2026 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup
The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup is one of the signature turf races of the Keeneland Fall Meet. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 10 at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
Keeneland lists the Grade 1 invitational for three year old fillies with a $750,000 purse. The race is contested at one and one eighth miles on turf.
Race facts
- Date: October 10, 2026
- Track: Keeneland
- Grade: Grade 1
- Purse: $750,000
- Distance: One and one eighth miles
- Surface: Turf
- Eligibility: Three year old fillies, by invitation
Why the race matters
The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup brings leading three year old turf fillies together at a point in the season when the division has developed through major spring and summer races. Its invitational format and Grade 1 status make it an important championship level test at Keeneland.
The race also strengthens Keeneland’s broader autumn program. The Fall Meet begins with major races that connect directly to the Breeders’ Cup, including the Coolmore Turf Mile, Breeders’ Futurity and Juddmonte Spinster. The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup follows one week later and gives elite three year old turf fillies their own major target.
Keeneland and the autumn turf season
Keeneland’s October schedule brings together leading dirt and turf runners before the championship portion of the season. The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup occupies a distinct place in that program because it is restricted to three year old fillies and run over a middle distance on turf.
Fans following major international turf racing can also explore OTB Bet guides to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, Breeders’ Cup Turf, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Major Races center.
2026 field and updates
OTB Bet will update this guide when Keeneland confirms the official 2026 invitations and field. Horses discussed as possible candidates before that point will not be presented as confirmed runners.
Featured image credit: Geoff Oliver via Unsplash.