What is the King Charles III Stakes?
The King Charles III Stakes is a Group 1 Thoroughbred race held annually at Royal Ascot in Berkshire, England. Contested at 5 furlongs on the straight turf course for horses aged three and older, it is the most prestigious five-furlong sprint race in the world and the opening day's second Group 1 contest at Royal Ascot. First run in 1860 as the National Breeders' Produce Stakes, the race has undergone several name changes and was known as the King's Stand Stakes for most of its modern history before being renamed in 2023 following the coronation of King Charles III. It was awarded Group 1 status in 1973, demoted to Group 2 in 1988, and restored to Group 1 in 2008. The King Charles III Stakes became a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in 2022, replacing the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in that role. Vincent O'Brien holds the all-time training record with five wins, and Lester Piggott leads all jockeys with seven. The Global Sprint Challenge link ensures the race attracts the world's top sprinters from Australia, Japan, and the United States each June.
When is the King Charles III Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 King Charles III Stakes is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, at Royal Ascot as the second Group 1 event on the opening day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. Contested at 5 furlongs on the straight turf course, the race draws the world's top sprinters and is broadcast live on NBC and Peacock in the United States.
King Charles III Stakes History & Notable Winners
The King Charles III Stakes has produced some of the most explosive sprinting performances in world racing history. American Affair gave trainer Jim Goldie and jockey Paul Mulrennan a memorable 2025 victory at 11-1, the Scottish-trained sprinter holding on gamely to win by a neck from a high-class field. Australian superstar Asfoora gave trainer Henry Dwyer and jockey Oisin Murphy a brilliant 2024 triumph, the five-year-old mare surging through the field to win by a length in a remarkable result for an international raider. Bradsell caused a 14-1 surprise in 2023 under Hollie Doyle for trainer Archie Watson, surviving a stewards' inquiry after drifting right late in the race. Australia's multiple Group 1 winner Nature Strip delivered one of the finest performances in the race's history in 2022 under James McDonald for Chris Waller, winning by 1¾ lengths in a display of raw sprinting brilliance that earned him the title of world's best sprinter. Oxted gave trainer Roger Teal and jockey Cieren Fallon a 2021 win, overcoming the legendary Battaash, who had won the previous year.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | American Affair | Paul Mulrennan | Jim Goldie |
| 2024 | Asfoora | Oisin Murphy | Henry Dwyer |
| 2023 | Bradsell | Hollie Doyle | Archie Watson |
| 2022 | Nature Strip | James McDonald | Chris Waller |
| 2021 | Oxted | Cieren Fallon | Roger Teal |
The King Charles III Stakes is the world's premier five-furlong sprint and a key part of the opening day program at Royal Ascot, serving as the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint qualifier each June.
