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QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY FOREWORD FROM TONY LANGHAM Welcome to QIPCO British Champions Day 2025, one of the best days racing anywhere in the world. We are all set for another exciting day, with five Group 1 races for the first time along with a host of fantastic activities off the track. In our 15th year, huge thanks go once again to QIPCO, for its continued partnership with British Champions Day. The support of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and his brothers is greatly valued by British racing and we wish them an enjoyable day. A record £4.35m in prize money will be on offer this year, making it once again Britain’s richest raceday. That is boosted by the exciting introduction of a new two-year-old race, taking us to seven races on the day. The QIPCO British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes, the second race on the card, is worth £250,000 and is run over six furlongs without penalities. The QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup has also received a prize money boost to £500,000, recognising its elevation to Group 1 status. Off the track, in the Grandstand we have our British Racing Hall of Fame exhibition and today we are announcing two new inductees. Legendary mare Enable becomes the 13th horse to enter the Hall of Fame while the late Major Dick Hern becomes the latest trainer to be recognised, joining the likes of Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien.

Before racing the Goﬀs QIPCO British Champions Day Sale should provide some exciting theatre and there will be a Retraining of Racehorses parade. Retired racehorse, Side Glance will also be on hand to welcome racegoers to the Meet The Racehorse area. Within the Thunderdome the British Racing School, The Pony Club, Colts and Fillies Club, Racing to School, Autism In Racing and Careers In Racing will all have activations and we have an enhanced Family Zone beyond the Parade Ring with children’s activities including face painting, a bubble bike, balloon modellers, a roaming magician, a VR experience and giveaways. Lastly, to bring the day to a close, the QIPCO British Champions Day After Party will feature live music from Artful Dodger and Aston Merrygold. The heroes of the day are, of course, the horses and without the hard work, skill and passion of the jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders and stable staﬀ, this wonderful sport would not be possible. We thank them all for their support and wish them the best of luck. We hope that you have an enjoyable day at Ascot too, thank you for joining us.

Alongside presentations to connections of Juddmonte and the family of Major Dick Hern to mark those achievements, we will crown the Champion Flat Jockey and Champion Apprentice throughout the afternoon, as well as the Champion Owner. Our congratulations go to all of them. There’s a chance to meet the likes of Oisin Murphy, Billy Loughnane and Tom Marquand in the Jockey Hub and other leading riders will feature in our Jockey Gym, which demonstrates the ﬁtness levels that jockeys need to compete.

TONY LANGHAM, CHAIR BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY 1

qipco.com.qa

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani (left) accepting a trophy with his brothers (left to right), Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Suhaim and Sheikh Fahad.

Welcome from HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chief Executive, QIPCO Holding

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani

Welcome from HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Thani, My brothers and I have been Al fortunate On behalf of my brothers and fellow enough to experience the highs that Directors of QIPCO, I welcome you all to Chairman, QIPCO Holding accompany the thrill of a winner on QIPCO Ascot for the 2016 running of QIPCO British

British conjunction This year Champions we are up to fiveDay Group–1firstly, races forinthe first time, as the QIPCO Champions Distance Cupwon now carries with ourBritish father when Long Charm Spirit the top-level It is a deserved upgrade for anand eventthen which Queenstatus. Elizabeth II Stakes in 2014 has thrilled in recent years including with the battles between last year when Simple Verse won the Fillies’ Kyprios and Trawlerman. and Mares’. There is also a new race for 2025 in the QIPCO British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions It is an addition Simple Verse returns to Ascot Stakes. this year which givesare an opportunity forthe the champions of of the future and and we excited at prospect provides another compelling aspect to the occasion. her seeing her run again. Meanwhile, Qatar Racing and our owningto andBritain, breedingafter operation Charm Spirit returns a is based at Tweenhills in Gloucestershire, home to one of the most exciting season in France, to stand at stud in 2017 young stallions in the country; Kameko, the brilliant winner of alongside other the QIPCO 2000our Guineas. HeQatar has hadBloodstock impressive results from his stallions at to Tweenhills in Gloucestershire. first two crops have hit the racecourse. It is aRacing’s dream and ambition ours to breed Qatar New Century won theof Grade 1 Summer Stakes at stock ofinthe calibre good enough win on Woodbine Canada while Wimbledon Hawkeyetohas maintained his progress and secured the hugelyDay. valuable prize of the QIPCO British Champions Nashville Derby. We are excited by the potential of some of his A day of spectacular, high Five quality lies juveniles, such as the Group winner Ways,racing as the focus turns to next season. We also to retain Oisin and Murphy as ahead and we wish allcontinue the participants Qatar Racing’s the riderbest since 2016 and his herculeanyour efforts are racegoers of luck, without again rewarded this afternoon a fifth Champion title. support QIPCO Britishwith Champions DayJockey could QIPCO’s investment in this fabulous stems from my not have progressed in themeeting manner it has. family’s deep affection for British racing and we would like to wish those involved the best of luck. We hope you all enjoy the show! HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

Day. It Champions is with immense pride that we welcome you to the 15th running of QIPCO British Champions Day, the showcase and As title sponsors delighted culmination of the 2025we Flatare racing season. at how QIPCO British Champions Day hasand evolved Today we celebrate our sport’s heroes - human equine - on and grown and againwhatever there are a thrilling afternoon foronce all racegoers, theirseveral age or experience. reasons to look forward to this year’s running, the sixth since its launch in 2011. QIPCO, our family’s investment company, is an Official Partner of Ascot and Royal Ascot as well as being title sponsor of QIPCO FirstChampions and foremost, there the quality British Day, Britain’s mostisvaluable raceday,and and the racing. This yearin this wecompetitiveness delight in being able toofsupport the racing industry country. there were a record number of horses entered (256) when entries closed in August, Our passion for, and commitment to, engaging younger racegoers remains strong asof ever. meeting the top including theas winners 79From Group 1 races riders theEuropean Jockey Hub to enjoying live music into the evening, andin15 Classics. Today’s runners there host of activitiesfor to educate and entertain all and willare bea competing prize money totaling particularly the young and families. £4.2m, the richest raceday in Britain, and the QIPCO has been instrumental establishing 26, a freeaction will be played inout in frontClub of what is to-join club for those aged between 18 to 26 to attend Britain’s expected to be a record crowd after two ﬁnest racedays. By encouraging as many young people as of the enclosures out weeks inwe advance. possible to experiencesold the wonders of racing, are creating a meaningful legacy for QIPCO and the sport. Club 26 now has As a business, QIPCO has invested British over 15,000 members and is the largest and mostin successful Champions club of its kind. Series and British Champions DayBritish to promote and promote QIPCO Championsthe Daysport has gone fromtostrength to the company and although both ourwhen racing strength since its inception. A golden inauguration, Frankel won thebloodstock 2011 Queen Elizabeth II Stakesare (Sponsored By QIPCO), and operations subsidiaries has to many it modern gracing thiswe Berkshire ofled QIPCO, is as greats a family that shareturf in in mid-October. the thrill of ownership.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, QIPCO HOLDING LTD

HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI CHAIRMAN, QIPCO HOLDING 3

ITINERARY SATURDAY, 18TH OCTOBER 2025 11.00

12.25

Demonstration in the Jockey Gym with Champion Apprentice, Joe Leavy, Queen Anne Lawn

Crowning of Champion Owner, Parade Ring

FIFTH RACE THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

11.15

12.55

FIRST RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

16.05

JOCKEY GYM

JOCKEY SIGNINGS

Jockey Signings with Billy Loughnane and Joe Leavy, Jockey Hub, Queen Anne Lawn

11.30

GOFFS SALE Goﬀs QIPCO British Champions Day Sale located in the Parade Ring

11.30

JOCKEY GYM Jockey Gym demonstration with Billy Loughnane, Queen Anne Lawn

CHAMPION OWNER

CHAMPION APPRENTICE Crowning of Champion Apprentice, Parade Ring

13.30

SECOND RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES

Jockey Signings with Tom Marquand, Jockey Hub, Queen Anne Lawn

British Racing Hall of Fame induction moment for Major Dick Hern, Parade Ring

11.45

14.05

QIPCO British Champions Day Retraining of Racehorses Parade, Parade Ring

11.50

JOCKEY SIGNINGS Jockey Signings with Champion Jockey, Oisin Murphy, Jockey Hub, Queen Anne Lawn

12.00

JOCKEY MASTERCLASS Jockey Masterclass with Tom Marquand, Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

CHAMPION JOCKEY Crowning of Champion Jockey, Parade Ring

16.40

SEVENTH RACE THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

17.00

THUNDERDOME

11.30

RoR PARADE

SIXTH RACE

16.20

13.05

13.45

JOCKEY SIGNINGS

15.25

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

THIRD RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

14.25

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

14.45

FOURTH RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES 4

After Party starts, featuring Artful Dodger and Aston Merrygold, Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn

britishchampionsday

FAMILY ZONE

AFTER PARTY

TWEENHILLS EXHIBITION

Free activities including our brilliant Jockey School, Virtual Reality Experience, Face Painting, Bubble Bike, Ballon Modelling, Magician, Stilt Walking and more. As well as that, enter free competitions and win big prizes! Join our unmissable masterclass at 12.00pm with Tom Marquand, as he shows what it takes to be a top jockey. And jump on board an equicizer as our jockey coaches show you how to ride a racehorse.

The entertainment continues following the conclusion of racing, with the ultimate After Party featuring the world-renowned Artful Dodger (5.00pm) and Aston Merrygold (6.00pm).

Learn about the Tweenhills stallions and foals and what it takes to breed a champion thoroughbred racehorse.

JOCKEY GYM

GRANDSTAND CONCOURSE

GRANDSTAND LAWN

MEET THE RACEHORSE CEDAR TREE LAWN

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

THUNDERDOME

QUEEN ANNE LAWN Make your way to the Jockey Gym for expert jockey demonstrations ahead of racing. Champion Apprentice, Joe Leavy shows his strength at 11.00am, before Billy Loughnane’s demo at 11.30am. 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.

QUEEN ANNE LAWN

BRITISH RACING HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION

Head to our special exhibition to ﬁnd out more about our Hall of Famers, including Enable and Major Dick Hern who are both inducted today.

SENSORY ROOM

CEDAR TREE LAWN

Ascot Racecourse’s permanent sensory room is available to under 16s with neuro-diverse conditions throughout the course of the day. Should you wish to speak with one of the sensory room assistants before arrival or check that the room is attended, simply call 07974 417253.

FINISH LINE

ACCESS TO THE WINNING POST ENCLOSURE

TO CAR PARK 1

THE GARDENS

PAR RI

PRE-PARADE RING

CAR PARK 2

KEY TO SYMBOLS

KEY TO NUMBERS

Cash Machine

Entry Point

Bandstand

First Aid Point

Cloakroom & Left Luggage

Toilets and Baby Changing

Lost Property

Parent & Baby Room

Ascot Shop

Grandstand Entrances 6

Family Zone: Free Family Activities and Jockey Masterclass

Family Zone: Jockey Signings, Jockey Gym and Tweenhills Exhibition

After Party

British Racing Hall of Fame Exhibition

#ChampionsDay

TRACKSIDE LAWNS

RADE ING

THE LAWNS 9 8

TO CAR PARK 6

2 HIGH STREET

CAR PARK 3

Champions Lawn: Exclusive Area for Club 26 Members and INVADES

Crowning of Champion Owner, Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice

British Racing Hall of Fame Inductions

Ascot Racecourse Supports Sensory Room

Meet the Racehorse Sunﬂower Lawn

Wristbands 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.

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.

ACT FRE IVIT E IES

FAMILY ZONE JOCKEY MASTERCLASS Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn Tom Marquand 12.00pm

JOCKEY SIGNINGS

Queen Anne Lawn Billy Loughnane and Joe Leavy 11.15am Tom Marquand 11.30am / Oisin Murphy 11.50am

FREE ACTIVITIES

Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn Jockey School / Virtual Reality Experience / Face Painting / Bubble Bike Ballon Modelling / Magician / Stilt Walking and more.

TWEENHILLS EXHIBITION Queen Anne Lawn

MEET THE

RACEHORSE ON THE CEDAR TREE LAWN WITH

SIDE GLANCE

Boutique Sale of High Class Horses-In-Training Today on on the Winners’ Winners’ Podium Today Podium 11:30am - 11:45am 11:30am 12 noon

Ascot Racecourse

ROR PARADE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY ROR PARADE SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025 11.45am to 12.00pm – Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade A parade of retired racehorses takes place in the Parade Ring from 11.45am to 12.00pm. The parade showcases the versatility of the thoroughbred together with the range of activities open to racehorses when they ﬁnish their racing careers, thanks to the work of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). BARRACUDA BOY – Ridden By Dannielle Carr

15-year-old gelding by Bahamian Bounty, formerly trained by Tom Dascombe and latterly by Marjorie Fife Breeder: Mount Coote Partnership Barracuda Boy is owned by Debbie Hodge-Phillips and has retrained nicely as a show horse. He has proved to be just as successful in his new career out of racing. Barracuda Boy has had an impressive 2025 showing season having won the RoR in-hand Flat class and went reserve RoR inhand Champion at Royal Windsor Horse Show. At Equifest, he won the RoR Amateur Ridden Qualiﬁer and then went Reserve Champion Racehorse to Riding Horse. Further success came at the Royal Norfolk Show when he went Veteran Ridden Champion. 2026 looks set to be a busy year for Barracuda Boy with qualiﬁers already won for Hickstead and the RoR National Championships at Aintree. Debbie says: “He is a pleasure to have at home and is a real character.”

EDITEUR DU GITE – Ridden by Phoebe Cruse

11-year-old gelding by Saddex, formerly trained by Gary & Josh Moore Breeder: Daniel Gerault Grade 1 winner Editeur Du Gite (Eddie) retired in March 2025. Phoebe rode him most days whilst in training and the connection and love was instant. He had the summer out in the ﬁeld and is now back being ridden and retrained. Eddie has been cross-country schooling in the arena at Hickstead, goes for hacks around the countryside with Phoebe’s dog, and has been doing some light work in the school over poles. Phoebe says: “He’s very much become a family horse and is amazing with the three children, he rides & leads our Shetland pony with the eldest on board and goes for walks in hand alongside the pushchair.”

JACK RANDALL – Ridden By Louise Heard

9-year-old gelding by Cityscape, formerly trained by Tim Easterby and latterly by Iain Jardine Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud Purchased in March 2021 as a 5-year-old, Jack Randall started his eventing and dressage career with his owner Louise Heard having run 14 times on the Flat. In 2022 she passed the competition reins over to a professional rider, Alexander Tordoﬀ, and soon he won a BE100 event with a dressage score of 18.5. In 2025, Jack Randall turned 9-years-old and has completed four 3* events, all clear cross-country, ﬁnishing 3rd in the inaugural Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at Cornbury House Horse Trials. 12

QUADRILLE – Ridden By Louise Robson

18-year-old gelding by Danehill Dancer, formerly trained by Richard Hannon Snr Breeder: Queen Elizabeth II Quadrille and Louise Robson have been a partnership since he finished his racing career at four-years-old. They have progressed their way through the dressage levels across their fourteen-year partnership, from the beginning stages to the higher levels. Quadrille was RoR Horse of the Year in 2019 and is one of the highest competing former racehorses in Great Britain. Louise says “Quadrille is a joyous character who loves nothing more than performing his fancy dance moves, cantering across fields whilst hacking and playing with his best friends in the field”.

SAINT GREGOIRE - Ridden By Patrick Torddyn

4-year-old gelding by Le Havre, formerly trained by J-C Rouget and latterly by Saeed bin Suroor Breeder: S A Franklin Finance Saint Gregoire (Greg) was originally trained and raced in France where he won six times over the mile distance. He came to Louise Robson via the Godolphin Rehoming Programme. Louise describes him as having a natural talent for ‘dressage ﬂare.’ They are currently competing at Medium/Advanced Medium level. Greg has won the RoR Medium regional title both in 2023 and 2024 and won the RoR National title at Medium in 2023 and the RoR Special Open (open to those competing advanced medium and above) title in 2024 and 2025. Louise says: “Greg also loves performing in demonstrations, being part of community visits and meeting new people.”

VEGAS BOY – Ridden By Elizabeth Johnson

10-year-old gelding, formerly trained by Jamie Osborne and latterly Gay Kelleway Breeder: Brian Miller Vegas Boy won four races and placed numerous times including here at Ascot over six furlongs. Since his retirement he has proven to be a willing, intelligent and adaptive horse. In 2024 he was crowned British Dressage Grade IV Bronze Champion at the British Dressage Summer Para Championships. Elizabeth describes Vegas Boy as: “A happy go lucky horse and very sensible, making him the ideal mount for any rider, para or otherwise.” 13

Bred and raised at Tweenhills since 2023 Gr.1 Winners

Buckaroo

New Century

King of Gosford

Queen Of The Pride

Mgheera

Gr.2 Winners

Running Lion

Gr.3 Winners

Middle Earth

Listed Winner

Oceans Four

American Gal

OTHER STAKES HORSES INCLUDE: VALIANT KING Gr.3 winner, MIAHARRIS Listed winner, FLIGHT Gr.1 placed, HEART OF HONOR Gr.2 placed, JARRAAF Gr.3 placed, SAINT GEORGE Gr.2 placed, JACKKNIFE Listed placed

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

C = Course Winner

(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

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).

