Ascot Insider - QIPCO British Champions Day 2021

This year QIPCO British Champions Day celebrates its 10th anniversary.

We want to see your memories from across the last 10 years at Champions Day, including this year! Whether that be Frankel storming to victory in 2011, or Roaring Lion’s remarkable achievements in 2018, we want you to send them in.

Post your comments and photos using #ChampionsDay and it may feature on the big screen!

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QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY FOREWORD FROM ROD STREET We are delighted to welcome you back to Ascot today for the 10th anniversary of QIPCO British Champions Day. Having staged last year’s event behind closed doors we are thrilled to have you back with us for another world class day of racing.

When we first held QIPCO British Champions Day in 2011, our vision was for an end-of-season British Flat racing finale to rival the best of the world. Ten years later we are proud to host one of the most important days in the global racing calendar and the richest raceday in the country, with today’s unrivalled domestic card of four Group 1s and a Group 2 worth in excess of an incredible £4 million.

Throughout all of this time, we are tremendously grateful to have had the unwavering support of QIPCO who have sponsored both British Champions Series and Day and we extend our sincere thanks to HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al Thani and his brothers for their enduring commitment and enthusiasm.

Having lit up the first two runnings of Champions Day there could be no more fitting first inductee into the horse category than Frankel, who wowed crowds here in 2011 and 2012 in unforgettable fashion when signing off on a 14 race unbeaten career. We are delighted to welcome the connections of many of the other inductees into the Hall of Fame here today and you can read more about each of their incredible achievements in the proceeding pages and in the exhibition area in the Grandstand.

Champions Day has always served up a feast of sensational sporting action and following an enthralling Flat season we are looking forward to more fascinating contests this afternoon. As ever, our thanks go to the owners, trainers and stable staff for continuing to support the day and we wish all the connections the best of luck. Thank you for being here at Ascot to mark this special occasion and we hope that you enjoy a fabulous day’s racing.

Champions Day has always been synonymous with the pinnacle of British Flat racing and this year to mark the 10th anniversary, we launched the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame to celebrate the Flat racing champions of the sport from 1970 onwards and also tell the stories of its deep and rich history.

We are honoured to have announced the induction of Her Majesty The Queen, the sport’s most important patron, into the Hall of Fame earlier this week as the first ever inductee into the Special Contributor category. The Queen has made an inestimable contribution to racing throughout her life as an owner, breeder and race fan.

She commands the respect of racing enthusiasts all over the world for her knowledge of the thoroughbred and the interest she has created in the sport.

ROD STREET, CHIEF EXECUTIVE BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES

Tornado Tower, QIPCO’s Headquarters Doha

Based in Doha, QIPCO’s portfolio of business interests includes subsidiaries, joint ventures and investments across a range of sectors.

Among QIPCO’s Qatar based business interests are:

One of the largest public trading and service providers

A leading contractor and construction firm

A leading engineering and consultancy supplier

Discover more at: qipco.com.qa

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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 and Her Majesty The Queen.

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

British Champions Day – firstly, in conjunction

On behalf of my brothers and fellow directors of QIPCO, I welcome you to title Ascot.sponsors This year, wewe celebrate the 10th anniversary As are delighted at howof QIPCO BritishBritish Champions Day and it is therefore fitting to honour a QIPCO Champions Day has evolved decade of fantastic racing on Britain’s richest race day.

We enjoyed much success with Classic-winning Simple Verse with our father when Charm Spirit won the who was victorious in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in 2014 and month. then Stakes in 2015 having won the St Leger the previous last year SimplelifeVerse won the Fillies’ Simple Versewhen is now enjoying as a broodmare at Tweenhills.

