First run in 1851, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes has endured many changes over the decades. Originally run over 4800m (3 miles) the length of the race has consistently decreased to accommodate the changing nature of the sport, ending at the current distance of 2000m. The race has a rich history with winners including ARCHER, PHAR LAP and TULLOCH.
The race is a target for the best middle distance horses from all over the world. Horses from the United Kingdom, Japan and Europe have been regular participants in the race, partly for the prestige and also due to the $4 million prize pool!
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes was the Autumn Carnival target for turf megastar Winx for many years as she added to her outstanding weight-for-age record Large crowds were the order of the day when the brilliant mare was racing despite the racing betting odds being short.
UK horse ADDEYBB trained by William Haggas has won the last two Queen Elizabeth Stakes with English jockey Tom Marquand riding on both occasions. His battle with Australasian superstar Verry Elleegant was breath taking and worth the price of admission alone.
The last ten winners of the race are listed below:
2021 – Addeybb
2020 – Addeybb
2019 – Winx
2018 – Winx
2017 – Winx
2016 – Lucia Valentina
2015 – Criterion
2014 – It’s A Dundeel
2013 – Reliable Man
2012 – More Joyous
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes Trivia
- The Queen Elizabeth Stakes record is held by Intergaze, who won the 1997 renewal in a time of 2:01.22. Integrate was trained by Rod Craig.
- Champion jockey Damien Oliver has ridden five different horses to victory in the last twenty years.
- The race is the richest race on Day 2 of the Championships during the Autumn Carnival.
- The race was renamed the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after the 1954 visit to the track of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.