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.

britishchampionsday

TODAY’S RUNNERS AT A GLANCE 1m Race 1 12.55 1m 7f 209y Race 5 3.25 THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (CLASS 1) (Sponsored by QIPCO) (Group 1) 1 Al Qareem (IRE) Clifford Lee 1 Carl Spackler (IRE) William Buick 2 Sweet William (IRE) Robert Havlin 2 Cicero’s Gift (GB) Jason Watson 3 Trawlerman (IRE) William Buick 3 Dancing Gemini (IRE) Kieran Shoemark 4 Saratoga (IRE) W. M. Lordan 4 Docklands (GB) Tom Marquand 5 Stay True (IRE) C. Soumillon 5 Facteur Cheval (IRE) Mickael Barzalona 6 Never So Brave (IRE) Oisin Murphy Silvestre De Sousa Race 2 1.30 6f 7 Quddwah (GB) 8 Rosallion (IRE) Sean Levey THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY Ben Coen TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) 9 Alakazi (FR) James Doyle 1 Ardisia (IRE) Tom Marquand 10 Fallen Angel (GB) Colin Keane 2 Division (GB) James Doyle 11 Field of Gold (IRE) P. J. McDonald 3 Egoli (GB) Rossa Ryan 12 Marvelman (IRE) Rossa Ryan 4 Gentle George (GB) Alistair Rawlinson 13 Tamfana (GER) C. Soumillon 5 Kamakameleon (GB) Cieren Fallon 14 The Lion In Winter (IRE) W. M. Lordan 6 Kansas (IRE) W. M. Lordan 15 Exactly (IRE) W. J. Lee 7 Mission Central (IRE) C. Soumillon 16 January (IRE) 8 Sir Albert (IRE) Oisin Murphy 9 Siren Suit (GB) Robert Havlin Race 6 4.05 1m 1f 212y 10 Super Soldier (IRE) Clifford Lee THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES 11 Watcha Snoop (IRE) David Egan (CLASS 1) (Group 1) 12 Words of Truth (GB) William Buick 1 Almaqam (GB) Kieran Shoemark 13 Slay Queen (IRE) Joe Leavy 2 Calandagan (IRE) Mickael Barzalona 3 Economics (GB) Tom Marquand James Doyle Race 3 2.05 6f 4 First Look (IRE) 5 Fox Legacy (GB) P. J. McDonald THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES 6 Ombudsman (IRE) William Buick (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Benoit de la Sayette 1 Art Power (IRE) David Allan 7 Prague (IRE) Oisin Murphy 2 Iberian (IRE) David Egan 8 Almeric (GB) C. Soumillon 3 Inisherin (GB) Tom Eaves 9 Delacroix (IRE) Robert Havlin 4 James’s Delight (IRE) Clifford Lee 10 Devil’s Advocate (GB) W. M. Lordan 5 Kind of Blue (GB) Daniel Muscutt 11 Mount Kilimanjaro (FR) 6 King’s Gamble (IRE) Rossa Ryan 7 King Cuan (GB) W. J. Lee Race 7 4.40 1m 8 Lazzat (FR) James Doyle THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES 9 Montassib (GB) Cieren Fallon (CLASS 2) (Sponsored by QIPCO) 10 Quinault (GER) Sean Levey 1 Holloway Boy (GB) Clifford Lee 11 Run To Freedom (GB) Rob Hornby 2 Native Warrior (GB) James Doyle 12 Ten Bob Tony (IRE) Kieran Shoemark 3 Godwinson (GB) Cieren Fallon 13 Witness Stand (GB) Colin Keane 4 Witch Hunter (FR) Joe Leavy 14 Big Mojo (IRE) Tom Marquand 5 Ebt’s Guard (GB) Lewis Edmunds 15 Powerful Glory (IRE) Jamie Spencer 6 Cerulean Bay (IRE) Daniel Tudhope 16 Spy Chief (GB) William Buick 7 Golden Mind (IRE) Warren Fentiman (5) 17 Flora of Bermuda (IRE) Oisin Murphy 8 Great Acclaim (GB) Charles Bishop 18 No Half Measures (GB) Neil Callan 9 Arisaig (GB) Jamie Spencer 19 Rosy Affair (GB) Billy Loughnane 10 Fifth Column (IRE) William Buick 20 Rayevka (IRE) Mickael Barzalona 11 Hafeet Alain (IRE) Ashley Lewis (5) 12 Shout (IRE) Oisin Murphy Tom Marquand Race 4 2.45 1m 3f 211y 13 Crown of Oaks (GB) David Egan THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES 14 Orandi (FR) 15 Oliver Show (IRE) Billy Loughnane (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Jack Callan (5) 1 Danielle (GB) Oisin Murphy 16 Greek Order (GB) Jason Watson 2 Estrange (IRE) Daniel Tudhope 17 Theoryofeverything (GB) Ray Dawson 3 Kalpana (GB) Colin Keane 18 Bobby Bennu (IRE) Sean Levey 4 Latakia (GB) William Buick 19 Tribal Chief (FR) Mark Winn 5 One Look (IRE) James Doyle 20 Bopedro (FR) 6 Quisisana (FR) Mickael Barzalona 7 Ballet Slippers (IRE) W. M. Lordan 8 Bedtime Story (IRE) C. Soumillon 9 Waardah (IRE) Callum Rodriguez 10 Wemightakedlongway (IRE) Dylan Browne McMonagle 16

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.

BET SMALL WIN BIG Races 2-7 are in the World Pool today 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, Tote, and Ascot Racecourse. It enables racegoers to bet into a global pool consisting of over 28 countries, resulting in signiﬁcantly bigger pools and increasing the total amount that can be won. WIN, PLACE , FIRST T WO, FIRST THREE , TWO FROM THREE and the TREBLE will be the available World Pool bets on course and there are expected to be 6 races on QIPCO British Champions Day with pool sizes of over £1 million. Bet With Ascot screens will indicate pool sizes for each race. The Placepot, Jackpot and Quadpot will be managed by using the standard Bet With Ascot rules. 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:

1-4 declared runners 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)

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The QIPCO 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 last year but his retirement leaves the door open for Trawlerman to register his second Long Distance Cup. This year’s Gold Cup winner repelled Kyprios in 2023 and the Godolphin star looks set to lift the Cup again. Today the race is run as a Group 1 for the first time ever.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

About 2 Miles

2024: Kyprios

Overall: £531,250

2023: Trawlerman 2022: Trueshan

1st: £301,271

2021: Trueshan

2nd: £114,281

2020: Trueshan

3rd: £57,162

2019: Kew Gardens 2018: Stradivarius 2017: Order of St George 2016: Sheikhzayedroad 20

4th: £28,475 5th: £14,290

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

TRAWLERMAN

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Godolphin Sire-Dam: Golden Horn - Tidespring (IRE) Breeder: Godolphin Info: This year’s Long Distance Cup has been elevated to Group 1 status and Trawlerman would be a fitting winner. He has been this season’s star stayer and will be running in the race for the fourth successive year. He mastered Kyprios when winning a memorable renewal two years ago before finishing third 12 months ago, having also filled that position in 2022. The front-runner has excelled this campaign, especially when trouncing his seven rivals in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June, winning by seven lengths in a record time. Trawlerman had previously won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown, and on his latest start he gave weight and a beating to Sweet William in the Lonsdale Cup at York. Overall, he has won ten of his 22 races.

SWEET WILLIAM

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 6 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Normandie Stud Ltd Sire-Dam: Sea The Stars (IRE) – Gale Force Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd Info: The pride and joy of Philippa Cooper, his owner, almost never saw the racecourse after suffering an injury as a two-year-old before he had ever run. But he made a full recovery and has since won or made the frame in all 20 of his races. He finished third to Trawlerman, his stablemate, in the 2023 Long Distance Cup, and returned last year to beat all bar Kyprios. Will it be a case of 321? Sweet William has again had to play a supporting role behind Trawlerman on a couple of occasions this year, but he looked better than ever when winning a second Doncaster Cup last month. He’s a horse who likes to pounce late and will take his prize money haul beyond £1 million if he finishes anywhere in the first three.

STAY TRUE

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Owner: Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor, D Smith Sire-Dam: Galileo (IRE) – Bounce (IRE) Breeder: Newstead Breeding Info: Aidan O’Brien seeks a fifth triumph in the Long Distance Cup, having previously struck with Fame And Glory, Order Of St George, Kew Gardens and Kyprios. Stay True is a fascinating candidate for him this time, having been supplemented on Monday. Unraced as a two-year-old, he has improved with each of his four races this season, putting up a career best when finishing a close third to Scandinavia, his stablemate, in the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster last time. His siblings have all been sprinters, but he has clearly inherited plenty of stamina from his record-breaking sire, Galileo, who died at the age of 23 in 2021. Nine of his offspring have won on Champions Day, with three of his sons having previously taken this prize. 21

FIRST RACE 12.55PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) ABOUT TWO MILES (15F 209YDS) (Approx. 3,200 metres). For three year olds and upwards. Advertised total prize fund £531250. Owners Prize Money: Winner £236725, Second £97166, Third £48609, Fourth £24278, Fifth £12166. (Penalty Value £301271.87) A SS

RACE

START FINISH

Stalls: Inside

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

Horse

AL QAREEM (IRE) (14)

Draw Draw

B g Awtaad (IRE) - Moqla (Teoﬁlo (IRE)) Owner: Nick Bradley Racing 33, Burke & partner Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited

Jockey Clifford Lee

TRAWLERMAN (IRE) (57)

SARATOGA (IRE) (6)

Draw

SWEET WILLIAM (IRE) (36)

4 Robert Havlin

Draw

2 William Buick

Draw

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 9 Colours: WHITE, BLACK seams, WHITE sleeves, BLACK stars, WHITE cap, BLACK star. Form: 211431 C TIMEFORM VIEW Likeable front runner who showed a tremendous attitude when winning the Cumberland Lodge for the third straight year here a fortnight ago, holding off all comers and forging clear. Suspect this trip is beyond him (safely held by the Gosden pair on Lonsdale TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 114 Cup form) but he’ll give it a good shot.

1 W. M. Lordan

B g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Gale Force (Shirocco (GER)) Owner: Normandie Stud Ltd Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: PINK, WHITE sleeves. Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd Form: 2-34321 D Sponsor: Normandie Stud Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart stayer who has his quirks but usually runs well, boasting a particularly good record in the Doncaster Cup, capitalising on the absence of his main rivals in this division when landing the spoils last month. Second in front of Trawlerman in this last year and will be in the mix again. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 115

B g Golden Horn - Tidespring (IRE) (Monsun (GER)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 23-5111 CD Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better TIMEFORM VIEW The dominant stayer around following the retirement of Kyprios, storming clear in the Ascot Gold Cup before getting up another hat-trick in the Lonsdale Cup at York, grinding it out from stablemate Sweet William. Form ﬁgures in this race read 313 and he’s very much the one to beat. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 121

Gr c Camelot - Dialafara (FR) (Anabaa (USA)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Lynch Bages Ltd & Camas Park Stud

STAY TRUE (IRE) (35)

B c Galileo (IRE) - Bounce (Bahamian Bounty) Owner: Westerberg/Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Newstead Breeding

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 2 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 3-2315 TIMEFORM VIEW Listowel handicap winner who was well backed and improved despite only ﬁnishing ﬁfth in good 2m Naas contest last week. This demands a whole lot more, but he looks a promising stayer. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 88

3 C. Soumillon

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 2 Colours: MAROON, ROYAL BLUE hoop and sleeves, quartered cap. Form: 1243 TIMEFORM VIEW Successful debut in Leopardstown maiden in April and has improved with each start since, faring best of the O’Brien quartet in the Great Voltigeur and not beaten far (looked likely winner over 1f out) by Scandinavia in the St Leger. Retains potential but 2m not certain to be his trip. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 113

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 5 Hood worn by No. 3. Visor worn by No. 2. 2024: KYPRIOS (IRE) 6 9 9 Ryan Moore 8-11 (Aidan O’Brien) 9 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 4-7 Trawlerman (IRE), 9-2 Stay True (IRE), 5-1 Sweet William (IRE), 11-1 Al Qareem (IRE), 80-1 Saratoga (IRE)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY A cracking opportunity for Gold Cup winner TRAWLERMAN to cap off a stellar season and take this prize for a second time. Sweet William can complete a 1-2 for the stable. Al Qareem and Stay True might be found wanting for stamina when it matters, although Saratoga looks a promising stayer in the making and could outrun his odds. 1. TRAWLERMAN (IRE)

2. SWEET WILLIAM (IRE)

3. SARATOGA (IRE)

QIPCO HOLDING has 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.

ChampionsDay

WILL YOU HAVE THE LUCK OF THE DRAW?

£10 BETTING BUNDLE 5 BETS RANDOMLY SELECTED BY US, FOR YOU MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE THE FIRST RACE.

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

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

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

WORDS OF TRUTH

Sex: Gelding Colour: Chestnut Age: 2 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin Sire-Dam: Lope De Vega (IRE) – Beyond Reason (IRE) Breeder: Godolphin

Info: Words Of Truth is going from strength to strength and is one of several leading contenders who will be carrying the blue silks of Godolphin this afternoon. He opened his account by winning a maiden here at Ascot in July, and then followed up with a comfortable success at Newmarket before landing the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on his latest start. With an official rating of 112, he set a high standard, and he has won his races on a variety of ground.

SIR ALBERT

Sex: Colt Colour: Brown Age: 2 Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Mrs A Althani Sire-Dam: No Nay Never (USA) – Al Joza Breeder: The Imperium Syndicate Info: Sir Albert is thriving on his racing and, having already had six races, will not fail through lack of experience. He ran a cracker when a close third to Avicenna in a Listed race at Doncaster last time, when he made much of the running. The runner-up that day, Hankelow, has boosted the form with a subsequent Group 3 win at Newmarket. Sir Albert had previously reeled oﬀ successive wins at Newcastle, Chester and Goodwood. He is speedy and clearly versatile regarding ground conditions.

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

SECOND RACE 1.30PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) SIX FURLONGS (6F) (1,200 metres). For two year olds. Advertised 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

START

FINISH

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

EGOLI (GB) (42)

GENTLE GEORGE (GB) (22)

KAMAKAMELEON (GB) (7)

Draw

DIVISION (GB) (7)

Jockey

10 Tom Marquand

Draw

9 James Doyle

Draw

ARDISIA (IRE) (14)

Rossa Ryan

Draw

Horse

Alistair Rawlinson

Draw

2 Cieren Fallon

B g Ardad (IRE) - Garraun (IRE) (Tamayuz) Owner: Ardisia Partnership Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Malpas Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED disc, Breeder: Lynn Lodge Stud hooped sleeves, RED cap. Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 001311 D TIMEFORM VIEW Gained a ﬁfth win of a fantastic ﬁrst season when bagging a valuable Listed event at Redcar (6f, good to soft) a fortnight ago. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 100 This tough and likeable performer looks sure to give another good account.

