Ascot Racecard - Saturday 17th October by Weatherbys

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QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY FOREWORD FROM SOPHIE ABLE & NICK SMITH Welcome to Qatar Racing British Champions Day and to Ascot for the culmination of another thrilling Flat racing season in Great Britain. We are delighted to welcome you to a day that celebrates the very pinnacle of our sport. Qatar Racing British Champions Day brings together the champions of the season and provides a fitting finale in which the leading horses, jockeys, trainers and owners compete for some of the most prestigious prizes in racing. Earlier this year, the 2025 Champion Stakes was honoured as the joint-best race in the world in the Longines World’s Best Race rankings. With three other races on today’s card ranked in the Top 100, it underlines the international significance of this event and reinforces Qatar Racing British Champions Day’s status as one of the sport’s premier occasions. While today celebrates the stars of the present, it is also an opportunity to look to the future. We are particularly pleased to open the card with the Qatar Racing Pony Racing Championship (148cm & under), part of the Dragon TV & Film Racecourse Series 2026 delivered by the Pony Racing Authority. Pony racing provides an invaluable introduction to the sport for young riders and has helped nurture many of racing’s current stars. By showcasing these talented young competitors on one of racing’s biggest stages, we can celebrate the next generation while demonstrating the pathways that exist within our sport. There’s no better demonstration of the foundation pony racing provides than Billy Loughnane. Billy won the 2022 All-Weather Pony Racing Series and had his first ride under rules on 24th October 2022. Less than four years later, we will crown him Champion Jockey on Qatar Racing British Champions Day, after an incredible season in which he has ridden over 150 winners, beating incumbent and fellow pony racing graduate, Oisin Murphy. Billy will receive the traditional guard of honour at 12.30pm, as will Jack Callan, Champion Apprentice this year after finishing fourth in that title race in 2025. We also recognise the figures who have cemented their legacy through induction in the British Racing Hall Of Fame. This year we are delighted to add

two new names to that esteemed roll of honour. Shergar’s legendary story still transcends the sport, 45 years on from his remarkable three-yearold season where he won the Derby, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in breathtaking fashion. Meanwhile Ryan Moore continues to set the standard in jockeyship with the legendary rider counting 18 British Classic successes and 99 Royal Ascot victories among his astonishing career achievements. We will commemorate both Shergar and Moore throughout the afternoon. Today is a day for all ages, with the Get Into Racing Hub and Family Zone complete with jockey masterclass, jockey gym and autograph signings aiming to inspire the next generation to get involved in this wonderful sport. And after racing, dance duo SIGMA and saxophonist Ellie Sax continue the party, sending off the Flat season in style. Qatar Racing British Champions Day would not be possible without the commitment and support of so many people. We would like to thank Qatar Racing for their title sponsorship, and we are hugely grateful to HH Sheikh Hamad Al Thani and HH Sheikh Fahad Al Thani for their longstanding support of the day. We’d also like to thank all the officials, stable staff, racecourse teams, owners, trainers and jockeys whose hard work and dedication make days such as this possible. Their collective contribution helps ensure British racing continues to thrive. Most importantly, we thank you for joining us. Whether you are a regular racegoer or visiting Qatar Racing British Champions Day for the ﬁrst time, we hope you enjoy a memorable afternoon and witness performances worthy of a day dedicated to crowning champions. Sophie Able & Nick Smith Co-Chairs, British Champions Series Ltd

My brothers and I are immensely proud to be associated with Qatar Racing British Champions Day. It is, without question, the greatest day of racing in the British Isles and I cannot tell you how proud we are, on the 16th anniversary, to have been involved with the day for even longer; since it was just a seed of an idea, when the Champion Stakes was run at Newmarket and the meeting was built around the foundation stone of the QEII. It was an enormous change in a sport which rarely changes. Their Majesties the King and Queen’s passion for this most wonderful sport is something we greatly value and we are all delighted that Her Majesty The Queen will be attending Ascot again today. The legacy of The Late Queen lives on, their Majesties are building on it wonderfully and we wish them continued success. British Champions Day continues to evolve. Last year the Long Distance Cup was upgraded to Group One status. We also introduced a conditions race for two-year-olds, won by Mission Central who returned to Ascot in June to win the Group One King Charles III Stakes at the Royal Meeting. It is to be hoped

that maybe next year, this race will also receive a deserved upgrade in status. Today we are delighted to launch the inaugural Qatar Racing Pony Racing Championship, giving tomorrow’s champions the chance to compete on the same stage as those jockeys, namely Billy Loughnane and apprentice Jack Callan, who will be crowned champions at Ascot today. This matters enormously to us. Today should not simply celebrate the champions we already have. It should help create the champions and, as importantly, the racing fans of tomorrow. Through our initiative Club 26, young people will make up more than a quarter of today’s crowd. We want you all to experience the excitement and magnificence of this great sport and, above all, to return time and time again. I wish the best of luck to everyone involved in the 16th British Champions Day, the most valuable and prestigious day’s racing of the year, whether that is participating, organising or watching. HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

ITINERARY SATURDAY, 17TH OCTOBER 2026 11.00

12.10

Jockey Gym demonstration with Champion Apprentice, Jack Callan, Queen Anne Lawn

Parade of Champions with Anmaat, Art Power, Kinross and Trawlerman, Parade Ring

11.10

12.30

Jockey Signings with Champion Jockey, Billy Loughnane and Champion Apprentice, Jack Callan, Queen Anne Lawn

Crowning of Champion Apprentice & Champion Jockey, Parade Ring

JOCKEY GYM

JOCKEY SIGNINGS

11.30

JOCKEY GYM Jockey Gym demonstration with David Egan, Queen Anne Lawn

11.30

JOCKEY SIGNINGS

PARADE OF CHAMPIONS

CHAMPION CROWNING

12.55

FIRST RACE THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES

13.10

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

Jockey Signings with Saffie Osborne and Oisin Murphy, Queen Anne Lawn

British Racing Hall of Fame induction moment for Ryan Moore MBE, Parade Ring

11.45

13.30

PONY RACE Qatar Racing Pony Racing Championship

11.50

JOCKEY SIGNINGS

Jockey Signings with Rossa Ryan and David Egan, Jockey Hub, Queen Anne Lawn

11.55

JOCKEY MASTERCLASS

SECOND RACE THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

13.40

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION British Racing Hall of Fame induction moment for Shergar, Parade Ring

14.05

Jockey Masterclass with Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand, Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn

THIRD RACE THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

12.10

14.40

JOCKEY GYM Jockey Gym demonstration with Sean Levey, Queen Anne Lawn

FOURTH RACE THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES

15.20

FIFTH RACE THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

16.00

SIXTH RACE THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES

16.20

CHAMPION OWNER Crowning of Champion Owner, Parade Ring

16.35

SEVENTH RACE THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

16.55

THUNDERDOME After Party starts, featuring Ellie Sax and SIGMA, Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn

FAMILY ZONE & MEET THE GET INTO RACING HUB RACEHORSE GRANDSTAND LAWN

Head to the Get Into Racing Hub in the Thunderdome throughout the day with organisations on hand to chat through the different ways to get into racing, from careers and opportunities to getting involved in the sport. Join our unmissable masterclass with leading jockeys Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand at 11:55am, as they give an insight into life as a jockey. The Family Zone is packed full of free activities for all ages including face painting, balloon modelling, soft play, arts and crafts, a colouring wall and much more. There is also the chance to get up close to the stars of the sport with jockey signings taking place from 11:10am with both Champion Jockey, Billy Loughnane and Champion Apprentice, Jack Callan.

BRITISH RACING HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION

RACECOURSE LAWN

GRANDSTAND CONCOURSE

Meet former racehorse and Ascot’s Equine Ambassador, Side Glance and learn about his career off the track.

Head to our special exhibition to ﬁnd out more about our Hall of Famers, including Ryan Moore MBE and Shergar, who are both inducted today.

AFTER PARTY

THUNDERDOME

The entertainment continues following the conclusion of racing, with the ultimate After Party featuring Ellie Sax (4.55pm) and world-renowned SIGMA (6.00pm).

JOCKEY GYM

Queen Anne Lawn Make your way to the Jockey Gym for a pair of expert jockey demonstrations ahead of racing. Champion Apprentice, Jack Callan shows his strength at 11.00am, before David Egan takes to the gym at 11.30am and Sean Levey at 12.10pm. There will also be plenty of special guest visitors to the gym throughout the day, with the chance to test and compare your skills to some of the best racing has to offer.

SENSORY ROOM

Ascot Racecourse’s permanent Sensory Room is available to those who need to use it throughout the course of the day. Should you wish to speak with one of the sensory room assistants before arrival or to check that the room is attended, simply call 07974 417253.

MAP OF THE RACECOURSE A HELPFUL GUIDE FINISH LINE

ACCESS TO THE WINNING POST ENCLOSURE

TO CAR PARK 1 A B

THE GARDENS

PAR RI

PRE-PARADE RING

CAR PARK 2

KEY TO SYMBOLS

KEY TO NUMBERS 1 Get Into Racing Hub: Free Family Activities and Jockey Masterclass

Cash Machine

Entry Point

Bandstand

First Aid Point

Cloakroom & Left Luggage

Toilets and Baby Changing

Lost Property

Parent & Baby Room

Ascot Shop Sunﬂower Lawn

A B Grandstand Entrances C D

2 Family Zone: Jockey Signings and The Yard 3 After Party 4 Arts and Crafts and Face Painting 5 Soft Play

TRACKSIDE LAWNS

CHAMPIONS LAWN 7

RADE ING

10 9

THE LAWNS 2

HIGH STREET

TO CAR PARK 6

CAR PARK 3

WRIST BANDS 6 British Racing Hall of Fame Exhibition

Lost Child/Person Free wristbands are available from all entrances for children and vulnerable racegoers to aid with a lost child/person. If this situation does arise, racegoers are encouraged to contact the nearest steward who will assist.

7 Champions Lawn: Exclusive Area for Club26 Members and INVADES 8 Crowning of Champion Owner, Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice 9

Ascot Racecourse Supports Sensory Room

10 Meet The Racehorse

Over 18 Wristbands Ascot operates a strict over 18+ policy for the purchase of alcohol or betting. Racegoers over 18 can collect an 18+ wristband from any entrance or the information desk on the Grandstand Concourse with photographic proof of age.

AC F TI RE V E IT IE S TOM MARQUAND AND HOLLIE DOYLE JOCKEY MASTERCLASS Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn 11:55am

JOCKEY SIGNINGS Jockey Hub, Queen Anne Lawn Billy Loughnane and Jack Callan, 11:10am Oisin Murphy and Saﬃe Osborne, 11:30am Rossa Ryan and David Egan, 11:50am

GET INTO RACING HUB Thunderdome

FREE ACTIVITIES Arts & Crafts, Soft Play, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Virtual Reality Experience

VISIT THE

HUB THUNDERDOME

RIDING

RACING

CAREERS

www.greatbritishracing.com/get-into-racing

2026 QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY PARADE OF CHAMPIONS 12.10pm – Parade of Champions in the Parade Ring ANMAAT

Age: 8. Races: 18. Wins: 9. Prize Money: £1,732,886.

It was two years ago that Anmaat played a starring role on Champions Day when producing a dramatic late rally under Jim Crowley to snatch the Champion Stakes from French challenger Calandagan. “I put my binoculars down halfway up the straight because I thought we had no chance,” Owen Burrows, his trainer, said in the aftermath. But he should have known better that the Shadwell Stud stalwart, who finished out of the first two twice and out of the first three once in his 18 races, would never stop trying. His other victories included the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp in 2023, when he again got his head in front in the dying strides. He will spend his retirement with Shadwell.

ART POWER

Age: 9. Races: 46. Wins: 10. Prize Money: £890,444.

Pace ace Art Power knows his way around Ascot better than most, having run at the course ten times during his seven-year career, for trainer Tim Easterby. He ran in the Sprint on Champions Day six successive years from 2020, avenging some narrow reverses when winning the 2023 renewal by a neck from Kinross at 40-1. He had also been an emphatic winner at Royal Ascot in 2020. The grey, almost white by the time he was retired, also enjoyed his away days in Ireland, winning ﬁve of his nine races at The Curragh in the silks of King Power Racing. He has returned to Owenstown Stud in Ireland, where he was born, to enjoy his retirement. 10

KINROSS

Age: 9. Races: 35. Wins: 11. Prize Money: £1,972,389. Kinross was a tremendously tough and consistent performer, with one of his career highlights being his emphatic success in the Champions Sprint under Frankie Dettori on this day four years ago. He looked like retaining his crown 12 months later, too, only for Art Power to catch him in the ﬁnal strides. The pair are reunited today. Marc Chan’s pride and joy also won the Group 1 Prix de la Foret, in 2022, plus seven other pattern races, while his near misses included a close third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in America. He ran his last race in May of last year and Ralph Beckett, his trainer, said: “He was a horse of immense talent, heart, and honesty.” Kinross is now spending his days at The National Stud in Newmarket.

TRAWLERMAN

Age: 8. Races: 25. Wins: 11. Prize Money: £2,158,498. Trawlerman was one of the most popular stayers in training before being retired a couple of months ago, with his career including several wonderful days here at Ascot. He ran in the Long Distance Cup four times on Champions Day, winning on two occasions. The front-runner rallied gamely to master Kyprios in 2023 and galloped the opposition into submission 12 months ago. But his biggest triumph came when making all in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last year, achieved in a record time. He was also runner-up in two other renewals, including this year, when he wore special goggles beforehand due to a sunlight sensitivity condition. He will spend his retirement at Woodditton Stud, just outside Newmarket.

BET SMALL WIN BIG World Pool is back for Qatar Racing British Champions Day – even more chances to win big! Find out more at ascot.com

WHAT IS WORLD POOL? World Pool is a collaboration between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, TDCO Limited and Tpoolco Limited (together trading as “Tote”) and Ascot Racecourse. It enables racegoers to bet into a global pool consisting of over 20 countries, resulting in signiﬁcantly bigger pools and increasing the total amount that can be won. Following its introduction in 2020, World Pool returns for Qatar Racing British Champions Day and is only available at Bet With Ascot. WIN, PLACE, FIRST THREE & TWO FROM THREE will be the available World Pool bets on course with pool sizes of over £1 million expected today. Bet With Ascot screens will indicate pool sizes for each race. First Two and all multiple leg bets (Placepot/Jackpot/Quadpot) will be managed by the Tote as normal. Under World Pool rules, in races with exactly 7 declared runners, the place market will pay three places. The place terms for all races are as follows:

1-3 declared runners 4, 5, 6 declared runners

7-20 declared runners

21 or more declared runners

No place pool 1st or 2nd

(void if less than 4 runners)

1st, 2nd or 3rd

(3 places remain if 5 or 6 runners, void if less than 5 runners)

1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th

(4 places remain for 20 or less runners)

HOW TO READ THE RACING PAGES UNDERSTANDING THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS 1. Owner’s Silks (illustration)

5. Sire (Father)

2. Colour of Horse

6. Horse’s name

13. Trainer and location of training establishment

16. Age of Horse 17. Owner’s Colours (description)

B = Bay

7. Dam (Mother)

14. Breeder

18. Weight Stones/lbs

Br = Brown

8. Birthplace of horse

15. Previous Performances

19. Draw

(if not Great Britain)

Ch = Chestnut Gr = Grey

9. Number of days

Ro = Roan

since last ran

3. Horse’s Number on saddlecloth 4. Sex of Horse

C = Course Winner

20. Jockey’s Name & Photo.

D = Distance Winner

If there is a number next

CD = Course &

to the name, this indicates

10. Damsire (Grandfather)

Distance Winner

that the jockey can claim

11. Form Guide

BF = Beaten Favourite

that amount in weight (lbs)

12. Owner(s)

d = disqualiﬁed

off the stated riding weight.

c = colt h = horse

Bold form ﬁgures

g = gelding

indicate All-Weather form

f = ﬁlly m = mare

3 4 5

6 7

8 9

FRANKEL (89)

B c Galileo (IRE) - Kind (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Owner: Mr K. Abdullah Trainer: Sir Henry Cecil, Newmarket Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd.

Draw

Tom Queally

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, WHITE sleeves. Form: 11-1111 CD

The best horse for many a year and unbeaten in 13 starts, recording his ninth Group 1 success with another wide-margin success upped in trip in the Judmonte International at York last time; beat Nathaniel on his 2yo debut on soft but that just useful form and, raced only on quicker ground since, has to prove he is as good in testing conditions. Official BHA Rating 140

11 12

Official BHA Rating: The BHA Handicappers allot ratings to horses once they have taken part in a sufficient number of races to enable the Handicappers to make a numerical assessment of each horse’s ability. The principal purpose of the ratings is to determine the weight to be carried by each runner in handicap races, with the Handicappers aiming to provide each participant with an equal chance based on its best recent form under its optimum conditions. A horse rated 100, for example, would be set to carry 1lb more than a horse rated 99 (ignoring any penalties or allowances).

ChampionsDay

15 16

17 18

The ratings published in the racecard for handicap races are the ratings that were used to calculate the weight to be carried by each horse, whilst in non-handicap races the rating shown is that of each runner at the time that the entries for the race were confirmed. Any subsequently published change to a rating, either up or down, is shown in brackets following the rating. For Group races, like the majority of our contests today, the field will all carry the same weight. The only exceptions are fillies’ and mares’ and three-year-olds, both of whom receive weight.

