Queen Elizabeth II Cup - Race Details and Winning Odds

Date: 2025.04.27

The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is a prestigious horse racing event that has been held annually at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong. It started in 1975 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Hong Kong. Since its inception, the race has grown significantly in prestige and is now one of the top turf races in the world.





The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is one of the most significant horse races in the region and attracts top international horses, jockeys, and trainers.

This is an international Group One Thoroughbred race that is open to horses from all over the world, including Hong Kong, France and other places. It is run over a distance of 2000 meters.


2024 Winner:

Horse: Romantic Warrior
Jockey: James McDonald
Trainer: C S Shum

This is the third win in a row for Romantic Warrior and her trainer C S Shum. This is also the second win in a row for the jockey James McDonald.


Prize Money:

The purse for the race is significant, making it one of the richest turf races globally.

The total purse has been around HKD 25 million in recent years.

-

The race is part of the Hong Kong racing calendar's Triple Crown.' The other two legs of this unofficial triple crown are the Stewards' Cup and the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup.


Atmosphere:

The event usually takes place in April or May, and it is not just about the horse race. It's a significant social event in Hong Kong, drawing celebrities, socialites, and racing enthusiasts.

Horse racing, in general, has a prominent place in Hong Kong's sporting culture, and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup is undoubtedly one of its crown jewels.


Fashion:

One of the standout features is the fashion. Attendees often wear their finest attire, reminiscent of events like the Kentucky Derby or the Royal Ascot. Ladies in elegant dresses and hats, and gentlemen in suits, make for a stylish and sophisticated crowd.

--

A couple of horses have won this race more than once, including Eishin Preston (2002, 2003) and Viva Pataca. More recently, in 2022, 2023 and 2024, the winner was Romantic Warrior.