Our association theforward series commenced perfection as reasons towith look to thiswith year’s Frankel, one of the best racehorses of all time, graced the track. running, the sixth since its launch in 2011. in One of the most memorable performances was his victory 2011’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas with his powerful, front-running First and foremost, there is the quality and brilliance. His career ended after winning 2012’s QIPCO Champion competitiveness of theFrankel racing. year Stakes, his 14th straight victory. wasThis the first equine thereofwere a record numberSeries of horses inductee the QIPCO British Champions Hall of Fame entered (256) when entries closed in August, which launched to mark the 10th anniversary, recognising excellence and honouring champions of the sport. 1 races including the winners of 79 Group

We were thrilled Oisin Murphy won his first British Classic on Kameko season,returns a breath-taking, trackthis record breaking Simplelast Verse to Ascot year performance andexcited we will beat cheering him on in theofthrilling and we are the prospect conclusion to the Jockeys Championship today. Kameko has since her seeing runseamlessly again. Meanwhile, taken to life as aher stallion whilst Roaring Lion’s one Charm Spirit returns to Britain, after and only crop of yearlings, known affectionately as a “the cubs”, season France,alongside to stand stud in 2017 are lookingin resplendent theat first European crop of our young international stallion sensation, Zoustar. alongside our other Qatar Bloodstock

and grown and once again there are several

and 15theEuropean Classics.

Today’s Arguably most impressive winner of the QIPCOrunners Champion will be competing for prize amoney totaling Stakes in recent times was Cracksman, back-to-back winner in £4.2m, the2019’s richest raceday in Britain, the 2017 and 2018. winner Magical, trained by the and formidable Aidan O’Brien, to catch action willwas beanother played out the in eye. front of what is

to be a record crowd Weexpected have seen Stradivarius win a record fifteenafter QIPCOtwo Britishof the enclosures sold out weeks in her advance.

Champions Series races, witnessed Enable win eleventh Group 1, including a historic three wins in the King George VI and As aElizabeth business, has invested in British Queen QIPCOQIPCO Stakes, and seen international success Champions SeriesBlack andCaviar, British Champions from Australian Champion American sprinter Lady Aurelia Japan’s Qatarthe Nassau Stakes winner Deirdre.

Day and to promote sport and to promote the company and although both our racing

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is of great significance to my and bloodstock operations are subsidiaries brothers and I; the race has long been recognised as Europe’s of championship, QIPCO, it iswon asbyaour family that we Spirit share in mile very own Charm in 2014 and again by the great Roaring Lion in 2018. the thrill oflate, ownership.

and Mares’.

Tweenhills intoday Gloucestershire.

Itstallions was alwaysatour aspiration that would be a special day – is a dream ambition ourswhich to breed aItmodern finale forand the European Flatof season celebrated the stock of heritage the calibre enough to win remarkable Britishgood horseracing is blessed with. on Nothing exemplifies this better than the special relationship the sport QIPCO British Champions Day. enjoys with the British Royal Family, which spans five centuries A day of spectacular, quality lies and is thanks to the wonderful high patronage of Herracing Majesty The Queen. ahead and we wish all the participants and

racegoers the bestDay ofsees luck, yourcompeting QIPCO British Champions thewithout best racehorses support QIPCO Champions Day could on a global stage.

I wishBritish all the connections the best of luck.

A day of spectacular, high-quality racing awaits. not have progressed in the manner it has.

HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI HIS HIGHNESS BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI CHIEF EXECUTIVESHEIKH OFFICER,HAMAD QIPCO HOLDING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, QIPCO HOLDING LTD

ITINERARY SATURDAY, 16TH OCTOBER 2021 11.30

BANDSTAND LAWN Jockey Masterclass with Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand

1.25

FIRST RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

2.00

SECOND RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

2.35

11.45

BANDSTAND LAWN Jockey Signings

12.15

PARADE RING 10th Anniversary Opening Ceremony featuring the crowning of the Champion Apprentice, a celebration of the Class of 2021 into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame and Punter’s Panel to help you find a winner.

THIRD RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES

JOCKEY SCHOOL & MASTERCLASS BANDSTAND LAWN

Jump onboard with Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand as they show you the reins and explain how to ride a racehorse and what it takes to be a jockey.

OPENING CEREMONY PARADE RING

QIPCO British Champions Day bursts into action in the parade ring as we celebrate champions past and present .

3.10

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

3.50

FIFTH RACE THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

4.30

SIXTH RACE THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION GRANDSTAND

Head to the grandstand where you can read all about this year’s inductions into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame, including Her Majesty The Queen.