% 50 winners

runners

including Royal Velvet, 1st Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes, Gr.3 in 2026

TODAY’S RUNNERS AT A GLANCE Race 1 12.55 6f THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) 1 Adaay of Scarlett (IRE) James Doyle 2 Arapaho Gold (IRE) Connor Beasley 3 Confucius (IRE) Ryan Moore 4 Crusherman (IRE) David Egan 5 Inner City Blues (IRE) William Buick 6 Night In Vegas (IRE) Charles Bishop 7 Oakford (IRE) Lewis Edmunds 8 Satellite of Love (IRE) Rossa Ryan 9 Theheatison (GB) Pat Dobbs 10 Victory Gold (IRE) Oisin Murphy 11 Speed of Sound (IRE) Saffie Osborne Race 2 1.30 1m 7f 209y THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (Group 1) 1 Amiloc (GB) Rossa Ryan 2 Caballo de Mar (IRE) Oisin Murphy 3 Daiquiri Bay (GB) William Buick 4 Gregory (GB) James Doyle 5 Mount Atlas (GB) P. J. McDonald 6 Opportunity (GB) Tom Marquand 7 Queenstown (IRE) Ryan Moore 8 Quickthorn (GB) Kieran Shoemark 9 Highwayman (FR) Dylan Browne McMonagle 10 Amelia Earhart (IRE) Colin Keane Race 3 2.05 6f THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) 1 Almeraq (GB) Tom Marquand 2 Binhareer (IRE) Cieren Fallon 3 Great Wish (IRE) William Buick 4 James’s Delight (IRE) Dylan Browne McMonagle 5 Jasour (GB) Hector Crouch 6 Kind of Blue (GB) Billy Loughnane 7 Marvelman (IRE) Oisin Murphy 8 Mitbaahy (IRE) Saffie Osborne 9 Paborus (GB) Daniel Tudhope 10 Prince of India (IRE) Pat Dobbs 11 Coppull (GB) Rossa Ryan 12 Division (GB) James Doyle 13 Poatan (IRE) Rowan Scott 14 Power Blue (IRE) David Egan 15 Samangan (IRE) C. Soumillon 16 Soul Love (GB) Pierre-Louis Jamin Race 4 2.40 1m 3f 211y THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) 1 Coedana (IRE) Connor Beasley 2 Danielle (GB) James Doyle 3 Kalpana (GB) Colin Keane 4 Minnie Hauk (IRE) Ryan Moore 5 See The Fire (GB) Rob Hornby 6 Tajlina (GB) Pierre-Charles Boudot

7 Believed (IRE) Oisin Murphy 8 Inis Mor (FR) Billy Loughnane 9 Johanna Walsh (IRE) Dylan Browne McMonagle 10 Lilt (GB) Tom Marquand 11 Sparan Nua (IRE) Rossa Ryan 12 Sugar Island (IRE) C. Soumillon 13 Symbol of Majesty (GB) William Buick Race 5 3.20 1m THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (Sponsored by QATAR RACING) (Group 1) 1 Dancing Gemini (IRE)Dylan Browne McMonagle 2 Docklands (GB) Billy Loughnane 3 More Thunder (IRE) Tom Marquand 4 Ten Bob Tony (IRE) Kieran Shoemark 5 Zeus Olympios (GB) Cliﬀord Lee 6 Gstaad (GB) Ryan Moore 7 Hawk Mountain (IRE) Colin Keane 8 Needle Match (GB) Cieren Fallon 9 Rayif (IRE) C. Soumillon 10 Talk of New York (GB) William Buick 11 Zavateri (IRE) Charles Bishop Race 6 4.00 1m 1f 212y THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) 1 Almaqam (GB) Kieran Shoemark 2 Bay City Roller (IRE) Oisin Murphy 3 Calandagan (IRE) C. Soumillon 4 Devil’s Advocate (GB) Robert Havlin 5 Ombudsman (IRE) William Buick 6 Constitution River (FR) Ryan Moore Race 7 4.35 1m THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (Sponsored by QATAR RACING) 1 Persica (IRE) Toby Moore (7) 2 Room Service (IRE) William Carver 3 Jagged Edge (IRE) Jack Kearney (3) 4 Crown of Oaks (GB) Non Runner 5 Indalo (IRE) Jack Mitchell 6 Ebt’s Guard (GB) Lewis Edmunds 7 Torito (GB) James Doyle 8 Orandi (FR) Patrick McGettigan (5) 9 Valvano (IRE) Hector Crouch 10 Bullet Point (GB) Cieren Fallon 11 Colori Forever (GB) Ryan Moore 12 Classic (GB) Pat Dobbs 13 Mister Winston (GB) Oisin Murphy 14 Whip Cracker (IRE) Billy Loughnane 15 Scoville (GB) Tom Marquand 16 Excellent Believe (GB) Colin Keane 17 Fifth Column (IRE) William Buick 18 Hickory (IRE) Saffie Osborne 19 Brian (IRE) David Egan 20 Gavriel (GB) Robert Havlin 21 Tribal Chief (FR) Jack Dace (5)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE PARADE RING

Coat looks sleek and shiny Horse looks relaxed

Muscle deﬁnition on the shoulders and hindquarters

Horses will usually arrive in the Parade Ring around 15 to 20 minutes before the start time of the race. They will parade until roughly ﬁve minutes before the start of the race, at which point the bell will ring and the jockeys will mount. What to look out for There is no exact science but here are some of the things to look out for if you’re trying to select a horse.

What does its coat look like? Look for a sleek, shiny coat which is a sign of good health.

Does your horse look fit? Clear muscle definition on its shoulders and over its hindquarters all suggest a horse that is fit and healthy. It should not carry too much ‘condition’ or extra weight and its walk should be athletic.

Is your horse relaxed? The big occasion can get to some horses. If it is sweating before it has left the Parade Ring or jig-jogging around, it might be expending too much energy before it has even run in the race.

Qatar Racing Ocean Road Winner of the Gamely Stakes, Gr.1

Lightning Spear Winner of the Sussex Stakes, Gr.1

Roaring Lion World Champion and winner of four Gr.1s including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Gr.1 (sponsored by QIPCO)

Kameko Winner of the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, Gr.1 in the fastest time in history

Buckaroo

Caravel Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, Gr.1 and Jaipur Stakes, Gr.1 June 10, 2023

Qatar Racing homebred winner of the Underwood Stakes, Gr.1 September 21, 2024

Just The Judge Winner of the Irish 1000 Guineas, Gr.1

Shisospicy Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, Gr.1 a second win in the race in four years for Qatar Racing

Climbing Star (by Zoustar) wins the Robert Sangster Stakes, Gr.1

Simple Verse Winner of the St Leger Stakes, Gr.1 and QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, Gr.1

New Century Mangoustine Winner of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Gr.1

Oisin Murphy Qatar Racing’s retained rider wins his ﬁfth British Flat Jockeys’ Championship

Qatar Racing homebred (by Kameko) wins the Summer Stakes, Gr.1

FROM PONIES TO THOROUGHBREDS: TRACKING FAMOUS JOCKEYS’ PATHWAYS TO THE TOP

148cm Final 2025 Pony racing has become one of the most important development pathways in British and Irish racing. Long before they were entering the winners’ enclosure at top racecourses across the world, many of today’s leading Flat jockeys were learning their craft on ponies at grassroots level. As Qatar Racing British Champions Day prepares to host the Qatar Racing Pony Racing Championship (148cm & under), part of the Dragon TV & Film Racecourse Series 2026, for the first time, we look back at four success stories from the pony racing ranks. Oisin Murphy Five-time British Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy learned to ride ponies from the age of four while growing up in Killarney, County Kerry. Before his racing career took shape, Murphy competed successfully in show jumping and developed many of the riding skills that would later define his success on the Flat. He decided to move his focus from show jumping to pony racing and rode under the tutelage of his uncle Jim Culloty, a successful Jumps jockey and trainer. Having joined Andrew Balding’s yard at Kingsclere in October 2012, Murphy became Champion Apprentice in 2014 and rapidly progressed through the ranks. His first major breakthrough came with Hot Streak in the Group

2 Temple Stakes, while his first Group 1 victory arrived aboard Aclaim in the Prix de la Forêt in 2017. He won his first Champion Jockey title in 2019, following up in 2020 and 2021, before winning it again in 2024 and 2025. Murphy’s Classic successes include the 2000 Guineas on Kameko and the 1000 Guineas on Mawj. His partnership with Roaring Lion elevated Murphy to international prominence, as he partnered the Qatar Racing colt to four Group 1 victories in 2018. Widely recognised as one of the most talented and natural riders of his generation, Murphy’s talents are in demand the world over, having enjoyed Group 1 success on the likes of Japanese stars Suave Richard and Deirdre as well Australia’s Asfoora with whom he won three top-level contests in Britain and France. Hollie Doyle Born in Herefordshire into a racing family, Hollie Doyle grew up surrounded by horses. Her father, Mark, was a professional jockey and her mother, Caroline, rode in Arab races. Before embarking on a professional career, Doyle was a member of the Radnorshire & West Herefordshire Pony Club and rode in her first pony race at the age of nine. Her professional career has been remarkable. In 2019 20

she set a new bar for winners ridden by a female jockey in a calendar year with 116, a record she would break each of the next two years. She achieved her first Royal Ascot victory aboard Scarlet Dragon in 2020 before becoming the first female jockey to ride a winner on Qatar Racing British Champions Day when partnering Trueshan to victory. 35 minutes later she rode her maiden Group 1 success, Glen Shiel in the Champions Sprint Stakes. In 2023 she made further history by becoming the first woman to ride three winners at a single Royal Ascot, and her success on Bradsell in the King’s Stand Stakes was the first ever Group 1 win for a female rider at the Royal Meeting. By 2025 she had become Britain’s most successful female jockey in terms of winners, cementing her place among the leading riders of her generation. Tom Marquand Unlike many top jockeys, Tom Marquand did not come from a racing family. Raised near Cheltenham, he first rode ponies at his grandparents’ and aunt’s farm before becoming involved in pony racing. Friends later allowed him to compete on racing ponies, an experience that ignited his ambition to become a jockey. After joining Richard Hannon’s yard as an apprentice, Marquand enjoyed an exceptionally rapid rise through the sport. He became Champion Apprentice in 2015 and recorded his first Group race victory aboard Anna Nerium in 2017. Marquand won his first Classic on Galileo Chrome in the St Leger, and doubled his tally in that contest last year aboard the Aidan O’Brien-trained Scandinavia. He’s enjoyed major international success in Australia, where his partnership with Addeybb yielded victories in the Ranvet Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, both Group 1 contests, and led to the nickname “Aussie Tom”!

Billy Loughnane

This year Marquand has struck up a great partnership with Almeraq, guiding the Shadwell star to two Group 1 victories, in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park. Billy Loughnane One of the most exciting young talents to emerge from the pony racing system in recent years is Billy Loughnane. The son of former jump jockey and trainer Mark Loughnane, he grew up immersed in racing and developed his skills through pony racing before joining the professional ranks. Billy won the 2022 All-Weather Pony Racing Series and had his first ride under rules in October 2022, on a horse trained by his father, Starfighter. His first winner followed just a month later, again on a home-trained horse called Swiss Rowe. Since then, his rise to the top has been meteoric. He was crowned Champion All-Weather Apprentice in April 2023, a title he retained the following year, and Champion Apprentice of the British Flat season in October 2023. His first Group race success came in April 2024 in Germany whilst he announced his arrival on the biggest stage of all, Royal Ascot, when winning the Coventry Stakes with outsider Rashabar in June of the same year. 2025 saw no slowdown with him winning British AllWeather Champion Jockey in April then his first Group 1 success in August aboard the Godolphin stalwart Rebel’s Romance. And on the last day of the year, he set a 21st century record of 222 wins in a calendar year. That blend of quality and quantity has continued into this year, his partnership with the unbeaten Bow Echo bringing jubilant celebrations when winning his first British Classic in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before further top level successes at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood. And Loughnane will today be crowned Champion Jockey for the first time, becoming the youngest rider to claim the title for more than a century and capping a remarkable ascent to the summit of British racing. With two high-profile pony racing graduates finishing first and second in this year’s British Flat Jockey Championship title, there’s no better demonstration of the value of pony racing when it comes to top-level race riding. On Qatar Racing British Champions Day, you could be witnessing the sport’s next big star taking their first steps towards greatness.

THE QATAR RACING PONY RACING CHAMPIONSHIP (148cm & Under, as part of the Dragon TV & Film Series 2026, delivered by the Pony Racing Authority) 11.45am 1m (Straight Mile) Pony Name

Sweet Surrender

Dark Dandy

Little Chiefy

Princess Azra

Annie R U Ok

Come Here To Me Now

Grey Crow II

Storm Porter

Notimeforbullies

Rider

Age

Lowan Cruise Mills

Lola Moore

Jack Pipe

Harriet Scriven

Oliver Vigors

Camilla Froggatt

Levi Williams

Tallulah Edmunds

Emilia Dewar

Min Weight: 10st 8lbs gelding Pony Age: 2021 Colour: Bay Height: 147 Form: 1,4,1 Colours: Royal Blue, White Stars, Red Sleeves, White Stars, White Cap, Red Star

Min Weight: 10st 8lbs mare Pony Age: 2022 Colour: Chestnut Height: 148 Form: 1,2,1 Colours: Beige, Purple Hoops, Beige Sleeves, Purple Hooped, White Cap, Purple Hoops

Min Weight: 10st 8lbs gelding Pony Age: 2016 Height: 148 Form: 1,2,1,2 Colours: Red, Royal Blue Sleeves, White Armlets, Red Cap

Colour: Bay

Min Weight: 10st 8lbs mare Pony Age: 2019 Colour: Bay Height: 147 Form: 1,1 Colours: Purple, White Star, White Sleeves, Purple Hoops, Purple Cap, White Hooped

Min Weight: 10st mare Pony Age: 2015 Height: 148 Form: 4,4,5,2 Colours: Light Green, White Sleeves, White Cap

Colour: Bay

Min Weight: 9st 13lbs mare Pony Age: 2022 Colour: Bay Height: 148 Form: 4,3,1,2 Colours: Maroon, Light Blue Cross Belts, Maroon Sleeves, Light Blue Cap

Min Weight: 9st 9lbs gelding Pony Age: 2019 Height: 148 Form: 3,2,5 Colours: Red, Black Star, White Sleeves, White Cap

Colour: Grey

Min Weight: 9st 8lbs gelding Pony Age: 2021 Colour: Bay Height: 147 Form: 5,5,1,3,6 Colours: Gold, Black Star, Black Sleeves, Gold Stars, Black Cap, Gold Stars

Min Weight: 9st 2lbs mare Pony Age: 2019 Colour: Bay Height: 148 Form: 1,1 Colours: Light Blue, Pink Epaulets, Light Blue Sleeves, Light Blue Cap, Light Blue Star

THE QATAR RACING PONY RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

Pony Name

Rider

10 Miss Wexford

Age

Harry Longsdon

Archie Bryce

Min Weight: 8st 13lbs mare Pony Age: 2018 Colour: Bay Height: 147 Form: 3,5,3,3,4 Colours: Emerald Green, White Diabolo, Emerald Green Sleeves, White Diabolo, Emerald Green Cap, White Quartered

11 Saﬁnas Silverpoet

Min Weight: 8st 8lbs mare Pony Age: 2019 Colour: Grey Height: 148 Form: 7,3,8,2 Colours: Emerald Green, White Hoops, Emerald Green Sleeves, White Halves, Emerald Green Cap, White Striped

Champions_Day

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The Qatar Racing British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes is being run for the second time today, worth £250,000, it is run over six furlongs and open to two-year-olds.

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

ARAPAHO GOLD

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 2 Trainer: Michael Dods Owner: Doug Graham and Carole Dods Sire-Dam: Bayside Boy (USA) – Call Of The Jungle (IRE) Breeder: Newlands House Stud Info: Arapaho Gold is a son of Bayside Boy, who signed off his career with a bang by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions

Day at 33/1 in 2015. Unfortunately, Arapaho Gold will not be anything like those odds as he’s established as being among this year’s top twoyear-olds, winning his ﬁrst four races before ﬁnishing a close third to Nabati under a penalty in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury last month. He was conceding weight all round that day, having earlier won the Gimcrack Stakes at York, and did not help himself by racing keenly. He also bumped into Nabati in a Listed race at Newbury in July, when beating him by a neck on level weights.

SATELLITE OF LOVE

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 2 Trainer: Clive Cox Owner: Middleham Park Racing XVII & M Parker Sire-Dam: Minzaal (IRE) – Maybride Breeder: Kildaragh Stud Info: Clive Cox has had many days to celebrate at Ascot but a win on Champions Day has been elusive. Perhaps Satellite Of Love will be the horse to put the record straight for him. The Minzaal colt will certainly not be short of supporters as he is owned by a Middleham Park syndicate, and he has already given them plenty to shout about this season. He won the Two Year Old Trophy with great authority at Redcar on his latest start, having previously run Night In Vegas to half a length in a similarly richly endowed Sales’ race at York. Satellite Of Love meets that proliﬁc rival on 7lb better terms today and is entitled to turn the tables .

Overall: £250,000 1st: £128,850

RACE DISTANCE

PRIZE MONEY

6 Furlongs

2nd: £60,425 3rd: £30,225 4th: £15,100 5th: £7,550

6th: £3,775

FIRST RACE 12.55PM THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) SIX FURLONGS (6F) (1,200 metres) For two year olds. Total prize fund £250000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £101575; Second £50800; Third £25400; Fourth £12700; Fifth £6350; Sixth £3175. (Penalty Value £128850) A SS

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

ARAPAHO GOLD (IRE) (28)

CONFUCIUS (IRE) (21)

CRUSHERMAN (IRE) (13)

INNER CITY BLUES (IRE) (21)

Draw

Jockey

4 James Doyle

Draw

10 Connor Beasley

Draw

ADAAY OF SCARLETT (IRE) (28)

Ryan Moore

Draw

Horse

David Egan

Draw

2 William Buick

B g Mehmas (IRE) - Adaay To Remember (Adaay (IRE)) Owner: SVG, Exact Lifestyle Ltd & Owen Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Malpas Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE star, LIGHT BLUE sleeves, Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud DARK BLUE stars, DARK BLUE cap, LIGHT BLUE stars. Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 222506 C TIMEFORM VIEW Early-season juvenile with wins at Newmarket and this venue in the spring. Runner-up next 4 outings at Listed/ Group 2 level, including Coventry Stakes over C&D. Recent eﬀorts suggest a busy campaign has caught up with him and this is another tough assignment on the back of a gelding operation. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 102

B g Bayside Boy (IRE) - Call of The Jungle (IRE) (Bungle Inthejungle) Owner: Doug Graham and Carole Dods Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Michael Dods, Darlington Colours: YELLOW, BLACK chevrons, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Newlands House Stud BLACK stars, WHITE cap, BLACK stars. Sponsor: Denton Hall Racing Ltd Form: 11113 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Impressive winner on ﬁrst 2 starts at Thirsk before taking step up to Listed level in his stride at Newbury. Displayed a cracking attitude in the Gimcrack at York (6f) in August and did very little wrong when tasting defeat for the ﬁrst time conceding weight in TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 110 Mill Reef Stakes. Sets the standard.