B c Kingman - Pepita (IRE) (Sir Prancealot (IRE)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Rockcliffe Stud RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 2111 D TIMEFORM VIEW Kingman colt who created a good impression when landing a pair of 6f novices last month and took the step up to Listed level in his stride at York (6f, good) last weekend. Likely to go on improving. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 103

B c No Nay Never (USA) - Solar Gold (IRE) (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Owner: Cayton Park Stud Limited Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE square, Breeder: Cayton Park Stud Ltd LIGHT BLUE sleeves and cap. Form: 511654 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Maiden/novice winner this summer but limitations seemingly exposed at Group level since, albeit latest 1 1/4 lengths fourth of 10 to Five Ways in Sirenia at Kempton (6f) was a good effort. Blinkered ﬁrst time. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 93

B c Sergei Prokoﬁev (CAN) - Mops Angel (Piccolo) Owner: Mr Michael Appleby Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Michael Appleby, Oakham Colours: BLACK, RED disc, halved sleeves, Breeder: Michael Appleby quartered cap. Sponsor: Trade Access Panels Ltd Form: 611 D TIMEFORM VIEW Sergei Prokoﬁev colt who looked a useful prospect when winning maiden at Sandown (5f, soft) and novice at Haydock (6f, good) last month but he’ll need a good chunk of improvement to complete the hat-trick here. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 90

Ch c Kameko (USA) - Moravia (Siyouni (FR)) Owner: Hold My Beer, M. Broughton & T. Elphick Trainer: Dylan Cunha, Newmarket Breeder: The Moravia Partnership

Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, ORANGE stars, WHITE sleeves, ORANGE stars, WHITE cap, ORANGE star. Form: 550000 TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful form but beaten on all 6 starts since his Doncaster maiden success in May and it’s highly likely that losing run will be extended here. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 86

KANSAS (IRE) (8)

B c Wootton Bassett - Fire Fly (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Westerberg

Draw

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES 6 W. M. Lordan

SIREN SUIT (GB) (10)

Draw

SIR ALBERT (IRE) (36)

11 Oisin Murphy

Draw

7 C. Soumillon

5 Robert Havlin

Draw

MISSION CENTRAL (IRE) (36)

Draw

13 David Egan

Draw

Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 2 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, striped sleeves. Form: 122254 BF TIMEFORM VIEW Useful colt. Winner of 5f maiden at Tipperary in July. Placed at Listed and Group 2 level since but not in quite the same form when 3 lengths fourth of 12 to Ipanema Queen in Listed race at Dundalk (5f) 8 days ago. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 101

3 William Buick

B g No Nay Never (USA) - Thar She Blows (IRE) (Zoffany (IRE)) Owner: Tabor/Smith/Magnier/Westerberg/Brant Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 2 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, striped Breeder: Gigginstown House Stud sleeves and cap. Form: 5116 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Gelded following low-key debut and totally different proposition when making all in maiden and Group 3 at the Curragh over 6f on next 2 outings. Found it harder to dominate in the Flying Childers back at 5f last time and should be happier returned to this trip. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 106

Br c No Nay Never (USA) - Al Joza (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Mrs A. Althani Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: YELLOW, WHITE spots, Breeder: The Imperium Syndicate YELLOW sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Barberini Bloodstock Ltd Form: 451113 D TIMEFORM VIEW Completed a hat-trick when seeing off 10 rivals in 7f Glorious Goodwood nursery at the end of July. Winning run ended but advanced his form again when 1/2-length third of 8 to Avicenna in Listed race at Doncaster (7f, good) 36 days ago. Possesses a likeable attitude and further progress possible. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 101

B c Churchill (IRE) - Angel’s Hideaway (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: RED, WHITE sash, ROYAL BLUE cap. Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Limited Form: 631 Sponsor: Cheveley Park Stud Limited TIMEFORM VIEW Promising third to Wise Approach in a strong 5f course conditions event in April. Missed the summer but returned to TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 88 comfortably land short odds in a 7f Kempton maiden 10 days ago. Good prospect.

10 SUPER SOLDIER (IRE) (42)

Gr c Dark Angel (IRE) - First Party (Royal Applause) Owner: The JC Organization & Partners 1 Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE stars, WHITE Breeder: Drumlin Bloodstock sleeves, RED stars. Sponsor: KB Spigot Ltd Form: 220200 TIMEFORM VIEW Winner on Leicester debut in April. Runner-up at Listed/Group 2 level in France during the summer but needs to shrug TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 100 off below-par efforts in the Richmond at Goodwood and Sirenia at Kempton on last 2 starts.

11 WATCHA SNOOP (IRE) (28)

Clifford Lee

B g Coulsty (IRE) - Scoop (IRE) (Belardo (IRE)) Owner: Austin & McCallum Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Malpas Colours: BLACK, YELLOW epaulets, Breeder: Knocktoran Stud & Maura Purcell diabolo on sleeves, quartered cap. Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 210 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Chased home Words of Truth on debut before going one better in a C&D novice (good to soft) last month. Almost beaten before he started (very keen to post) when tailed off behind Words of Truth in Mill Reef at Newbury since. Needs to handle the TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 84 preliminaries better but has been gelded.

12 WORDS OF TRUTH (GB) (28)

Ch g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Beyond Reason (IRE) (Australia) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 2 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 0111 CD Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better TIMEFORM VIEW Gelded after ﬁnishing only eighth on debut and has won all 3 starts since, notably the Group 2 Mill Reef at Newbury (6f, soft) last month. First 2 wins (including one over C&D) on good to ﬁrm so he’s versatile regards ground. Open to further progress and TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 112 can’t oppose on these terms.

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY TWO-YEAR-OLD CONDITIONS STAKES Draw

13 SLAY QUEEN (IRE) (37)

B f Acclamation - Asterella (FR) (Olympic Glory (IRE)) Owner: Dove Valley Holdings Ltd Weight: 9 2 Horse Age: 2 Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE diamond, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Herbertstown House Stud ROYAL BLUE stars, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star. Sponsor: Eaton Hall Shooting Ground Form: 44110 D TIMEFORM VIEW All-the-way winner of a Newbury novice (6f, good to ﬁrm) and Goodwood nursery (6f, heavy) in recent months. Possibly found run coming too soon after only 9 days off when last of 21 in sales race at Doncaster last time but even her winning form leaves her with lots to ﬁnd here. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 84

Joe Leavy

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 13 (EXACTA) Blinkers worn ﬁrst time by No. 3. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 6. Running for the ﬁrst time since Gelding No. 11. 2024:NO CORRESPONDING RACE LAST YEAR:

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 10-11 Words of Truth (GB), 11-2 Division (GB), 8-1 Mission Central (IRE), Siren Suit (GB), 10-1 Sir Albert (IRE), 16-1 Kansas (IRE), 18-1 Ardisia (IRE), 20-1 Gentle George (GB), 50-1 Super Soldier (IRE), Watcha Snoop (IRE), 66-1 Egoli (GB), 80-1 Kamakameleon (GB) 100-1 Slay Queen (IRE)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY The ﬁrst running of this valuable conditions event for two-year-olds. Mill Reef winner WORDS OF TRUTH can make it a perfect 4-4 since gelded and prove too strong for last weekend’s York Listed scorer Division. The likeable Ardisia may prove best of the remainder. 1. WORDS OF TRUTH

2. DIVISION

3. ARDISIA (IRE)

Champions_Day

Before racing, a presentation will be made by the Worshipful Company of Farriers to the owner and farrier of the Best Shod Horse in the race. The judging will be conducted by Mr Robin May AWCF and carried out at the same time as the BHA veterinary team carry out the pre-race trot ups and veterinary checks. The winning trophy has been crafted using a shoe belonging to Emma, Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite riding pony, who appeared at the State Funeral and took part in three pageants at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, including celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday and Platinum Jubilee. The trophy will be presented before racing in the Parade Ring, with the owner of the Best Shod Horse receiving the Emma Trophy, and the farrier receiving a wall plaque and commemorative card. The perpetual trophy will subsequently be engraved and presented each year.

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

ENABLE Enable excelled over the course of five seasons and today we acknowledge her sustained brilliance and haul of 11 Group 1 triumphs by inducting her into the British Racing Hall of Fame. Owned by the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms and trained by John Gosden, the daughter of Nathaniel won 15 of her 19 races between 2016 and 2020, with the majority being achieved at the highest level. The bay filly, a Juddmonte Farms homebred, made history by winning an unprecendeted three editions of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, and is also one of only eight horses to gain two triumphs in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

£10M+ Prize Money | 128 Official Rating 15 Wins | 11 Group 1s 3 King George victories | 2 Arcs Medal presentation in the parade ring at 2.25

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

MAJOR DICK HERN Major Dick Hern was one of the outstanding trainers in the second half of the twentieth century, scooping 16 British Classics and guiding the careers of multiple champions. He also conquered serious health issues to stay at the pinnacle of the sport and today we salute his standing as one of the greats by posthumously inducting him into the British Racing Hall of Fame. Hern was responsible for training some of the greats including, Brigadier Gerard, Dayjur, Dunfermline, Henbit, Nashwan and Troy.

1,400+ Career Winners | 16 British Classics 4 Champion Trainer Titles

Medal presentation in the parade ring at 1.45

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 5 Like so many of his winners this season, Oisin Murphy has cantered to victory in the title race and today will be crowned Champion Jockey for the ﬁfth ﬁfth time.

Murphy reeled oﬀ a hat-trick between 2019 and 2021 before regaining the crown in 2024 by a comfortable margin, as he has done this year, allowing himself – metaphorically at least – to ease down and accept the plaudits from the stands. As Murphy himself – and many others before him – has said, winning the title is not easy, even when comfortably clear of your peers, and at the start of the calendar year it was far from certain that the 30-year-old would be willing to put himself through the mill again. Speaking on this day 12 months ago, Murphy said: “It’s been nice the last few weeks knowing that I had a decent lead and I’m looking forward to picking up that trophy. “What probably keeps you going is you keep looking forward to the next big race and the next good horse. And if you’re lucky enough that it happens, then it’s unreal.” In an interview in January, he revealed: “I doubt I will be in the running to be the champion jockey in 2025. “I will aim to focus on trying to ride good horses and manage my workload well so I can get through the whole year riding at a high level. I think that’s what I need to do. You can never control periods where you are going to be riding really well, and periods where maybe you are not at the top of your game. But with the workload I have it’s important I have to be at the top as regularly as possible. “I want to ride at a high level. The championship has been very important to me for the last few years but it’s probably not as much of a priority this time around.” Yet while this championship may not have been his priority at the start of the season, Murphy was riding at a high level from ﬂag fall at the beginning of May and raced into an immediate lead - one he never relinquished.

OISIN MURPHY Murphy notched up 29 winners in May but just as importantly they included seven Group-race victories and a first in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. Murphy was a relatively late booking for Lead Artist but produced his mount with a perfectly-timed challenge to gain his first victory in the race and his first for owners Juddmonte. The pace was maintained in June with Murphy clocking up another 28 winners, including five at Royal Ascot, one more than he had managed at the 2024 Royal showpiece. Three of those winners came for Andrew Balding, whose Kingsclere Stables has forged a long and successful partnership with Murphy since he joined them as an apprentice at the age of 17 in 2012. Balding has provided the lion’s share of Murphy’s rides and winners, but the jockey has worked hard to forge other links. One of those is with Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor - they too go back a long way. Bin Suroor may not have the firepower of old but can still prepare a horse for the big days when the opportunity arises and when it does, he often looks to Murphy to take the ride. The pair were successful with Wild Tiger at Royal Ascot 2024 and successfully combined with Arabian Story (Britannia Stakes) this year to the delight of the jockey who said: “It’s lovely to win one for Saeed”, while the trainer himself simply exclaimed “Oisin is the best jockey in the world”. Murphy has ridden a remarkable seven winners from just 11 rides for Bin Suroor in 2025 but other trainers have employed his services just as judiciously with Simon and Ed Crisford giving him the leg-up on 16 occasions with seven of those coming home in front, including Adrestia in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes.

The mid-summer months of July and August yielded 22 winners apiece but also saw Murphy clock up the air miles in successful pursuit of big international winners as he claimed top level victories in both France and Germany. His biggest domestic victory in August had an international flavour to it and links to Royal Ascot 2024. Australian-trained mare Asfoora and Murphy combined to win the King Charles III Stakes – a day trainer Henry Dwyer has described as the biggest of his racing life – only to disappoint in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Beaten at Royal Ascot this year, Asfoora was relatively unconsidered for the York sprint but blitzed her rivals to win by a comfortable length and a quarter. The team reunited in France earlier this month and went on to claim another Group 1 prize as Asfoora and Murphy proved far too strong for their rivals in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp on Arc day. They have proved some pairing. The Nunthorpe was not the only Group 1 success for Murphy on the Knavesmire as Never So Brave, trained by Balding, followed up his Royal Ascot success in the City Of York Stakes, on his first attempt at the top level. Earlier that month, Murphy had also been crowned leading rider at the Qatar Goodwood Festival for the second successive year; riding six winners, four of which were trained by Balding who, incidentally, claimed the prize for leading trainer. Murphy put the champion jockey race to bed in September, riding 32 winners at a near-one-in-three strike rate, and enjoyed another remarkably successful summer festival with seven winners over two days of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster. The first day had seen Murphy draw a blank and his relentless appetite for winners was glimpsed on the second day when, after his fourth winner, he said: “Well, I had seven losers yesterday so it’s nice to ride some winners today.”

NEVER SO BRAVE Murphy, himself, has spoken of the young jockeys closing in on his heels and two of those, Billy Loughnane and Cieren Fallon, are steeped in racing. Loughnane, 19, is the son of trainer Mark who provided ‘Billy the Kid’ with his ﬁrst winner in 2022; the following year Loughnane was crowned as Champion Apprentice.

Will that hunger for success, that need to be the best, ever be sated?

Some apprentices struggle once they have ridden out their claim but Loughnane’s star has remained ﬁrmly in the ascendancy with two winners during Royal Ascot 2024 highlighting his burgeoning talent. Loughnane rode 162 winners in that calendar year and has already surpassed that tally this time around. It’s no surprise that the game’s biggest players have taken notice and he has ridden more for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby this season - that combination provided him with a ﬁrst Group 1 win aboard their popular globetrotter Rebel’s Romance. Fallon, the son of six-times Champion Jockey Kieren, won the Champion Apprentice title in both 2019 and 2020, a year in which he was appointed second jockey to Qatar Racing. That successful partnership ended at the end of 2023 as Qatar Racing changed the emphasis of their focus while some ill-timed injuries – part and parcel of riding – in 2024 stalled a season that had been going well. A clear run in 2025 has been key in a stellar year for the 26-yearold who has enjoyed, numerically, his most successful season with over a hundred winners. The bulk of those have been provided by William Haggas – to whose stable Fallon has been attached since his apprentice days – and for whom he won one of Australia’s biggest prizes last November, the AUS$10m Golden Eagle, with Lake Forest. Lake Forest is due to head back Down Under in the weeks ahead and Fallon could, again, be in line for the ride. But however that plays out, this one-time rising star is shining brightly again.

ASFOORA 37

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The QIPCO 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 past ten 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.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

6 Furlongs

2024: Kind Of Blue

Overall: £562,500

2023: Art Power 2022: Kinross

1st: £318,993

2021: Creative Force

2nd: £120,937

2020: Glen Shiel

3rd: £60,525

2019: Donjuan Triumphant 2018: Sands Of Mali

4th: £30,150

2017: Librisa Breeze

5th: £15,131

2016: The Tin Man

6th: £7,593

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

LAZZAT

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: J Reynier Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire-Dam: Territories (IRE) – Lastochka Breeder: Sumbe Info: Wathnan Racing have a strong hand in today’s Sprint with Lazzat, Kind Of Blue and Flora Of Bermuda all carrying their gold and peacock blue racing silks. Lazzat, trained in France, was a fabulous winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, when he got the better of Japanese challenger Satono Reve. The pair had a great tussle and pulled clear. The gelding also ran well on his next start when runner-up in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, a race he had won 12 months earlier, and his ﬁfth in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last time needs marking up as he was ﬁrst home on his part of the track. Lazzat is versatile regards ground conditions, and his connections skipped the Arc meeting this month to keep him fresh for this assignment.

BIG MOJO

Sex: Colt Colour: Brown Age: 3 Trainer: Michael Appleby Owner: RP Racing Ltd Sire-Dam: Mohaather – Jm Jackson (IRE) Breeder: Ringfort Stud Ltd & The Ladies Info: Big Mojo provided Mick Appleby with his first domestic Group 1 winner when landing the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month. Now, he attempts to give his trainer a first triumph on Champions Day. Appleby’s three previous runners in the race have all come up short, but none have lined up with Big Mojo’s credentials. His exploits last year included winning the Molecomb and finishing a close fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, while he began this campaign by winning a Group 3 contest here at Ascot over 6f. He had several of the rivals he will face again today behind when resuming winning ways on his latest start, having also run a cracker in the July Cup at Newmarket, when beaten a neck.

KIND OF BLUE

Colour: Bay Age: 4 Sex: Colt Trainer: James Fanshawe Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire-Dam: Blue Point (IRE) – Blue Sister Breeder: Mr & Mrs M Morris, Mr & Mrs P Hopper Info: Kind Of Blue was upholding family tradition when winning last year’s edition of the Sprint as he’s related to Deacon Blues and The Tin Man, who also took this prize for James Fanshawe in 2011 and 2016 respectively. Kind Of Blue dug deep to take the spoils 12 months ago, edging out Swingalong and Flora Of Bermuda in an exciting finish. The Blue Point colt began this season with two subdued efforts but he’s since got back on track, finishing third in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at The Curragh before beating all bar Big Mojo in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month. He finished second in that last year before going one better here, as did The Tin Man, so maybe it is a good omen. 39

THIRD RACE 2.05PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) SIX FURLONGS (6F) (1,200 metres). For three year olds and upwards. Advertised total prize fund £562500. Owners Prize Money: Winner £250650, Second £102881, Third £51469, Fourth £25706, Fifth £12881, Sixth £6413. (Penalty Value £318993.75) A SS

RACE

START

FINISH

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

IBERIAN (IRE) (57)

INISHERIN (GB) (42)

JAMES’S DELIGHT (IRE) (42)

KIND OF BLUE (GB) (42)

Jockey

Draw

10 David Allan

Draw

ART POWER (IRE) (20)

11 Billy Loughnane

Draw

Horse

12 Tom Eaves

Draw

Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Evening Time (IRE) (Keltos (FR)) Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Tim Easterby, Malton Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, striped Breeder: Owenstown Bloodstock Ltd sleeves, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star. Sponsor: King Power International Co Ltd Form: 500-401 CD TIMEFORM VIEW 2023 victor of this and gained his ﬁrst success since when making all in 11-runner Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110 (6f, soft) 20 days ago by neck from King Cuan. Can’t be discounted.