4.45 AFTER PARTY

GRANDSTAND LAWN DJ sets with Craig Charles and Roman Kemp will begin once racing concludes.

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY MERCHANDISE

ASCOT SHOP

Like the kit on show in the parade ring? Why not get yourself your very own QIPCO British Champions Day jacket or facemask?

THE HALL OF FAME BAR TRACKSIDE LAWNS

A raised viewing platform, drinks and a selection of food offerings.

The perfect location to enjoy all of the on-course action. Don’t forget to head over to horseracinghof.com to read about the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021.

TEN TOP WINNERS ON QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY QIPCO British Champions Day has seen some monumental performances since its inception in 2011. Every year the world's best grace the Ascot turf for the UK's richest raceday and we have picked out just a few of the most memorable moments.

1 FRANKEL - Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) (2011) and QIPCO Champion Stakes (2012) The colossus signed off his unblemished 14-race career with a decisive victory over Cirrus Des Aigles in the 2012 QIPCO Champion Stakes by a length and three quarters in front of a sellout crowd, having won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in emphatic style at the meeting 12 months earlier. There were fabulous scenes in the winner's enclosure with the late Sir Henry Cecil saying: "He's the best I've ever had and best I've ever seen, I'd be very surprised if there's ever been better".

2 FARHH - QIPCO Champion Stakes (2013) The Saeed Bin Suroor-trained five-year-old won a thrilling QIPCO Champion Stakes. He had been off since winning the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes five months earlier and raced a little keenly behind his pacemaker, Hunter's Light, before leading well over a furlong out. Cirrus Des Aigles, the favourite, seemed likely to overhaul him but Farhh held him off by a neck. Ruler Of The World, the Investec Derby winner, was half a length further back in third.

3 NOBLE MISSION - QIPCO Champion Stakes (2014) It was an emotional victory for Noble Mission who emulated his brother, Frankel, who also won the headline race at QIPCO British Champions Day two years previously. Noble Mission and James Doyle held off Al Kazeem, who Doyle had ridden the previous season, up the straight to provide a poignant winner for Lady Jane Cecil, the widow of Frankel's trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, who died in June 2013.

4 MUHAARAR - QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (2015) Confirmed his status as champion sprinter on his farewell appearance by putting Twilight Son, the Sprint Cup winner, and 18 others firmly in their place under Paul Hanagan in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint. It was his fourth successive Group 1 triumph - a feat rarely achieved in the sprinting ranks. The last to achieve it had been another Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoumowned speedster in Dayjur, back in 1990.

5 SIMPLE VERSE - QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2015)

A memorable QIPCO British Champions Day for the title sponsor as their Classic-winning filly bagged a win in the finale of the Fillies & Mares category of the QIPCO British Champions Series. While there had been much drama around her delayed St Leger victory a month before, there was no doubt at all about her win on QIPCO British Champions Day. A game battle with Journey up the straight saw Simple Verse get on top in the final 50 yards, giving Andrea Atzeni his first QIPCO British Champions Day winner.

6 ALMANZOR - QIPCO Champion Stakes (2016) The brilliant colt had won the French Derby and Irish Champion Stakes en route to the QIPCO Champion Stakes and confirmed himself as the best in Europe with a fluent two-length victory over Found, who had won the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on her previous start. Always travelling sweetly under Christophe Soumillon, Almanzor breezed ahead in the closing stages without being hard ridden.

7 CRACKSMAN - QIPCO Champion Stakes (2017 and 2018) Memories of Cracksman's great sire, Frankel, came flooding back as he surged clear in successive renewals of the QIPCO Champion Stakes. In 2017, he had seven lengths to spare over Poet's Word, with Highland Reel third.

Cracksman's official rating was afterwards raised to 130 - making him the best three-year-old in the world. More of the same followed 12 months later with a six-length drubbing of Crystal Ocean among others.

8 ROARING LION - Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) (2018)

Roaring Lion had already had a fabulous time in 2018 before lining up on QIPCO British Champions Day, arriving on the back of successive wins in the Coral-Eclipse, Juddmonte International Stakes and QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes. Dropped to a mile for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on account of the softish ground, the grey was not at his sublime best but he showed terrific resolution to win a compelling renewal by a neck from I Can Fly.

