King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Group 1, Ascot 16:10 £2,000,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m 3f 211y, Class 1
Tweet Saturday 25th July 2026

The 76th running of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is already shaping into one of the most compelling renewals in recent memory, with a cast featuring Derby and Oaks winners, Arc heroes, Japanese stars and established Group One performers from across Europe.

Run this year for a record £2 million, Ascot’s midsummer showpiece has attracted 37 early entries and promises to bring together many of the world’s leading middle-distance horses for a truly international contest.

At the head of the market and the narrative stands Calandagan, whose remarkable rise to the summit of the global rankings has established him as the benchmark in the division.

The Japan Cup deservedly wins @worldsbesthorse Race of the Year

A thriller between Calandagan and Masquerade Ball

pic.twitter.com/8PQqdjeLBV

— Archie (@abracing0) January 20, 2026

After narrowly defeating Japanese challenger Masquerade Ball in last year’s Japan Cup – officially recognised as one of the highest-rated races run anywhere in the world – the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained star has continued to enhance his reputation with victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

His disappointing effort in the Coronation Cup at Epsom is widely viewed as an aberration caused by unsuitable ground conditions, and Ascot now offers the prospect of a fascinating rematch with the rival he narrowly denied in Tokyo.

Masquerade Ball has long been targeted at the King George and arrives with a profile befitting one of Japan’s leading middle-distance performers.

The winner of the Tenno Sho (Autumn), he returned this spring with an excellent second behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong’s QEII Cup and his connections have identified Ascot as the ideal stage for a major international challenge.

Trainer Takahisa Tezuka said: “We started discussing about an international campaign for Masquerade Ball after he won the Tenno Sho Autumn, when I got the impression that this horse could be competitive on the world stage.

“His owners, Shadai Race Horse, have been very keen to send him to the King George and we agreed it should be the target for Masquerade Ball.

“This race holds great significance for the owner, and we made our decision with that in mind.

“As a prestigious race for older horses in the UK, it provides an excellent opportunity and serves as a favourable alternative to competing in Japan during the hot season.

“This is the first time I will have a runner at Ascot, which is the Royal track, and I am very excited and am honored.

“The shipping, which takes 48 hours from door to door, will be a big challenge but I believe Masquerade Ball is a horse worthy of representing Japan.

“While we face a strong international field, we are looking forward to the challenge and hope we can deliver a performance that introduces Masquerade Ball to the racing fans here in the UK.”

Japan could also be represented by Wurrtemberg, who produced a career-best effort when beaten only a nose in this year’s Tenno Sho (Spring).

Trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto has long harboured ambitions of competing in one of Europe’s premier races and believes Ascot offers the perfect opportunity.

“I am very excited to have a runner in one of the most prestigious races in the country which is the origin of horse racing,” said Miyamoto.

“After Wurrtemberg was narrowly beaten by Croix du Nord in the Tenno Sho Spring, we discussed the plan of sending Wurrtemberg to the UK.

“His owner, Mr Teruya Yoshida, has long admired this event, often describing it as a ‘dream race’.

“This inspired me to pursue the opportunity for our horse to compete in such an iconic race and European venue.

“Though we considered the Goodwood Cup, which is only a few days after the King George, two miles at a European track could be too tough for a Japanese horse and so we have selected the King George as the race to run in.

“It is a prestigious and historic race and, ever since I sent Clincher to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2018, I have been looking forward to having another chance to have a runner in a major race in Europe.”

Graffard’s challenge extends well beyond Calandagan. The French trainer, seeking a third consecutive victory in the race, has also entered Arc winner Daryz and former King George hero Goliath, creating the possibility of an exceptionally strong French contingent.

Best Secret and Caulificar further strengthen the challenge from across the Channel.

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐘! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/aksUSYD7eC

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 6, 2026

The British and Irish defence is headed by the Classic generation, with Derby winner Christmas Day, runner-up Maltese Cross and third-placed James J Braddock all among the entries.

Aidan O’Brien has assembled a formidable squad of 11 possibles, including Benvenuto Cellini, Constitution River, Jan Brueghel,Lambourn and the outstanding filly Minnie Hauk.

Joseph O’Brien has entered Oaks heroine Thundering On, while John and Thady Gosden could rely on Oaks runner-up Legacy Link and unbeaten colt Water To Wine.

Among the established older horses, last year’s runner-up Kalpana, Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller and Tattersalls Gold Cup scorer Almaqam all add further depth to an already stellar entry.

With international rivalry, Classic stars, Arc winners and proven Group One performers all converging on Ascot, the 2026 King George is shaping into a race worthy of its growing global stature and one that could once again rank among the finest contests run anywhere in the world.

King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes
(Sponsored By Qipco) (British Champions Series) (Group 1)
£2,000,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m 3f 211y, Class 1
37 entries
Going:

King George Winners