Andy Newton

History-maker Al Qareem targets quadruple Cumberland Lodge Stakes glory

by
Andy Newton
29 September 2026

Al Qareem stands on the precipice of extending a remarkable record in Saturday’s Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot racecourse.

The Karl Burke-trained 7-year-old gelding, once again set to be partnered by jockey Clifford Lee, established himself as the most successful horse in the history of the race by claiming his third consecutive victory in 2025.

Having already surpassed the previous record-holder-the two-time winner High Accolade (2003 and 2004)-Al Qareem now bids for an unprecedented fourth success in the early October showpiece on Saturday (3rd) at Ascot.

While Al Qareem dominates the recent horse record books for the 1m4f race, trainer Karl Burke’s three victories still leave him chasing the phenomenal mark set by Marcus Tregoning.

Tregoning sits as the race’s leading trainer with an impressive six wins in the big Saturday ITV Racing contest.

Marcus Tregoning’s Cumberland Lodge Stakes Winners

Nayef (2001)
High Accolade (2003)
High Accolade (2004)
Mubtaker (2005)
Mawatheeq (2009)
Hawaafez (2012)

Al Qareem Back For More Aged 7

12 months ago, Al Qareem powered to his third Cumberland Lodge Stakes win – getting the better of Tenability by an impressive 7 lengths (watch below).

Since that success he’s run just four times and – winning a Musselburgh in April – and was last seen running 4th in the Listed Ebor Grand Cup at York in June.

That form has been franked since with the winner Gregory going in again, while Al Qareem’s connections have freshened him up with 112-day off.

Any rain would be a plus, having bolted up on soft ground in this Ascot race last season.

But his backers shouldn’t be too worried if the ‘wet stuff’ doesn’t come – he’s also won on good-to-firm ground in the past.

Last year’s runner-up Tenability could be back too – but can be make up the 7 length this time?

While the horse Al Qareem beat into silver in 2024 – Al Aasy – could also return aged 9. Both these two previous runner-ups are trained by William Haggas, who took this race for the only time in 2022 with Hamish.

Al Qareem is currently the general second favourite in the 2026 Cumberland Lodge Stakes betting market – behind Godolphin’s younger Aegean Prince (4yold), who is expected to be the mount of title chasing jockey Billy Loughnane.

😍 He's a proper warrior!

👊 Another tenacious performance from Al Qareem, who dominates on the front at @Ascot.

That's three victories in successsion in the Cumberland Lodge for @karl_burke's 6-year-old, he just loves this race!pic.twitter.com/auiYSiQTbg

— Sporting Life Racing (@SportingLife) October 4, 2025