9 KEW GARDENS (2019)

- QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup

Stradivarius had not been beaten for two years and went off 8/13 favourite to win his 11th successive race in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup. When he led deep inside the final furlong it seemed he would complete another perfect season but Kew Gardens, the 2018 St Leger winner, ridden to perfection by Donnacha O’Brien, had other ideas and collared him on the line to win by a nose.

10 HOLLIE DOYLE - QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup & QIPCO British Champions Sprint (2020)

Jockey Hollie Doyle was the most successful jockey on QIPCO British Champions Day in 2020, winning the first two races on the card and finishing second in two further races. She became the first woman to win on QIPCO British Champions Day in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup with the dominant Trueshan, before securing her first career Group 1 win with Glen Shiel in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint

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

14. Trainer and location of training establishment

17. Age of Horse 18. Owner’s Colours (description)

B = Bay

7. Dam (Mother)

15. Breeder

19. Weight Stones/lbs

Br = Brown

8. Birthplace of horse

16. Previous Performances

20. Draw

(if not Great Britain)

Ch = Chestnut

9. Number of days

Gr = Grey

since last ran

Ro = Roan 3. Horse’s Number on saddlecloth 4. Sex of Horse c = colt h = horse

C = Course Winner

21. 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.

13. Racing Post star rating

Bold form figures

g = gelding

indicate All-Weather form

f = filly m = mare

2

3 4 5

3

6 7

8 9 10

FRANKEL (89)

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

Draw

1

3

Tom Queally

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, WHITE sleeves.

Form: 11-1111 CD

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW 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

13

14

15

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).

16 17

18 19

20

21

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.

The fastest 2000 Guineas winner in history Gr.1 winning 2yo Record-breaking classic miler By sire of sires Kitten’s Joy Outstanding first book of 120 mares covered in 2021

Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177

THE

LEADING SIRE OF 2YOS IN GB* 25 INDIVIUDAL 2YO WINNERS IN 2021 AND COUNTING…

Chipotle

Winner of the • Windsor Castle Stakes, Listed at Royal Ascot • Two-Year-Old Trophy, Listed at Redcar • Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster

Fearby

5-length winner of the Dragon Stakes, Listed at Sandown

Also the sire of 2021 Stakes horses Barade, Crohanne, Little Earl, Tabdeed and Picota. *Based on number of wins.

Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177

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TODAY’S RUNNERS AT A GLANCE Race 1 1.25 1m 7f 209y Race 4 3.10 1m THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (Sponsored by QIPCO) (Group 1) (CLASS 1) (Group 2) (British Champions Series) 1 Baron Samedi (GB) Dylan Browne McMonagle (British Champions Mile) 2 Berkshire Rocco (FR) Jason Watson 1 Benbatl (GB) Pat Cosgrave 3 Hamish (GB) Tom Marquand 2 Lord Glitters (FR) Daniel Tudhope 4 Master of Reality (IRE) James Doyle 3 Njord (IRE) Tom Marquand 5 Morando (FR) Silvestre De Sousa 4 Palace Pier (GB) Frankie Dettori 6 Nicholas T (GB) Paul Mulrennan 5 The Revenant (GB) Olivier Peslier 7 Roberto Escobarr (IRE) William Buick 6 Baaeed (GB) Jim Crowley 8 Stradivarius (IRE) Frankie Dettori 7 Lady Bowthorpe (GB) Kieran Shoemark 9 Trueshan (FR) Hollie Doyle 8 Master of The Seas (IRE) William Buick 10 Princess Zoe (GER) Joseph Sheridan 9 Alcohol Free (IRE) Oisin Murphy 11 Tashkhan (IRE) Ben Robinson 10 Mother Earth (IRE) Ryan Moore 12 The Mediterranean (IRE) Ryan Moore Race 5 3.50 1m 1f 212y Race 2 2.00 6f THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MIDDLE DISTANCE) (Group 1) (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 1 Addeybb (IRE) Tom Marquand 1 Ainsdale (GB) Clifford Lee 2 Al Aasy (IRE) Jim Crowley 2 Art Power (IRE) Silvestre De Sousa 3 Euchen Glen (GB) Paul Mulrennan 3 Azano (GB) Shane Gray 4 Mishriff (IRE) David Egan 4 Brando (GB) Tom Eaves 5 Adayar (IRE) William Buick 5 Glen Shiel (GB) Hollie Doyle 6 Bolshoi Ballet (IRE) Ryan Moore 6 Gustavus Weston (IRE) G. F. Carroll 7 Dubai Honour (IRE) James Doyle 7 Happy Power (IRE) Rob Hornby 8 Foxes Tales (IRE) Silvestre De Sousa 8 Kinross (GB) Frankie Dettori 9 Mac Swiney (IRE) Kevin Manning 9 Creative Force (IRE) William Buick 10 Sealiway (FR) Mickael Barzalona 10 Dragon Symbol (GB) Oisin Murphy Race 6 4.30 1m 11 Minzaal (IRE) Jim Crowley THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) 12 Nando Parrado (GB) Adam Kirby (Sponsored by QIPCO) 13 Rohaan (IRE) Ryan Moore 1 Sir Busker (IRE) Oisin Murphy 14 Thunder Moon (IRE) Tom Marquand 2 Oh This Is Us (IRE) Rossa Ryan 15 Highfield Princess (FR) Jason Hart 3 Montatham (GB) Dane O’Neill 16 Keep Busy (IRE) James Doyle 4 Accidental Agent (GB) Charles Bishop 17 Last Empire (GB) Daniel Tudhope 5 Magical Morning (GB) Jamie Spencer 18 Happy Romance (IRE) Sean Levey 6 Escobar (IRE) Adam Kirby 19 Vadream (GB) David Egan 7 Aldaary (GB) Jim Crowley 20 Ventura Diamond (IRE) Jamie Spencer 8 Dashing Roger (GB) Marco Ghiani

Race 3 2.35 1m 3f 211y THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 1 Albaflora (GB) Rossa Ryan 2 Tribal Craft (GB) Oisin Murphy 3 Eshaada (GB) Jim Crowley 4 Invite (IRE) John Egan 5 Lady Hayes (IRE) Andrea Atzeni 6 La Joconde (IRE) Hollie Doyle 7 Mystery Angel (IRE) Ben Curtis 8 Snowfall (JPN) Ryan Moore

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

18

Raise You (IRE) Dylan Browne McMonagle (3) Nugget (GB) Ryan Moore Johan (GB) Tom Marquand Matthew Flinders (GB) William Buick Rhoscolyn (GB) Daniel Tudhope Saltonstall (GB) Cian MacRedmond (5) King Leonidas (GB) James Doyle Kenzai Warrior (USA) Hollie Doyle Marie’s Diamond (IRE) Andrea Atzeni Symbolize (IRE) David Probert Shelir (IRE) Jason Watson Sunray Major (GB) Frankie Dettori

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.

To say that this year’s battle to be champion flat jockey is tense would be a huge understatement. On Qipco British Champions Day it will come down to the line as to whether William Buick manages to oust reigning champion Oisin Murphy from the top spot – a title he held on to through both 2019 and 2020.

ASCOT

MEETS TS WILLIAM

W

e speak to Buick on Tuesday morning, when Murphy is leading by six winners after an unfortunate day on Monday at Wolverhampton, where three of Buick’s rides were withdrawn. By the end of Tuesday however, Buick has trimmed that lead back down to four thanks to a treble at Leicester. The competition is far from over.

Naturally, people are keen to frame the battle as a rivalry between the two jockeys, but Buick says that’s not the case. “I set out at the beginning of the season all guns blazing to try my best, and I’m still fighting for it”, he says. “To be honest with you, I just go out there and focus on what I have to do in each race, because otherwise I don’t think you’re completely focused on your job. Of course it is a competition, but it’s a competitive sport, so you get used to it. But I just try to focus on what I have to do.”

“We’ve worked hard all season, we are still working hard, and we’ll continue to do so,”

This final week, things are really hotting up. In the last 14 days Buick has had 74 rides, with another packed schedule of three meetings – at Nottingham, Chelmsford and Haydock – yet to come before Champions Day. “We’ve worked hard all season, we are still working hard, and we’ll continue to do so,” he explains.

