Queen Elizabeth II Cup

The 51th running of Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1)

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Distance (surface):
2,200 meters, Turf (about 11 furlongs)
Age:
3yo & up Fillies & Mares
Racecourse:
Kyoto Racecourse (Right-handed)
Maximum Number of Horses:
18
Nomination Close:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Nomination Fee:
Free of Charge
Deadline for arriving in Japan:
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Declaration:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Declaration Fee:
¥300,000

Nomination Close (Free): Tuesday, September 22, 2026 by noon local time

Kyoto Racecourse

Course Description

The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is run over 2200m on turf on a right-handed track. The race starts from the homestretch, traveling flat for 1020m to the third turn. The third turn, which is the remaining 800m to the finish, is the highest point of the track. From the backstretch to the third turn, horses travel uphill for 3.6m (0.9%) for 400m, and there is steep downhill of 3.2m (2.28%) for 140m leading the fourth turn to the homestretch. The 403m homestretch is flat throughout.

Circumference 1,894.3m
Width 24-38m
Homestretch (final turn to finish) 403.7m
2,200m (T) Record Time as of January 2026 Neptunite (21 April 2019) 2:09.7
Turf Course Undulation

Watch 2025 race video