Br c No Nay Never (USA) - Millisle (IRE) (Starspangledbanner (AUS)) Owner: Westerberg/Magnier/Tabor/Smith/Brant Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: MAROON, ROYAL BLUE hoop and sleeves, Breeder: Stonethorn Stud Farms Ltd quartered cap. Form: 216330 D TIMEFORM VIEW Decisive winner of a Naas maiden on second start and he progressed further when sixth in the Coventry at Royal Ascot. However, hasn’t scaled same heights since and no surprise a quick experiment with blinkers is shelved having pulled hard in the Middle Park Stakes 3 weeks ago. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating -

B c Acclamation - Dialina (GER) (Lord of England (GER)) Owner: McGoff, Fowles, Meehan, Herity Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Brian Meehan, Manton Colours: EMERALD GREEN, WHITE cross belts, ORANGE Breeder: Kildaragh Stud sleeves, BLACK stars, EMERALD GREEN cap, BLACK star. Sponsor: Sirecam Europe Form: 510 D TIMEFORM VIEW Left debut form well behind when winning 10-runner maiden at Newbury (6.5f, firm) in August. Too free to see out 7f when last of 10 to Amusingly pitched into the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp and this another stiff task. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 86

B c Blue Point (IRE) - Dancin Inthestreet (Muhaarar) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Attlehill Ltd T/A Ridge Manor Stud Form: 115 D BF Sponsor: Emirates TIMEFORM VIEW €900,000 breeze-up buy who fully conﬁrmed promise of his debut win at York when following up in 3-runner Group 2 on the July Course, readily beating the Coventry runner-up. Failed to meet expectations when favourite for the Middle Park Stakes 3 weeks ago but a bounce back looks on the cards. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 109

SATELLITE OF LOVE (IRE) (14)

THEHEATISON (GB) (8)

Draw

OAKFORD (IRE) (29)

11 Lewis Edmunds

Draw

5 Charles Bishop

Draw

NIGHT IN VEGAS (IRE) (14)

Draw

9 Oisin Murphy

Draw

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES

3 Saffie Osborne

B c Lucky Vega (IRE) - Strait Power (IRE) (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) Owner: Kennet Valley Syndicates VI Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury Colours: NAVY BLUE, RED and LIGHT BLUE Breeder: Mountarmstrong Stud hoop and armlets, WHITE cap. Sponsor: All Angels Form: 153111 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Has already had a superb season, scooping his third valuable sales pot upped to 7f for the ﬁrst time at Newmarket 2 weeks ago. That form isn’t far removed from the best on oﬀer and he’s a tough and likeable sort. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 102

B c Dark Angel (IRE) - Commodus (IRE) (Australia) Owner: Rae and Carol Borras Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Roger Teal, Lambourn Colours: YELLOW, RED star, BLACK and Breeder: Michael & Martin Butler YELLOW halved sleeves, YELLOW cap, RED star. Sponsor: Borras Construction Ltd Form: 521 D TIMEFORM VIEW Continued theme of race-by-race progress when landing 15-runner maiden at Newbury 4 weeks ago. Had plenty in hand on that occasion but another jolt of improvement is required in this company. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 90

B c Minzaal (IRE) - Maybride (Mayson) Owner: Middleham Park Racing XVII & M Parker Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ORANGE epaulets. Breeder: Kildaragh Stud Form: 11521 D Sponsor: Middleham Park Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Looked a good prospect when winning maiden at Windsor on debut and a novice at Newbury. Well below-par under much softer ground conditions at York (6f) after but greatly improved when a clear second of 17 to Night In Vegas and backed that up when going one place better in the Two-Year-Old Trophy. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 105

Br c Too Darn Hot - All Out (Acclamation) Owner: Felstead Partnership Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Nick Scholﬁeld, Lambourn Colours: GREY, BLACK cross belts, BLACK cap. Breeder: W. & R. Barnett Ltd Form: 432523 D Sponsor: Nick Scholﬁeld Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Novice winner at Bath in July but limit fairly established after and it’s a couple of notches below this one. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 80

10 VICTORY GOLD (IRE) (49)

Rossa Ryan

Pat Dobbs

B c Space Blues (IRE) - Jollify (IRE) (Manduro (GER)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE cap. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 240121 Sponsor: Emirates TIMEFORM VIEW Going the right way, again ridden positively when doubling tally in a 7f nursery at Sandown in August. Return to 6f no issue but dominating this bunch is a diﬀerent assignment. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 94

11 SPEED OF SOUND (IRE) (22)

B f Sioux Nation (USA) - All Speed (IRE) (Camacho) Owner: Phil Cunningham Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Richard Spencer, Newmarket Colours: WHITE, GREY sleeves, BLACK stars, Breeder: D. & E. Phelan BLACK cap. Sponsor: Direct Commercial Ltd, Rebel Racing Ltd Form: 321315 D Foaled 10.3.2024. TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped well when placed in a York sales race after shedding her maiden status at Yarmouth and showed her opening mark to be all wrong when a dominant winner at Doncaster (6.5f) last month. Was run out of it late on upped to 7f in the Rockfel Stakes and on that evidence, return to 6f is a good move. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 98

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 11

(EXACTA)

2025: MISSION CENTRAL (IRE) 2 9 7 C Soumillon 5-1 (Aidan O’Brien) 11 ran

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 9-4 Inner City Blues (IRE), 11-4 Arapaho Gold (IRE), 5-1 Satellite of Love (IRE), 11-2 Night In Vegas (IRE), 14-1 Confucius (IRE), Speed of Sound (IRE), 16-1 Victory Gold (IRE), 25-1 Adaay of Scarlett (IRE), 33-1 Oakford (IRE), 66-1 Crusherman (IRE), 125-1 Theheatison (GB)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY Despite meeting with defeat for the ﬁrst time, ARAPAHO GOLD arguably enhanced his reputation trying to concede weight all round in the Mill Reef at Newbury and he looks a very solid proposition in this good-quality opening race. Inner City Blues remains a top prospect despite a slightly underwhelming eﬀort in the Middle Park, while Night In Vegas has already had a lucrative season and can make his presence felt again. 1.ARAPAHO GOLD (IRE)

2.INNER CITY BLUES (IRE)

3.NIGHT IN VEGAS (IRE)

Qatar Racing have generously sponsored the race. A silver salver will be presented to the winning owner, with a replica for the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse.

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup was originally known as the Jockey Club Cup and run at Newmarket. First run 150 years ago, it has been staged over a variety of distances, being run over its present distance of two miles since 1963. Switched to Ascot in 2011, for the first Champions Day, Irish-trained horses found the Berkshire air to their liking and won four successive renewals via Fame And Glory, Rite Of Passage, Royal Diamond and Forgotten Rules. Their stranglehold has since been loosened but Order Of St George (2017) and Kew Gardens (2019) have also proved too strong for the home team. Flying Officer hit back for Britain in 2015, giving Frankie Dettori a belated first Champions Day winner. Sheikhzayedroad (2016) and superstar stayer Stradivarius (2018) followed his example, while 2020 - 2022 were all won by the relentless Trueshan, trained by Alan King. His first win in 2020 was a procession under Hollie Doyle, who in the process became the first female jockey to win a race on Champions Day. Kyprios was superb when winning the race in 2024 but his retirement left the door open for Trawlerman to register his second Long Distance Cup last year. Today the race is run as a Group 1 for just the second time ever.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

About 2 Miles

2025: Trawlerman

Overall: £500,000

2024: Kyprios 2023: Trawlerman

1st: £283,550

2022: Trueshan

2nd: £107,500

2021: Trueshan

3rd: £53,800

2020: Trueshan 2019: Kew Gardens

4th: £26,800

2018: Stradivarius

5th: £13,450

2017: Order of St George

6th: £6,750

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

CABALLO DE MAR

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: George Scott Owner: Victorious Forever Sire-Dam: Phoenix Of Spain (IRE) – Oberyn (IRE) Breeder: Barouche Stud Ireland Ltd Info: Caballo De Mar will always have a special place in the affections of George Scott, having provided his trainer with a ﬁrst European Group 1 triumph when winning the Prix du Cadran at Longchamp last year. His love affair with the Paris course has continued this season. He won the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, another Group 1 race, back there in May, and two weeks ago retained his Prix du Cadran crown with a tenacious defeat of Scandinavia. Caballo De Mar has been beaten in each of his three previous races at Ascot, although he lost out by only a short head in the Sagaro Stakes in May. Scott’s only previous runner on Champions Day has been Another Batt, fourth in the 2018 Balmoral at 66/1.

HIGHWAYMAN

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O'Brien Owner: John Ioannis Neocleous Sire-Dam: Persian King (IRE) – Salyana (USA) Breeder: Thierry De La Heronniere Info: Highwayman’s improvement this year has been astonishing, prompting his connections to supplement him for today’s race at a cost of £37,500 on Monday. Unraced as a two-year-old, he was beaten more than 60 lengths in his ﬁrst four races and had a handicap rating of 76 in mid-July. Fast forward three months and he is now a Classic winner with a rating of 117. His decisive success in the St Leger at Doncaster last month, when he was completing a hat-trick of wins, made national headlines as Saffie Osborne, his jockey that day, was becoming the ﬁrst female to ride a British Classic winner. No threeyear-old has won the Long Distance Cup but none quite like Highwayman has ever lined up in the race.

GREGORY

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 6 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire-Dam: Golden Horn – Gretchen Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd Info: Gregory thrust himself into the picture for the Long Distance Cup with an impressive 11-length victory in the Jockey Club Rose Bowl Stakes at Newmarket last month. He sauntered clear and clocked a fast time in a race previously won by such as Journey and Trawlerman, who used it as a stepping stone to glory in the Long Distance Cup for the same yard. Gregory had previously won at York after 476 days off the track and is belatedly conﬁrming his early promise, which included him winning the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot in 2023. John Gosden and his son, Thady, are seeking to land this race for the third time in four years. Gosden Sr has landed 11 races on Champions Day, more than anyone else. 31

SECOND RACE 1.30PM THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) ABOUT TWO MILES (15F 209YDS) (3,100 metres) For three year olds and upwards. Total prize fund £500000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Inside

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

CABALLO DE MAR (IRE) (14)

DAIQUIRI BAY (GB) (56)

GREGORY (GB) (23)

MOUNT ATLAS (GB) (57)

Draw

Jockey

Draw

6 Oisin Murphy

Draw

AMILOC (GB) (36)

9 William Buick

Draw

Horse

4 James Doyle

Draw

3 P. J. McDonald

B g Postponed (IRE) - Colima (IRE) (Authorized (IRE)) Owner: Mrs David Aykroyd Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Colours: LIGHT BLUE and WHITE (quartered), Breeder: Mr & Mrs David Aykroyd hooped sleeves, LIGHT BLUE cap. Sponsor: R M Beckett Ltd Form: 4-66U01 C TIMEFORM VIEW A 3-time winner in 2025, including in the Group 2 King Edward VII at the Royal Meeting here. Posted a solid sixth in the Hardwicke here in June and back on song with victory in 4-runner conditions event at Salisbury (1 3/4m, soft) last month. Cheekpieces go on now and this demands a personal best. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 114

Rossa Ryan

B g Phoenix of Spain (IRE) - Oberyn (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: Victorious Forever Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: George Scott, Newmarket Colours: RED, WHITE striped sleeves and cap. Breeder: Barouche Stud Ireland Ltd Form: 210411 D Sponsor: JS Bloodstock Consultancy, George Scott Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Game and likeable stayer who has bounced back in ﬁne style with victories in the Doncaster Cup and Prix du Cadran (2 1/2m, good) in the last month, gamely edging out Scandinavia on latter occasion. Set for another big run. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 117

Ch g New Bay - Strawberry Martini (Mount Nelson) Owner: A Stennett & C Hodgson Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: Alan King, Barbury Castle Colours: BEIGE and EMERALD GREEN check, Breeder: The Strawberry Martini Partnership BEIGE sleeves. Sponsor: Goodwin Racing Ltd Form: 353-111 C TIMEFORM VIEW Proving highly progressive and went 3-3 this season with victory in 22-runner Ebor Handicap at York (1 3/4m, good to soft) in August, adding to his earlier win in the Copper Horse at the Royal Meeting here. Tenacious sort and can’t be totally dismissed in this higher grade on his ﬁrst try at 2m. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110

B g Golden Horn - Gretchen (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 335/0-11 C D TIMEFORM VIEW Infrequently raced in recent seasons but back from a 16-month absence (had a breathing operation) better than ever with wins in Listed events at York in June and Newmarket (2m) last month, scoring by 11 lengths on latter occasion. Comes here fresher than most and not out of things. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 115

B g Masar (IRE) - Highland Pass (Passing Glance) Owner: Kingsclere Racing Club Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: BLACK, GOLD Cross and stripe on cap. Breeder: Kingsclere Stud Form: 4-22313 C Sponsor: Kingsclere Stud TIMEFORM VIEW Smart and reliable performer who gained a ﬁrst pattern success in Group 3 Silver Cup at York (1 3/4m) in July. Backed it up with a solid third in Lonsdale Cup there (2m, good to soft) last time. A fair bit more is required here, however. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 112

OPPORTUNITY (GB) (56)

QUEENSTOWN (IRE) (14)

Draw

7 Tom Marquand

Draw

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

B g Frankel - Izzi Top (Pivotal) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves Breeder: Meon Valley Stud and cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 0-31123 C TIMEFORM VIEW Much improved this season having been gelded, following up his ready Carlisle success in the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot. Took his form up another level with a neck third of 22 in the Ebor at York (1 3/4m, good to soft) last time. This demands more but he could be up to it on his ﬁrst go at 2m. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 113

B g Galileo (IRE) - Where (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE)) Owner: Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 Colours: DARK BLUE. Form: 332-123

Ryan Moore

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart stayer. Not seen out until August this season but made a winning return in Group 3 at the Curragh and has backed

HIGHWAYMAN (FR) (35)

Draw

QUICKTHORN (GB) (36)

Kieran Shoemark

Draw

Dylan Browne McMonagle

Draw

it up with good placed eﬀorts in the Irish St Leger and Prix du Cadran (behind Caballo de Mar) since. Possibilities. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 114

10 Colin Keane

B g Nathaniel (IRE) - Daffydowndilly (Oasis Dream) Owner: Lady Blyth Horse Age: 9 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: Hughie Morrison, East Ilsley Colours: PALE BLUE, CAMPBELL TARTAN Breeder: Lemington Grange Stud hooped sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap. Sponsor: Bridgend Hotel Form: 5461/-54 C D TIMEFORM VIEW A very useful stayer at his best. Returned from 2 years off with an encouraging fifth in the Lonsdale Cup at York (2m) in August but trailed in a remote last of 4 behind Amiloc in conditions event at Salisbury since. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 106

B c Persian King (IRE) - Salyana (USA) (Harlan’s Holiday (USA)) Owner: Mr John I Neocleous Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Colours: WHITE and ROYAL BLUE check, Breeder: Mr Thierry De La Heronniere striped sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap. Form: 000111 TIMEFORM VIEW Upwardly-mobile young stayer who enjoyed his ﬁnest hour when completing a hat-trick in 11-runner St Leger at Doncaster last month, staying on strongly. Has more to oﬀer still over this longer trip and could be the way to go. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 117

10 AMELIA EARHART (IRE) (14)

B f Camelot - Venus de Milo (IRE) (Duke of Marmalade (IRE)) Owner: Mrs John Magnier,Mr M.Tabor & Mr D.Smith Horse Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: PINK. Breeder: Coolmore Form: 655233

Weight: 8

TIMEFORM VIEW Made a successful return in the Cheshire Oaks and back in top form this autumn with third in the St Leger at Doncaster and Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp (1 3/4m, good). This is a tough ask, though. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 110

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 10 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 1. Blinkers worn by No. 7. Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn by No. 2. 2025: TRAWLERMAN (IRE) 7 9 9 William Buick 5-6 (John & Thady Gosden) 5 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 10-3 Caballo de Mar (IRE), Highwayman (FR), 7-2 Gregory (GB), 15-2 Queenstown (IRE), 10-1 Daiquiri Bay (GB), 11-1 Opportunity (GB), 12-1 Amiloc (GB), 20-1 Amelia Earhart (IRE), 25-1 Mount Atlas (GB), 80-1 Quickthorn (GB)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY Joseph O’Brien’s upwardly-mobile stayer HIGHWAYMAN can add to his St Leger triumph and extend his winning sequence to 4 with this ﬁrst go over 2m bound to suit. Caballo de Mar is a big threat on the back of his game Prix du Cadran success from the absent Scandinavia, although the rejuvenated Gregory is also well in the mix and Ebor 1-3 Daiquiri Bay and Opportunity rate lively outsiders too in this fascinating clash. 1.HIGHWAYMAN (FR)

2.CABALLO DE MAR (IRE)

3.GREGORY

britishchampionsday

T H E

B R I T I S H

H A L L

O F

R A C I N G F A M E

The British Racing Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of the greats of British racing, whilst simultaneously shining a light on horseracing’s rich and exciting history. Today we welcome two titans of the sport into the Hall of Fame.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

RYAN MOORE MBE Ryan Moore has been at the pinnacle of the sport for more than two decades and today we celebrate his extraordinary achievements by inducting him into the British Racing Hall of Fame. A three-time British Champion Jockey, Moore has ridden more than 3,000 winners, including 18 British Classic winners and more than 200 Group 1s. His 99 winners at Royal Ascot to date, include Estimate’s memorable 2013 Gold Cup triumph for Queen Elizabeth II, while his four Derby victories have come aboard Workforce, Ruler Of The World, Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy. Since 2015, Moore has been the retained rider for Ballydoyle and Aidan O’Brien, a partnership that has produced countless top-level successes and cemented his place among racing’s most accomplished jockeys.

3200+ Career Winners | 230+ Group 1s 99 Royal Ascot Winners | 3 Champion Jockey Titles 4 Longines World’s Best Jockey Medal presentation in the parade ring at 1:10

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

SHERGAR Shergar’s outstanding career is celebrated today as we acknowledge his remarkable brilliance. He is inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame having won six of his eight races. Owned by the late HH The Aga Khan IV and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, three of his victories were at the highest level. The bay colt was a commanding winner of the Derby at Epsom by a record 10-lengths before adding the Irish Derby and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to his extraordinary season. He remains one of the most celebrated racehorses in British racing history.

8 Career Starts | 6 Career Wins 3 Group 1s | 140 Timeform Rating

Medal presentation in the parade ring at 1:40

For more information on our Hall of Famers, visit the special exhibition located in the centre of the Grandstand, or head to

THE RACE TO BE CROWNED

CHAMPION JOCKEY

2 0 2 6

That this moment has arrived today for Billy Loughnane should surprise no one. But the way in which it has come about quite so quickly might have caused an eyebrow or two to rise - unless you listened to agent Tony Hind. Hind has guided four jockeys to nine titles and has for some time believed that Billy Loughnane would become his fifth to claim the Flat Jockeys’ Championship. “A lot of people have asked me ‘Has it surprised you how quick you look like making him champion?’ and I’ve said, ‘No’. He has all the attributes I know to be a champion,” Hind said. “He’s like Ryan Moore. When he sat down in my office and signed up, I said to George Boughey ‘That’s my next Ryan Moore’. That’s how highly I compared him. It’s his dedication and everything Ryan Moore is, Billy is. If Billy has one day off he rings me up because he’s bored. I tell him to relax and he says he can’t, he wants to be racing.” Loughnane, son of trainer Mark, has admitted as much himself and has been heralded as a star of the future since his initial racecourse appearance in 2022. His first ride came in October, his first winner in November, and his first title in April 2023 when crowned Champion All-Weather Apprentice. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is ride in as many races as possible and to ride the winner in every race,” he said earlier this year. “That’s been me since I had my first ride at the age of 16. My life is very simple. It’s all about racing and it always has been. When I wasn’t at school, I was riding out or mucking out. Since I left school I’ve had my blinkers on, focused on racing. On those days when I’m not riding, I’m bored.”

