The race was first held at Happy Valley in 1975 to commemorate a visit to Hong Kong by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. In 1995 it was opened to international entries, in 1997 the distance was reduced from 2200m to 2000m and in 2001 it became a Group 1 race.

It is held on the same day as the Group 1 Champions Mile over 1600m and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200m.

Last 3YO to win: no 3YO has won

Multiple winners: Romantic Warrior (2022, 2023 & 2024); Eishin Preston (2002 & 2003).

Fastest time (2000m): Win Bright (2019) 1:58:81

Leading trainer: John Moore with 5 wins

Hong Kong Derby and Queen Elizabeth Cup II double in the same year: Romantic Warrior (2022); Werther (2016); Designs On Rome (2014); Ambitious Dragon (2011); Vengeance Of Rain (2005).

Interesting trivia: In 2020 there were no overseas horses because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Past winners of the Queen Elizabeth ll Cup include Romantic Warrior (2022, 2023 & 2024), Loves Only You (2021), Exultant (2020), Pakistan Star (2018), Neorealism (2017), Werther (2016), Blazing Speed (2015), Designs On Rome (2014), Military Attack (2013), Ambitious Dragon (2011), Viva Pataca (2007 & 2010), Presvis (2009), Vengeance Of Rain (2005), Eishin Preston (2002 & 2003), Jim And Tonic (1999) and River Verdon (1992).