Qipco British Champions Day is hugely

BUICK

popular with racegoers, but it’s t’s also a day that Buick himself alwayss enjoys.

“It’s something that I look forward ward to from a long way out, and myy agent and I work on trying to get good d rides for me,” he says. “It’s a whole dayy fi filled lled with top class races, so it’s fantastic ntastic to go there with good rides. It looks ooks like this year the ground’s going g to be quite nice too, so hopefully we’ll see e some spectacular racing.”

While it’s Champions Day that’s at’s taking the spotlight at the moment,, Ascot racecourse features prominently ntly in his calendar throughout the year. r. “I love Ascot – everyone loves Ascot! t! It’s our Wembley really, and it’s the place lace where you want to have winners. Att the Royal meeting you want to have winners, nners, and then at all of the meetings in n between as well. I consider myself quite lucky ucky round Ascot… I’ve done quite well there here and Ascot has been good to me.. So I hope that will continue!”

It isn’t just the last month thatt has been busy for Buick; in the last yearr he has totted up almost 800 rides. Itt hasn’t been the easiest year, but “I think hink racing has done a great job to get back ack to the capacity we have”, he says. s. Some things have changed – such ass the new rule meaning that jockeys are re limited to riding at one meeting per day. y.

As far as he is concerned, thiss is no bad thing. “I can only see it as a positive”, ositive”, he explains. “Obviously there re are days when I would like to ride e at two meetings, but overall I think the he change is a good thing. We still workk hard: I’ll still clock up just short of 1000 0 rides in

a season. So you’re still very busy, but with the way the roads are nowadays, and with all the travelling involved in being at two meetings in a day, I think one meeting a day is a far more sensible option for everyone.”

As well as being a busy year, it’s also been a successful one. “It’s hard to pick out a highlight”, he says. “I suppose Adayar winning the King George at Ascot, that would certainly be high up there. Other than that, Hurricane Lane winning the Irish Derby and the St Leger, and all the two year olds that we have to look forward to next year. There have been plenty of good moments, and there’s lots to look forward to.”

With the end of the flat season looming, you might think it would be time for him to take a well-deserved break. But not quite yet, he says.

“The plan is to head to the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in November. After that we’ll see! I’ll have a little break around Christmas, and then all being well I’ll go to Dubai in the New Year.”

That’s the immediate future; but what about beyond that? Buick may already have won many of the biggest races in the British flat racing calendar, but he believes there are still plenty of challenges for him. “There are plenty of races around the world that I haven’t won – and ones in this country. I suppose the one that stands out is the Arc. Then you’ve got the Melbourne Cup and the Japan Cup; those sorts of races are hard to win, and they’re races that I’ve ridden in and haven’t yet won.”

If he is crowned Champion jockey on Saturday, he won’t be the first one in his family with that title. His father, Walter, was eight-time Scandinavian champion jockey in Norway, where William grew up. “I saw him in the weighing room, and I was with him when he had winners. I was always involved in the sport and watching my father ride and then train definitely spurred me on,” says Buick.

Despite that, it wasn’t quite the same upbringing that children of English or Irish-based jockeys might experience. “It’s far from a mainstream sport in Norway,” he explains. “There’s a very small horse population, and not much public interest. I was obviously mad keen, but other people’s interests were more on football and cross-country skiing. So I wasn’t as immersed in it from an early age as people might have been in England or Ireland.”

His children, however, are currently growing up surrounded by the Newmarket racing community. Could we see another generation of Buicks on the racecard in the next decade or so?

“Racing has given me a great life – and it still is giving me a great life! It’s a sport I love, and if my children decided to pursue a career as a jockey I would give them my full support.” He won’t be pushing them too hard, though. “It’s important that they get a good education and that they ultimately have their own choice,” he adds. “If they don’t want to do it, that’s fine too.”

“It was a natural stepping stone for me really; it was just a question tion of whether I was going to be good enough.”

BET SMALL WIN BIG World Pool is back for QIPCO British Champions Day – even more chances to win big!