BILLY LOUGHNANE

That single-minded focus has borne fruit remarkably quickly with the British Flat Champion Apprentice title following in 2023 in a campaign which also saw him become the youngest jockey to ride in a British Classic since Lester Piggott in 1951. He made a relatively seamless transition to the professional ranks, increasing his annual tally in 2024 from 130 to 162 and, in 2025, he ended the calendar year with a record 223 successes to his name, overhauling the 2003 total of Kieren Fallon. It was a meteoric rise for Loughnane, who inevitably attracted a not-entirely-undeserved soubriquet ‘Billy The Kid’. He ended last year’s Jockeys’ Championship (which runs from the 2000 Guineas at the start of May and ends today on Qatar Racing British Champions Day) with 109 winners to the ﬁve-time Champion Oisin Murphy’s 143 prompting Murphy to say of his young challenger: “I think the likes of Billy Loughnane will be hard to beat next year - he’s got huge hunger but statistically he’ll have to be stronger but you have to remember his age - he’s only going to get better.” Loughnane’s current season got off to the best possible start in the Betfred 2000 Guineas. Riding Bow Echo for Boughey, Loughnane produced the unbeaten colt with the perfect run to claim the opening Classic of the season - a second for the trainer 40

but a ﬁrst for the young jockey for whom it was also a ﬁrst Group 1 in Britain. Boughey, described by Loughnane as being ‘like an older brother’, has been instrumental in his career and said of his rider: “He is an outstanding jockey and an outstanding human being. I think he is destined to be champion jockey.” The story of Loughnane’s year since has been largely intertwined with that of Bow Echo. The pair went from Newmarket to Royal Ascot and the St James’s Palace Stakes and found plenty of trouble in a tactical race before Bow Echo emerged on top by a short-head from Gstaad and Ryan Moore. “I was up against William Buick, Ryan Moore and Christophe Soumillon, three of the world’s most talented jockeys. I knew they were never going to make life easy for a 20-year-old riding the favourite, and nor should they have done. If I could ride the race again, there is plenty I would change,” he said later. It was a learning curve for both horse and jockey and they proved they had taken the lessons on board in a thrilling Sussex Stakes at the Visit Qatar Goodwood Festival. Again, they found trouble but Loughnane bided his time before making his challenge, quickening past Gstaad to claim a third Group 1 of the season for Bow Echo and a fourth for himself. Titles can’t be won without the support of a strong team and as well as Hind, some of the biggest names in the business have turned to Loughnane. A raft of trainers have employed his services including Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby, John and Thady Gosden,

BOW ECHO

and both Donnacha and Joseph O’Brien have all helped to reap a summer bounty that saw Loughnane harvest 27 winners in June, followed by over 30 winners in each of the next three months that Murphy and the other challengers were unable to match. That third Group 1 success came aboard Comanche Brave for Donnacha in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai July Cup, a partnership that was successfully maintained in Flying Five Stakes in Ireland a couple of months later. Brother Joseph booked Loughnane for his leading St Leger fancy Enceladus but they had to settle for second as another of Hind’s team of jockeys, Saffie Osborne, made history and the headlines in becoming the ﬁrst woman to ride the winner of a British Classic aboard stablemate Highwayman. Osborne is not the only hungry young jockey with Loughnane now in their sights. Murphy may have pushed Loughnane hardest but former Champion Apprentices Cieren Fallon and Marco Ghiani have made rapid strides over the last year or two with 2026 the best season to date for the latter since his titlewinning campaign in 2021. Rob Hornby, Oisin Orr and Jason Hart are others closing in on career-best seasons while Rossa Ryan, David Egan and two-time Champion Jockey William Buick are regulars on the leaderboard. Loughnane says: “My dream was always to be a jockey and then to be champion jockey. I want to make sure I’m a champion and I want my name on that list.” Today that dream has been realised, but you can be sure that this brilliant talent won’t suddenly stop chasing success now.

COMANCHE BRAVE 41

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint was established in 1946 and originally called the Diadem Stakes. It’s always been run at Ascot and was upgraded to a Group 1 in 2015. It invariably attracts a big field – a maximum of 20 can run - and is usually over in 75 seconds. Little wonder then that the start can be as vital as the finish. Nevertheless, the cream has often risen to the top with Deacon Blues (2011), Slade Power (2013), Gordon Lord Byron (joint-top, 2014), Muhaarar (2015) and Kinross (2022) all the highest-rated runners to triumph on Champions Day. Busy campaigns have been no barrier to success in the Sprint. Glen Shiel (2020) was having his eleventh run of the year when successful, while Maarek (2015) was having his tenth and had been a runner-up just six days before. Meanwhile, Gordon Lord Byron was having his ninth race of the year, having started his campaign in Australia. Three of the first four Sprint winners on Champions Day were Irish-trained but the following renewals have been dominated by British contenders. The best of them was the outstanding Muhaarar, who had won the Commonwealth Cup, July Cup and Prix Maurice de Gheest earlier in the summer. Powerful Glory shocked the world with his performance last year, scoring at a massive 200/1.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

6 Furlongs

2025: Powerful Glory

Overall: £500,000

2024: Kind Of Blue 2023: Art Power

1st: £283,550

2022: Kinross

2nd: £107,500

2021: Creative Force

3rd: £53,800

2020: Glen Shiel 2019: Donjuan Triumphant

4th: £26,800

2018: Sands Of Mali

5th: £13,450

2017: Librisa Breeze

6th: £6,750

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

ALMERAQ

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Sire-Dam: Dark Angel (IRE) - Manaajim (IRE) Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited Info: Almeraq has already stated his claim to being this season’s champion sprinter, having won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June plus the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month. Those Group 1 victories were gained in contrasting fashion. At Ascot, on fast ground, he got up on the line to deny challengers from Japan and Australia in a pulsating ﬁnish. It was a different story on soft ground at Haydock where he relished conditions and won easily by more than four lengths. In between, he ran below par in the July Cup at Newmarket, with his connections attributing that dull effort to running downhill on quick terrain. His grandad, on his dam’s side, is Muhaarar, brilliant winner of this race in 2015.

GREAT WISH

Sex: Horse Colour: Chestnut Age: 5 Trainer: Bent Olsen Owner: The Foundation Of Lone & Kaj Nielsen Sire-Dam: Night Of Thunder (IRE) - Anthem Alexander (IRE) Breeder: Mountarmstrong Stud Info: Great Wish (left of photo) will attempt to break new ground this afternoon by becoming the ﬁrst horse trained in Denmark to win on Champions Day. Scandinavian-trained runners are a rarity in Britain, but Great Wish has already proven his prowess on these shores by ﬁnishing sixth to Almeraq in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. He was only beaten a couple of lengths and, but for a slowish start, would have been even closer. Great Wish has not stood still in the interim. He won his next start, back on home soil, and then travelled to France for a Group Three contest at Deauville, which he won by a wide margin. His dam, Anthem Alexander, won the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot in 2014.

KIND OF BLUE

Sex: Horse Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: James Fanshawe Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire-Dam: Blue Point (IRE) – Blues Sister Breeder: Mr & Mrs M Morris, Mr & Mrs P Hopper Info: James Fanshawe has saddled four winners on Champions Day, with three of them being achieved in this race via Deacon Blues (2011), The Tin Man (2016) and Kind Of Blue (2024). The trainer is enjoying his best season in terms of winners trained, having ﬁrst taken out a licence in 1990, and Kind Of Blue regaining his crown would be the cherry on the cake for everyone at Pegasus Stables, which was built in 1884 by legendary champion jockey Fred Archer. Kind Of Blue disappointed when trying to retain his title last year, although he was keen and lost a shoe. He has twice ﬁnished well adrift of Almeraq this campaign but was back in the groove when beating some smart rivals at Kempton last time. 43

THIRD RACE 2.05PM THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) SIX FURLONGS (6F) (1,200 metres) For three year olds and upwards. Total prize fund £500000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

Horse

ALMERAQ (GB) (42)

Draw Draw

B c Dark Angel (IRE) - Manaajim (IRE) (Muhaarar) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited

Jockey

8 Tom Marquand

GREAT WISH (IRE) (48)

JAMES’S DELIGHT (IRE) (42)

JASOUR (GB) (14)

Draw

14 Cieren Fallon

Draw

BINHAREER (IRE) (7)

9 William Buick

Draw

Dylan Browne

Draw

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, striped cap. Form: 1F-1101 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Won 4 of first 6 completed starts, notably Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) in June. Landed a second top-level success in fine style in the 8-runner Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, soft) by 4 1/4 lengths from Paborus and that form sets the standard, with any rain a plus. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 123

11 Hector Crouch

Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Silk Bow (Elusive City (USA)) Owner: Salhia Stud Limited Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: TURQUOISE and SILVER diamonds. Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud Form: 1-26404 D Sponsor: Icad Holding Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Heritage handicap winner at York last October and got back on track when fourth of 21 in the latest renewal of that race last week. Remains some lingering awkwardness about him, though, and he’ll need more to bridge the gap to this level. Cheekpieces on TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 102 ﬁrst time.

Ch h Night of Thunder (IRE) - Anthem Alexander (IRE) (Starspangledbanner (AUS)) Owner: The Foundation of Lone & Kaj Nielsen Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Bent Olsen, Denmark Colours: MAROON and YELLOW diabolo, Breeder: Mountarmstrong Stud MAROON sleeves, quartered cap. Form: 140611 D TIMEFORM VIEW Good sixth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over C&D at Royal meeting and has since scored in a Klampenborg Listed race and a Deauville Group 3, doing so with plenty in hand in the latter. Place claims. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 112

16 McMonagle

B g Invincible Army (IRE) - Heavens Peak (Pivotal) Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford Colours: DARK BLUE and YELLOW (quartered), Breeder: Newtown Stud striped sleeves. Sponsor: Clive Cox Racing Limited Form: 00-6334 D TIMEFORM VIEW Won the Group 2 Greenlands at the Curragh last year and creditable third in that race and a Group 3 there this summer. Underperformed in the Sprint Cup at Haydock latest and might be up against it again at the top level. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 106

Gr h Havana Grey - Twilight Thyme (Bahamian Bounty) Owner: AlMohamediya Racing Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford Breeder: Wardley Bloodstock

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: RED, GOLD braid, WHITE sleeves and cap with GOLD tassel. Form: 660506 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in a Doncaster Listed race on reappearance in March. Solid eﬀorts back at minor pattern level next 2 outings but more miss than hit since, only 5 1/4 lengths sixth of 11 to Hidden Force in Bengough Stakes over C&D (good to ﬁrm) 14 days ago. Hood back on. Difficult ask. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 99

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

PABORUS (GB) (42)

Draw

MITBAAHY (IRE) (17)

Draw

13 Oisin Murphy

2 Saffie Osborne

Draw

MARVELMAN (IRE) (13)

Daniel Tudhope

Draw

Billy

10 Loughnane

Pat Dobbs

Draw

KIND OF BLUE (GB) (17)

Rossa Ryan

Draw

12 James Doyle

B h Blue Point (IRE) - Blues Sister (Compton Place) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: James Fanshawe, Newmarket Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves Breeder: Mr & Mrs M Morris, Mr & Mrs P Hopper and cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 20-2051 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Smart sort who landed this race in 2024. Showed he’s still really smart on his day when second in York Group 2 on reappearance in May and didn’t need to be at best when winning 6-runner conditions stakes at Kempton (6f) 17 days ago by 3/4 length from Mitbaahy. Can be involved. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 111

B c Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Varamini (FR) (Siyouni (FR)) Owner: Bond Thoroughbred Limited Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: BLACK, large YELLOW spots, armlets Breeder: Gigginstown House Stud and cap. Sponsor: Churchill Tyres Form: 026304 TIMEFORM VIEW Winless so far in 2026 but looked as good as ever when placed in Chipchase and City of York Stakes in summer. Modest in the Sprint Cup and ran just respectably when fourth of 8 in Prix de la Foret at Longchamp (7f) 2 weeks ago, but now has Murphy back in the saddle. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 116

B g Profitable (IRE) - Wrood (USA) (Invasor (ARG)) Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Charles Hills, Lambourn Colours: PINK, EMERALD GREEN chevron, halved Breeder: N. Hartery sleeves, EMERALD GREEN and PINK quartered cap. Sponsor: JMH Group Form: 052302 D TIMEFORM VIEW Group 2 winner in his prime and placed efforts in a Newbury Group 3 and the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood this summer show he’s still smart on his day. Nearest at the finish when a respectable 3/4-length second of 6 to Kind of Blue in conditions stakes at Kempton (6f, 9/1) 17 days ago. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 106

B g Recoletos (FR) - Patuano (IRE) (Choisir (AUS)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Edward Bethell, Middleham Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Culworth Grounds Farm BLACK cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 1/13-102 D TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage 5-y-o who defeated Marvelman to win 6f Newcastle Group 3 on return in June and looked very well suited by the return to sprinting on testing ground when 4 1/4 lengths second of 8 to Almeraq in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, soft) 42 days ago, further clear of the rest. One to take seriously. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 113

10 PRINCE OF INDIA (IRE) (14)

B c Wootton Bassett - Bright Eyed (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Walter Moraes & Renato Bruni Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Marco Botti, Newmarket Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE stripe and sleeves, Breeder: Westerberg LIGHT BLUE cap, RED star. Sponsor: Marco Botti Ltd Form: 246212 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Won 4 times over 6f/7f last year and back on the scoreboard down in grade with a dominant performance in 7-runner Listed event at Newmarket (6f) in August. Another solid eﬀort in cheekpieces when 3/4-length second of 11 to Hidden Force in Bengough Stakes over C&D (good to ﬁrm) 2 weeks ago. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 111

11 COPPULL (GB) (42)

B c Bated Breath - Springwood Drive (Mayson) Owner: Mr David W. Armstrong Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford Colours: RED, RED cap, WHITE spots. Breeder: Highfield Farm LLP Form: 3-10410 CD Sponsor: Highfield Farm LLP TIMEFORM VIEW Fourth in the July Cup at Newmarket before landing the third pattern success of his career in the Group 3 Hungerford at Newbury, his first attempt at 7f. Looked unsuited by softer ground when 13 3/4 lengths seventh of 8 to Almeraq in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f) 42 days ago, so better expected. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 115

12 DIVISION (GB) (14)

B c Kingman - Pepita (IRE) (Sir Prancealot (IRE)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Rockcliffe Stud RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 323524 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Career best when going down only narrowly in Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville (6.5f, good to firm) in August. Probably asked to come from too far back when fourth in the Bengough Stakes over C&D (good to firm) 14 days ago and this set-up should still play to his strengths. Choice of James Doyle. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 117

Draw

13 POATAN (IRE) (42)

3 Rowan Scott

Draw

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

B g Lucky Vega (IRE) - Alkhawarah (USA) (Intidab (USA)) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: George Scott, Newmarket Colours: VIOLET, WHITE quartered cap. Breeder: Castlefarm Stud Form: 513-301 D Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Good third in Listed race at Sandown (5f) in June and produced a much improved eﬀort on just his second handicap outing when winning 9-runner handicap at Haydock (5f, soft) 42 days ago. This requires much more, though. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 104

14 POWER BLUE (IRE) (20)

David Egan

B c Space Blues (IRE) - Visions (IRE) (Worthadd (IRE)) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Robson De Aguiar, Ireland Colours: PURPLE, WHITE cap, PURPLE stars. Breeder: Finanza Locale Consulting Form: 044103 D BF Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Phoenix Stakes winner at 2 who bounced back to win a Group 2 at the Curragh over 7f in July. Has struggled at the very top level this year, though, and was below form when only 4 3/4 lengths third of 7 to Soul Love in Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh (6f, heavy) 20 days ago. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 110 Draw

15 SAMANGAN (IRE) (13)

15 C. Soumillon

B c Blue Point (IRE) - Samadrisa (IRE) (Oasis Dream) Owner: His Highness The Aga Khans Studs S.C. Trainer: Francis-Henri Graﬀard, France Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan’s Studs S.C.

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: DARK GREEN, RED epaulets. Form: 246415 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Seemed to find 6f in Commonwealth Cup on sharp side, but better form since when close fourth in Jean Prat and improved further when off mark for year when winning Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville in August. Not ideally placed when only fifth in the Prix de la Foret (7f) 2 weeks ago. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 118 Draw

16 SOUL LOVE (GB) (20)

Ch f Starman - Lambeth Walk (Charm Spirit (IRE)) Owner: David Ward Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: Northern Star Bloodstock Ltd

Pierre-Louis Jamin

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE triple diamond. Form: 013121 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Ground-versatile sort who enhanced her outstanding strike rate (5 wins from 8 starts) when making all in the 7-runner Renaissance Stakes (5/2) at the Curragh (6f, heavy) 20 days ago. More needed again here but she’s clearly going the right way. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 104

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 16 Tongue Strap worn ﬁrst time by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 2, 15. Tongue Strap worn by No. 8, 10. Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No. 5. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 10.

(EXACTA)

Stewards Note: JASOUR: Following its run on 3/10/2026 it was reported that the horse ran too free. COPPULL: Following its run on 5/9/2026 it was reported that the horse would prefer a quicker surface. 2025: POWERFUL GLORY (IRE) 3 9 3 Jamie Spencer 200-1 (Richard Fahey) 19 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 6-5 Almeraq (GB), 9-1 Coppull (GB), 10-1 Kind of Blue (GB), Division (GB), Samangan (IRE), 11-1 Paborus (GB), 14-1 Great Wish (IRE), 16-1 Prince of India (IRE), 22-1 Soul Love (GB), 25-1 Poatan (IRE), 28-1 Binhareer (IRE), Marvelman (IRE), Mitbaahy (IRE), 50-1 Power Blue (IRE), 66-1 James’s Delight (IRE), Jasour (GB)

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES TIMEFORM SUMMARY ALMERAQ is perhaps at his best on a softer surface but his win in the Jubilee at the Royal Meeting here proved he’s still a top-class sprinter under quicker conditions and he’ll be the one to beat again as he bids for a third top-level success of the campaign. Division wasn’t seen to maximum eﬀect in the Bengough but still appeals as one who should prove well suited by this stiﬀ 6f and he can get back on track, with Paborus also likely to make the podium behind Almeraq again. 1.ALMERAQ

2.DIVISION

3.PABORUS

#ChampionsDay

THE RACE TO BE CROWNED

CHAMPION APPRENTICE

2 0 2 6

The 2026 Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship has provided an enthralling battle lasting for months, for although Jack Callan has just about led the way for much of the campaign, his advantage has never been wide enough to rule out a late change of destination for the title. And with the likes of the hugely-talented Ashley Lewis and Jack Nicholls doing their best to close him down, Callan has had to maintain his high standards all the way to today’s end of the title race, that began back on May 2nd. Callan is the inaugural winner of the Tommie Jakes Memorial Trophy, presented to the Champion Apprentice in memory of the 19-year-old who died in October 2025. Jakes was based with trainer George Boughey and Callan a most ﬁtting winner given he, too, is apprenticed to the Newmarket handler. Pre-existing family ties to the sport are a common theme in all three cases. Both Callan and Nicholls have followed the careers of their fathers, while Lewis was inspired to pursue a career in the saddle after his brother, Owen, became an apprentice jockey. Nicholls, the son and grandson of jockeys-turnedtrainers Adrian and Dandy, may have missed out on the title but it was still a season to remember for the 20-year-old with a ﬁrst pattern race success aboard Miss Yechance in a Group 3 at Newbury with the relatively unheralded pair going on to claim Group 1 glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp. Nicholls’ seasonal tally more than doubled the

