What is the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes?
The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1) is one of the premier turf races in the United States for 3-year-old fillies. It is held annually at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, and attracts top-class competitors from both North America and abroad.
When is the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes in 2025?
The race will be on October 11th, during Keeneland’s Fall Meet. Covering a distance of 1 1/8 miles on turf, it provides a major opportunity for talented fillies to showcase their ability at a Grade 1 level before the end of the racing season.
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes Winners
Notable winners of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes include Rushing Fall (2018), Her Emmynency (2015), and Cambier Parc (2019). Each has demonstrated remarkable class and consistency, adding prestige to this storied race.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lush Lips (GB) | Tyler Gaffalione | Brendan P. Walsh | 1:48.01 |
| 2024 | She Feels Pretty | John R. Velazquez | Cherie DeVaux | 1:46.50 |
| 2023 | Mawj (IRE) | Oisin Murphy | Saeed bin Suroor | 1:48.06 |
| 2022 | Gina Romantica | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | 1:48.20 |
| 2021 | Shantisara (IRE) | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | 1:48.86 |
| 2020 | Harvey’s Lil Goil | Martin Garcia | William I. Mott | 1:48.72 |
The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes remains a highlight of the Keeneland Fall Meet, combining heritage, competition, and the thrill of turf racing. For horse racing fans and online betting enthusiasts alike, it represents one of the most anticipated events of the autumn season.
