Windsor Castle to be run over six furlongs from next year in attempt to boost middle-distance and staying horses

The Windsor Castle Stakes will be much less of a juvenile speed test from next year after changes were announced to the race on Tuesday.

It is renowned as a 5f dash for quick two-year-olds and was the race in which Strike The Tiger blitzed home to give Wesley Ward his first Royal Ascot victory in 2014, five years before the similarly sharp Hootenanny scored for the same trainer.

However, the distance of the Listed race will be increased to six furlongs from 2026 and it will be restricted to horses whose sire won over at least seven furlongs as a two-year-old or a mile-plus at three and upwards.

The changes have been made by the BHA Flat Pattern Committee, working in conjunction with the European Pattern Committee, as part of an attempt to strengthen the middle-distance and staying divisions.

They follow previously announced upgrades to the British Champions Long Distance Cup, Vicomtesse Vigier and Golden Fleece.

Ruth Quinn, BHA director of international racing and development, said: "While a change such as this in isolation will not materially alter the landscape, it's 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're grateful for the careful consideration given to this matter by the Flat Pattern Committee and to the valuable support of Ascot.”

Nick Smith, Ascot director of racing and public affairs, added: “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."

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