Tam Tam Won Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup

The filly secured her second grade 1 victory during the race at Keeneland.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Equestrian

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a racehorse in full gallop on a green track, capturing the motion and energy of a race.
The filly Tam Tam won the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland on Saturday, securing her second grade 1 victory. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Tam Tam claimed victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland. This win marks the second grade 1 title for the horse.

Why it matters

The win highlights the pedigree performance of the 2023 crop sired by Medaglia d Oro. It further establishes the success of the stallion in producing competitive stakes winners.

Tam Tam is a foal from the 2023 crop of Medaglia d Oro, which includes 84 total foals. She is the third winner from three starters produced by her dam, Princess Julia.

The players

Tam Tam

She is a racehorse who has now secured two grade 1 victories in her career.

Medaglia d'Oro

He is a prolific stallion and the sire of Tam Tam.

Princess Julia

She is the dam of Tam Tam and has produced three winners from three total starters.

Keeneland

This is a historic racecourse located in Lexington that hosted the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.

The details

Tam Tam, who previously secured wins in the Tepin Stakes and the Del Mar Oaks, achieved her maiden victory in her fourth career start on the turf. The horse continues to build on a record that includes a dominant 5 3/4 length margin in the Tepin Stakes.

Timeline

  1. Oct. 10: Tam Tam won the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.

Season Trajectory

The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes serves as a major late-season benchmark for elite 3-year-old fillies on the turf. Tam Tam's victory here significantly elevates her status among the division's top contenders heading into the end of the year.

Tam Tam now holds two grade 1 wins, significantly bolstering her profile for end-of-year award considerations. Bettors and industry analysts will likely adjust their rankings for upcoming major turf stakes based on this performance at Keeneland.

The takeaway

Maintaining a consistent performance record is essential for fillies aiming to secure top-tier grade 1 titles. Consistency in breeding and racing success often translates to long-term value for a horse's career.

Further reading

For more on local racing, visit Lexington Equestrian.