King George to become Britain’s richest race after further prize-money boost

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will become Britain’s richest race next year with prize-money of £2 million.

This year’s race is already the most valuable contest run at Ascot following a prize-money increase to £1.5 million from £1.25 million in 2024.

The track’s chief executive, Felicity Barnard, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that we’ll offer £2 million for next year’s King George, making it the most valuable race ever run in Britain. The roll call of winners over the last 75 years is unrivalled, and we’re committed to ensuring that we continue to attract the very best horses to our midsummer highlight.

“We’re also conscious of ensuring that the race remains internationally relevant in an increasingly competitive global picture. These days, there are plenty of options for connections to run their horses worldwide and year-round, so it’s vital that we find the right balance of prize-money and prestige. By making this announcement now we hope that connections will be able to start planning backwards from the race already.”

Barnard hinted at further announcements on 2026 prize-money, and added: “We’re very conscious of the fact we need to continue to invest in prize-money across the programme at all levels.”

Since its inception in 1951, the King George has been won by several greats, including Nijinsky, Brigadier Gerard and Shergar, as well as more recently Galileo and Enable.

Charlie Appleby, successful in 2021 with Adayar, said: “Any form of funding is good for racing. Numerically, you’ve got to have the horses around, but with so much racing going on for so much prize-money across the world, it’s bound to dilute it. 

“Hopefully, Ascot’s investment in the King George will encourage more international runners to come here and compete. It’s such a historic race and certainly one Godolphin would love to win again. There’s so much prestige and history in the King George; it’s one of the pinnacles of the season.

“A lot of people nowadays are chasing the big pots and we’ve got to encourage the international horses to come to Britain and compete, so hopefully this is a big positive for the race.”

York, whose £1.25m Juddmonte International was officially rated the best race in the world in 2024 for the third time in a decade, does not see the boost in value of the King George as direct competition.

James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship, said: “First and foremost it’s terrific that Ascot are investing back in prize-money. We work very closely with them on a number of fronts, most obviously in this case on the Midsummer Bonus which is only in its first year. This news can only add allure to that.

“In terms of direct competition, they are different distances, they are three weeks apart, and we have all seen over time that connections will do what they think is right for their horse.

“We’re proud of the Juddmonte International as the Longines best race in the world. £1.25 million is a nice pot but on a global scale we and Ascot realise we can’t just compete on prize-money because the funding structures round the globe are very different.” 

Read these next:

Ascot looking to the future after ‘landmark’ year – but government tax proposals cast shadow over plans 

Ascot introduces free-to-enter King George with prize-money boosted to £1.5 million 

‘The interest in Ascot is through the roof’ – course chief highlights royal meeting’s importance to Britain as well as racing  

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.