B c Lope de Vega (IRE) - Bella Estrella (IRE) (High Chaparral (IRE)) Owner: Teme Valley & Ballylinch Stud Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Charles Hills, Lambourn Colours: MAROON, YELLOW hoops, MAROON Breeder: Ballylinch Stud sleeves, YELLOW cap. Sponsor: Wishanger Estates Ltd Form: 1-20506 D TIMEFORM VIEW Smart colt but winless this term and well below his best when sixth of 9 in Listed race at Newmarket (6f, good to ﬁrm) 57 days ago. Blinkers are reached for now. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 104

B c Shamardal (USA) - Ajman Princess (IRE) (Teoﬁlo (IRE)) Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Colours: YELLOW, large BLACK spots and spots Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum on cap. Form: 50-1006 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Commonwealth Cup winner over C&D in 2024. Looked back on the right path with a Group 2 success at York in May but below that form since, though not best drawn when sixth of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) 42 days ago. Needs to take a step forward. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 114

Draw

B g Invincible Army (IRE) - Heavens Peak (Pivotal) Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford Colours: DARK BLUE and YELLOW (quartered), Breeder: Newtown Stud striped sleeves. Sponsor: Clive Cox Racing Limited Form: 20-5510 D TIMEFORM VIEW Right back on track when winning a Group 2 at the Curragh (6f) in May but came in last of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) 42 days ago. Better than the bare result in this last year and smart on his day. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 109

Clifford Lee

18 Daniel Muscutt

B c Blue Point (IRE) - Blues Sister (Compton Place) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 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: 21-0032 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Took this 12 months ago and he teed himself up well for a repeat with a good second of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) 42 days ago. Merits serious consideration. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 114

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES KING’S GAMBLE (IRE) (13)

Draw

16 Rossa Ryan

B c Kingman - Zondaq (USA) (Bernardini (USA)) Owner: Clipper Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Breeder: Centerville Bloodstock

Horse Age: 4 Colours: GREY. Form: 52-2020

Weight: 9

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful colt who wasn’t disgraced in the face of a stiff task when ninth of 16 in Prix de la Foret at Longchamp (7f, good to soft) 13 days ago. This is another big ask though. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 108

KING CUAN (GB) (20)

Draw

B g Tasleet - Rutherford (IRE) (Dutch Art) Owner: Red Lily Racing Syndicate Trainer: P. Twomey, Ireland Breeder: R. F. and S. D. Knipe

W. J. Lee

Weight: 9 4 Horse Age: 4 Colours: PURPLE, PINK star and sleeves. Form: 1/-51332 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Consistent gelding who scored at Fairyhouse in June. Got back on the up when beaten a neck by Art Power in Renaissance

LAZZAT (FR) (42)

MONTASSIB (GB) (28)

Draw

7 James Doyle

Draw

Stakes at the Curragh (6f, soft) 20 days ago having not enjoyed a clear run under 2f out. This is tougher but he’s a lively outsider. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 109

3 Cieren Fallon

B g Territories (IRE) - Lastochka (Australia) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: J. Reynier, France Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Sumbe RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 0-41125 CD BF TIMEFORM VIEW High-class French sprinter who made a winning British debut in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee over C&D in June. Not best drawn but first home in his group when fifth of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to firm) last time. The one to beat. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 120

Ch g Exceed And Excel (AUS) - Felwah (Aqlaam) Owner: The Montassib Partnership Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: RED, YELLOW stars, BLACK sleeves, Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited YELLOW stars, BLACK cap, YELLOW star. Sponsor: Somerville Lodge Ltd Form: 16115-3 D TIMEFORM VIEW Took his form to new heights last year, making the breakthrough at Group 1 level in Sprint Cup at Haydock then ﬁfth in this when not seen to best effect. Resumed from 11 months off with a promising third of 11 in 5f World Trophy at Newbury, ﬁnishing TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 114 strongly. A player back up in trip. Draw

10 QUINAULT (GER) (14)

15 Sean Levey

Draw

11 RUN TO FREEDOM (GB) (42)

Rob Hornby

Draw

B g Oasis Dream - Queimada (GER) (Dansili) Owner: TJE Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Stuart Williams, Newmarket Colours: ORANGE and PURPLE (quartered), Breeder: Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof EMERALD GREEN sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Tote Form: 014050 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Course winner who also landed Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York in June. Not in the same form since though, doing too much in TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 108 front when seventh of 9 in Bengough Stakes over C&D two weeks ago. Lots more is needed.

Kieran Shoemark

B h Muhaarar - Twilight Mistress (Bin Ajwaad (IRE)) Owner: Mr Godfrey Wilson Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Henry Candy, Wantage Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN stars, Breeder: Mrs C. R. D. Wilson sleeves and stars on cap. Sponsor: Tote Form: 5/0-4030 D TIMEFORM VIEW Smart sprinter who got back on track when third in July Cup at Newmarket. Only tenth of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 110 Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) 42 days ago however. Winless since 2023 and others are preferred.

12 TEN BOB TONY (IRE) (13)

Ch g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Hug (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) Owner: TBT Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Colours: WHITE, ROYAL BLUE chevron, Breeder: Knocktoran Stud ORANGE sleeves and cap. Sponsor: ABM Catering Facilities Management Form: 245-103 TIMEFORM VIEW Smart gelding who bagged the John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock in May. Posted a good third of 16 to Maranoa Charlie TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 112 in Prix de la Foret at Longchamp (7f, good to soft) 13 days ago. Possibilities.

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES Draw

13 WITNESS STAND (GB) (13)

19 Colin Keane

B g Expert Eye - Respondez (Oasis Dream) Owner: Scott Turner & Partner Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole, Droitwich Colours: MCARTHUR TARTAN, GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Alvediston Stud MCARTHUR TARTAN cuffs and cap. Sponsor: Coulthursts Ltd Form: 062120 TIMEFORM VIEW Landed Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in July but not best drawn when twelfth of 16 in Prix de la Foret at Longchamp (7f, good to soft) 13 days ago. Smart and the sort to bounce back. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 117

Draw

14 BIG MOJO (IRE) (42)

20 Tom Marquand

B or Br c Mohaather - Jm Jackson (IRE) (No Nay Never (USA)) Owner: RP Racing Ltd Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Michael Appleby, Oakham Colours: RED and ROYAL BLUE (quartered), Breeder: Ringfort Stud Ltd & The Ladies checked sleeves. Sponsor: Hallco 1766 Ltd Form: 140251 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in the July Cup and advanced his form further when winning 17-runner Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) last month by 1 1/4 lengths from Kind of Blue. Had a good draw there but this C&D scorer is still not taken lightly. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 117

Draw

15 POWERFUL GLORY (IRE) (25)

B c Cotai Glory - Wouldntitbelovely (IRE) (Kodiac) Owner: Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum Trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton Breeder: C. Marnane

14 Jamie Spencer

Draw

4 William Buick

Draw

1 Oisin Murphy

Draw

16 SPY CHIEF (GB) (29)

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: YELLOW, DARK BLUE seams, YELLOW cap. Form: 11-05 D TIMEFORM VIEW Useful 6f juvenile winner but he’s beaten just one rival in his two starts this term, coming in last of 5 in conditions stakes at Beverley (5f, good to soft) 25 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 100

8 NON RUNNER

B g Kingman - Shirocco Star (Shirocco (GER)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Meon Valley Stud Form: 212063 D Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better TIMEFORM VIEW Got off the mark in 6f Yarmouth novice in June and in good form since, third of 6 in Listed race at Newbury (7f, good to soft) 29 days ago. This is a very tall order though. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 107

17 FLORA OF BERMUDA (IRE) (42)

Ro f Dark Angel (IRE) - Dubai Power (Cadeaux Genereux) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Mr Francisco Bernal BLACK cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 53-2303 D TIMEFORM VIEW Smart and consistent ﬁlly who posted a good third to Lazzat in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee over C&D in June. Well drawn when a solid third of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) last time. Can make her presence felt again. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 111

18 NO HALF MEASURES (GB) (42)

B f Cable Bay (IRE) - Fascinator (Helmet (AUS)) Owner: Mr R. P. Gallagher Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Richard Hughes, Upper Lambourn Colours: EMERALD GREEN, WHITE chevron and Breeder: Bumble Bloodstock & Mrs S. Nicholls armlets, ORANGE cap. Sponsor: Agetur (UK) Ltd Form: 15-0210 D TIMEFORM VIEW Scaled new heights when a 66/1 winner of July Cup at Newmarket but couldn’t back it up when ninth of 17 to Big Mojo in Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good to ﬁrm) last month. Still can’t be ruled out here though. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 113

19 ROSY AFFAIR (GB) (49)

B f Havana Grey - Secret Romance (Sakhee’s Secret) Owner: Mr Shapoor Mistry Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud Sponsor: George Boughey Racing Ltd, Star Sports Bet TIMEFORM VIEW NON RUNNER

NNER

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Colours: MAROON, YELLOW stars on sleeves. Form: 2-34411 D

NON-RU

TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 108

Neil Callan

20 RAYEVKA (IRE) (34)

B f Blue Point (IRE) - Rayisa (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: Aga Khan Studs Scea Weight: 9 0 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, France Colours: GREEN, RED epaulets. Breeder: His Highness the Aga Khan’s Studs S.C. Form: 6-41302 D

Draw

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES 13 Mickael Barzalona

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart French ﬁlly who resumed winning ways in 6f Listed event at Chantilly in June. Posted a solid second of 8 in Group 3 at Longchamp (5f, good) 34 days ago so she’s no forlorn hope. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20 Blinkers worn ﬁrst time by No. 2. Blinkers worn by No. 6. Tongue Strap worn by No. 2. Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No. 10. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 13.

(EXACTA)

2024: KIND OF BLUE 3 9 3 James Doyle 10-1 (James Fanshawe) 20 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 4-1 Lazzat (FR), 5-1 Montassib (GB), 11-2 Big Mojo (IRE), 6-1 Kind of Blue (GB), 10-1 Flora of Bermuda (IRE), 11-1 Rayevka (IRE), 12-1 Inisherin (GB), 18-1 King Cuan (GB), 20-1 Ten Bob Tony (IRE), 20-1 Witness Stand (GB), 22-1 Art Power (IRE), 25-1 No Half Measures (GB), 50-1 King’s Gamble (IRE), Iberian (IRE), Quinault (GER), Run To Freedom (GB), 66-1 James’s Delight (IRE), Spy Chief (GB), 80-1 Powerful Glory (IRE)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY A cracking renewal of this Group 1 sprint but it’s still hard to side against French raider LAZZAT who impressed when taking the Jubilee Stakes over C&D at the Royal Meeting in June and wasn’t seen to best effect when ﬁfth in Haydock’s Sprint Cup subsequently. He can quickly resume winning ways at the chief expense of last year’s victor Kind of Blue, although Montassib can also have a big say after his promising reappearance third at Newbury. Big Mojo and King Cuan complete the shortlist. 1. LAZZAT (FR)

2. KIND OF BLUE

3. MONTASSIB

ChampionsDay

The

Leading European second-season sire

by earnings and Group winners-runners NEW CENTURY

1st 2024 Summer Stakes, Gr.1 1st 2024 Stonehenge Stakes, Listed 3rd 2025 American Turf Stakes, Gr.1

FIVE WAYS

1st 2025 Sirenia Stakes, Gr.3

*of sires with >50 runners as of 24/09/2025

2000 Guineas winner WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE

1st 2024 Royal Lodge Stakes, Gr.2 1st 2025 Nashville Derby, Gr.3 3rd 2024 Futurity Trophy Stakes, Gr.1

AMERICAN GAL

1st 2025 Prix des Lilas, Listed

THE RACE TO BE CROWNED

CHAMPION APPRENTICE

2 0 2 5

There are two ways of dealing with an agonisingly narrow defeat. Joe Leavy chose the better option, dusted himself down and bounced straight back. Today, exactly 12 months after he fell only two winners short of following in the footsteps of some of his riding heroes and claiming the title of Champion Apprentice jockey, he will deservedly be handed that accolade. Having dabbled with a career in football earlier in his teens, Leavy accepted that racing really was his destiny and followed both of his parents – his father, Barry, is a former trainer and now a key cog in the machine of Richard Hannon’s training operation – not only into the sport, but south to Wiltshire to join his parents at Hannon’s yard. Crewe Alexandra’s loss is our gain. Hannon, of course, knows a thing or two about tutoring talented apprentice jockeys and turning them into stars. The likes of Ryan Moore and Lee Newman were steered to success in this championship. More recently, Tom Marquand, took the title in 2015 and has gone on to ride well over 1000 winners and establish himself among the global elite of jockeys while still retaining his association with the Hannon team.

Joe Leavy In terms of big-race successes, there have been none to match victory in last year’s Epsom Dash, but little ﬁsh, as the saying goes, can prove sweeter. An All-Weather hat-trick aboard the Hannon-trained Mr Baloo in the space of three weeks in March helped set the tone for another successful year, while another notable success came in the famous Sangster silks when the Brian Meehan-trained River Card took a valuable maiden at Ascot. “It’s been mostly smaller meetings where the winners have come this year,” says Leavy. “But we’ve been unlucky in some big handicaps – being beaten a nose, a head, a short-head without winning any. The numbers have been good though.

There are similarities between Marquand and Leavy – not just in the support both have received, but in style and sheer industry.

“It’s been a good year to get in with the likes of Brian Meehan, Clive Cox, Ralph Beckett, because they are strong stables in the area and, moving forward, that will be the goal really.

Both claimed this title with the widespread support of a number of diﬀerent yards, and both began their ﬁrst full season as non-apprentices with stacks of experience already to their name; Leavy lost his apprentices’ weight allowance some time ago and has ridden more than 120 winners from over 1000 rides.

“I had a steady winter to try and save some of my apprentices’ claim to help try and get this championship. Now to come to Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day and get the trophy is massive – deﬁnitely up there with one of the best things you could do.” 48

Grey’s Monument (Joe Leavy) One man who knows Leavy better than most is George Baker, his jockey coach for the past three seasons, and a man who takes his role with predictable seriousness.

made his way across from ponies, spending some time learning the ropes with Henry Oliver before joining Tony Carroll’s team.

“Joe has improved through every stage of his claim and his career so far, he takes constructive criticism well and wants to learn and keep getting better,” says Baker.

Carroll played his part in the early career of Tom Marquand and that role was not lost on Doughty, who proved an immediate hit when teaming up with the Worcestershire-based trainer, striking up a winning partnership that continues to go from strength to strength.

“It’s amazing to think he lost that apprentices’ allowance in May this year and yet he has secured this title despite not being able to draw a claim for most of the season – that’s a serious pat on the back to him and his team. Richard Hannon has supported him plenty and he’s had a big pool of trainers underneath. “His agent Phil Shea has done a fantastic job and Joe has really strong family support behind him. His mum, Laura, has been an integral part of that journey.

Doughty is another jockey coached by Baker. Along with his parents, he credits the Classic-winning rider as a big inﬂuence in his career to this point, but the respect is mutual. “Jack has worked really hard on his style this year and made massive strides and formed a brilliant partnership with Tony,” says Baker. “He’s still very young and he hasn’t even got his driver’s licence yet, but when he takes a bit of time oﬀ and gets that, it’s going to open up even more doors for him because trainers are recognising his talent.”

“He has established great foundations for a successful career and I’m proud of what he has achieved.” Title runner-up Jack Doughty, who will ﬁnish the season only a handful of winners behind Leavy, will not be emulating his main rival and coming back for a second assault upon the crown, having also lost his apprentices’ allowance (somewhat improbably on the same day as Leavy back in May). Crowned as champion apprentice on the All-Weather in the winter, Doughty maintained the winning momentum as the turf season got under way and proved the early pacesetter for this title before being reeled in. Doughty does not hail from a horse racing background, but found his way into pony racing at an early age and 49

A strong supporting cast in the ﬁnal standings includes the prodigious Warren Fentiman and Jack Callan, who both hail from proven racing bloodlines and both are likely to play a major part in this competition again next year. While Alec Voikhansky will likely be ﬁghting Leavy for rides as part of the Hannon squadron and also looking to build on a positive association with Tom Ward that yielded successes aboard the likes of Shady Bay and Whizz By.

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Like the Sprint, the QIPCO 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

2024: Kalpana

Overall: £531,250

2023: Poptronic 2022: Emily Upjohn

1st: £301,271

2021: Eshaada

2nd: £114,218

2020: Wonderful Tonight

3rd: £57,162

2019: Star Catcher 2018: Magical

4th: £28,475

2017: Hydrangea

5th: £14,290

2016: Journey

6th: £7,171

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

KALPANA

Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Juddmonte Sire-Dam: Study Of Man (IRE) – Zero Gravity Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd Info: No horse has won two editions of the Fillies & Mares, so a place in the history books beckons for Kalpana. Five previous winners of the race have returned the following year to defend their crown and none have ﬁnished closer than fourth, but the formbook suggests Kalpana has what it takes to put the record straight. She was an emphatic winner 12 months ago and has enhanced her reputation in defeat this campaign, being placed in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes here at Ascot, when runner-up to Calandagan. Kalpana was also not disgraced when seventh in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on her latest start and is now back against her own sex.