Jack Callan winners he rode in 2025, prompting him to say: “It’s been the season of dreams really and I’ve ticked off everything I’ve wanted. “Last year I thought I had a great year, but at the start of this year I hit the ground running. I’ve had a lot of support.” Lewis enjoyed a ﬂying start to his career last year, notably winning aboard Small Fry for Gary and Josh Moore at Epsom on Derby Day. Lewis was able to call on the experience of Ryan Moore - son of Gary and brother of Josh – while based in Sussex and described the leading jockey as ‘the best’ possible teacher. “With Ryan I would ask as much as I could without annoying him,” said Lewis. “He helped me the day I won on Small Fry at Epsom and he helped me previously at smaller tracks.” Following a path previously taken by that same mentor, Lewis spent the winter in America to develop his skills and felt it to have been an invaluable experience, especially with regard to honing his judgement of pace. This year he has been based at the Lambourn yard of Ed Walker and has continued his ascent, like Nicholls, 50

riding twice as many winners as in the previous campaign. Walker may have provided the lion’s share but the upwardly mobile Newmarket stable of James Owen has made good use of Lewis’s allowance while Grace Harris has also employed him to notably good effect. Lewis may not yet have ticked off winning a Group race but he did land a Listed contest at Chester aboard Northern Champion, a day he remembers fondly. “That was a very good day to get my first stakes winner,” he recalled. “I had ridden for my boss on Ten Bob Tony in a Listed race at Haydock but to get it done as a 5lb claimer but in a race in which I was unable to draw my claim was good.” Another to have made the most of every chance handed to him, Callan was “always very natural on a pony” according to his father Neil, himself Champion Apprentice in 1999 and the winner of numerous big races around the world. Neil Callan made Hong Kong the family’s home in 2014 when Jack was five and it was there that Jack, along with brothers Henry, Ted and Will, gained a formative education into the life of a jockey, often being seen at barrier trials and trackwork mornings. It is not surprising, then, that Jack Callan always had his sights set on being a jockey - “I didn’t really have a Plan B” - and he made a good start to his chosen career in 2025, finishing fourth in the Apprentice’ Jockeys Championship and having a first ride at Royal Ascot just hours after sitting an A-Level. “My parents and George [Boughey] encouraged me to do my A-Levels, just to have that as a back-up, but I never really thought about anything else,” he continued. “In the end, I wasn’t really doing that much schoolwork because I was riding at the same time. I was able to pass and I was doing some pretty tough subjects, so it was good.” Callan spent that winter furthering his education – of the equine kind – in Australia and Hong Kong and returned to Boughey’s Craven House Stables ready for the new season. Coincidentally, Boughey was previously based at Saffron House Stables where the young jockey’s great-grandfather David Ringer trained from until the 1980s and the trainer has provided another guiding hand for Callan - as he has done for Champion Jockey Billy Loughnane, only a year older but vastly more experienced. “I’m surrounded by some very incredible people,” 51

Empirestateofmind (Jack Callan) Callan said. “George is a master of his art. It’s a great environment because everyone’s so young as well. Billy went through what I’m going through not so long ago and he’s gone from strength to strength so quickly, so to be able to learn from him is great.” Callan’s father, though, is still the ﬁrst person he turns to for counsel and with Neil still riding, the pair have competed on the track on several occasions, particularly memorably on a day at Windsor this season. “He beat me on one and I beat him on three,” Jack recalled. “That was a good bit of fun. He gets a buzz out of beating me but he wants to see me do well. “He’s the ﬁrst person I ring after every ride, no matter what happens. He always gives me a nice, honest answer.” It is clear that Callan has a formidable team in his corner but Boughey is not the only person who can lay claim to being responsible for two champions as Callan is also on the books of Loughnane’s agent, Tony Hind. There was extra incentive for Hind to see both jockeys claim their titles as no agent had provided both champions in the same season before so he could lay claim to his own slice of history. “Jack’s riding has improved so much in the last three months, it’s unbelievable. He’s a top-class kid,” Hind rightly says of a jockey who, like his father, is surely destined for a long and successful career.

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THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Like the Sprint, the Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes was established in 1946. It’s been formerly known as the Princess Royal Stakes, then Pride Stakes, and has alternated between Ascot and Newmarket. The mile-and-a-half contest, which carries prize-money of £500,000, was a Group 2 race when forming part of the ﬁrst Champions Day before being upgraded to a Group 1 in 2015. It has not paid to look too far beyond the obvious, with all bar one of the dozen winners being among the four highest-rated runners. The odd one out was Seal Of Approval (2013), who had suffered a fall on her previous start after three successive wins. Her edition was an international affair, featuring runners from England, Ireland, France, Germany and South Africa. Dancing Rain (2011), Simple Verse (2015) and Star Catcher (2019) had all won a Classic earlier in the season, while Emily Upjohn (2022) looked unlucky not to win the Oaks before coming here to win on Champions Day three years ago. Seven of the past eight winners have all been three-year-olds, including a trio – Hydrangea (2017), Magical (2018) and Wonderful Tonight (2020) - who had run at the Arc meeting in France a few weeks earlier.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile about 4 Furlongs

2025: Kalpana

Overall: £500,000

2024: Kalpana 2023: Poptronic

1st: £283,550

2022: Emily Upjohn

2nd: £107,500

2021: Eshaada

3rd: £53,800

2020: Wonderful Tonight 2019: Star Catcher

4th: £26,800

2018: Magical

5th: £13,450

2017: Hydrangea

6th: £6,750

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

KALPANA

Sex: Mare Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Juddmonte Sire-Dam: Study Of Man (IRE) – Zero Gravity Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd Info: Kalpana seeks to complete a famous hat-trick of triumphs in the Fillies & Mares Stakes today. Her 2024 victory was gained in decisive fashion, and she won with similar authority 12 months ago. Having started favourite each time, she put plenty of smiles on faces. The bad news for Kalpana’s rivals is that she has been better than ever this term, winning a deep edition of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes back at Ascot in July before following up in the Yorkshire Oaks. And on her latest start she was a creditable ﬁfth to Daryz in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. The only previous horse to have won three times on Champions Day is Trueshan.

JOHANNA WALSH

Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Owner: Wells Watson Sire-Dam: Sea The Stars (IRE) – Miss Aiglonne Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc Info: Johanna Walsh must be a leading contender for today’s Fillies & Mares Stakes after her exhilarating win in the Irish Oaks at The Curragh in July. In the words of her jockey, she was “push button” that day as she cruised into contention and then surged four lengths clear without apparently coming out of second gear. The daughter of Sea The Stars did not replicate that form behind Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks last time, but she was a bit too exuberant on the rain-softened ground. Her exploits in the ﬁrst half of the season included a narrow defeat at the hands of Earth Shot in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

MINNIE HAUK

Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Owner: Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Sire-Dam: Frankel – Multilingual Breeder: B V Sangster Info: Minnie Hauk has been below her imperious best this season, but it would be folly to underestimate her. The Frankel filly’s exploits last year included winning the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks, and it looked like she had Prix de l’ Arc de Triomphe in her grasp before Daryz collared her in the closing stages. This term began well enough, with a comeback success in the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes at The Curragh, but she’s been unable to add to her tally. Nevertheless, Minnie Hauk has still run some fine races, chasing home Ombudsman in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and finishing third to Kalpana when defending her Yorkshire Oaks crown. She was tenth in the Arc last time out, but was beaten only 4½ lengths. 55

FOURTH RACE 2.40PM THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) ONE MILE ABOUT FOUR FURLONGS (Approx. 2,400 metres) For three year olds and upwards ﬁllies and mares. Total prize fund £500000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Inside

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

DANIELLE (GB) (37)

KALPANA (GB) (13)

MINNIE HAUK (IRE) (13)

Jockey Connor Beasley

Draw

COEDANA (IRE) (22)

8 James Doyle

Draw

Horse

Draw

12 Ryan Moore

B f King of Change - Acts Out Loud (USA) (Mr Greeley (USA)) Owner: Julie and David R Martin and Dan Hall Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Edward Bethell, Middleham Colours: DARK BLUE and YELLOW (halved), Breeder: Highpark Bloodstock Ltd DARK BLUE sleeves, YELLOW cap. Sponsor: Tote Form: 3-23161 D TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive ﬁlly who deservedly landed a breakthrough pattern success in the Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes at Newmarket (1 1/2m) last month. Doesn’t know how to run a bad race, though may simply be outclassed in presence of bona ﬁde Group 1 performers here. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 105

Ch m Cracksman - Crimson Ribbon (USA) (Lemon Drop Kid (USA)) Owner: Mr A. E. Oppenheimer Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: BLACK and WHITE (halved), Breeder: Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd sleeves reversed, RED cap. Sponsor: Tote Form: 451-162 TIMEFORM VIEW Smart Group 3 winner. Finished 5 lengths fifth on firmer-than-ideal ground in this corresponding event 12 months ago. Underlined that she’s now a better filly when runner-up in Park Hill at Doncaster (14.5f) last time, typically finding plenty for pressure. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 111 Ideally needed more rain, though.

B m Study of Man (IRE) - Zero Gravity (Dansili) Owner: Juddmonte Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd WHITE sleeves. Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc Form: 1-12115 CD TIMEFORM VIEW High-class mare. Successful in previous 2 renewals of this race. Better than ever when landing the King George in July. Followed up with a gusty win in the Yorkshire Oaks and perhaps wasn’t over that when 3 1/2-length ﬁfth in the Arc last time. The form pick but her busy season does give some pause. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 124

B f Frankel - Multilingual (Dansili) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: B. V. Sangster

Colin Keane

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 152030 D TIMEFORM VIEW Narrowly denied a remarkable 6-timer in last year’s Arc. Best eﬀort since when splitting Ombudsman and a below-par Daryz over a trip short of her best here (1 1/4m) in June. No excuses behind Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks/Arc since, however, she’d be interesting if back to her Prince of Wales’s form. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 119

SEE THE FIRE (GB) (35)

Draw

Ch m Sea The Stars (IRE) - Arabian Queen (IRE) (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Mr J. C. Smith Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: PURPLE, LIGHT BLUE chevron, Breeder: Littleton Stud LIGHT BLUE cap. Form: 0-11632 TIMEFORM VIEW Smart mare who was beaten 3 lengths in the Champion Stakes (soft) at this ﬁxture 2 years ago. Every bit as good when winning Group 2 Middleton at York this May and nearly added a ﬁrst top-level success in Group 1 (1 1/4m) at Woodbine latest. Still looks the clear stable second string on form. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 113

Rob Hornby

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES TAJLINA (GB) (132)

Draw

B f Kingman - Bateel (IRE) (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Miss M. P. Goodbody Trainer: Francis-Henri Graﬀard, France Breeder: Al Asayl France

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 Colours: GREY, PURPLE cap. Form: 4/12-325

Pierre-Charles Boudot

TIMEFORM VIEW Lightly-raced 4-y-o whose dam ﬁnished runner-up in the 2017 renewal of this race. Won a ﬁllies Group 3 in France

INIS MOR (FR) (22)

JOHANNA WALSH (IRE) (58)

Draw

3 Oisin Murphy

Draw

BELIEVED (IRE) (64)

Billy Loughnane

Draw

Dylan Browne McMonagle

Draw

last spring. Looked unlucky not to make the places when taking on the boys in a Longchamp Group 3 (1 1/4m) on latest start in June. Will need to improve signiﬁcantly for the longer trip. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 107

10 Tom Marquand

B f Frankel - Sarvana (FR) (Dubai Destination (USA)) Owner: Qatar Racing Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: J. P. Murtagh, Ireland Colours: CLARET, GOLD braid, CLARET sleeves, Breeder: The Sarvana Partnership CLARET cap, GOLD tassel. Sponsor: Tweenhills Farm & Stud Ltd Form: 421331 D TIMEFORM VIEW Improving Frankel filly who finished a close third in strong King George V Handicap at the Royal Meeting in June. Found plenty to resume progress with Group 3 success at Cork last time. Should again benefit from a well-run race, however, this is a big step up in class. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 105

B f Galiway - Mellow (FR) (Deep Impact (JPN)) Owner: Quantum Leap Racing XI Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: David Menuisier, Pulborough Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN Cross of Lorraine, Breeder: Al Shaqab Racing armlets and cap. Sponsor: Shinco Racing Limited Form: 013202 BF TIMEFORM VIEW Smart ﬁlly. Won a Listed race at Goodwood in May before progressing to place in the French and Irish Oaks. Missed a good opportunity to add a Group 3 to her resume when 1/2-length second to Coedana in Princess Royal last time. Looks up against it in this company, even if recapturing her Classic form. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 109

B f Sea The Stars (IRE) - Miss Aiglonne (Dawn Approach (IRE)) Owner: Wells Watson Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Colours: PURPLE and DARK BLUE (halved), ORANGE and Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc. WHITE sleeves reversed, ORANGE and WHITE quartered cap. Form: 3-31216 D TIMEFORM VIEW Looked potentially very smart when cosily winning an open-looking renewal of the Irish Oaks at the Curragh in July. Soft ground perhaps a factor in her subsequent modest eﬀort behind Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks. Certainly in the right hands to get back on track. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 117

10 LILT (GB) (34)

B f Lope de Vega (IRE) - Dank (Dansili) Owner: Mr James Wigan Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: James Wigan

Draw

11 SPARAN NUA (IRE) (41)

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: CHERRY, CORNFLOWER BLUE sash and cap. Form: 1-162 TIMEFORM VIEW From a high-class family. Impressed when making it 2-2 in a York Listed race on return prior to her 4 1/2-length sixth in the Prix de Diane. Back on the up (despite looking ungainly) when runner-up to Thundering On at the Curragh last time. Shapes as though she’ll appreciate this longer trip, too. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110

5 C. Soumillon

Ch f Dawn Approach (IRE) - Sparanai (USA) (Leroidesanimaux (BRZ)) Owner: Newtown Anner Stud Farm Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: J. S. Bolger, Ireland Colours: BEIGE, DARK BLUE Cross of Lorraine Breeder: J. S. Bolger and sleeves, DARK BLUE cap, BEIGE star. Form: 113420 D TIMEFORM VIEW Unbeaten prior to chasing home Johanna Walsh in Irish Oaks. Looked a tad unfortunate not to reel in Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks (soft) in August. Didn’t conﬁrm that marked improvement under contrasting conditions in the Prix Vermeille, though this race could well pan out more favourably. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 118

12 SUGAR ISLAND (IRE) (14)

B f Dubawi (IRE) - Heaven On Earth (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Westerberg

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: MAROON, ROYAL BLUE hoop and sleeves, quartered cap. Form: 430000 TIMEFORM VIEW Hasn’t kicked on since ﬁnishing third in the Oaks at Epsom in June. Built up a big lead/forced Kalpana to make her eﬀort earlier than ideal in the Yorkshire Oaks in August. Again likely to be employed as a pacemaker for Minnie Hauk. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 102

Rossa Ryan

THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES Draw

13 SYMBOL OF MAJESTY (GB) (34)

9 William Buick

B f New Bay - Sovereign Parade (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Isa Salman & Abdulla Al Khalifa Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE epaulets. Breeder: Abdulla Al-Khalifa & Isa Salman Form: 1-15216 Sponsor: Highclere Valley TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in a strong renewal of the Sandringham here before notching a third win from 5 starts in a Deauville Group 3 in August. Ran as well as could be expected when 4 3/4 lengths behind Thundering On in Group 2 Blandford at the Curragh subsequently. Cheekpieces go on and she has plenty to ﬁnd. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 106

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 13 Hood worn ﬁrst time by No. 6. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 13. Tongue Strap worn by No. 9. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 3.

(EXACTA)

2025: KALPANA 4 9 7 Colin Keane 11-8 (Andrew Balding) 10 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 5-4 Kalpana (GB), 13-2 Johanna Walsh (IRE), 15-2 Minnie Hauk (IRE), Lilt (GB), 9-1 Sparan Nua (IRE), 14-1 Danielle (GB), 18-1 Believed (IRE), 20-1 Coedana (IRE), 22-1 See The Fire (GB), Inis Mor (FR), 28-1 Tajlina (GB), 40-1 Symbol of Majesty (GB), 125-1 Sugar Island (IRE)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY Remarkable mare KALPANA has had some tough battles this year but may have enough left in the tank to secure a third successive victory in this race. Minnie Hauk’s standout effort this season came when runner-up in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes here, and she’s feared most if recapturing that sort of form. Sparan Nua was narrowly touched off by Kalpana at York and could be worth another chance to confirm that improvement, while impressive Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh isn’t taken lightly. 1.KALPANA

2.MINNIE HAUK (IRE)

3.SPARAN NUA (IRE)

30 YEARS SINCE FRANKIE’S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN 28th September 2026 marked the 30th anniversary of one of the greatest achievements in racing, and one which catapulted Lanfranco ‘Frankie’ Dettori firmly into the public eye. The Magnificent Seven has become part of racing folklore, with no jockey having accomplished the feat of winning all seven races on a card before then, and none since either. Two of those races, incidentally, are now part of Qatar Racing British Champions Day – the second race, the Diadem Stakes won by Diffident, is now the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint Stakes, with the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes having the same name as when Mark Of Esteem won 30 years ago to give Frankie a treble on the day. Both of those horses were owned by Godolphin, as was the first winner of the afternoon, Wall Street in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes. By the time Decorated Hero had won the fourth race, the Tote Festival Handicap, the bookies were running scared – and perhaps the aptly-named Fatefully taking the fifth was a premonition in itself. Lochangel made it six in a conditions sprint which left it all on Fujiyama Crest – an 11/1 shot in the morning, now 2/1 favourite – to seal Frankie’s place in history. And the pair held on by a neck, to send the crowds into raptures, and the bookmakers into ruin. Frankie had already made a name for himself with both his talents on the horse and his personality off it, as well as his trademark ‘flying dismount’. But this was the occasion which launched him into the public consciousness. Still a household name, he retired from British racing in 2023 but gave the fans a storybook farewell when winning the QIPCO Champion Stakes on King Of Steel in his final race on these shores. Dettori was inducted into the British Racing Hall Of Fame in 2022, and today he will be on hand to welcome the legendary Ryan Moore into that exclusive club. Race 1

Wall Street

Cumberland Lodge Stakes

2/1F

Race 2

Diffident

Racal Diadem Stakes

12/1

Race 3

Mark Of Esteem

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

100/30

Race 4

Decorated Hero

Tote Festival Handicap

7/1

Race 5

Fatefully

Rosemary Rated Stakes

7/4F

Race 6

Lochangel

Blue Seal Condition Stakes

5/4F

Race 7

Fujiyama Crest

Gordon Carter Handicap

2/1F

Bred, raised and grazed at Tweenhills since 2023

BUCKAROO

1st Underwood Stakes, Gr.1 1st Chelmsford Stakes, Gr.2 1st Heritage Stakes, LR

MGHEERA

1st Temple Stakes, Gr.2 1st Prix de Saint-Georges, Gr.3 1st Prix Hampton, LR

OCEANS FOUR

1st Prix des Chenes, Gr.3

KING OF GOSFORD

1st Shoemaker Mile, Gr.1 1st Del Mar Mile, Gr.2 1st Mathis Mile, Gr.2

MILITARY LAW

1st Al Maktoum Classic, Gr.2 1st Al Maktoum Challenge, Gr.2 2nd Al Maktoum Challenge, Gr.1

AMERICAN GAL

1st Prix de Lilas, LR

FLIGHT

2nd 1000 Guineas, Gr.1 3rd May Hill Stakes, Gr.2 3rd Oh So Sharp Stakes, Gr.3

MIDDLE EARTH

1st JRA Chairman’s Handicap, Gr.3 1st Aston Park Stakes, Gr.3 3rd Melbourne Cup, Gr.1

MIAHARRIS

1st St Hugh’s Stakes, LR

NEW CENTURY

1st Summer Stakes, Gr.1 3rd American Turf Stakes, Gr.1 1st Stonehenge Stakes, LR

QUEEN OF THE PRIDE

1st Lancashire Oaks, Gr.2 1st Lester Piggott Fillies’ Stakes, Gr.3 2nd Daisy Warwick Stakes, LR

RUNNING LION

1st Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, Gr.2 2nd Prix de l’Opera, Gr.1 1st John Musker Stakes, LR

Sold from this consignment in 2025

BELIEVED

1st Give Thanks Stakes, Gr.3

KENDALL ROY

1st Midsummer Sprint Stakes, LR

VALIANT KING

1st Bart Cummings Stakes, Gr.3 3rd Caulfield Cup, Gr.1

HEART OF HONOR

1st Entisar Stakes, LR 3rd Al Maktoum Challenge, Gr.1

LIGHT OF DAWN

1st Prestige Fillies’ Stakes, Gr.3 2nd Rockfel Stakes, Gr.2

WAPEKA

1st Golden Mile, LR

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CLUB26RACING

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The £1.1million showpiece, the most valuable mile race in Europe, was established in 1955 and named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. It was given Group 1 status in 1987.

