The Qipco British Champions day takes place at Ascot on Saturday 21st October in which many of the top European and overseas horses take the to the turf. It is the richest race day in the racing calendar in the UK so is targeted by connections of the top race horses. This year there is an amazing £4.26 million in prize money on offer and will be the biggest day in British flat racing. This article will look at some of the key horses to watch out on the day and you can also check out the latest horse racing betting for the event as well as other key races in the racing calendar.
Qipco British Champions day is Racing’s big finale of the flat season and is the culmination of the European flat season where champions are crowded over their respective distances. Here we look at the main horses expected to be running in each championship race.
QIPCO LONG DISTANCE CUP
The Long distance cup is a group 2 flat race over 1m 7f 209y. It has prize money of £450,000 for the field to content for. This year’s race looks set to be a clash between Royal Ascot Gold cup 1-2 Order of St George and Big Orange. Order of St George will be the favourite after his fairly luckless run in the Gold cup so will be expected to take revenge on his rival. Paddy Power currently make him 6/4 favourite to do so.
QIPCO CHAMPION SPRINT STAKES
The Champion sprint stakes is the second race set to take place on this star studded card. The race is a group 1 over the speedy 6f Ascot straight. The prize money for the race is £600,000 and was won by The Tin Man last year and he will be back to defend his crown. The three year old July cup winner Harry Angel will be expected to be the favourite on the day in an open race that includes challenges from the likes of Brando, Blue point and last year’s winner The Tin Man. Paddy Power currently make Harry Angel the 5/4 favourite.
QIPCO CHAMPION FILLIES AND MARES STAKES
The next race on the card is the British Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes that is a group 1 over 1m 3f 211y. The prize money for the event is £600,000 as last year’s winner Journey will be returning to defend her crown. Seventh Heaven will be returning for Aiden O’Brien after a short lay off and will most likely start as one of the favourites as contender Enable is highly likely to be heading over to France for the Arc instead. Paddy Power make Journey and the improving Bateel as their joint 5/1 favourites.
QIPCO QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES
The penultimate race on the card is a group 1 over 1m with whopping prize money of £1,100,000. Unfortunately last year’s winner and superstar Minding has been retired due to injury so will not be defending her crown. Minding became the last horse since the legend Frankel to win four QIPCO British Champions series races in one season. This year now has a more open look to it with last year’s runner up Ribchester expected to head the market with continued uncertainty as to which horses are running where. Paddy Power currently make Ribchester there 2/1 favourite.
QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES
The final race on the card is the big one with prize money of £1,300,000. It is a group 1 over 1m 1f 212y in which last year’s champion will again not be there to defend its crown. Champion three year old of last year Almanzor cemented himself as the best in Europe when storming clear to win last year’s race. However this year has a very open look to it with certain horses being aimed at other races. Top improving miler Ulysses is the current market leader with the key challenges expected to come from Barney Roy and Churchill. Paddy Power make Ulysses there 3/1 favourite with Barney Roy at 5/1 and Churchill in at 7/1.