Queen Elizabeth Stakes

At the start of February in Sydney each year, millions of spectators and eager punters gather at the esteemed Randwick and Rosehill racecourses to get in on the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival action. The Australian Jockey Club and Sydney Turf Club host a huge array of sensational race days that see many of Australia’s most prestigious Group 1 races take place including the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is held on the very last race meeting of the Sydney Autumn Carnival at the end of April on Sydney Cup Day.

This is truly one of the elite race days in the country, and punters find themselves in a wonderland of wagering opportunities as three other Group 1 events are also conducted including the Sydney Cup (3200m), All Aged Stakes (1400m) and the Champagne Stakes (1600m). This exciting end to the Autumn Carnival is held at the Royal Randwick racecourse near Sydney’s CBD.

The $350 000 Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a weight-for-age event run over 2000 metres. This quality distance race sees a top class field of contenders year after year, and some genuinely exceptional horses have claimed victory including Might And Power (1998), Doriemus (1996) and Jeune (1995), who all went on to have success in the most prestigious race in Australia, The Melbourne Cup.

Related Races

Punters and racing enthusiasts often keep a close eye on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes winners and placers to guide them with their Melbourne Cup wagers.

There are a number of other horses who have won the race multiple times including Grand Armee (2005, 2004), Intergaze (1997 and 1999) and Tulloch (1958, 1960 and 1961). And when taking advantage of the attractive betting odds for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, keep in mind that a mare has not won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes since Dinky Flyer in 1987.

As it is held on the final day of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, punters have plenty of opportunity to gauge the form of the runners in the series of lead-up races including the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Rosehill and AJC Australian Derby at Randwick. If you keep a look out for the carnival’s standout performers and prize winners when making your selections for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, you will be well on your way to seeing your own racing riches!

History

Since its inception in 1851, when Cossakc won following up his success with a second win the next year, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes has seen a number of length and name changes. Originally run over a gruelling distance of 24 furlongs (approximately 4800 metres), only the toughest and most dedicated stayers crossed the finish line first.

It began as a Principal race and was elevated to Group 1 status in 1980 when Iko took home the winnings.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Race Name Changes:

Below is a record of the various names the race has been registered as over its history.

1851-1872: Queens Plate.

1873 – 1954: AJC Plate. Note: in 1934 the race was known as the AJC Kings Cup.

1954- Present Date: Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Note: in 1854 both the AJC Plate and Queen Elizabeth Stakes were run.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Race Distance Changes:

Here are all the dates and distances the race has been run over.

1851-1922: 24 furlongs (approx. 4800m).

1923-1941 & 1947-1953: 18 furlongs (approx. 3600m).

1944-1946: 14 furlongs (approx. 2800m).

1954, 1979, 1971: 12 furlongs (approx. 2400m).

1955 – 1969 & 1972: 11 furlongs (approx. 2200m).

1973-1978 & 1984, 1985: 2400m

1979-1983 & 1986-Present Day: 2000m.

At the next Sydney Autumn Carnival make sure you save some of your betting luck for the last race day and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes; it is one of you final chances to win big in the autumn racing season!