It has a magnificent roll of honour, not least since forming part of Champions Day in 2011. Frankel was a commanding four-length winner from Excelebration that year and would end his flawless career being hailed as the greatest thoroughbred there has ever been. Excelebration went one better 12 months later before Olympic Glory helped Richard Hannon Sr become champion trainer for a fourth and final time in 2013. His son, Richard Hannon Jr, saddled King Of Change to win in 2019. Charm Spirit signed off his sparkling career with victory in 2014, while Solow (2015) and Minding (2016) also capped brilliant campaigns with victory in the race. Roaring Lion was similarly prolific before striking in 2018. Like the winner the previous year, Persuasive, he was a grey. The Revenant (2020) and Big Rock (2023) kept up France’s excellent recent record, while Baaeed landed a memorable running in 2021. His only defeat, in a dazzling 11-race career, would come in the Champion Stakes a year later. Charyn signed off his career with an emphatic win in this race in 2024 before Cicero’s Gift’s shock 100/1 win last year.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

1 Mile

2025: Cicero’s Gift 2024: Charyn 2023: Big Rock

PRIZE MONEY Overall: £1,100,000 1st: £623,810

2022: Bayside Boy

2nd: £236,500

2021: Baaeed

3rd: £118,360

2020: The Revenant 2019: King Of Change

4th: £58,960

2018: Roaring Lion

5th: £29,590

2017: Persuasive

6th: £14,850

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

TALK OF NEW YORK

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin Sire-Dam: Wootton Bassett – Usherette (IRE) Breeder: Godolphin Info: Talk Of New York was supplemented for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Monday at a cost of £70,000. You cannot blame Charlie Appleby and Godolphin for grabbing a late ticket to the party after the colt’s striking 4¾-length success in the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket last month. He settled better than has been the case on various other occasions this year and the contest was over once he hit the front two furlongs from home. That was his third commanding win of the campaign, while he also ran well at Royal Ascot, when third in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Appleby has a superb strike-rate this year of more than 30 per cent, but up until today has had only one previous winner on Champions Day.

RAYIF

Sex: Colt Colour: Chestnut Age: 3 Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard Owner: His Highness The Aga Khans Studs S C Sire-Dam: Sea The Moon (GER) – Rayisa (IRE) Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan’s Studs S C Info: French-trained runners have a great record in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, with their most recent winners Charm Spirit, Solow, The Revenant and Big Rock being successful since 2014. Francis-Henri Graffard was responsible for The Revenant and he has another leading candidate today in Rayif, who will carry the famous green silks of Aga Khan Studs. The same team will still be on a high after Daryz retained his Arc crown for them this month. Rayif has won four of his six races, being unbeaten in two starts over a mile. He landed the Poule d’Essai Des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) on his reappearance at Longchamp in May and edged out Zeus Olympios in the Prix Jacques le Marois on his latest start at Deauville.

GSTAAD

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Owner: Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Sire-Dam: Starspangledbanner (AUS) – Mosa Mine Breeder: Maywood Stud Info: Gstaad has yet to finish out of the first three in any of his 11 races and will be running in his tenth successive Group 1. He’s established as one of the best milers in training, but Aidan O’Brien is unleashing his emphatic Irish 2000 Guineas winner over an extra two furlongs today. He has hinted the longer distance could show him in a better light on several occasions, including when a keeping-on third in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on his latest start. The first half of his season revolved mainly around his three exciting battles with Bow Echo in the 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes. He finished second each time, typically sticking to his task each time.

FIFTH RACE 3.20PM THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING) (GROUP 1) ONE MILE (1,600 metres) For three year olds and upwards. Total prize fund £1100000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £490160; Second £201190; Third £100650; Fourth £50270; Fifth £25190; Sixth £12540. (Penalty Value £623810) A SS

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

DOCKLANDS (GB) (80)

MORE THUNDER (IRE) (35)

TEN BOB TONY (IRE) (41)

ZEUS OLYMPIOS (GB) (62)

Billy Loughnane

Draw

Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle

Draw

DANCING GEMINI (IRE) (42)

4 Tom Marquand

Draw

Horse

Draw

10 Cliﬀord Lee

B h Camelot - Lady Adelaide (IRE) (Australia) Owner: Fishdance Ltd Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Roger Teal, Lambourn Colours: ORANGE and DARK BLUE stripes, Breeder: Fishdance ORANGE cap. Sponsor: Fishdance Ltd Form: 0-64556 D TIMEFORM VIEW Smart performer on his day, as shown in the last 2 renewals of the Lockinge at Newbury (fourth this season). However, not as reliable as he used to be and last 2 runs have been well below par. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 114

B h Massaat (IRE) - Icky Woo (Mark of Esteem (IRE)) Owner: O.T.I. Racing Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Harry Eustace, Newmarket Colours: DARK BLUE, GOLD hoops, Breeder: Mickley Stud WHITE sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Le Chameau Holdings Limited Form: 4-13060 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Enhanced his excellent course record when emerging on top in a thrilling finish to the Queen Anne over C&D last year. As good as ever first 2 starts this season but turned in a rare below-par effort in latest renewal of aforementioned race. Stiff task in the TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 115 Sussex Stakes latest. Cheekpieces fitted.

B h Night of Thunder (IRE) - Buying Trouble (USA) (Hat Trick (JPN)) Owner: Mr Saeed Suhail Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW chevron, Breeder: Woodstock B/S Ltd & Troy Bloodstock Ltd YELLOW cap, ROYAL BLUE spots. Form: 4-22451 TIMEFORM VIEW Takes a while to warm up in his races but he’s very talented, as shown when excellent second in Lockinge and Queen Anne (over C&D) ﬁrst 2 starts this year. Had little trouble landing the odds in Group 2 at Doncaster last time and big run expected with this straight track suiting him so well. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 119

Ch g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Hug (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) Owner: TBT Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Colours: WHITE, ROYAL BLUE chevron, Breeder: Knocktoran Stud ORANGE sleeves and cap. Sponsor: James Hambro & Partners Llp Form: 011442 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Has raised his game this season, following up his Group 3 win at Epsom when holding oﬀ More Thunder in the Queen Anne over C&D. Fully conﬁrmed that improvement when fourth in the Sussex/second in the Moulin and another solid run looks on the cards. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 121

Ch c Night of Thunder (IRE) - Rhea (Siyouni (FR)) Owner: Exors of the Late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Colours: YELLOW, large BLACK spots and spots on cap. Form: 1-33412 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive 4-time winner (from 4 starts) on debut season in 2025, notably the Group 2 Joel at Newmarket. Stalled slightly this year but still posted several smart eﬀorts, notably making all in Summer Mile here (round course) before neck second to Rayif in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 119

Kieran Shoemark

GSTAAD (GB) (41)

HAWK MOUNTAIN (IRE) (35)

Draw

11 Ryan Moore

Draw

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

B or Br c Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Mosa Mine (Exceed And Excel (AUS)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, Breeder: Maywood Stud PURPLE cap. Form: 1-21223 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Won the Coventry here at 2 yrs. Proved no match for Bow Echo in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on return. However, after winning the Irish 2000 Guineas, he was much closer to him when second in the St James’s Palace and Sussex Stakes. Modest in the Moulin since but well worth another chance. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 125

B c Wootton Bassett - Hydrangea (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore

Colin Keane

NEEDLE MATCH (GB) (42)

RAYIF (IRE) (62)

Draw

6 Cieren Fallon

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 1-12360 D TIMEFORM VIEW Group 1-winning juvenile who completed a 4-timer in Group 3 at Chantilly on return. Even better form in defeat when placed in the French Derby and the Eclipse but has lost his way since. Possible pacemaker back down in trip. Visor back on. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 116

1 C. Soumillon

B c Night of Thunder (IRE) - Cleopatra’s Gift (USA) (American Pharoah (USA)) Owner: Mr Saeed Suhail Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW chevron, Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited RED cap. Form: 1-4020 BF TIMEFORM VIEW Maiden winner at Newbury on sole 2-y-o start before a promising fourth in the Greenham there on return. However, struggled in the 2000 Guineas next time and subsequent eﬀorts suggest he’s not up to this level. Possible pacemaker. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 106

Ch c Sea The Moon (GER) - Rayisa (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: His Highness The Aga Khans Studs S.C. Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Francis-Henri Graﬀard, France Colours: DARK GREEN, RED epaulets. Breeder: His Highness the Aga Khan’s Studs S.C. Form: 113-151 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart French miler who has already bagged 2 Group 1s from 3 starts this year, namely the French 2000 Guineas on return and Prix Jacques le Marois (edged out Zeus Olympios) at Deauville in August. This is his toughest task to date but he remains unexposed, particularly at 1m where he’s 2-2. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 120 Draw

8 William Buick

Draw

10 TALK OF NEW YORK (GB) (22)

9 Charles Bishop

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 11 Visor worn ﬁrst time by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 2. Hood worn by No. 10. Tongue Strap worn by No. 2. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 1.

(EXACTA)

B c Wootton Bassett - Usherette (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 311321 D Sponsor: Emirates TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive 3-y-o who was a ﬁne third to Gstaad in St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot before excuses at Glorious Goodwood. Took his form to another level with a dominant Group 2 victory at Newmarket last time and looks well worth another shot at this higher level. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 120

11 ZAVATERI (IRE) (49)

Ch c Without Parole - Zeroua (FR) (Siyouni (FR)) Owner: Mick and Janice Mariscotti Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, Breeder: John D. Gunther & Ttr Bloodstock DARK BLUE sleeves and cap. Sponsor: ABM Catering Limited Form: 14-2551 D TIMEFORM VIEW Conﬁrmed himself one of the leading juveniles when edging out Gstaad in Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh. Met with a setback after the Greenham but he shaped very well in the Sussex on his comeback and was impressive in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Not to be underestimated. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 118

Stewards Note: DANCING GEMINI: Following its run on 5/9/2026 it was reported that the horse hung left-handed. NEEDLE MATCH: Following its run on 5/9/2026 it was reported that the horse raced keenly in the early stages. 2025: CICERO’S GIFT 5 9 6 Jason Watson 100-1 (Charles Hills) 16 ran 69

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 3-1 Gstaad (GB), Talk of New York (GB), 5-1 Rayif (IRE), 7-1 More Thunder (IRE), 15-2 Ten Bob Tony (IRE), 17-2 Zavateri (IRE), 10-1 Zeus Olympios (GB), 18-1 Docklands (GB), 33-1 Hawk Mountain (IRE), 80-1 Dancing Gemini (IRE), 100-1Needle Match (GB)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY This test is likely to bring out the best in MORE THUNDER so he looks the value play in what is a wide-open renewal. Talk of New York is probably the most progressive in the ﬁeld so is next best ahead of Gstaad, who arguably has the best form having pushed Bow Echo close a couple of times this summer. 1.MORE THUNDER (IRE)

2.TALK OF NEW YORK

3.GSTAAD

Qatar Racing have generously sponsored the race. A gold trophy and silver salver will be presented to the winning owner, with a replica silver salver for both the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse.

CHAMPION OWNER TITLE RACE

2 0 2 6 Familiarity breeds no contempt in horse racing.

We love our old friends, our heroes, coming back season after season to thrill us on the track. We celebrate durability, longevity, consistency, because we have come to understand how hard it is to be simply brilliant year after year. Godolphin will be crowned champion owners in British racing for the 18th time in their history today and the achievement is richly deserved. Founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, one of the most influential men in the world, his aim was not only to express his passion for horse racing, but also to lead by example in the sport. Godolphin continue to dominate this division, not just because of their numerical supremacy, but because of the talents of their team as breeders, as talent-spotters in the sales ring, as expert conditioners of the thoroughbred racecourse. For the second year running, Godolphin’s list of moneyearners is headed by Ombudsman, second only to the freakish Ka Ying Rising in the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings, and himself rated comfortably the superior of the likes of champions such as Bow Echo and Daryz. We already knew how good Ombudsman was before this season’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes. He had, by that stage, already won four Group 1s and established himself as the pre-eminent 10-furlong performer in the world. But any lingering doubts were surely dispelled as the son of Night Of Thunder became the first horse in more than 30 years to win back-to-back renewals of the race, comfortably coming home clear of a field that included

Ombudsman dual Arc winner Daryz, dual Classic winner Minnie Hauk, and Tattersalls Gold Cup victor Almaqam. Jubilant joint-trainer John Gosden said: “Ombudsman has got a phenomenal turn of foot, great acceleration for a mile-and-a-quarter horse, and he just showed that class. It’s quite something to come right away from a field with as much depth as that.” On this day 12 months ago, Ombudsman had to settle for second place behind Calandagan in the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes. How the team who have masterminded his career would like to set the record straight with victory this year. As a five-year-old, Ombudsman might already be enjoying a more peaceful life in the breeding sheds, but for the ambition of his owners. The same could also be said about Notable Speech. Despite winning four Group 1s before the start of this year, Notable Speech is probably best known to many as the unheralded 16/1 winner of the 2000 Guineas in 2024, his unorthodox path to the Rowley Mile having seen him win three times on the artificial surface at Kempton Park enroute to Classic glory. Notable Speech is very evidently far from unbeatable. Indeed, he went more than a year between success in the 2024 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and bagging the Woodbine Mile last September. However, what we can confidently say is that when conditions are right, he is an exceptionally talented and 72

genuine performer, who has claimed a further three Group 1s this year, with victories in the Lockinge and City of York Stakes adding even further to his lofty reputation in his final season. Officials at York Racecourse, having worked so hard to get the latter race upgraded to Group 1 status, could hardly have been dreamt that they would have seen the seven-furlong contest go to such a decorated and deserving winner in just its second year as a top-flight event. Trainer Charlie Appleby paid full credit to Notable Speech and the team behind him, saying: “We can all applaud these good ones who do it at two and three, but when they’re still doing it at four and five then you do need to doff your cap to them. “You need the horse to be able to do it first and foremost, but we’re allowed to give these horses the opportunity and that’s full credit to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Team Godolphin. It would be very easy to retire a horse like him.”

Appleby has been the trainer responsible for the bulk of Godolphin’s British success this year, with the father-and-son team of John and Thady Gosden, Roger Varian and Saeed bin Suroor also providing signiﬁcant contributions. Most impressively, the combined Godolphin forces have performed (at time of writing) at a 29% strike rate across the year as a whole, showing once again that quality rather than quantity is what has earned them this accolade. And the future, as ever, looks bright. With two-yearolds such as Desert Castle and the Varian-trained Rock Montreal among the team for next season, a serious bid at winning Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas for a seventh time already looks on the cards while the unbeaten Musical Times is a live contender for the ﬁllies’ version after her recent Fillies’ Mile success.

Other principal contributors to Godolphin’s success this season include Opera Ballo and Talk Of New York, the latter another who could demonstrate the power of patience and make the breakthrough to Group 1 company either today in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, or in seasons still to come. Victory by a crushing five and a half lengths in Sandown’s Heron Stakes in May marked him out as a high-class prospect, but perhaps the jump into the top-flight came just a shade too quickly when third to Bow Echo in the St James’s Palace Stakes just weeks later at Royal Ascot. Given time to re-gather, Talk Of New York looked back to his most exciting best when walloping his rivals in the Group Two Joel Stakes at Newmarket at the end of September, leaving Appleby to comment: “We have got to try and find someone to unfortunately replace Notable Speech but this horse is shaping up to be a horse that could hopefully fit the bill.

Notable Speech

“He has a big mountain to climb to achieve what Notable Speech has, but he is going the right way now.” Another superstar who will not be returningis Trawlerman who has been retired after picking up a leg injury in the Goodwood Cup, ﬁnishing second as he had done in a pulsating renewal of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. The eight-year-old won 11 of his 25 starts, including two Group 1s which came during four unbeaten starts in Britain in 2025, landing the Gold Cup in a record time before ending a triumphant campaign in the Long Distance Cup, his second success in the race. 73

Musical Times

LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE RANKINGS ifhaonline.org Rank Rating

Horse

YOF

Sex

Trained

135

Ka Ying Rising (NZ)

2020

WORLD RANKINGS

131

Ombudsman (IRE)

2021

The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings

128

Daryz (FR)

2022

127

Bow Echo (IRE)

2023

126

Item (GB)

2023

is horseracing’s equivalent to World Rankings by other major sporting organizations such as ATP Tennis Rankings, World Golf Rankings, FIFA World Rankings for soccer and IRB Rugby World Rankings. The LONGINES Rankings are based on the ratings earned by horses running worldwide from North and South America, Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Asia through to Australia and New Zealand. The ratings are compiled under the auspices of The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) by racing officials & handicappers representing the five continents who compile the ranking order by agreeing on the rating for each horse. The ratings are based on the performance of horses in elite races held during the designated period which takes in account the quality of opposition and achievements of each horse. Throughout the year the LONGINES Rankings are published at regular intervals and the consolidated annual rankings are released in January. The annual rankings denote the champions in the various distance categories for example sprint or mile, surface either turf or dirt/artificial and also the fillies & mares category.

