The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes — universally known as the King George — is run at Ascot Racecourse on the final Saturday of July and represents the highest-quality Flat race in Britain that is not a Classic. Restricted to older horses (three-year-olds and above), run over a mile and a half, and carrying Group 1 status, the King George functions as the definitive test of the best middle-distance horse in Europe at the peak of summer. It is the race that makes reputations.
- King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, 24 July 2026
- Renowned as Europe's top midsummer test for middle-distance horses
- Smaller, more focused crowd compared to Royal Ascot's social spectacle
- XLDN members can access exclusive hospitality options via concierge
The Saturday of the King George weekend is a single-race occasion in the sense that matters — everything else on the card is excellent racing, but the King George is why people are there. The race has produced some of the most memorable finishes in British racing history: Grundy and Bustino in 1975, a finish still described as the race of the century by those who saw it; Frankel's demolition job in 2012; Enable's victories in 2017 and 2019 during a period of dominance that the sport hadn't seen for decades. The 2026 running carries its own significance, and the field that assembles will represent the best of European Flat racing.
Ascot on King George Saturday operates at a different register from the Royal Meeting in June. The crowd is smaller, more racially specific in its enthusiasm, and considerably more interested in the horses. The social programme of the Royal Meeting gives way to something more concentrated. Experienced racegoers who find Royal Ascot excessive often cite the King George weekend as their preferred Ascot experience — the racing quality is equivalent or higher, the atmosphere is calmer, and the dressing up is a choice rather than a requirement.
The racecourse offers the full range of hospitality on King George Saturday, and XLDN can source options across the enclosures and boxes. Given the quality of the card and the significance of the feature race, hospitality sells early.
**KEY FACTS**
DATE — 24 July 2026
VENUE — Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
CATEGORY — Horse Racing / Group 1
ACCESS — Price on application — request via your concierge
XLDN ACCESS — Available to XLDN members · Request via concierge
**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS**
*Q: What is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes?*
A: The King George is a Group 1 Flat race run over a mile and a half at Ascot Racecourse on the final Saturday of July. Open to horses aged three and above, it is one of the most prestigious races in Europe and a major test of middle-distance ability.
*Q: How does King George Day at Ascot differ from Royal Ascot?*
A: Royal Ascot is a five-day meeting with a major social programme and strict dress codes. The King George weekend is a two-day meeting that is considerably more focused on racing, with a more relaxed atmosphere and crowds that are smaller and more expert in character.
*Q: Has the King George produced notable races?*
A: Yes. The 1975 King George between Grundy and Bustino is frequently cited as the greatest Flat race in history. Frankel won in 2012 with devastating ease. Enable won back-to-back renewals in 2017 and 2019. The race consistently produces significant moments in racing history.
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