Leading the group of 11 entries for Saturday’s 43rd running of the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland on October 10 is Canadian classic winner Luster. Owned by Gainesway Stable and Andrew Rosen and conditioned by trainer Josie Carroll, Luster recently secured a victory against male competitors in the King’s Plate at Woodbine on August 15, marking her third consecutive win.
The 3-year-old daughter of Knicks Go began her impressive streak with a Keeneland turf allowance win on April 9. She also claimed victories in the Selene (G3) on June 27 and the Woodbine Oaks on July 19 before triumphing in the King’s Plate.
Here is the complete field for the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, listed from the inside rail outward, including trainers, jockeys, and assigned weights:
- Haute Diva, trainer Patrick Biancone, jockey Keith Asmussen, 121 lbs
- Luster, trainer Josie Carroll, jockey John Velazquez, 121 lbs
- Tam Tam, trainer Phil Bauer, jockey Junior Alvarado, 121 lbs
- Faithful Departed, trainer Grant Forster, jockey Jose Ortiz, 121 lbs
- Turner’s Charm, trainer Brendan Walsh, jockey Ben Curtis, 121 lbs
- Braida (FR), trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, jockey Mickael Barzalona, 121 lbs
- Storm’s Wake, trainer Brian Lynch, jockey Tyler Gaffalione, 121 lbs
- Lookin At Diamond, trainer Leonard Powell, jockey Julien Leparoux, 121 lbs
- Kensington Lane (IRE), trainer Phil D’Amato, jockey Joel Rosario, 121 lbs
- Deep Learning, trainer Chad Brown, jockey Flavien Prat, 121 lbs
- Soloist, trainer Kenny McPeek, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., 121 lbs
This article was originally published by the Paulick Report on October 3, 2026, in the News section. To add Paulick Report as a preferred source, click here.
Fan Take: This lineup highlights an exciting clash of top 3-year-old fillies, underscoring the growing depth and international appeal of turf racing for younger horses. For fans and the sport alike, Luster’s presence—and her proven ability against males—adds an intriguing storyline that could elevate the profile and prestige of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
