King George day at Ascot this year will become the second richest afternoon's racing in Britain, it was announced today.
Prize money for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes has risen to #750,000, which represents a 25 per cent increase.
The transfer of the #150,000 Tote International Handicap from the August meeting means that the programme on July 29th stands second only to Vodafone Derby day in terms of value.
The following afternoon sees Ascot stage its new Hong Kong day, which has been transferred from Sandown, with the highlight being the first running of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes, the richest five-furlong handicap in Europe worth #80,000.
Overall prize money for the nine summer race days following the Royal meeting has increased by over #500,000 and now offers #2,639,000 added.
The summer season ends with the Festival meeting on September 23th and 24th which boasts over #1 million in total prize money.
The Ascot executive has pledged a minimum of #100,000 to go to four charities supporting people with impaired sight and hearing.
Funds will be split equally between Action For Blind People, Fight For Sight, Deafblind UK and Sense, The National Deafblind and Rubella Association.
