Paul Hanagan.

By Simon Jackson.

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes’ prize money has been boosted by 15 per cent to £1,150,000 for the Group 1 contest at Ascot on July 25.

Entries close next Tuesday (June 9) for the midsummer showpiece that last year was won by Taghrooda who was following up on her win in the Investec Oaks for trainer John Gosden and jockey Paul Hanagan.

“The King George, a QIPCO British Champions Series race, is Britain’s most important all-aged mile-and-a-half contest and it is important to us that it maintains and enhances its status in an increasingly competitive international environment,” Ascot chief executive Guy Henderson said.

Ascot has also announced the implementation of new enclosures for the 2015 King George meeting.

“Our aspiration is to position King George Weekend as a modern, British Classic,” Ascot’s commercial director Juliet Slot said.

“Drawing inspiration from the Royal Meeting and in our efforts to continually refine and improve what we offer our customers, we have introduced two new enclosures,” Slot continued. “We are replacing Premier Admission with the King George VI Enclosure and introducing the Winning Post Enclosure.

“The King George VI Enclosure will occupy Level 4 of the Grandstand with a reduced capacity of 1,700 (from 4,500 in 2014). Our chefs have created a range of special lunches and afternoon tea menus which are exclusive to that area. Guests will also have access to private cocktail and Champagne bars.  Smart dress will be required and ladies are encouraged to wear hats.

“We have also introduced another premium enclosure, The Winning Post Enclosure will occupy the west end of the Grandstand concourse and accompanying lawns adjacent to the winning post.  Guests will enjoy extended opening hours and live entertainment throughout the day.

“The Grandstand Enclosure is also to be improved with additional bars and concessions to deliver an English garden party theme across the site.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.