The Queen Mary Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 5 furlongs (1,006 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.
The event is named after Queen Mary, the consort of King George V. It was established in 1921, and the inaugural running was won by Wild Mint.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and for a period the Queen Mary Stakes was classed at Group 3 level. It was promoted to Group 2 status in 2004.
The Queen Mary Stakes is now staged on day two of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting.
Read more about Queen Mary Stakes: Records, Winners Since 1978, Earlier Winners
Famous quotes containing the words queen, mary and/or stakes:
“I have nothing against the Queen of England. Even in my heart I never resented her for not being Jackie Kennedy. She is, to my mind, a very gallant lady, victimized by whoever it is who designs the tops of her uniforms.”
—Leonard Cohen (b. 1934)
“A beautiful woman is born Queen of men and women both, as Mary Stuart was born Queen of Scots, whether men or women.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“Law makes long spokes of the short stakes of men.”
—William Empson (1906–1984)