In a move that underlines both prestige and intent, Ascot Racecourse has confirmed that the 2026 renewal of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be worth a record-breaking £2 million, making it the richest race ever staged on British turf.

This year’s edition, the 75th running of the midsummer showpiece, already marks a significant milestone with a boosted £1.5 million prize fund, up from £1.25 million last year. A fitting celebration, perhaps, for a race that was officially crowned the world’s top mile-and-a-half contest in the 2024 Longines World’s Top 100 Group Races.

Since its inauguration in 1951, the King George has carved out a place among the sport’s most storied tests of class, stamina and courage. Its honour roll reads like a hall of fame: Ribot, Nijinsky, Brigadier Gerard, Shergar, Dancing Brave, Nashwan, Galileo, and the peerless Enable—names that echo through racing history and have shaped the narrative of the thoroughbred.

Now, with the eyes of the racing world increasingly drawn to global riches and far-flung prizes, Ascot is raising the bar.

“We are delighted to confirm that we will offer £2 million for next year’s King George,” said Felicity Barnard, CEO at Ascot. “That will make it the most valuable race ever run in Britain. The list of winners across the last 75 years is unrivalled, and we’re committed to ensuring the very best horses continue to target what remains our midsummer highlight.”

There was also a nod to the changing shape of the global calendar.

“With opportunities for horses to run worldwide year-round, it’s vital we strike the right balance between prize money and prestige,” Barnard added. “By announcing this now, we hope connections can plan their seasons with the King George front of mind.

“We’re also mindful of the need to invest in prize money across all levels of the programme—and we look forward to further announcements for 2026 in due course.”

One of Britain’s great sporting institutions, the King George continues to evolve, and with £2 million on the line in 2026, its legacy looks not only secure—but stronger than ever.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes advertised prize fund history since redevelopment of Ascot:
2026: £2 million
2025: £1.5 million
2022 to 2024: £1.25 million
2021: £850,000*
2020: £350,000*
2018 to 2019: £1.25 million
2015 to 2017: £1.15 million
2009 to 2014: £1 million
2008: £850,000
2006 to 2007: £750,000
* = COVID-affected prize money

King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2025
(Sponsored By Qipco) (British Champions Series) (Group 1)
£2,000,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m 3f 211y, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Good, Good to Firm in places

POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (4    Calandagan 4 9-9 F-H Graffard Mickael Barzalona 11/10F
2 (5) 1 Kalpana 2 4 9-6 Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy 15/2
3 (1) 2½ Rebel's Romance 7 9-9 Charlie Appleby William Buick 5/1
3 (2) nk Jan Brueghel 4 9-9 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 5/2
2 (3) 14 Continuous 5 9-9 A P O'Brien Wayne Lordan 40/1