History
The event is named after Queen Alexandra, the consort of King Edward VII. It was established in 1864, and it was originally called the Alexandra Plate. It later became known as the Alexandra Stakes, and it was given its current title in 1931. It was formerly contested over 2 miles, 6 furlongs and 34 yards, but it was shortened as a result of the realignment of Ascot's track in 2005.
The Queen Alexandra Stakes is traditionally the last race on the final day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. It sometimes features horses which ran on the opening day in the Ascot Stakes, and the most recent to win both in the same year was Simenon in 2012.
It is Britain's longest flat race, with a distance 37 yards longer than that of the Marathon Handicap at Pontefract. The extreme length can attract a varied field, and it often includes horses from hurdle racing.
Read more about this topic: Queen Alexandra Stakes
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