The British Horseracing Authority’s Flat Pattern Committee (FPC) has today announced changes to the Windsor Castle Stakes, to be made from 2026.
The Listed two-year-old contest – which currently takes place on the Wednesday of Royal Ascot – has been run over 5 furlongs since being upgraded into the black type programme in 2004.
However, after a period of consideration the FPC has agreed to increase the distance of the race to 6 furlongs from 2026, in tandem with a change to the race conditions such that horses will be qualified by virtue of the distance over which their sire won.
This will operate in a similar way to the criteria for the Chesham Stakes, with eligibility for the Windsor Castle Stakes to be restricted to two-year-olds whose sire won a race over 7 furlongs+ at two-years-old, or 8 furlongs+ at three-years-old and upwards.
For some time now the FPC has been working in conjunction with the European Pattern Committee (EPC) to strengthen the middle-distance and staying horse divisions, and so this change is a small part of that wider focus.
Earlier in 2025 the EPC announced Group 1 upgrades for the British Champions Long Distance Cup (3yo+, Ascot, 2 miles), Vicomtesse Vigier (4yo+, Paris Longchamp, 3100m) and the Golden Fleece (2yo, Leopardstown, from 2026 alongside an increase in distance to 9 furlongs).
Each of these interventions – including this change to the Windsor Castle Stakes – illustrate the sustained commitment to safeguarding the production, retention and racing of quality horses with stamina – an area synonymous with European Flat racing.
Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Development at the BHA, said:
“Whilst a change such as this in isolation will not materially alter the landscape, it is hoped that such a move, in tandem with further tactical adjustments, will continue to focus minds and add greater encouragement for breeders and buyers to look beyond the more obviously precocious type.
“The Windsor Castle is a very popular race for owners seeking to have a runner at the Royal Meeting; changing the requirements for runners in this fashion from 2026 should create further incentive for breeders, buyers and owners to consider investing in middle-distance bloodlines.
“We are grateful for the careful consideration given to this matter by the Flat Pattern Committee, and to the valuable support of Ascot Racecourse.”
Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said:
“We fully support the strategy of the EPC and BHA to future proof our middle distance and staying races. We’re pleased to play our part with this change in race conditions to the Windsor Castle Stakes.”
Notes to editors:
About the Flat Pattern Committee
The BHA’s Flat Pattern Committee advises and makes recommendations to the BHA Board on matters relating to improving the programme of Flat Pattern and Listed races.
Flat Pattern Committee members:
Lydia Hislop (C)
Emma Berry
Gina Bryce
Simon Crisford
William Haggas
Richard Norris
Rishi Persad
Ruth Quinn
Julian Richmond-Watson
Nick Smith
Nicholas Wrigley
For more information, see the Committees page of the BHA website.