QUISISANA

Sex: Mare Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: F-H Graffard Owner: Haras De La Perelle Sire-Dam: Le Havre (IRE) – Quamoclit Breeder: Haras De La Perelle Info: France’s champion trainer elect, Francis Graffard, has some strong contenders on today’s card, but Quissana may slip under a few radars as she has had only nine races and has previously never run in Britain. It would be dangerous to underestimate a mare who has won six of her nine races, including in Group 1 company on her penultimate start when she landed the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet over a mile and a quarter at Deauville. She also ran better than the bare form suggests when ninth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp last time, when she ran out of puff on the very soft ground. Incidentally, Quisisana is an Italian phrase that loosely translates as “here one is healed”.

ESTRANGE

Colour: Grey Age: 4 Sex: Filly Trainer: David O’Meara Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Sire-Dam: Night Of Thunder (IRE) – Alienate Breeder: A Stroud, T Stewart & J Hanly Info: Estrange will stand out in the parade ring as she is a striking grey who attracts admirers wherever she goes. She’s got class to match her good looks, too, being unbeaten in four races when racing on good ground or softer. The daughter of Night Of Thunder has been beaten both times she has run on faster terrain, although she was far from disgraced when chasing home Minnie Hauk in the Yorkshire Oaks on her latest start. Her victories have included a decisive win over Danielle in Listed company at Doncaster, plus a dazzling success in the Group 3 Lester Piggott Fillies’ Stakes at Haydock in May.

FOURTH RACE 2.45PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) ONE MILE ABOUT FOUR FURLONGS (Approx. 2,400 metres). For three year old and upwards ﬁllies and mares. Advertised total prize fund £531250. Owners Prize Money: Winner £236725, Second £97166, Third £48609, Fourth £24278, Fifth £12166, Sixth £6056. (Penalty Value £301271.87) A SS

RACE

START

FINISH

Stalls: Inside

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

KALPANA (GB) (13)

LATAKIA (GB) (14)

ONE LOOK (IRE) (13)

Draw

ESTRANGE (IRE) (58)

Jockey

8 Oisin Murphy

Draw

1 Daniel Tudhope

Draw

DANIELLE (GB) (37)

Draw

Horse

9 William Buick

Draw

10 James Doyle

Ch f Cracksman - Crimson Ribbon (USA) (Lemon Drop Kid (USA)) Owner: Mr A. E. Oppenheimer Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: BLACK and WHITE (halved), sleeves Breeder: Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd reversed, RED cap. Sponsor: Tote Form: 6022-24 BF TIMEFORM VIEW Smart ﬁlly ran a cracker on reappearance when 3/4-length second to Waardah in Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood. Far from disgraced when fourth in the Group 2 Park Hill at Doncaster (14.5f, good) last month but faces a much tougher task in a top-end TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 106 1 1/2m Group 1.

Gr f Night of Thunder (IRE) - Alienate (Oasis Dream) Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: RED, WHITE sash, ROYAL BLUE cap. Breeder: A. Stroud, T. Stewart & J. Hanly Form: 101-112 D Sponsor: Cheveley Park Stud Limited, Tattersalls TIMEFORM VIEW Quickly conﬁrmed herself a smart prospect when winning a Group 3 on her return before following up in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock. Lost little in defeat behind the impressive Minnie Hawk in the Yorkshire Oaks last time and remains capable of better, for all she would prefer easier ground. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 112

B f Study of Man (IRE) - Zero Gravity (Dansili) Owner: Juddmonte Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd WHITE sleeves. Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc Form: 1-32220 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart filly who capped a fine campaign with victory in this race last year. Better than ever when runner-up to Calandagan in the King George this season and didn’t have things go her way in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when seventh in the Arc. The one to beat back against her own sex. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 122

Colin Keane

Ch f Frankel - Castellar (FR) (American Post) Owner: Juddmonte Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, France Colours: GREEN, PINK epaulets, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Sarl Darpat France PINK cap. Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc Form: 10115 D TIMEFORM VIEW Expensive Frankel ﬁlly made a belated winning debut earlier this season and quickly improved to make it three wins from 4 starts when successful in Group 2 at Deauville (12.5f). Not in the same form on softer ground in the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp (14f) and may fall short again in a Group 1. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 104

B f Gleneagles (IRE) - Holy Salt (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: P. Twomey, Ireland Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Tullpark Ltd RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 126123 TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up behind Barnavara in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes and unlucky not to reverse that form in ﬁrst-time cheekpieces when a close third in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp (9.9f) 13 days ago. Headgear retained and there could well be more to come on ﬁrst start over 1 1/2m. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES QUISISANA (FR) (13)

Draw

B m Le Havre (IRE) - Quamoclit (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Owner: Haras de la Perelle Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, France Breeder: Haras de La Perelle

5 Mickael Barzalona

Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 5 Colours: DARK BLUE, LIGHT BLUE hoop and armlets, hooped cap. Form: 51-1110 D TIMEFORM VIEW Smart mare with a ﬁne record and she looked most progressive when landing a hat-trick in the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet (9.9f) in August. Faced a tough task back against the males when ninth in the Arc but makes plenty of appeal here. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 116

BALLET SLIPPERS (IRE) (34)

Draw

Ch f Dubawi (IRE) - Magical (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore

3 W. M. Lordan

Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, striped sleeves and cap. Form: 3213-0 C TIMEFORM VIEW Bred in the purple and finished 6 lengths to subsequent 1000 Guineas winner Desert Flower in Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on final start as a juvenile. Well held returning from an 11-month absence at the Curragh last month and will need to take a significant step forward for this longer trip. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 102

BEDTIME STORY (IRE) (14)

Draw

B or Gr f Frankel - Mecca’s Angel (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore

2 C. Soumillon

Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 624530 C TIMEFORM VIEW Has developed into a smart filly this season, finishing runner-up in the Diane and third in the Prix Vermille (form has taken a few knocks). Didn’t fully settle over a longer trip when seventh in the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp (13.9f) and will need to improve to land a first Group 1. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 111

WAARDAH (IRE) (77)

Draw

B f Postponed (IRE) - Neesaan (New Approach (IRE)) Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Trainer: Owen Burrows, Lambourn Breeder: Godolphin

4 Callum Rodriguez

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: YELLOW, BLACK epaulets. Form: 15-411

TIMEFORM VIEW Has readily conﬁrmed the promise shown as a juvenile, storming clear for a Listed success at Goodwood prior to ﬁnding another chunk of improvement when upped in trip to win the Group 2 Lillie Langtry (14f). Should prove fully effective back over 1 1/2m TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 107 and merits respect in her bid for the hat-trick. Draw

10 WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY (IRE) (13)

Br f Australia - Dont Ask Me At All (IRE) (No Nay Never (USA)) Owner: Cayton Park Stud Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE square, Breeder: Mrs Ann Marie O’Brien LIGHT BLUE sleeves and cap. Form: 514424 TIMEFORM VIEW Has performed creditably in Group 1s, fourth in the Epsom Oaks and Pretty Polly prior to chasing home Minnie Hauk (ﬂattered by the proximity to the winner) in the Irish Oaks. As good as ever when fourth in the Prix De l’Opera (9.9f) earlier this month and TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110 should give her running again.

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 10 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 3, 5. Hood worn by No. 8.

(EXACTA)

2024: KALPANA 3 9 1 William Buick 10-3 (Andrew Balding) 14 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

Dylan Browne McMonagle

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 5-2 Kalpana (GB), 4-1 Estrange (IRE), 6-1 Waardah (IRE), 7-1 Quisisana (FR), 10-1 Wemightakedlongway (IRE), 11-1 Bedtime Story (IRE), 12-1 One Look (IRE), 14-1 Danielle (GB), 16-1 Latakia (GB), 28-1 Ballet Slippers (IRE)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY KALPANA finished her season on a high with victory in this race last year and is fancied to repeat the feat following another fine campaign. Quisisana was highly progressive against her own sex before finding things too hot in the Arc and she’s feared, while Estrange has won four of her 6 starts and remains capable of better, for all connections would have liked more rain. Hat-trick seeking Waardah is a filly on the up and she’s no back number now tackling a Group 1. 1. KALPANA

2. QUISISANA (FR)

3. ESTRANGE (IRE)

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THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The £1.1million plus 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 Baeeed 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 last year.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

1 Mile

2024: Charyn 2023: Big Rock 2022: Bayside Boy

PRIZE MONEY Overall: £1,115,250 1st: £655,709

2021: Baaeed

2nd: £248,593

2020: The Revenant

3rd: £124,412

2019: King Of Change 2018: Roaring Lion

4th: £61,975

2017: Persuasive

5th: £31,103

2016: Minding

6th: £15,609

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

ROSALLION

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Sire-Dam: Blue Point (IRE) – Rosaline (IRE) Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Info: Supporters of Rosallion will be hoping he ﬁnally gets the rub of the green after a luckless time in Group 1 races this summer. Third in the Lockinge on his return, he was then beaten a nose in the Queen Anne Stakes before a neck defeat in the Sussex Stakes. A close fourth in the City Of York Stakes followed before an agonising short head defeat in the Prix du Moulin. Rosallion’s last success at the highest level came here at Ascot, 16 months ago, when he won the St James’s Palace Stakes, having earlier won the Irish 2000 Guineas. Richard Hannon, his trainer, scooped the QEII with King Of Change in 2019, while Night Of Thunder and Toormore ﬁnished second and third for him in the 2014 renewal.

FIELD OF GOLD

Sex: Colt Colour: Grey Age: 3 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Juddmonte Sire-Dam: Kingman – Princess De Lune (IRE) Breeder: Roundhill Stud Info: Fourteen years after Frankel carried the famous Juddmonte silks to glory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at the inaugural Champions Day, Field Of Gold will seek to do the same. Frankel dealt in the spectacular, and Field Of Gold has also shown a penchant for the breathtaking, routing the opposition in the Craven Stakes, Irish 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes this summer. In the process, he stated his case to be this year’s champion miler. However, his campaign has also included defeats in the 2000 Guineas, which led to a change of jockey on him, and Sussex Stakes on his latest start, after which he was found to be lame. The grey Kingman colt now returns after an 80-day break.

FALLEN ANGEL

Sex: Filly Colour: Grey Age: 4 Trainer: Karl Burke Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire-Dam: Too Darn Hot – Agnes Stewart (IRE) Breeder: Branton Court Stud LLP Info: Fallen Angel is the most prolific Group 1 winner in action today, with the fabulous filly having chalked up five triumphs at the highest level. She won the Moyglare Stud Stakes at The Curragh as a two-year-old and returned to that course to win the Irish 1000 Guineas last year. This season, she has been better than ever, reeling off successive big wins in the Prix Rothschild, Matron Stakes and Sun Chariot Stakes. Her past four Group 1 wins have all been achieved over a mile, with cheekpieces seeming to make her an even tougher nut to crack in her most recent races. However, all bar one of her 13 races have been against her own sex, with her one previous clash with the boys ending in defeat. 61

FIFTH RACE 3.25PM THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) (GROUP 1) ONE MILE (1,600 metres). For three year olds and upwards. Advertised total prize fund £1156250. Owners Prize Money: Winner £515225, Second £211478, Third £105797, Fourth £52841, Fifth £26478, Sixth £13181. (Penalty Value £655709.37) A SS

RACE

START

FINISH

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

CARL SPACKLER (IRE) (80)

Draw

CICERO’S GIFT (GB) (31)

DANCING GEMINI (IRE) (41)

DOCKLANDS (GB) (62)

FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE) (122)

Jockey

Draw

Horse

5 William Buick

Draw

1 Jason Watson

Ch h Lope de Vega (IRE) - Zindaya (USA) (More Than Ready (USA)) Owner: Mr Zhang Yuesheng Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: DARK GREEN, DARK GREEN and Breeder: Fifth Avenue Bloodstock WHITE check sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 116-166 D TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart performer in US but has run too freely in both starts on these shores, latest when 5 3/4 lengths sixth of 7 to Qirat in Sussex Stakes TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 117 at Goodwood (8f, good) 80 days ago. Since joined new yard and needs to settle better to take a hand here.

Draw

B g Muhaarar - Terentia (Diktat) Owner: Rosehill Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Charles Hills, Lambourn Colours: PINK and BEIGE stripes. Breeder: Mrs F. S. Williams Form: 0-36221 D Sponsor: Wishanger Estates Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Returned to somewhere near best form when taking 6-runner Listed race at Sandown (8f, heavy, 6/4) last month but faces different conditions here and this contest demands much more. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 109

16 Kieran Shoemark

Draw

12 Tom Marquand

Draw

B c Camelot - Lady Adelaide (IRE) (Australia) Owner: Fishdance Ltd Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Roger Teal, Lambourn Colours: ORANGE and DARK BLUE stripes, Breeder: Fishdance ORANGE cap. Sponsor: Fishdance Ltd Form: 112030 D TIMEFORM VIEW Back to form with a bang as a 4-y-o, winning a Doncaster Listed race and Group 2 Sandown Mile this spring. However, well below best at Longchamp latest and ﬁnished well held in this contest last term. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 118

11 Mickael Barzalona

B h Massaat (IRE) - Icky Woo (Mark of Esteem (IRE)) Owner: O.T.I. Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Harry Eustace, Newmarket Colours: DARK BLUE, GOLD hoops, Breeder: Mickley Stud WHITE sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Rank Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited Form: 0-23154 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Added to his ﬁne course record when taking Queen Anne in June and arrives on back of creditable length fourth of 10 to Diego Velazquez in Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville (8f, good) 62 days ago. Must enter calculations. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 118

B g Ribchester (IRE) - Jawlaat (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Team Valor International LLC/Gary Barber Trainer: J. Reynier, France Breeder: McCracken Farms

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 6 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED chevron, RED cap. Form: 32-3066 D TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart gelding. Yet to reach best form this term but looked undone by longer trip when sixth to Ombudsman in Prince of Wales’s Stakes at this course in June and has likely been aimed at this contest since (ﬁnished runner-up in last 2 renewals). Shortlisted. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 114

NEVER SO BRAVE (IRE) (56)

QUDDWAH (GB) (14)

Draw

13 Oisin Murphy

Draw

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

B g No Nay Never (USA) - Chica Whopa (IRE) (Oasis Dream) Owner: Mr Saeed Suhail Weight: 9 6 Horse Age: 4 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW chevron, Breeder: C. O. P. Hanbury YELLOW cap, ROYAL BLUE spots. Form: 20-2111 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Much improved for new yard this season, making it 3 wins from 4 starts when taking City of York Stakes (7/2) at York (7f, good to ﬁrm) 56 days ago by 1/2 length from Lake Forest. Asked a bigger question now but is not taken lightly. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 117

B h Kingman - Sajjhaa (King’s Best (USA)) Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford, Newmarket Breeder: Godolphin

Silvestre De Sousa

Weight: 9 6 Horse Age: 5 Colours: YELLOW, BLACK epaulets. Form: 5-10162 CD

ROSALLION (IRE) (41)

B c Blue Point (IRE) - Rosaline (IRE) (New Approach (IRE)) Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

Draw

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual winner this term who returned to best form when short-head second of 10 to Ridari in Prix Daniel Wildenstein at Longchamp (8f, good to soft, 36/10) 14 days ago. However, in deeper waters here and ﬁnished well held in this contest 12 months ago. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 114

15 Sean Levey

ALAKAZI (FR) (35)

B or Br c Footstepsinthesand - Alaiya (FR) (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Owner: Exors of the Late H.H. Aga Khan Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: J. P. Murtagh, Ireland Colours: GREEN, RED epaulets. Breeder: H. H. Agan Khan Form: 0-13221 D

Draw

Weight: 9 6 Horse Age: 4 Colours: YELLOW, large BLACK spots and spots on cap. Form: 1-32242 CD TIMEFORM VIEW High-class colt who won the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace as a 3-y-o. Endured a series of near-misses this term, latest when short-head second of 12 in Prix du Moulin de Longchamp at Longchamp (8f, good to ﬁrm) 41 days ago and looks sure to make his presence felt again. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 118

Ben Coen

Draw

8 James Doyle

Draw

10 FALLEN ANGEL (GB) (14)

14 Colin Keane

Draw

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive sort who posted career best when winning 9-runner Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown (8f, good) 35 days ago. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 114 More required to play a part in this company but he is going the right way.

6 P. J. McDonald

Gr f Too Darn Hot - Agnes Stewart (IRE) (Lawman (FR)) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Branton Court Stud LLP RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 4-63111 D TIMEFORM VIEW Irish 1000 Guineas winner last season who has added 4 further Group 1 prizes (all conﬁned to her own sex) to her tally since, posting a personal best when taking 9-runner Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket (8f, good) 14 days ago. Steps into open company TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 116 now but demands plenty of respect.