126

Romantic Warrior (IRE)

2018

125

Almaqam (GB)

2021

125

Bay City Roller (IRE)

2022

125

Gstaad (GB)

2023

IRE

125

Notable Speech (GB)

2021

125

Nysos (USA)

2021

USA

125

Scandinavia (USA)

2022

IRE

125

Sovereignty (USA)

2022

USA

124

Calandagan (IRE)

2021

124

Constitution River (FR)

2023

IRE

124

Erdenali (FR)

2023

124

Kalpana (GB)

2021

124

Magnitude (USA)

2022

USA

124

Maltese Cross (FR)

2023

124

White Abarrio (USA)

2019

USA

123

Almeraq (GB)

2022

123

Benvenuto Cellini (IRE)

2023

IRE

123

Forever Young (JPN)

2021

JPN

123

Meisho Tabaru (JPN)

2021

JPN

123

Opera Ballo (IRE)

2022

122

Croix du Nord (JPN)

2022

JPN

122

Englishman (USA)

2023

USA

122

Knightsbridge (USA)

2021

USA

122

Masquerade Ball (JPN)

2022

JPN

122

Royal Champion (IRE)

2018

122

Trawlerman (IRE)

2018

THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

With £1.3 million prize money on offer, the Champion Stakes is the most valuable mile-anda-quarter race in Europe and brings down the curtain on the Flat season in style. First run in 1877, it was annually run at Newmarket before switching to Ascot for Champions Day in 2011. No fewer than seven Group 1 winners lined up for that renewal, but it was the brilliant French raider, Cirrus Des Aigles, not among that number, who upstaged them all. He would finish runner-up in the next two. Ascot rose as one to salute Frankel in 2012 as the titan of the turf capped his flawless career with a 14th successive triumph. His trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, battling ill health, afterwards described him as perhaps the greatest racehorse there has been, and few were inclined to disagree. Farhh defied a lengthy absence when winning in 2013 before Noble Mission, a younger brother of Frankel, scooped the spoils 12 months later. Fascinating Rock (2015) and Almanzor (2016) won for Ireland and France, respectively, with the latter confirming himself as something out of the ordinary. Cracksman, a son of Frankel, was a breathtaking runaway winner in both 2017 and 2018, before mighty mare Magical took the spoils in 2019. Addeybb, Sealiway and Bay Bridge have been exciting winners in the past few years. Calandagan was second behind surprise winner Anmaat in 2024 before going one better to take the win last year.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile about 2 Furlongs

2025: Calandagan

Overall: £1,300,000

2024: Anmaat 2023: King Of Steel

1st: £737,230

2022: Bay Bridge

2nd: £279,500

2021: Sealiway

3rd: £139,880

2020: Addeybb 2019: Magical

4th: £69,680

2018: Cracksman

5th: £34,970

2017: Cracksman

6th: £17,550

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

CALANDAGAN

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard Owner: Aga Khan Studs SCEA Sire-Dam: Gleneagles (IRE) - Calayana (FR) Breeder: Haras De Son Altesse L’Aga Khan Scea Info: There have been nine back-to-back winners of the Champion Stakes in the past century, and many will fancy Calandagan to join that elite club this afternoon. The French ace was a scintillating winner from Ombudsman 12 months ago, having been runner-up the year before, and for an encore became the ﬁrst European-trained winner of the Japan Cup since 2002 the following month in Tokyo. This season he has taken his haul of Group 1 victories to six with further victories at the highest level in Dubai and his native France. On his latest start, he had to settle for second, behind Kalpana, when seeking a second King George triumph here at Ascot. If successful this afternoon, his career earnings will pass £10 million.

OMBUDSMAN

Sex: Horse Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Godolphin Sire-Dam: Night Of Thunder (IRE) - Syndicate Breeder: J Hanly Info: Ombudsman is officially the highest-rated runner in action today and, since the first Champions Day in 2011, only two horses (Frankel and Baaeed) have lined up in the Champion Stakes with an official rating that is higher than his mark of 132. He has unfinished business in the Champion Stakes, too, after finishing runner-up to Calandagan last year. The rematch is something to savour. The handicapper reckons he has improved in the interim, with his wide-margin defeat of high-class opposition in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot even more sparkling than his victory in the race 12 months earlier. He was not at his best in the Juddmonte International at York last time, but there were mitigating circumstances.

BAY CITY ROLLER

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: George Scott Owner: Victorious Forever Sire-Dam: New Bay – Bloomﬁeld (IRE) Breeder: John Connaughton

Info: Those of a certain age will remember The Bay City Rollers, whose song Bye, Bye, Baby was the biggest selling song of 1975. The equine Bay City Roller has also proved a big hit and seeks to top the charts after beating all bar Daryz in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 13 days ago. He put up a mighty effort from his wide draw at Longchamp, having stormed home by ten lengths in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June. That was the second time he has won a Group 1 by a wide margin, having beaten Tiffany by seven lengths in Germany at the backend of 2025. Bay City Roller does not have Daryz to contend with this time but will be dropping in distance.

SIXTH RACE 4.00PM THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1)

RACE

FINISH

START

ONE MILE ABT TWO FURLONGS (9F ABT 212YDS) (Approx. 2,000 metres) For three year olds and upwards. Total prize fund £1300000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £579280; Second £237770; Third £118950; Fourth £59410; Fifth £29770; Sixth £14820. (Penalty Value £737230) A SS

Stalls: Inside

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

Horse

ALMAQAM (GB) (35)

Draw

B h Lope de Vega (IRE) - Talmada (USA) (Cape Cross (IRE)) Owner: ARM Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Colours: YELLOW, BLACK epaulets. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 33-1424 D

Draw

Jockey Kieran Shoemark

TIMEFORM VIEW Third in this race last year, before gaining a breakthrough success at the highest level in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the

BAY CITY ROLLER (IRE) (13)

CALANDAGAN (IRE) (84)

Draw

5 Oisin Murphy

Draw

Curragh on return. Proved at least as good as ever when narrowly denied in the International at York, but wasn’t in quite the same form when fourth in the Irish Champion. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 124

4 C. Soumillon

B c New Bay - Bloomfield (IRE) (Teofilo (IRE)) Owner: Victorious Forever Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: George Scott, Newmarket Colours: RED, WHITE striped sleeves and cap. Breeder: John Connaughton Form: 1-22122 Sponsor: JS Bloodstock Consultancy, George Scott Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Recorded a first Group 1 victory in Munich on final outing last year and hasn’t looked back since, recording a wide-margin success in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Confirmed that effort under less testing conditions when runner-up in the Arc 13 days ago and TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 124 can make his presence felt once more.

B g Gleneagles (IRE) - Calayana (FR) (Sinndar (IRE)) Owner: Aga Khan Studs SCEA Trainer: Francis-Henri Graﬀard, France Breeder: Haras de Son Altesse l’Aga Khan SCEA

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: GREEN, RED epaulets. Form: 11-1412 CD BF

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE (GB) (59)

OMBUDSMAN (IRE) (59)

Draw

6 Robert Havlin

Draw

TIMEFORM VIEW Enjoyed an outstanding 2025 with a 4-timer at the highest level, winning the King George here before going on to success in this race and the Japan Cup. Has added 2 more Group 1s this season, before runner-up to Kalpana in his defence of the King George. Not taken lightly on the back of a break. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 127

2 William Buick

B g Too Darn Hot - Precious Ramotswe (Nathaniel (IRE)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE cap. Breeder: Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd Form: 10-2400 D Sponsor: Emirates TIMEFORM VIEW Smart performer in his own right, runner-up in Listed race at Kempton on return. However, has been employed as a pacemaker for stablemate Ombudsman, including in this race last year, and looks set for the same role here. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 109

B h Night of Thunder (IRE) - Syndicate (Dansili) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: J. Hanly Form: 12-1114 CD BF Sponsor: Emirates TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up to Calandagan in this race last year but has taken his form up another level this season, landing the Prince of Wales’s (for second year running) here in emphatic fashion. Not seen to best eﬀect on softer ground when fourth in the International at York, so he’s well worth another chance. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 132

THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES

CALANDAGAN RIDDEN BY MICKAEL BARZALONA WINS LAST YEAR Shamardal (USA)

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Lady Vettori (GB) Cape Cross (IRE)

Talmada (USA)

Aryaamm (IRE)

Dubawi (IRE)

New Bay (GB)

Cinnamon Bay (GB) Teoﬁlo (IRE)

Bloomﬁeld (IRE)

Ramona (GB)

Galileo (IRE)

Gleneagles (IRE)

You'resothrilling (USA) Sinndar (IRE)

Calayana (FR) Clariyn (FR)

Dubawi (IRE) Too Darn Hot (GB) Dar Re Mi (GB) Nathaniel (IRE)

Precious Ramotswe (GB)

Miss Pinkerton (GB)

Dubawi (IRE) Night of Thunder (IRE)

Forest Storm (GB) Dansili (GB)

Syndicate (GB)

Indication (GB)

Giant's Causeway (USA) Helsinki (GB) Vettori (IRE) Lady Golconda (FR) Green Desert (USA) Park Appeal Galileo (IRE) Zibilene (GB) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Zamindar (USA) Trellis Bay (GB) Galileo (IRE) Speirbhean (IRE) Desert King (IRE) Rahaam (USA) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Storm Cat (USA) Mariah's Storm (USA) Grand Lodge (USA) Sinntara (IRE) Acclamation (GB) Clodovina (IRE) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Singspiel (IRE) Darara Galileo (IRE) Magniﬁcient Style (USA) Danehill (USA) Rebecca Sharp (GB) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Galileo (IRE) Quiet Storm (IRE) Danehill (USA) Hasili (IRE) Sadler's Wells (USA) Insinuate (USA)

THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES CONSTITUTION RIVER (FR) (35)

Draw

B c Wootton Bassett - Chuppy (FR) (Le Havre (IRE)) Owner: M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: S.A.R.L. LG Bloodstock

Ryan Moore

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, striped sleeves and cap. Form: 1-11133 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Dual Group 1 winner this season, overcoming a poor draw in the French Derby before a decisive success in the Eclipse at Sandown. Not in the same form the last twice, third in both the International at York (raced freely) and Irish Champion (hung left), but he’s in the right hands to bounce back. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 123

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 6 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4.

(EXACTA)

2025: CALANDAGAN (IRE) 4 9 7 Mickael Barzalona 15-8 (Francis-Henri Graﬀard) 11 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 2-1 Calandagan (IRE), Ombudsman (IRE), 11-2 Bay City Roller (IRE), 6-1 Constitution River (FR), 15-2 Almaqam (GB), 125-1 Devil’s Advocate (GB)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY A much-anticipated renewal, with preference for OMBUDSMAN given the excellent impression he made in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes this summer. Having had excuses at York since, he can reverse the placings with Calandagan from last year’s race, though the French raider is much respected with his strong course record. Bay City Roller completes the shortlist on the back of his admirable second in the Arc. 1.OMBUDSMAN (IRE)

2.CALANDAGAN (IRE)

3.BAY CITY ROLLER (IRE)

Qatar Racing have generously sponsored the race and will present a specially commissioned trophy to the winning owner and a replica silver salver to both the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse.

THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES Zafonic (USA) Pastorale (GB) Primo Dominie Susquehanna Days (USA) Noverre (USA) Marie Rheinberg (GER) Montjeu (IRE) Birdie (GB)

Iﬀraaj (GB) Wootton Bassett (GB)

Balladonia (GB) Le Havre (IRE)

Chuppy (FR) Salvation (GB)

britishchampionsDay

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THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The Balmoral Handicap has closed Champions Day every year since 2014. The £200,000 mile race has never featured fewer than 18 runners and has often included future stars, with subsequent Group 1 winners Lord Glitters, Accidental Agent, Zabeel Prince, Lord North and Glen Shiel being among those to contest it. A race known as the Balmoral Handicap had previously been staged over ﬁve furlongs at Royal Ascot but was discontinued after the 2003 running. It was always intended to revive the race title when the appropriate opportunity arose, and Queen Elizabeth II graciously consented to it being reintroduced on Champions Day. Two-time Cambridgeshire winner Bronze Angel won the ﬁrst running before Musaddas struck 12 months later. Yuften, who had contested Group 1 races early in his career, won in 2016 before the dashing grey, Lord Glitters, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in 2017. His trainer, David O’Meara, has also hit the target with Escobar (2019) and Shelir (2022).

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile

2025: Crown Of Oaks

Overall: £200,000

2024: Carry The One 2023: The Gatekeeper 2022: Shelir

1st: £103,080 2nd: £48,340

2021: Aldaary

3rd: £24,180

2020: Njord

4th: £12,080

2019: Escobar 2018: Sharja Bridge 2017: Lord Glitters 86

5th: £6,040 6th: £3,020

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

GAVRIEL

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: George Strawbridge Sire-Dam: Frankel - Thistle Bird Breeder: George Strawbridge Info: The Balmoral has taunted John Gosden. He has fielded the runner-up on five occasions without winning it, the latest being Lord North, in 2019, who went on to scale the heights at the highest level. This time he and his son, Thady, who he now trains in tandem with, looks to have a leading candidate in Gavriel, who was first home on the stands’ side when a close fourth in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket last month, having won at Ascot three weeks earlier. The Frankel colt travelled like a horse well ahead of his mark at Newmarket and was having only his fifth run, so is open to plenty more improvement. He will be dropping back to a mile but is not short of pace.

HICKORY

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 8 Trainer: Jamie Osborne Owner: Martyn and Elaine Booth Sire-Dam: Free Eagle (IRE) - Badr Al Badoor (IRE) Breeder: Ms Anne Coughlan Info: Those who adhere to the adage of horses for courses will have Hickory on their shortlist for today’s finale. There is little doubt that the eight-yearold reserves his best Ascot, perhaps on account of the stiff finish suiting his penchant for pouncing late in the scene. He has won four of his 14 races at our course, plus finished in the first four on another five occasions. All his victories here have been achieved when ridden by the trainer’s daughter, Saffie Osborne, who seems to have a special bond with him. Hickory failed to figure over 7f at Ascot a fortnight ago, when Osborne was riding elsewhere, but he kept on well after not getting a clear run.

EBT’S GUARD

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: William Muir & Chris Grassick Owner: Jayant Pindolia Sire-Dam: Cable Bay (IRE) – Whims Of Desire Breeder: Bluehills Racing Ltd Info: Ebt’s Guard has won only four of his 39 races, but that masks the fact that he has a tremendous record here at Ascot, finishing in the prize money on his past five visits. He has two Ascot wins on his CV and is seemingly equally effective on both the straight and round track. The five-year-old ran a cracker in the Balmoral last year when finishing a neck second to Crown Of Oaks, when trying to concede 6lb. He can run off the same mark this afternoon and arrives in good heart after finishing a close third in a big field at Doncaster on his latest start. His exploits at Ascot this year include him finishing fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup.

SEVENTH RACE 4.35PM THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING) ONE MILE (1,600 metres) For three year olds and upwards. Total prize fund £200000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £81260; Second £40640; Third £20320; Fourth £10160; Fifth £5080; Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 26 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

Horse

PERSICA (IRE) (22)

ROOM SERVICE (IRE) (31)

JAGGED EDGE (IRE) (25)

Draw

Jockey

10 Toby Moore (7)

Draw

Ch g New Bay - Rubira (AUS) (Lope de Vega (IRE)) Owner: Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 2 Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Colours: PURPLE and WHITE diamonds, Breeder: The Applecross Syndicate PURPLE sleeves. Sponsor: Old Oak Holdings Ltd Form: 521313 D TIMEFORM VIEW Back to winning ways in Listed race at Newbury in July before landing third Group 3 success of career in Superior Mile at Haydock (soft) last month. Fair 5 lengths third to Talk of New York in Joel at Newmarket (1m, good to ﬁrm) since. Most likeable but some performance needed oﬀ mark of 114. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 114 (-1)

15 William Carver

Draw

B g Kodi Bear (IRE) - Tamara Love (IRE) (Tamayuz) Owner: The Room Service Girls Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 11 Trainer: Jamie Osborne, Upper Lambourn Colours: OLD GOLD, BLACK hash symbol, Breeder: Edmond Kent Black Velvet cap, OLD GOLD tassel Sponsor: Tote Form: 2005-10 TIMEFORM VIEW Listed winner (6f) for Kevin Ryan and bounced back to his very best in a ﬁrst-time blinkers and tongue tie combination when defying a big weight in 7f Newcastle handicap on reappearance for new yard in June. Not in anything like the same form when last TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 109 of 10 in Sandown Listed race since, though.

B g Blue Point (IRE) - Jaega (IRE) (Fastnet Rock (AUS)) Owner: Shamrock Thoroughbreds Trainer: Stephen Thorne, Ireland Breeder: Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd

Jack

12 Kearney (3)

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: WHITE and ORANGE (halved), EMERALD GREEN sleeves, WHITE stars, ORANGE cap. Form: 103013 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Has progressed into a smart performer for current yard, winning Listed race at Killarney (1m, good) in August by 1 1/4 lengths from Carolina Jetstream. Not in quite the same form when third in a similar race at Listowel (1m, good to soft) last month. One of 2 for Stephen Thorne. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 105

CROWN OF OAKS (GB) (31)

B g Wootton Bassett - Forest Crown (Royal Applause) Owner: Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE seams, Breeder: Car Colston Hall Stud ROYAL BLUE cap, WHITE star. Sponsor: Somerville Lodge Ltd Form: 131-002 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Quickly developed into a smart performer last season, culminating with a win in this oﬀ 5lb lower. Modest on ﬁrst 2 starts this year but back on the up when second of 10 in 1m Sandown listed event 31 days ago. Could go well in this again. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 104

INDALO (IRE) (21)

Draw

N -RU

16 Jack Mitchell

Gr g Phoenix of Spain (IRE) - Pearly Empress (FR) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: VARIAN RACING IX Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 5 Trainer: Roger Varian, Newmarket Colours: GREY, PINK epaulets and sleeves, Breeder: Pearly Empress Partnership WHITE cap. Sponsor: Varian Stable Limited Form: 2-23100 D TIMEFORM VIEW Gained reward for some excellent placed efforts in top handicaps when bagging a good prize at Sandown (1m, good to firm) in July. Bounced back from rare below-par effort at Glorious Goodwood when creditable ninth of 27 in Cambridgeshire but it underlines he needs more from his triple-figure mark. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 103

EBT’S GUARD (GB) (35)

B g Cable Bay (IRE) - Whims of Desire (Nathaniel (IRE)) Owner: Mr Jayant Pindolia Trainer: William Muir & Chris Grassick, Lambourn Breeder: Bluehills Racing Ltd

Draw

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING) 21

Lewis Edmunds

ORANDI (FR) (13)

VALVANO (IRE) (14)

Draw

TORITO (GB) (81)

8 James Doyle

Draw

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED seams, RED and ROYAL BLUE chevrons on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE and RED hooped cap. Form: 430443 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Successful twice last season before close second to Crown of Oaks oﬀ this mark in this. Hard to knock consistency in defeat since, including a ﬁne fourth in Royal Hunt Cup over C&D in June. Creditable 1 1/4 lengths third of 17 to Scoville at Doncaster 5 weeks ago. Likely to make presence felt again. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 102

6 Hector Crouch

B g Kingman - Montare (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: George Strawbridge RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 06364-0 D TIMEFORM VIEW Smart gelding who had something of an underwhelming 2025 and failed to ﬁre in the Chesterﬁeld Cup on Glorious Goodwood reappearance in July. First run for yard after leaving John & Thady Gosden. Others are more obvious. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 101

Patrick

McGettigan (5) B g Morandi (FR) - Elusive Feeling (USA) (Elusive Quality (USA)) Owner: C.J. Murtagh/B. Hourihane Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: A. J. Martin, Ireland Colours: RED, WHITE stripe, halved sleeves, Breeder: Societe Civile Ecurie Euroling RED and WHITE striped cap. Form: 001010 D TIMEFORM VIEW Right back to his best after a low-key start to the year when landing the BMW Mile Handicap at Galway in July. Added another valuable pot at the Curragh (1 1/4m, good to soft) last month but not in the same form at Longchamp since. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 101

