrates dynamic thinking. Against the backdrop of growing international competition, the £1.5 million prize fund is a strong incentive for connections to participate in this iconic race."
Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of the National Trainers Federation, welcomed the changes to race conditions at Royal Ascot:
"The shift to later entry closing for Group 2 races provides trainers with the flexibility to make more informed decisions. Coupled with the ‘Run For Free’ initiative, these updates create exciting opportunities for owners and trainers alike."
Flexibility for Connections in Royal Ascot Entries
Four Group 2 races at Royal Ascot—the Ribblesdale Stakes, King Edward VII Stakes, Duke of Cambridge Stakes, and Hardwicke Stakes—will no longer require early closing entries in April. This change allows connections to base decisions on more up-to-date form and race readiness, with final entries closing just five days before race day.
Growing Ascot’s Commitment to Racing
Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive Officer at Ascot Racecourse, reinforced the track’s commitment to supporting owners and trainers:
"We are thrilled to continue increasing prize money while reducing costs for owners. The King George, as our midsummer highlight, deserves its record-breaking status, and the ‘Run For Free’ initiative aligns with our ambition to enhance accessibility and competitiveness in our races."
Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs, noted the broader implications:
"The ‘Run For Free’ concept has been designed to incentivize participation, especially for connections considering overseas or lower-tier options. In the World Pool era, field sizes are more important than ever. Combined with record-breaking prize money, this initiative aims to attract a diverse and competitive field."
Ascot’s executive contribution to prize money will rise from £9.4 million in 2024 to a projected £10.1 million in 2025, underscoring its continued investment in British racing.
With these updates, Ascot Racecourse reaffirms its position as a leader in innovation and excellence, ensuring that every race in 2025 builds on the legacy of this iconic venue.
King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes
(Sponsored By Qipco) (British Champions Series) (Group 1)
£1,250,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m 3f 211y, Class 1
9 ran
Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (6) Goliath 4 9-9 F-H Graffard Christophe Soumillon 25/1
2 (9) 2¼ Bluestocking 4 9-6 Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan 9/2
3 (3) 3¼ Rebel's Romance 6 9-9 Charlie Appleby William Buick 5/2
4 (7) 4¾ Sunway 3 8-12 David Menuisier James Doyle 16/1
5 (2) 1¼ Auguste Rodin 4 9-9 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 7/4F
6 (1) 2¾ Luxembourg 5 9-9 A P O'Brien Wayne Lordan 11/1
7 (8) 1½ Dubai Honour 6 9-9 William Haggas Tom Marquand 25/1
8 (4) 75 Middle Earth 4 9-9 John & Thady Gosden Oisin Murphy 12/1
9 (5) 39 Hans Andersen 4 9-9 A P O'Brien Sean Levey 150/1