11 FIELD OF GOLD (IRE) (80)

Gr c Kingman - Princess de Lune (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Juddmonte Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, Breeder: Roundhill Stud WHITE sleeves. Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc Form: 4-12114 CD BF TIMEFORM VIEW Top-class colt who should have won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but made amends with easy victories in the Irish 2000 Guineas/St James’s Palace Stakes, showing an excellent turn of foot on both occasions. Clearly wasn’t 100% at Goodwood last time TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 126 and looks the one to beat.

12 MARVELMAN (IRE) (35)

B c Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Varamini (FR) (Siyouni (FR)) Owner: Bond Thoroughbred Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: BLACK, large YELLOW spots, Breeder: Gigginstown House Stud armlets and cap. Sponsor: Churchill Tyres Form: 120331 TIMEFORM VIEW Smart colt who took his form up another notch when readily winning 11-runner Park Stakes at Doncaster (7f, good) TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 115 35 days ago. Steps into Group 1 company now but he certainly warrants his place in this ﬁeld.

Draw

13 TAMFANA (GER) (13)

2 C. Soumillon

Draw

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

3 W. M. Lordan

B f Soldier Hollow - Tres Magniﬁque (FR) (Zoffany (IRE)) Owner: Quantum Leap Racing VIII & Friends Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 4 Trainer: David Menuisier, Pulborough Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN Cross of Breeder: Gestut Etzean U.H. H. Rodenburg Lorraine, armlets and cap. Sponsor: Shinco Racing Limited Form: 113-206 D TIMEFORM VIEW Won the Group 1 Sun Chariot last season before solid third in this contest and made a highly encouraging return when runner-up in the Bet365 Mile at Sandown. Back from 5 months off when sixth in Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp (9.9f, good to soft) 13 days ago and is entitled to build on that. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 114

14 THE LION IN WINTER (IRE) (41)

Rossa Ryan

B c Sea The Stars (IRE) - What A Home (IRE) (Lope de Vega (IRE)) Owner: Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc. striped sleeves and cap. Form: 1-60303 TIMEFORM VIEW Dual scorer last term who returned to best form when neck third of 12 in Prix du Moulin at Longchamp (8f, good to ﬁrm) 41 days ago. This is a deeper contest but he looks to be the yard’s main hope of adding another Group 1 to their burgeoning tally. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 117

15 EXACTLY (IRE) (13)

Ch f Frankel - Heartache (Kyllachy) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore

Weight: 9 0 Horse Age: 3 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 465620 TIMEFORM VIEW Best effort this season came when 1/2-length second of 11 to Fallen Angel in Matron Stakes at Leopardstown (8f, good) last month but has yet to record a success in 2025 and looks up against it here. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 110

Draw

16 JANUARY (IRE) (13)

B f Kingman - I Can Fly (Fastnet Rock (AUS)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore

W. J. Lee

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 032200 TIMEFORM VIEW Acquitted herself well when making the frame in a trio of Group 1 contests this summer but has not been in same form TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 114 more recently and is hard to recommend. Tongue strap on ﬁrst time.

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 16 (EXACTA) Tongue Strap worn ﬁrst time by No. 16. Tongue Strap worn by No. 4, 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 10. 2024: CHARYN (IRE) 4 9 6 Silvestre De Sousa 13-8 (Roger Varian) 12 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 15-8 Field of Gold (IRE), 9-2 Rosallion (IRE), 15-2 Fallen Angel (GB), Never So Brave (IRE), 11-1 The Lion In Winter (IRE), 12-1 Docklands (GB), 18-1 Facteur Cheval (IRE), 20-1 Alakazi (FR), Marvelman (IRE), 25-1 Carl Spackler (IRE) 33-1 Tamfana (GER), 40-1 Dancing Gemini (IRE), 50-1 Exactly (IRE), Quddwah (GB), 66-1 January (IRE), 80-1 Cicero’s Gift (GB)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY FIELD OF GOLD looked all at sea at Goodwood last time but he produced a dominant display in the St James’s Palace Stakes here previously and the return to this venue can see him back to his best. Rosallion has endured a frustrating campaign but it’s hard to envisage him not being involved at the business end again, whilst Facteur Cheval (excellent record in this event) and Fallen Angel (in the form of her life) are also much respected. 1. FIELD OF GOLD (IRE)

2. ROSALLION (IRE)

3. FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE)

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) QIPCO HOLDING has 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.

THEREARE

NO FAVOURITES HERE Since 2000 British racing has invested £60m in advancing equine health, veterinary science and welfare initiatives. This work benefits all breeds of horses. horsepwr.co.uk #horsepwr 65

SEASON 2 | STREAMING NOW ON ITV X

R AC IN G , LI KE YOU’ VE N E VER SEEN I T BE FO RE

CHAMPION OWNER TITLE RACE

2 0 2 5

Godolphin have dominated the title standings right from the off and will today be crowned as Champion Owner of British Flat racing for a remarkable seventeenth time. It is ﬁtting that their leading earner, Ombudsman, will – all being well – represent Godolphin on QIPCO British Champions Day in a stellar renewal of the QIPCO Champion Stakes. Ombudsman took mainly small steps in 2024, making a winning debut in June before adding three more successes in successive months, latterly in a Group 3 at Longchamp. Godolphin’s new star was beaten at the same level on his seasonal reappearance at Sandown but fulﬁlled the promise of that performance and more when winning the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot with a hugely impressive performance. A neck defeat to Delacroix followed in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park but Ombudsman’s trainers – John and Thady Gosden – felt that a lack of pace had led to his undoing on that occasion. Accordingly, Godolphin supplemented Birr Castle for the prestigious Juddmonte International at York and their judgement proved to be spot-on as Ombudsman comprehensively reversed the form with Delacroix to win the York Group 1 by three and a quarter lengths. Absent since, Delacroix and Ombudsman are set for round three of their personal head-to-head in a race today that could live long in the memory. For all of Ombudsman’s brilliance, it takes more than one horse to win an owners’ championship and there have been some top-class performances from some stable stalwarts as well as the youngsters coming through.

Ombudsman Rebel’s Romance is held in the highest esteem by all at Moulton Paddocks where Charlie Appleby trains. Now seven years of age, the globe-trotting son of Dubawi has added a further brace of Group 1s to his name in Germany and America this summer but Rebel’s Romance has also impressed in the UK. A winner of a Group 2 at York on his return after running a highly creditable fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic, Rebel’s Romance followed up at Royal Ascot in the Hardwicke Stakes before, again, emerging with plenty of credit from the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes when third behind Calandagan and Kalpana. Not to be outdone, Trawlerman has continued to fly the flag high in the Cup races this summer. Also seven years of age, Trawlerman was in action on Dubai World Cup night in early April – finishing fifth – but was back in action in the UK at the end of May, running away with the Henry II Stakes at Sandown Park. That was a sign of things to come as Trawlerman improved from that run to play with his rivals in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, running right away from his rivals to win by seven lengths, before landing the Yorkshire Cup. That victory on the Knavesmire should have teed Trawlerman up perfectly for the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, a race he won in 2023 and finished third in 12 months ago. The Owners’ Championship gets underway at the Betfred Guineas Festival at Newmarket at the start of May and Godolphin could not have got their campaign off to a better start at that meeting. 68

Ruling Court followed in the steps of 2024 hero Notable Speech in winning the Betfred 2000 Guineas and that joy turned to elation the following day when Desert Flower won the Betfred 1000 Guineas, her second toplevel success having won the Fillies’ Mile on her final start as a juvenile. Desert Flower went on to finish a fine third in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom while Ruling Court filled the same position on both subsequent starts, firstly in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and then in the Coral-Eclipse when only two lengths behind Delacroix and Ombudsman. One rising star to have emerged this season is Opera Ballo. The three-year-old son of Ghaiyyath only made his racecourse debut in January but he impressed on that occasion, as he did the following month, to earn a crack at a Group 3 at Newmarket in April. He showed his inexperience on that occasion but Appleby and his team got to work and Opera Ballo reappeared in the Heron Stakes at Sandown in May and put his career firmly back on track with a decisive victory over Bay City Roller. That Listed win has been followed by another at Newmarket in July before Opera Ballo was given a midseason break, returning to action in September when finding only one too strong when stepped up to Group 2 level for the first time. Cinderella’s Dream has been around a little longer but never lets the side down. The relatively experienced filly ran a fine race at last year’s Breeders’ Cup and continued in 2025 from where she left off. An impressive winner at Newmarket in May, she ran a fine race in defeat under a penalty in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot before successfully stepping back up to Group 1 company in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket in July and has continued to perform to a high level in her subsequent outings. The search for top-class horses never stops and this season’s two-year-olds look well placed to be challenging for top honours in the years to come. Leading the way, in prize money earned at least, is Wise Approach who has progressed throughout the season, winning three of his five starts. Wise Approach came desperately close to winning a Group 1 when beaten only half a length in third in the Prix Morny at Deauville in August but made no mistake next time with a career best performance in the Middle Park Stakes. Hot on his heels is Distant Storm who appears a hugely exciting prospect for the 2000 Guineas in 2026. A narrow debut winner of a Newmarket July Festival maiden that has been won in the past by smart types like Noble Truth and Field Of Gold, Distant Storm found the step up to Group 3 company possibly coming too quickly when third in the Acomb Stakes at York. He learned plenty from that experience, though, winning at the same level next time out before running a big race to be second in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes 69

on Future Champions Day and his best days should still lie ahead of him. The contributions to Godolphin’s achievements, both equine and human, are too many to mention but while Appleby trains the bulk of the horses nowadays mention must again be made of Saeed bin Suroor. The four-time Champion Trainer came away from Royal Ascot with a winner having saddled Arabian Story to win the Britannia Stakes while Tornado Alert belied market expectations when a close fourth behind Ruling Court in the 2000 Guineas before earning his own day in the limelight when scoring in a Group 1 in Munich in July. That success neatly leads to a ﬁnal note on Godolphin’s achievements. While their British successes are the ones that have bought them this championship title once again and will today be celebrated, the over-riding ambition is worldwide success. Wherever on the planet those big victories arrive, they are celebrated with equal enthusiasm.

Trawlerman

? THE GOLDEN GUESS 4.05pm The QIPCO Champion Stakes Scan the QR code and correctly guess the winner to enter the free prize draw. Three winners will be drawn at random from all correct entries for the following prizes: 1st - Four King Edward Enclosure tickets 2nd - Four Queen Anne Enclosure tickets 3rd – Two Queen Anne Enclosure tickets All three winners will also receive a bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne

Terms & conditions apply

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

1 2 2 2 The LONGINES World’s 2 6 Best Racehorse Rankings 6 is horseracing’s equivalent to World 6 Rankings by other major sporting 9 organizations such as ATP Tennis 9 Rankings, World Golf Rankings, 9 FIFA World Rankings for soccer and 9 IRB Rugby World Rankings. 13 14 The LONGINES Rankings are based on 14 the ratings earned by horses running 14 worldwide from North and South 14 America, Europe, Middle East, South 18 Africa, Asia through to Australia and 18 New Zealand. 18 The ratings are compiled under 18 the auspices of The International 18 18 Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) by racing officials & handicappers 24 24 representing the five continents who 24 compile the ranking order by agreeing 24 on the rating for each horse. 24 The ratings are based on the perfor24 mance of horses in elite races held 24 during the designated period which 24 takes in account the quality of 24 24 opposition and achievements of 24 each horse. 24 Throughout the year the LONGINES 24 Rankings are published at regular 24 intervals and the consolidated annual 24 rankings are released in January. The 24 annual rankings denote the champions 24 in the various distance categories for 24 example sprint or mile, surface either 24 turf or dirt/artificial and also the fillies & 24 24 mares category. 24 24

WORLD RANKINGS

128 127 127 127 127 126 126 126 125 125 125 125 124 123 123 123 123 121 121 121 121 121 121 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120

Horse

Age

Sex

Ombudsman (IRE) Daryz (FR) Field of Gold (IRE) Forever Young (JPN) Sovereignty (USA) Delacroix (IRE) Ka Ying Rising (NZ) Romantic Warrior (IRE) Calandagan (IRE) Danon Decile (JPN) Fierceness (USA) Jan Brueghel (IRE) White Abarrio (USA) Anmaat (IRE) Locked (USA) Los Angeles (IRE) Minnie Hauk (IRE) Byzantine Dream (JPN) Rebel's Romance (IRE) Ruling Court (USA) Soul Rush (JPN) Trawlerman (IRE) Voyage Bubble (AUS) Al Riffa (FR) Antino (NZ) Camille Pissarro (IRE) Croix du Nord (JPN) Diego Velazquez (IRE) Durezza (JPN) Goliath (GER) Jantar Mantar (JPN) Journalism (USA) Kalpana (GB) Lambourn (IRE) Lazzat (FR) Meisho Tabaru (JPN) Mindframe (USA) Notable Speech (GB) Raging Torrent (USA) Sajir (IRE) Sierra Leone (USA) Sosie (IRE) Tastiera (JPN) Whirl (IRE) White Birch (GB) Zeus Olympios (GB)

2021 2022 2022 2021 2022 2022 2020 2018 2021 2021 2021 2021 2019 2018 2021 2021 2022 2021 2018 2022 2018 2018 2018 2020 2018 2022 2022 2021 2020 2020 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 2022 2020 2022

C C C C C C G G G C C C H G C C F C G C H G G H G C C C H G C C F C G C C C C C C C H F H C

Country of Training

GB FR GB JPN USA IRE HK HK FR JPN USA IRE USA GB USA IRE IRE JPN GB GB JPN GB HK IRE AUS IRE JPN IRE JPN FR JPN USA GB IRE FR JPN USA GB USA FR USA FR JPN IRE IRE GB

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

With £1.4 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. Farrhh 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 three years. Anmaat sprung a 40/1 surprise last year for Owen Burrows who was saddling just his second runner on Champions Day, denying Calandagan on the line.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile about 2 Furlongs

2024: Anmaat

Overall: £1,417,500

2023: King Of Steel 2022: Bay Bridge

1st: £803,864

2021: Sealiway

2nd: £304,762

2020: Addeybb

3rd: £152,523

2019: Magical 2018: Cracksman

4th: £75,978

2017: Cracksman

5th: £38,130

2016: Almanzor

6th: £19,136

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

OMBUDSMAN

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Godolphin Sire-Dam: Night Of Thunder (IRE) - Syndicate Breeder: J Hanly Info: Ombudsman has established himself as being among the best horses in the world this year and seeks to cap a fabulous season with another toplevel triumph over a mile and a quarter. He produced an electric turn of foot to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and showed the same acceleration to land a compelling Juddmonte International at York last time, when Delacroix chased him home. In between, he was touched oﬀ by that horse in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park and their third clash today is something to savour. Should the bay son of Night Of Thunder triumph this afternoon, he will become the ﬁrst horse since the mighty Frankel to win the Juddmonte International and Champion Stakes in the same season.

CALANDAGAN

Colour: Brown Age: 4 Sex: Gelding Trainer: F-H Graffard Owner: Aga Khan Studs SCEA Sire-Dam: Gleneagles (IRE) - Calayana (FR) Breeder: Haras De Son Altesse L’Aga Khan Scea Info: It was so close, yet so far, for Calandagan in the Champion Stakes last year, as he led inside the final furlong only for Anmaat to pounce on him in the final strides. The French-trained challenger seeks to go one better and arrives at the top of his game, having won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and then King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes here at Ascot on his past two starts. Those Group 1 races were over a mile-and-a-half, but Calandagan seems equally at home over this shorter trip and is versatile regards ground conditions. He has finished outside of the first two just once in his dozen races, on his debut, and if successful will be France’s fourth Champion Stakes winner since 2011.

DELACROIX

Colour: Bay Age: 3 Sex: Colt Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Owner: Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Sire-Dam: Dubawi (IRE) – Tepin (USA) Breeder: Tepin Syndicate Info: Delacroix has played his part in another outstanding season for Aidan O’Brien, showing dazzling acceleration to win both the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. He collared Ombudsman in the closing stages in the former race, before being too strong for Anmaat. In between, he also chased home Ombudsman in the Juddmonte International. His one blip this campaign came when finishing ninth in the Derby, when he went off favourite, having won two Group 3 prizes at Leopardstown beforehand. The impeccably bred colt, a son of Dubawi out of American champion miler Tepin, who won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2016, will almost certainly be having his final race today before having his attention turned to stallion duties.

SIXTH RACE 4.05PM THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) ONE MILE ABT TWO FURLONGS (9F ABT 212YDS) (Approx. 2,000 metres). For three year olds and upwards. Advertised total prize fund £1417500. Owners Prize Money: Winner £631638, Second £259261, Third £129701, Fourth £64780, Fifth £32461, Sixth £16160. (Penalty Value £803864.25) A SS

RACE

START

FINISH

Stalls: Inside

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

Horse

ALMAQAM (GB) (41)

Draw

B c Lope de Vega (IRE) - Talmada (USA) (Cape Cross (IRE)) Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Colours: YELLOW, BLACK epaulets. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 32-3123 D

Draw

Jockey

1 Kieran Shoemark

TIMEFORM VIEW All wins on good or softer. Really smart effort when proving 1 3/4 lengths too strong for Ombudsman in Brigadier Gerard

at Sandown (1 1/4m, good to soft) in May. Hasn’t conﬁrmed that improvement when defeated at Group 2 level twice since but it was TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 117 ﬁrmish ground on both occasions.