Ch g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Vuela (Duke of Marmalade (IRE)) Owner: Valmont Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Colours: WHITE, ROYAL BLUE sleeves, Breeder: Farm Cove Thoroughbreds Ltd PINK armlets, PINK cap. Sponsor: R M Beckett Ltd Form: 033-610 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Took a step forward after 5 months oﬀ (gelded and had breathing operation) when gaining a ﬁrst win since his debut in 7f handicap at Southwell (form franked) in August. Modest in a Listed race at Redcar since, though. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 101 Draw

10 BULLET POINT (GB) (35)

17 Cieren Fallon

Draw

11 COLORI FOREVER (GB) (22)

14 Ryan Moore

Draw

B g Advertise - Crying Lightening (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: The Marathon Partnership Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: PINK, WHITE striped sleeves. Breeder: Ben Sangster Bloodstock Form: 0-00220 D Sponsor: Somerville Lodge Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Developed into a smart performer in 2025, successful twice in handicaps either side of a second in the Royal Hunt Cup over C&D. Good seconds over C&D and at York this summer but behind a few of these at Doncaster last month. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 101

B c Bated Breath - Colorando (Territories (IRE)) Owner: Scuderia Archi Romani Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Marco Botti, Newmarket Colours: BLUE, SILVER yoke and cuﬀs, Breeder: Scuderia Archi Romani YELLOW collar, YELLOW cap,BLUE button. Sponsor: Marco Botti Ltd Form: 210250 C TIMEFORM VIEW Smart eﬀort to land a 7f course handicap win in May. Has found it tougher at Listed/Group level since but the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye on this return to handicap company. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 103 (-1)

12 CLASSIC (GB) (43)

B g Dubawi (IRE) - Date With Destiny (IRE) (George Washington (IRE)) Owner: Mrs J. Wood Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Colours: RED, EMERALD GREEN triple diamond, Breeder: Newsells Park Stud armlets and diamond on cap. Sponsor: Aten Therapeutics Form: 210034 D TIMEFORM VIEW Won at Newbury in May and remained in good form since, including 1 3/4 lengths fourth of 13 to Hickory over C&D (good) 43 days ago. Each-way claims. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 100

Pat Dobbs

Draw

13 MISTER WINSTON (GB) (21)

3 Oisin Murphy

Draw

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING)

B g Churchill (IRE) - Crazee Diamond (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) Owner: Norman Court Stud Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: YELLOW, BLACK sash, BLACK cap. Breeder: Norman Court Stud Form: 100006 D Sponsor: Norman Court Stud TIMEFORM VIEW Free-going sort. On the up when successful at Newmarket/Epsom but his progress has stalled since. Needs to resume his progression in ﬁrst-time cheekpieces. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 100 (-2)

14 WHIP CRACKER (IRE) (29)

B g Cracksman - Wonderworld (GER) (Sea The Moon (GER)) Owner: Mr Abdulla Al Mansoori Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Richard Hughes, Upper Lambourn Colours: YELLOW, DARK BLUE sleeves, Breeder: Macha Bloodstock Ltd & M. Downey YELLOW stars, YELLOW cap, DARK BLUE star. Form: 0-03215 D TIMEFORM VIEW Useful gelding who resumed from 4 months oﬀ to end a long losing run in 13-runner handicap at Chester (7.5f, good) in August. Not seen to best eﬀect in 7f Listed race at Newbury since but doesn’t obviously have enough in hand over his mark to win a race like this. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 99 Draw

15 SCOVILLE (GB) (35)

Billy Loughnane

23 Tom Marquand

B g Too Darn Hot - Ribbons (Manduro (GER)) Owner: Sir M Arbib,B Arbib,C Budgett & A Kheir Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Pursuit of Success LLC

16 EXCELLENT BELIEVE (GB) (21)

B g Make Believe - Lambeth Walk (Charm Spirit (IRE)) Owner: Shamrock Thoroughbreds Trainer: Stephen Thorne, Ireland Breeder: David Ward

Draw

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE Cross of Lorraine, armlets and cap. Form: 4-00031 D TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage 4-y-o who was much better than bare result on back of a breathing operation in Royal Hunt Cup/Golden Mile this summer. Conﬁrmed those impressions with a ready win in 1m handicap at the Doncaster St Leger meeting last month. Had a bit to spare and 4lb rise could prove lenient. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 99

Colin Keane

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Colours: WHITE and ORANGE (halved), EMERALD GREEN sleeves, WHITE stars, WHITE cap, EMERALD GREEN stars. Form: 330003 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Useful sort, placed several times at Group 3/Listed level for Jack Channon. Shaped well in a pair of 7f handicaps for new yard last month, looking unlucky not to ﬁnish closer when third of 10 at the Curragh latterly. Respected. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 99 Draw

17 FIFTH COLUMN (IRE) (35)

13 William Buick

18 HICKORY (IRE) (14)

B g Free Eagle (IRE) - Badr Al Badoor (IRE) (Acclamation) Owner: Martyn and Elaine Booth Trainer: Jamie Osborne, Upper Lambourn Breeder: Ms Anne Coughlan

Draw

B g Kingman - Inner Secret (USA) (Singspiel (IRE)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 00-0200 D Sponsor: Emirates TIMEFORM VIEW Enjoyed a productive campaign at 3, winning 4 times including a valuable event at York (1m). Good second oﬀ 2lb higher at Newmarket (9f) in May. Oﬀ 12 weeks, respectable 4 1/2 lengths seventh of 17 to Scoville at Doncaster (1m, good) 35 days ago. First-time visor replaces cheekpieces. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 99

22 Saffie Osborne

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 1 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, armlets and cap. Form: 061510 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Veteran who goes really well here, winning a pair of C&D handicaps this year. Shaped as if still in form when mid-ﬁeld in 7f Challenge Cup here a fortnight ago and should be happier back at 1m. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 99

Draw

19 BRIAN (IRE) (6)

20 David Egan

B g Shaman (IRE) - Alys Love (New Approach (IRE)) Owner: N Pickett & Partners Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: J. S. Moore, Upper Lambourn Colours: RED, WHITE cross belts, halved sleeves. Breeder: Alys Love Syndicate Form: 000210 Sponsor: Tote, Thames Ceilings Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Dual winner for Sylvester Kirk in 2024 who bounced back to best for current yard when readily winning 11-runner handicap at Haydock (7f, soft) last month but found out oﬀ this 9lb higher mark at Goodwood last weekend. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 99

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QATAR RACING) Draw

20 GAVRIEL (GB) (21)

18 Robert Havlin

B c Frankel - Thistle Bird (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: Mr George Strawbridge Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: George Strawbridge

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoop. Form: 41-214 C D BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Well-bred Frankel colt who has progressed fast, comfortably seeing oﬀ next-time-out winner Balzac on 1 1/4m course

handicap debut in September. First home in his group when fourth of 27 in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (9f, ﬁrm) since. Capable of better again and likely to have a big say. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 101 (+1) Draw

21 TRIBAL CHIEF (FR) (24)

19 Jack Dace (5)

B g Sioux Nation (USA) - Araca (FR) (Elusive Quality (USA))(in 6lb ex) Owner: All For One Racing (II) Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 0 Trainer: David Menuisier, Pulborough Colours: ROYAL BLUE, BEIGE Cross of Lorraine, Breeder: Pimpicks Srl striped sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Shinco Racing Limited Form: 336061 D TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped well when third in Lincoln at Doncaster (1m, good) and Victoria Cup here (7f, good to firm) this spring. Ruined his chance with slow starts on his next 3 outings but finally put it all together to win at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) 24 days ago. 6lb penalty. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 92 (+4)

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20 (EXACTA) Visor worn ﬁrst time by No. 17. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 13. Hood worn by No. 5. Tongue Strap worn by No. 8, 15, 21. Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn by No. 2. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 10, 14, 18. Stewards Note: INDALO: Following its run on 26/9/2026 it was reported that the horse hung right-handed. HICKORY: Following its run on 3/10/2026 it was reported that the horse was denied a clear run. 2025: CROWN OF OAKS 3 8 12 Tom Marquand 5-1 (William Haggas) 20 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 3:00pm 16/10/26) 4-1 Gavriel (GB), 9-2 Scoville (GB), 11-1 Indalo (IRE), Excellent Believe (GB), 12-1 Ebt’s Guard (GB), Bullet Point (GB), Colori Forever (GB), Hickory (IRE), 16-1 Jagged Edge (IRE), Fifth Column (IRE), Tribal Chief (FR), 20-1 Classic (GB), 25-1 Orandi (FR), 28-1 Persica (IRE), Torito (GB), Valvano (IRE), Mister Winston (GB), Whip Cracker (IRE), 33-1 Brian (IRE), 40-1 Room Service (IRE)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY A switch to hold-up tactics has worked a treat for SCOVILLE and he still looks well treated oﬀ 4lb higher than when winning with a bit to spare at Doncaster last month. The lightly-raced Gavriel was ﬁrst home on his side in the Cambridgeshire and rates an obvious danger. Irish raider Excellent Believe and the reliable Ebt’s Guard also make the shortlist. 1.SCOVILLE

2.GAVRIEL

3.EXCELLENT BELIEVE

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RACE CONDITIONS First Race 12.55 - THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £128850 to the winning horse The second to receive £60425, the third £30225, the fourth £15100, the fifth £7550 and the sixth £3775. for two yrs old only. Enter by noon, October 12th and pay £1250 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 2lb. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race and a memento will be presented to the owner, trainer and jockey. A memento will also be presented to the groom of the winning horses. A £250 cash prize will be awarded to the Best Turned Out horse. 18 entries at £1250. - Closed October 12th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £101575; Second £50800; Third £25400; Fourth £12700; Fifth £6350; Sixth £3175. (Penalty Value £128850) A SS SEE PAGE 26 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 1.30 - THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £283550 to the winning horse The second to receive £107500, the third £53800, the fourth £26800, the fifth £13450 and the sixth £6750. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 4th and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, September 29th or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 12th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 12th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 9lb; fillies 9st 6lb. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QATAR RACING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). The Outer Flat Course is the default for round course races on QATAR RACING British Champions Day (1m 2f, 1m 4f & 2m races). In the event of “heavy” appearing in the Going by 8am on the morning of declarations (48 hours) the races in question will switch to the Inner Flat course. Following this stage the round course races will only switch to the Inner Flat Course if the Outer Flat Course becomes or is likely to become unsafe to race on. This decision to switch will be taken as early as possible and no later than 8am on the day of racing. This will only be actioned if the Inner Flat Course is safe to use. 39 entries, 21 at £2185, 6 at £4685, 11 at £6250, 1 at £37500. - Closed August 4th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 32 FOR THIS RACE. Third Race 2.05 - THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £283550 to the winning horse The second to receive £107500, the third £53800, the fourth £26800, the fifth £13450 and the sixth £6750. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 4th and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, September 29th or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 12th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 12th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 4lb; fillies 9st 1lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QATAR RACING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). 43 entries, 11 at £2185, 15 at £4685, 16 at £6250, 1 at £37500. - Closed August 4th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 44 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 2.40 - THE QATAR RACING BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £283550 to the winning horse The second to receive £107500, the third £53800, the fourth £26800, the fifth £13450 and the sixth £6750. for three yrs old and upwards fillies and mares only. Enter by noon, August 4th and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, September 29th or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 12th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 12th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Weights: 3-y-o 9st 1lb; 4-y-o and up 9st 7lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QATAR RACING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). The Outer Flat Course is the default for round course races on QATAR RACING British Champions Day (1m 2f, 1m 4f & 2m races). In the event of “heavy” appearing in the Going by 8am on the morning of declarations (48 hours) the races in question will switch to the Inner Flat course. Following this stage the round course races will only switch to the Inner Flat Course if the Outer Flat Course becomes or is likely to become unsafe to race on. This decision to switch will be taken as early as possible and no later than 8am on the day of racing. This will only be actioned if the Inner Flat Course is safe to use. 50 entries, 23 at £2185, 12 at £4685, 13 at £6250, 2 at £37500. - Closed August 4th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 56 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.20 - THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (Sponsored by QATAR RACING) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £623810 to the winning horse The second to receive £236500, the third £118360, the fourth £58960, the fifth £29590 and the sixth £14850. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 4th and pay £4800 stake, Scratch by noon, September 29th or pay £5500, Confirm by noon, October 12th and pay £3450, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 12th and pay £70000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 6lb; fillies 9st 3lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. The Worshipful Company of Farriers will present a memento to the owner and farrier of the best shod horse in this race, the judging of which will take place during the pre-race veterinary inspection. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QATAR RACING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. The Ascot Racecourse Executive reserves the right to transfer this race to the Old Mile Course. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). 38 entries, 11 at £4800, 14 at £10300, 11 at £13750, 2 at £70000. - Closed August 4th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £490160; Second £201190; Third £100650; Fourth £50270; Fifth £25190; Sixth £12540. (Penalty Value £623810) A SS SEE PAGE 68 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.00 - THE QATAR RACING CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £737230 to the winning horse The second to receive £279500, the third £139880, the fourth £69680, the fifth £34970 and the sixth £17550. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 4th and pay £5675 stake, Scratch by noon, September 29th or pay £6500, Confirm by noon, October 12th and pay £4075, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 12th and pay £75000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 4lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race and will present a specially commissioned trophy to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QATAR RACING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. THERE WILL BE A PARADE FOR THIS RACE. Runners will be paraded in the order requested by the managing executive on the day. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). The Outer Flat Course is the default for round course races on QATAR RACING British Champions Day (1m 2f, 1m 4f & 2m races). In the event of “heavy” appearing in the Going by 8am on the morning of declarations (48 hours) the races in question will switch to the Inner Flat course. Following this stage the round course races will only switch to the Inner Flat Course if the Outer Flat Course becomes or is likely to become unsafe to race on. This decision to switch will be taken as early as possible and no later than 8am on the day of racing. This will only be actioned if the Inner Flat Course is safe to use. 45 entries, 16 at £5675, 18 at £12175, 11 at £16250. - Closed August 4th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £579280; Second £237770; Third £118950; Fourth £59410; Fifth £29770; Sixth £14820. (Penalty Value £737230) A SS SEE PAGE 78 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 4.35 - THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (Sponsored by QATAR RACING) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £103080 to the winning horse The second to receive £48340, the third £24180, the fourth £12080, the fifth £6040 and the sixth £3020. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, September 15th and pay £300 stake, Confirm by noon, October 12th and pay £700, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 15th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after September 19th, 2026, a winner of a race 6lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 12lb. Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried.. QATAR RACING has generously sponsored this race. A silver salver will be presented to the winning owner and a replica awarded to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse and a £250 cash prize to the person responsible for the best turned out horse in this race. The British Horseracing Authority will amend paragraphs 28 to 32 of the Weights and Handicapping Code and the Declaration of Jockey section of the Race Entries Code in the event that raising of the weights at the 24-hour stage proves necessary. This race will be restricted to 20 runners plus three reserves. The three reserves will be nominated as R21, R22 and R23. The procedure for the allocation and operation of the reserves protocol will be as detailed in the notice headed ‘Reserves’ which has been published in The Racing Calendar and which also appears in the important notices following the Standard Conditions on the Racing Bulletin area of the BHA Racing Administration Internet site www.racingadmin.co.uk. Trainers are reminded of the provisions of paragraph 41 of the Race Entry Code which require that they must notify the Racing Calendar Office immediately when the decision has been made not to run. This will maximise the list of runners and determine whether the weights will need to be raised. The British Horseracing Authority has modified the Declaration of Jockey section of the Race Entries Code and the Division of Races section of the Race Administration Code of the Rules of Racing for the purposes of this race. The Ascot Racecourse Executive reserves the right to transfer this race to the Old Mile Course. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 68 entries, 40 at £300, 28 at £1000. - Closed September 15th, 2026. Owners Prize Money. Winner £81260; Second £40640; Third £20320; Fourth £10160; Fifth £5080; Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 26 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS SEE PAGE 88 FOR THIS RACE.

TODAY’S OFFICIALS BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES LTD EXECUTIVE

Sophie Able (Co-Chair) Nick Smith (Co-Chair) Lucy Swiers (Senior Project Manager)

BOARD MEMBERS

Nick Attenborough (Chair, PJA) Jack Connor (Executive Officer, Thoroughbred Group) Ben Cook (Racing Director, Arena Racing Company (ARC)) Susannah Gill (Executive Director, Large Independent Racecourse Group) Tom Johnson (Commercial Director, Ascot Racecourse) Matthew Woolston (Assistant Racing and International Director, The Jockey Club)

STEWARDS Chief Steward Shaun Parker Stewards’ Panel Chair Allan Hepworth

Stewards Steve Drowne, Joseph Chan Assistant Steward Kate Smith

Raceday Assistants Ben Ford & Gwen Thomas

Handicappers Dominic Gardiner-Hill Mark Olley Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers Darren Stone Nick Holman Christine Hannaford Stuart Shilston Sarah Collins Peter Double Vince McKevitt Carol Leggett Suzanne Feltham Elizabeth Budden Commentator Simon Holt Betting Ring Manager Andrew Boardley

Doctors Dr Peter Johnson (Senior) Dr Henry Knott Dr Amy Lambert Dr Guy Mitchell Dr Ramy Saker Veterinary Surgeons Simon Knapp, CVO, BVetmed, BSc, MRCVS Clive Hamblin, BVetMed, MRCVS Jamie Knapp, BVSc, MRCVS Bobby McEwen, BVSc, MRCVS Ian Wright, BVSc, MRCVS

OFFICIALS Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels Director of Racing and Public Affairs Nick Smith Starters Robert Supple Sam Avis Clerks of the Scales Chris Hill Jeremy Lind Judge David Hicks Veterinary Officers Amy Hawthorn Sally Bainton Sally Taylor Howard Newitt

DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY

GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION If you need to speak to a member of the team please call 0344 346 3000 or email enquiries@ascot.com

CAR PARKS

Please note that car parks close at 9pm and are not open overnight.

FEEDBACK

We would welcome and appreciate all feedback from your day at Ascot. If you would like to share your experience, please email feedback@ascot.com

LOST PROPERTY

For lost property enquiries please call 0344 346 3000 (Monday to Friday) or email a full description of the item and any indication of when and where it was lost to lost.property@ascot.com

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Racegoers are permitted to take photographs for personal use but photography for publication or commercial purposes is only permitted by Ascot accredited photographers. Our official photographers are: Getty Images – gettyimages.co.uk Megan Coggin - meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com Nicole Hains – nicole@nicolehains.com

HORSE WELFARE

At all meetings there is a team of specially qualified vets appointed to look after the welfare of all horses. During each race vets follow the horse by car and can attend a casualty in the same response time as the paramedic teams responsible for human casualties. It is standard practise for screens to be fixed around any horse receiving veterinary treatment. This does not reflect the severity of an injury, just allows the vet some privacy and the patient a calm environment in which to recover. Please do not always assume the worst if you see screens around a fallen horse.

ABANDONMENT POLICY

In the event of racing being abandoned, refunds on entrance money and car parks will only be made in the following circumstances: a)

Abandonment before the running of the ﬁrst race – full refund.

Abandonment before the third or feature race, whichever is later – 50% refund

Where the provision of hospitality service has commenced and the raceday is subsequently abandoned there will be no refund for the hospitality. In the event of an abandonment there is no need to contact us, we will be in touch with next steps and any required actions.

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