CALANDAGAN (IRE) (84)

Draw

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

7 Mickael Barzalona

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: GREEN, RED epaulets. Form: 22-2211 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Second in ﬁrst 4 Group 1s (including to Anmaat in this last year) before landing a breakthrough success at the top level in

FIRST LOOK (IRE) (14)

FOX LEGACY (GB) (78)

Draw

ECONOMICS (GB) (364)

10 Tom Marquand

Draw

5 James Doyle

Draw

the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June. A second quickly followed when too strong for Kalpana in the King George here (1 1/2m, good to ﬁrm) in July. Looks sure to go well again. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 125

2 P. J. McDonald

Ch c Night of Thunder (IRE) - La Pomme d’Amour (Peintre Celebre (USA)) Owner: Isa Salman Al Khalifa Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE epaulets. Breeder: Copgrove Hall Stud Form: 4/11116- D Sponsor: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Battled gamely to fend off Auguste Rodin in the 2024 Irish Champion at Leopardstown but reportedly bled when ending his 3-y-o campaign with below-par sixth in this race and not seen since. His yard’s excellent form is a positive but some performance if he can win this after a year off. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 123

Ch g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Bilissie (Dansili) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: A. Fabre, France Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Haras de la Perelle RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 6-23111 D TIMEFORM VIEW It took a bit of time for him to build on last year’s French Derby second but he’s thriving now, completing a hat-trick when seeing off Bay City Roller in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp (1 1/4m, soft) a fortnight ago. A big career best will be needed to extend the winning sequence to 4, though. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 117

B g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Baldovina (Tale of The Cat (USA)) Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 4 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, striped Breeder: King Power Racing Co Ltd sleeves, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star. Sponsor: King Power International Co Ltd Form: 04-1611 D TIMEFORM VIEW Much improved since joining the Andrew Balding stable, landing John Smith’s Cup at York before running out an impressive 5 1/2-length winner of a 9f conditions race at Glorious Goodwood. Likely capable of even better but this demands a good deal more. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 116

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

ANMAAT RIDDEN BY JIM CROWLEY WINS LAST YEAR Shamardal (USA)

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Lady Vettori (GB) Cape Cross (IRE)

Talmada (USA)

Aryaamm (IRE)

Galileo (IRE)

Gleneagles (IRE)

You'resothrilling (USA) Sinndar (IRE)

Calayana (FR)

Clariyn (FR)

Dubawi (IRE)

Night of Thunder (IRE)

Forest Storm (GB) Peintre Celebre (USA)

La Pomme d'Amour (GB)

Winnebago (GB)

Shamardal (USA) Lope de Vega (IRE) Lady Vettori (GB) Tale of The Cat (USA) Baldovina (GB) Baldwina (FR)

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) 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) Galileo (IRE) Quiet Storm (IRE) Nureyev (USA) Peinture Bleue (USA) Kris Siouan Giant's Causeway (USA) Helsinki (GB) Vettori (IRE) Lady Golconda (FR) Storm Cat (USA) Yarn (USA) Pistolet Bleu (IRE) Balioka (FR) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Galileo (IRE) Quiet Storm (IRE) Danehill (USA) Hasili (IRE) Sadler's Wells (USA) Insinuate (USA)

PRAGUE (IRE) (22)

ALMERIC (GB) (28)

Draw

OMBUDSMAN (IRE) (59)

9 William Buick

Draw

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

6 Oisin Murphy

B c Night of Thunder (IRE) - Syndicate (Dansili) Owner: Godolphin Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 4 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: J. Hanly Form: 11-2121 CD Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better TIMEFORM VIEW Announced himself at the top level when producing a superb turn of foot to win Prince of Wales’s over C&D in June. Collared close home by Delacroix in the Eclipse at Sandown but comfortably took his revenge on that rival in the International at York, scoring by 3 1/2 lengths. The one to beat. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 128

B h Galileo (IRE) - Princess Noor (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) Owner: A Dal Pos, L Zanin, R Zanin Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 5 Trainer: Dylan Cunha, Newmarket Colours: EMERALD GREEN, PURPLE chevron, EMERALD GREEN Breeder: Barronstown Stud sleeves, PURPLE spots, EMERALD GREEN cap, PURPLE spots. Sponsor: Tote D Form: 0-54554 TIMEFORM VIEW Produced a really smart effort when winning the Group 2 Joel at Newmarket (1m, soft) last autumn but hasn’t come close to reproducing that level in a handful of starts this year. Big outsider. TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 107

Gr c Study of Man (IRE) - Alvarita (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: Miss K. Rausing Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Miss K. Rausing

Benoit de la Sayette

Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 3 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, WHITE sleeves and cap. Form: 41-11 D TIMEFORM VIEW Unbeaten in 3 outings since his debut, including Listed races at Newmarket (9f, soft) and Ayr (1 1/4m, good to soft) this season 5 months apart. This is a jump in class but he’s an exciting prospect who surely has more to offer. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 117

DELACROIX (IRE) (35)

Draw

B c Dubawi (IRE) - Tepin (USA) (Bernstein (USA)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Tepin Syndicate

4 C. Soumillon

Draw

10 DEVIL’S ADVOCATE (GB) (37)

11 Robert Havlin

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 110121 D TIMEFORM VIEW Bounced back quickly from a disappointing run in the Derby when defeating Ombudsman by a neck in the Eclipse at Sandown. Below par when 3 1/2 lengths behind that same rival in the Juddmonte at York but right back on song when showing an electric TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 126 turn of foot to see off Anmaat in the Irish Champion.

8 W. M. Lordan

B g Too Darn Hot - Precious Ramotswe (Nathaniel (IRE)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE cap. Breeder: Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd Form: 1-64041 D Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better TIMEFORM VIEW Smart performance when defying a mark of 104 in a 1 1/4m handicap at the Doncaster St Leger meeting. Supplemented into TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 109 this for £75,000 at the start of the week and here to fulﬁl pacemaking duties for Ombudsman.

11 MOUNT KILIMANJARO (FR) (35) B c Siyouni (FR) - Decorating (USA) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mrs John Magnier,Mr M.Tabor & Mr D.Smith Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Glen Hill Farm

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 Colours: DARK BLUE. Form: 12-3160 D

TIMEFORM VIEW His success in the Dee Stakes at Chester in May shows he’s smart but used as a pacemaker for Delacroix in the Irish TFRHIIII Official BHA Rating 108 Champion and will presumably perform the same role again.

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES Sadler's Wells (USA)

Galileo (IRE)

Princess Noor (IRE)

Study of Man (IRE)

Urban Sea (USA) Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) Gentle Night (GB)

Deep Impact (JPN) Second Happiness (USA) Selkirk (USA)

Alvarita (GB)

Alborada (GB)

Dubai Millennium (GB)

Dubawi (IRE)

Zomaradah (GB) Bernstein (USA)

Tepin (USA)

Life Happened (USA)

Pivotal (GB)

Siyouni (FR)

Sichilla (IRE) Galileo (IRE)

Decorating (USA)

Eversmile (USA)

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

Precious Ramotswe (GB)

Miss Pinkerton (GB)

Shamardal (USA)

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Lady Vettori (GB) Dansili (GB)

Bilissie (GB)

Balladeuse (FR)

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge (USA) Miswaki (USA) Allegretta Danehill (USA) L'On Vite (USA) Zafonic (USA) Sahara Star (GB) Sunday Silence (USA) Wind In Her Hair (IRE) Storm Cat (USA) Miesque (USA) Sharpen Up Annie Edge Alzao (USA) Alouette (GB) Seeking The Gold (USA) Colorado Dancer Deploy Jawaher (IRE) Storm Cat (USA) La Affirmed (USA) Stravinsky (USA) Round It Off (USA) Polar Falcon (USA) Fearless Revival Danehill (USA) Slipstream Queen (USA) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Theatrical Avasand (USA) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Singspiel (IRE) Darara Galileo (IRE) Magniﬁcient Style (USA) Danehill (USA) Rebecca Sharp (GB) Giant's Causeway (USA) Helsinki (GB) Vettori (IRE) Lady Golconda (FR) Danehill (USA) Hasili (IRE) Singspiel (IRE) Featherquest (GB)

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 11 Tongue Strap worn by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 10.

(EXACTA)

Stewards Note: ECONOMICS: Following its run on 19/10/2024 it was reported that the horse was found to have bled. PRAGUE: Following its run on 26/9/2025 it was reported that the horse ran too freely. 2024: ANMAAT (IRE) 6 9 7 Jim Crowley 40-1 (Owen Burrows) 11 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 15-8 Ombudsman (IRE), 5-2 Calandagan (IRE), 10-3 Delacroix (IRE), 12-1 Economics (GB), 14-1 Almeric (GB), 16-1 Almaqam (GB), 22-1 First Look (IRE), 25-1 Fox Legacy (GB), 125-1 Prague (IRE), 150-1 Devil’s Advocate (GB), Mount Kilimanjaro (FR)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY Although OMBUDSMAN was beaten by Delacroix in the Eclipse it was a quick turnaround for Godolphin’s charge after his big performance in the Prince of Wales’s and he re-established himself as the one to beat in this division when readily seeing off the same rival at York. Aidan O’Brien’s charge has won well at Leopardstown since but it could still be that the chief threat emerges from last year’s runner-up Calandagan, who showed a sharp turn of foot to win the King George here in July. 1. OMBUDSMAN (IRE)

2. CALANDAGAN (IRE)

3. DELACROIX (IRE)

QIPCO HOLDING has 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.

britishchampionsday

2000 Guineas winner Record-breaking

Gr.1 winning 2yo

The

Leading European

second-season sire by earnings and Group

winners-runners

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

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

2024: Carry The One

Overall: £200,000

2023: The Gatekeeper 2022: Shelir 2021: Aldaary

1st: £103,080 2nd: £48,340

2020: Njord

3rd: £24,180

2019: Escobar

4th: £12,080

2018: Sharja Bridge 2017: Lord Glitters 2016: Yuften 84

5th: £6,040 6th: £3,020

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

NATIVE WARRIOR

Colour: Bay Age: 4 Sex: Gelding Trainer: Karl Burke Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire-Dam: Wootton Bassett - Beauty Salon Breeder: Branton Court Stud LLP Info: Those who follow the adage of “horses for courses” will pay close attention to Native Warrior in today’s finale. He was first home in his group when third in the 29-runner Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last year and lines up after back-to-back 7f handicap wins at the course. The son of Wootton Bassett, who seems effective on all types of ground, won a 20-runner contest in convincing style here last month and followed up a fortnight ago with similar authority when beating another big field despite an 8lb hike in the ratings. Native Warrior has a penalty to carry for his latest success, plus an extra furlong to cover, but that did not stop Aldaary achieving the double in 2021.

SHOUT

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford Owner: Gail Brown Racing (XVII) Sire-Dam: Advertise - Poppet’s Promise Breeder: Kildaragh Stud Info: Shout can be slow away and often races off the pace, so do not expect him to be involved in the early stages. However, he can be fast at the finish, like last time here at Ascot when romping home in a 17-runner handicap over today’s distance of a mile. He won by almost three lengths, with plenty left in the tank. The handicapper has raised him 9lb for that easy success, but that was only his second start over a mile and he remains relatively unexposed. Shout had previously been compromised by twice fluffing the start at Ascot before being unfavourably drawn at Goodwood. His connections experimented with headgear in the first half of the season but that has been ditched in his most recent races.

CERULEAN BAY

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: David O’Meara Owner: Nick Cable Sire-Dam: New Bay – Kathy Sun Breeder: D Ryan, D S Ryan & R A Williams

Info: David O’Meara has had 27 runners in the Balmoral since it was first run in 2014 and any punter blindly backing them all would be £75 in profit to a £1 stake courtesy of Lord Glitters (won at 3-1 in 2017), Escobar (16-1 in 2019) and Shelir (80-1 in 2022) All his runners today demand a second look, with Cerulean Bay ticking plenty of boxes. He reeled off a hat-trick of handicap wins last summer and has returned to form on his past three starts, going close in a big field at York before scoring twice at Goodwood, including last Sunday. A penalty heightens his task but it need not stop him. His previous four runs at Ascot have all ended in defeat but he has twice finished runner-up here.

SEVENTH RACE 4.40PM THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) ONE MILE (1,600 metres). For three year olds and upwards. Advertised total prize fund £200000. Owners Prize Money: Winner £81260, Second £40640, Third £20320, Fourth £10160, Fifth £5080, Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 22 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS

RACE

START

FINISH

Stalls: Far Side

See page 94 for conditions of this race.

HOLLOWAY BOY (GB) (196)

Draw

NATIVE WARRIOR (GB) (14)

GODWINSON (GB) (49)

Jockey

Draw

Horse

Draw

8 James Doyle

Ch g Ulysses (IRE) - Sultry (Pivotal) Owner: N White, S White, T White & E Burke Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 12 Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Colours: WHITE and RED (quartered), WHITE Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Limited sleeves, RED stars, WHITE cap, RED star. Sponsor: KB Spigot Ltd Form: 06-2320 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Smart performer who registered his ﬁrst victory since his two-year-old days when landing Group 3 Superior Mile at Haydock (1m) last summer. Placed on 3 of his 4 starts in Group company in Meydan earlier this year (ﬁnal start best excused) but this TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 110 looks a tough ask off top weight after 6 months off.

Clifford Lee

B g Saxon Warrior (JPN) - Malabar (Raven’s Pass (USA)) Owner: Jon and Julia Aisbitt Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Jon and Julia Aisbitt

Draw

B g Wootton Bassett - Beauty Salon (Dutch Art)(in 6lb ex) Owner: Wathnan Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 11 Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Colours: PEACOCK BLUE, OLD GOLD sleeves, Breeder: Branton Court Stud LLP RED cap. Sponsor: Damsa Holding Company W.L.L Form: 021311 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Firmly back on the up since visored, producing a decidedly smart effort to make it 3 wins from his last 4 starts in Challenge Cup over 7f here 2 weeks ago. Evidently well suited by the demands of these big ﬁeld scenarios and a 6lb penalty shouldn’t prevent another bold showing. TFRHHHHH Official BHA Rating 103 (+7)

19 Cieren Fallon

WITCH HUNTER (FR) (20)

B g Siyouni (FR) - Sorciere (IRE) (Orpen (USA))(in 6lb ex) Owner: Mr William Stobart Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Breeder: Petra Bloodstock Agency Ltd

Draw

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 5 Colours: DARK BLUE and MAROON diabolo, MAROON sleeves, DARK BLUE cap. Form: 00-1150 D BF TIMEFORM VIEW Enhanced his good record fresh when bagging the Lincoln at Doncaster in March and improved again to follow up at Newcastle (1m) in June. Best not judged too harshly on his 2 runs in August and a subsequent 7-week break ought to have put him spot on for a tilt at this (ﬁnished midﬁeld last year). TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 103

Joe Leavy

EBT’S GUARD (GB) (21)

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

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 5 Colours: WHITE and EMERALD GREEN stripes, chevrons on sleeves, WHITE cap, EMERALD GREEN stars. Form: 006061 C TIMEFORM VIEW Useful course winner who was third in this race off a big weight 12 months ago. Ended lengthy losing run from reduced mark in 12-runner handicap at Newcastle (7f) 20 days ago and whilst this is more demanding under a penalty, the fact he’s often gone well here is a deﬁnite plus. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 97 (+4)

1 Lewis Edmunds

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED seams, RED and ROYAL BLUE chevrons on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE and RED hooped cap. CD Form: 052130 TIMEFORM VIEW Bagged Spring Cup at Newbury in April and resumed winning ways in Shergar Cup Mile here in August. Good third over C&D next time and shaped as if still in form whilst suggesting he was at the limit of his stamina when sixth in last month’s Cambridgeshire (9f). Career-high mark to defy now, though. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 102 (-1)

CERULEAN BAY (IRE) (6)

GOLDEN MIND (IRE) (20)

Draw

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) 5 Daniel Tudhope

B g New Bay - Kathy Sun (IRE) (Intikhab (USA))(in 6lb ex) Owner: Nick Cable Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 4 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE stars, Breeder: D. Ryan, D. S. Ryan & R. A. Williams striped sleeves and stars on cap. Sponsor: ABS Brymar Floors Ltd Form: 002211 D TIMEFORM VIEW 4-y-o who has taken his form up a notch switched to Goodwood’s unique track, landing back-to-back 1m handicaps, latterly in fairly straightforward fashion 6 days ago. More on his plate under a penalty but he’s gone well here previously and this thriving sort can’t be discounted in hat-trick bid. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 95 (+5) Draw

Warren

17 Fentiman (5)

B g Galileo Gold - Sagely (IRE) (Frozen Power (IRE)) Owner: Aidan J Ryan & partner Trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud

ARISAIG (GB) (22)

Draw

GREAT ACCLAIM (GB) (14)

7 Charles Bishop

Draw

4 Jamie Spencer

Draw

Weight: 9 2 Horse Age: 4 Colours: BLACK, YELLOW chevrons, YELLOW sleeves, BLACK armlets, quartered cap. Form: 046100 TIMEFORM VIEW Solid display when fourth in the International here in July and following an ease in the weights, he capitalised at Newcastle (7f) a month later. Excuses at Chester next time (poorly drawn) but he was below best without an obvious excuse back at Newcastle 20 days ago. TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 100 (-1)

11 William Buick

B g Aclaim (IRE) - Freedom Spirit (Muhaarar) Owner: Mr G. Owen Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury Colours: BLACK, PINK stripe and armlets. Breeder: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Form: 011224 D Sponsor: ABM Catering Limited TIMEFORM VIEW Right back on form since blinkered, including a Glorious Goodwood win at the end of July. Remained at the top of his game since, 3 lengths fourth of 15 to Native Warrior in handicap at this course (7f, soft) 14 days ago. Cheekpieces now the headgear of choice and he’s equally effective at 1m. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 100

Ch f Harry Angel (IRE) - Magic Nymph (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Chasemore Farm Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham Colours: PEA GREEN, MAUVE cap. Breeder: Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd Form: 202533 D Sponsor: Chasemore Farm LLP, Johnston Racing Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Largely consistent ﬁlly who ran well when third in Celebration Mile at Goodwood in August and far from discredited when third in Listed Rosemary Stakes at Newmarket (1m) 3 weeks ago. Career-high mark to defy back in a handicap but she’s an each-way TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 99 (+2) player nevertheless.

10 FIFTH COLUMN (IRE) (21)

11 HAFEET ALAIN (IRE) (142)

Draw

B g Kingman - Inner Secret (USA) (Singspiel (IRE)) Owner: Godolphin Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Breeder: Godolphin Form: 101510 D Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better TIMEFORM VIEW Different model since being gelded, winning strong 1m 3-y-o handicaps at the Newmarket July and York Ebor meetings. Didn’t ﬁnd things panning out ideally from stand side draw when midﬁeld in last month’s Cambridgeshire and strong suspicion we’ve yet TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 102 to see all he has to offer. Interesting.

B g Elzaam (AUS) - Batuta (New Approach (IRE)) Owner: Mr P. K. Siu Horse Age: 9 Weight: 9 0 Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Colours: RED and BLACK stripes, RED sleeves. Breeder: Miss Samantha Jarrom Form: 44460-1 D Sponsor: ABM Catering Facilities Management TIMEFORM VIEW Useful performer who is a credit to connections and looked as good as ever following 6 months off when winning 12-runner Whitsun Cup at Sandown (1m) in May. That form was certainly solid enough and his record when fresh is an obvious plus for TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 98 all this is undoubtedly tougher. Draw

12 SHOUT (IRE) (43)

14 Oisin Murphy

B g Advertise - Poppet’s Promise (Bated Breath) Owner: Gail Brown Racing (XVII) Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 13 Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PURPLE hoop Breeder: Kildaragh Stud and diamond on cap. Sponsor: Tattersalls Form: 1-23001 CD TIMEFORM VIEW Twice a 6f winner at 2 yrs who got back on the up to some tune taking on his elders for the ﬁrst time when impressively taking 17-runner C&D handicap 6 weeks ago. Hit with a 9lb rise for that but he remains relatively low-mileage and there could yet be more TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 100 to come.

Ashley Lewis (5)

13 CROWN OF OAKS (GB) (34)

Draw

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) 23 Tom Marquand

B g Wootton Bassett - Forest Crown (Royal Applause) Owner: Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy Weight: 8 12 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE seams, Breeder: Car Colston Hall Stud ROYAL BLUE cap, WHITE star. Sponsor: Somerville Lodge Ltd Form: 3-33113 C BF TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive son of Wootton Bassett who was successful on ﬁrst 2 starts in 1 1/4m handicaps and ran respectably whilst possibly ﬁnding quick turnaround taking the edge off him when third of 21 in handicap at the Curragh (10f) 5 weeks ago. Very much remains with potential including back at 1m. TFRHHHHI Official BHA Rating 99 Draw

14 ORANDI (FR) (76)

B g Morandi (FR) - Elusive Feeling (USA) (Elusive Quality (USA)) Owner: C.J. Murtagh/B. Hourihane Weight: 8 12 Horse Age: 7 Trainer: A. J. Martin, Ireland Colours: WHITE, RED Cross of Lorraine Breeder: Societe Civile Ecurie Euroling and sleeves. Form: 23-1330 D TIMEFORM VIEW Won at Curragh in March before ﬁnishing an excellent third behind Godwinson in the Lincoln at Doncaster later that month. Seen only twice at the Galway Festival since, a 5-day turnaround a plausible excuse when down the ﬁeld over 7f in August. Type to bounce back. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 96

Billy

Draw

15 OLIVER SHOW (IRE) (20)

David Egan

22 Loughnane

Ch g No Nay Never (USA) - Ashley Hall (USA) (Maria’s Mon (USA)) Owner: Pompey Ventures 2 Horse Age: 5 Weight: 8 12 Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Colours: BLACK, ROYAL BLUE and BLACK Breeder: Epona Bloodstock Ltd halved sleeves, DARK BLUE cap. Sponsor: Tote Form: 220040 D TIMEFORM VIEW Quirky but talented performer who has done his winning on AW. However, just as good on turf, as his in-the-frame efforts in big-ﬁeld Doncaster handicaps would indicate this year. Not seen to best effect behind Witch Hunter at Newcastle latest and he’s another each-way candidate. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 96 (-1) Draw

16 GREEK ORDER (GB) (21)

20 Jack Callan (5)

Draw

6 Jason Watson

Draw

17 THEORYOFEVERYTHING (GB) (6)

13 Ray Dawson

Draw

B g Kingman - Trojan Queen (USA) (Empire Maker (USA)) Owner: Greek Order Partnership Horse Age: 5 Weight: 8 12 Trainer: Michael Bell, Newmarket Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, EMERALD GREEN and Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd WHITE halved sleeves, EMERALD GREEN and WHITE hooped cap. Sponsor: Michael Bell Racing Form: 443400 D TIMEFORM VIEW Underperformed during US stint but quickly found top form back in Britain, hitting the frame in a trio of top-end handicaps (including Royal Hunt Cup). TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 96 (-2) However, he does now need to shrug off disappointing runs at York/Newmarket. Cheekpieces go on.

10 Sean Levey

Gr g Frankel - Persuasive (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) Owner: Gallop Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 8 12 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: PURPLE, large LIGHT GREEN spots Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Limited and armlets. Sponsor: Burn Fencing Ltd Form: 150025 CD TIMEFORM VIEW C&D winner who scored at Ayr (1m) in July and proved at least as good as ever when runner-up back over that C&D on penultimate start. Ran creditably when 2 1/2 lengths ﬁfth behind stablemate Cerulean Bay in handicap at Goodwood (1m) 6 days ago and TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 96 forecast easier ground in his favour here.

18 BOBBY BENNU (IRE) (42)

Gr g Phoenix of Spain (IRE) - Clenaghcastle Lady (IRE) (Acclamation) Owner: Middleham Park Racing XLIII Horse Age: 4 Weight: 8 11 Trainer: Roger Varian, Newmarket Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ORANGE epaulets. Breeder: Mr D. McCarthy Form: 1-30255 D Sponsor: Middleham Park Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Successful 3 times last year and has displayed form akin to that level on 2 of his last 3 starts, respectable 5 lengths ﬁfth of 20 to Native Warrior in handicap (18/1) at this course (7f, good) 42 days ago. Interesting if this step up in trip unlocks some progress TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 95 (successful only start at 7.5f)

19 TRIBAL CHIEF (FR) (21)

B g Sioux Nation (USA) - Araca (FR) (Elusive Quality (USA)) Owner: All For One Racing (II) Horse Age: 4 Weight: 8 10 Trainer: David Menuisier, Pulborough Colours: ROYAL BLUE, BEIGE Cross of Lorraine, Breeder: Pimpicks Srl striped sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Shinco Racing Limited Form: 200610 D TIMEFORM VIEW Won 4 handicaps last season and firmly back on the up when scoring at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) 2 starts ago. Latest down the TFRHHIII Official BHA Rating 94 field effort in the Cambridgeshire (9f) has to go down as disappointing, so bounce back called for now.

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) Draw

20 BOPEDRO (FR) (8)

B g Pedro The Great (USA) - Breizh Touch (FR) (Country Reel (USA)) Owner: Mr G. Rutter Weight: 8 10 Horse Age: 9 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: YELLOW, PINK stars, Breeder: Mr Daniel Cherdo armlets and star on cap. Sponsor: GAIN Equine Nutrition Form: 002044 D TIMEFORM VIEW On a long losing run but he’s a regular in top-end handicaps, running yet another creditable race when fourth in 17-runner contest at York (7.9f) 8 days ago, keeping on well. Probably set for another minor role here, though. TFRHHHII Official BHA Rating 94

Mark Winn

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 8, 16. Hood worn by No. 18. Visor worn by No. 2, 20. Tongue Strap worn by No. 7, 14, 15, 17, 19. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 10, 15. Stewards Note: OLIVER SHOW: Following its run on 28/9/2025 it was reported that the horse hung left-handed. 2024: CARRYTHEONE 7 9 6 C Soumillon 14-1 (Michael Bell) 20 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

BETTING FORECAST: (Betting correct as of 4:00pm 17/10/25) 9-2 Native Warrior (GB), 11-2 Crown of Oaks (GB), 6-1 Shout (IRE), 7-1 Fifth Column (IRE), 10-1 Arisaig (GB), 11-1 Cerulean Bay (IRE), 12-1 Greek Order (GB), 16-1 Great Acclaim (GB), Witch Hunter (FR), 18-1 Ebt’s Guard (GB), Holloway Boy (GB), 22-1 Bopedro (FR), 25-1 Tribal Chief (FR), Oliver Show (IRE), 28-1 Bobby Bennu (IRE), Godwinson (GB), Orandi (FR), 33-1 Hafeet Alain (IRE), 40-1 Golden Mind (IRE), 50-1 Theoryofeverything(GB)

TIMEFORM SUMMARY NATIVE WARRIOR took his record to 3-4 since the visor went on and improved another chunk in the process when impressively taking another big ﬁeld 7f handicap at this course 2 weeks ago. He may well not have done improving on that evidence and with the return to 1m holding no fears, another bold showing looks ﬁrmly on the cards. The most potent dangers may emerge from the 3-y-o brigade, with Crown of Oaks and Fifth Column heading them up along with Shout. Cerulean Bay is another to consider. 1. NATIVE WARRIOR

2. CROWN OF OAKS

3. FIFTH COLUMN (IRE)

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RACE CONDITIONS First Race 12.55 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £301271 to the winning horse, the second to receive £114218, the third £57162, the fourth £28475 and the fifth £14290. For three-year-olds and upwards. Enter by noon, August 5th and pay £2185 stake, scratch by noon, September 30th or pay £2500, confirm by noon, October 13th and pay £1565. Supplementary Entry by noon, October 13th and pay £37500 stake. Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. 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. QIPCO HOLDING 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 QIPCO HOLDING. 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 QIPCO 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. 30 entries, 13 at £2185, 11 at £4685, 5 at £6250, 1 at £37500. Closed August 5th, 2025. Owners Prize Money: Winner £236725, Second £97166, Third £48609, Fourth £24278, Fifth £12166. (Penalty Value £301271.87) A SS SEE PAGE 22 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 1.30 - THE QIPCO 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-year-olds only. Enter by noon, October 13th and pay £1250 stake, declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 7lb, fillies 9st 2lb. QIPCO HOLDING 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 QIPCO HOLDING. 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. 19 entries at £1250. Closed October 13th, 2025. 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. Third Race 2.05 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £318993 to the winning horse, the second to receive £120937, the third £60525, the fourth £30150, the fifth £15131 and the sixth £7593. For three-year-olds and upwards. Enter by noon, August 5th and pay £2185 stake, scratch by noon, September 30th or pay £2500, confirm by noon, October 13th and pay £1565. Supplementary Entry by noon, October 13th and pay £37500 stake. Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. 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. QIPCO HOLDING 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 QIPCO HOLDING. 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). 55 entries, 23 at £2185, 11 at £4685, 19 at £6250, 2 at £37500. Closed August 5th, 2025. Owners Prize Money: Winner £250650, Second £102881, Third £51469, Fourth £25706, Fifth £12881, Sixth £6413. (Penalty Value £318993.75) A SS SEE PAGE 40 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 2.45 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £301271 to the winning horse, the second to receive £114218, the third £57162, the fourth £28475, the fifth £14290 and the sixth £7171. For three-year-olds and upwards fillies and mares only. Enter by noon, August 5th and pay £2185 stake, scratch by noon, September 30th or pay £2500, confirm by noon, October 13th and pay £1565. Supplementary Entry by noon, October 13th and pay £37500 stake. Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. 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. QIPCO HOLDING 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 winning owner will secure a single nomination to any stallion standing under the banner of Qatar Bloodstock for the winning horse, to be taken up in 2024 or 2025, by arrangement with Tweenhills Stud. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO HOLDING. 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 QIPCO 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. 42 entries, 17 at £2185, 12 at £4685, 12 at £6250, 1 at £37500. Closed August 5th, 2025. Owners Prize Money: Winner £236725, Second £97166, Third £48609, Fourth £24278, Fifth £12166, Sixth £6056. (Penalty Value £301271.87) A SS SEE PAGE 52 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.25 - THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (Sponsored by QIPCO) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £655709 to the winning horse, the second to receive £248593, the third £124412, the fourth £61975, the fifth £31103 and the sixth £15609. For three-year-olds and upwards. Enter by noon, August 5th and pay £4800 stake, scratch by noon, September 30th or pay £5500, confirm by noon, October 13th and pay £3450. Supplementary Entry by noon, October 13th and pay £70000 stake. Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. 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. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Gold Trophy and Silver Salver to the winning owner. A replica Silver Salver will be presented 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 QIPCO HOLDING. 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). 39 entries, 11 at £4800, 11 at £10300, 16 at £13750, 1 at £70000. Closed August 5th, 2025. Owners Prize Money: Winner £515225, Second £211478, Third £105797, Fourth £52841, Fifth £26478, Sixth £13181. (Penalty Value £655709.37) A SS SEE PAGE 62 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.05 - THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £803864 to the winning horse, the second to receive £304762, the third £152523, the fourth £75978, the fifth £38130 and the sixth £19136. For three-year-olds and upwards. Enter by noon, August 5th and pay £5675 stake, scratch by noon, September 30th or pay £6500, confirm by noon, October 13th and pay £4075. Supplementary Entry by noon, October 13th and pay £75000 stake. Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. 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. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a specially commissioned trophy to the winning owner and a replica Silver Salver 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 QIPCO HOLDING. 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 QIPCO 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, 12 at £5675, 12 at £12175, 13 at £16250, 2 at £75000. Closed August 5th, 2025. Owners Prize Money: Winner £631638, Second £259261, Third £129701, Fourth £64780, Fifth £32461, Sixth £16160. (Penalty Value £803864.25) A SS SEE PAGE 74 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 4.40 - THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (Sponsored by QIPCO) 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-year-olds and upwards. Enter by noon, September 16th and pay £300 stake, confirm by noon, October 13th and pay £700, declare by 10.00 a.m. October 16th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb. Penalties, after September 20th, 2025, 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. QIPCO HOLDING 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. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO Holding. 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 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. 56 entries, 31 at £300, 25 at £1000. Closed September 16th, 2025. Owners Prize Money: Winner £81260, Second £40640, Third £20320, Fourth £10160, Fifth £5080, Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 22 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS SEE PAGE 86 FOR THIS RACE.

TODAY’S OFFICIALS BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES LTD EXECUTIVE

Tony Langham (Chairman) Lucy Swiers (Senior Project Manager)

BOARD MEMBERS

Sophie Able (Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, The Jockey Club) Nick Attenborough (Chairman, Professional Jockeys Association) Felicity Barnard (Chief Executive Officer, Ascot Racecourse) Alex Eade (Secretary General, Large Independent Racecourses) Jonathan Gregory (Chief Commercial Officer, Ascot Racecourse) Simon Michaelides (Chief Customer Officer, Great British Racing) Nick Smith (Director of Racing & Public Aﬀairs, Ascot Racecourse) Mark Spincer (Managing Director, Arena Racing Company)

STEWARDS Chief Steward Shaun Parker Stewards’ Panel Chair Rupert Sweeting

Stewards Steve Drowne, Joseph Chan Assistant Steward Kate Smith

Raceday Assistants Simon Kirk & Gwen Thomas

Handicapper Mark Olley Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers Sarah Collins Peter Double Suzanne Feltham Christine Hannaford Mark Lashly Carol Leggett Vince McKevitt Richard Painter Darren Stone Helena Warbrick Commentator Simon Holt Betting Ring Managers Andrew Boardley Vicki Moore

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 Sam Avis James Stenning Clerks of the Scales Graham Ford Jeremy Lind Judge David Hicks Veterinary Officers Sally Bainton Amy Hawthorn Howard Newitt Sally Taylor

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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