Find out more at ascot.co.uk

WHAT IS WORLD POOL? World Pool is a collaboration between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, TDCO Limited and Tpoolco Limited (together trading as “Tote”) and Ascot Racecourse. It enables racegoers to bet into a global pool consisting of over 20 countries, resulting in significantly bigger pools and increasing the total amount that can be won.

Following its introduction in 2020, World Pool returns for QIPCO British Champions Day and is only available at Bet With Ascot.

WIN, PLACE , FIRST THREE & TWO FROM THREE will be the available World Pool bets on course with pool sizes of over £1 million expected today. Bet With Ascot screens will indicate pool sizes for each race.

First Two and all multiple leg bets (Placepot/Jackpot/Quadpot) will be managed by the Tote as normal.

Under World Pool rules, in races with exactly 7 declared runners, the place market will pay three places. The place terms for all races are as follows:

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

7-20 declared runners

21 or more declared runners

No place pool 1st or 2nd

(void if less than 4 runners)

1st, 2nd or 3rd

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

1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th

(4 places remain for 20 or less runners)

20

ASCOT FLAT SEASON Through The Lens with Alan Crowhurst

021

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Established in 1873 as the Jockey Club Cup, this race was run at Newmarket until 2011, when it was moved to Ascot and renamed the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup.

The variety of contests in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance category vary in distance from the one mile and six furlongs (2,800m) of Doncaster's Cazoo St Leger to the two and a half miles (4,000m) of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

The intermediate two-mile distance of the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup therefore provides the perfect distance for the category finale.

In 2018, the staying king and QIPCO British Champions Series stalwart, Stradivarius rounded off a memorable campaign to win this race. Remarkably, this was his fifth QIPCO British Champions Series race win in a single season.

In 2019 he was, however, overturned by Kew Gardens for Aidan O'Brien by the smallest of margins in a thrilling battle all the way to the line.

It was 2020 that arguably provided the race with its biggest story as Hollie Doyle became the first female to win a race at QIPCO British Champions Day, aboard Trueshan. That would prove to be the start of a memorable day for Doyle and also provided dual-purpose trainer, Alan King with his first QIPCO British Champions Series winner.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

About 2 Miles

2020: Trueshan

Overall: £500,000

2019: Kew Gardens 2018: Stradivarius

1st: £ 283,550

2017: Order of St George

2nd: £107,500

2016: Sheikhzayedroad

3rd: £53,800

2015: Flying Officer 2014: Forgotten Rules

4th: £26,800

2013: Royal Diamond

5th: £13,450

2012: Rite of Passage

6th: £6,750

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

TRUESHAN

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: Alan King Owner: Singula Partnership Sire-Dam: Planteur (IRE) - Shao Line (FR) Breeder: Didier Blot Info: The longest race on QIPCO British Champions Day has provided some of the closest finishes, with Royal Diamond (2013) and Kew Gardens (2019) each prevailing by a nose. That was not the case last year, though, when Trueshan ran his rivals into submission under Hollie Doyle.

The combination won by seven-and-a-half lengths – a record distance for any race on QIPCO British Champions Day. Trueshan’s prospects of becoming the first two-time winner of the race look bright after his convincing success in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, before running out an emphatic winner of the Prix du Cadran (Longchamp), when powering clear of Stradivarius.

STRADIVARIUS

Sex: Horse Colour: Chestnut Age: 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: B E Nielsen Sire-Dam: Sea The Stars (IRE) – Private Life (FR) Breeder: Bjorn Nielsen

Info: Star stayer Stradivarius is one of the most popular horses in training and has already won a record 15 races that fall under the QIPCO British Champion Series umbrella – including the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup in 2018. There have been near misses, too, such as when beaten a nose by Kew Gardens in the 2019 renewal. Stradivarius has added more chapters to his amazing story this year. He showed his enthusiasm remains intact when easily winning the Longines Sagaro Stakes on his return (his sixth win at Ascot) and on his past two starts has won a third Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup plus a second Doncaster Cup.

PRINCESS ZOE

Sex: Mare Colour: Grey Age: 6 Trainer: Anthony Mullins Owner: Patrick F Kehoe & Mrs P Crampton Sire-Dam: Jukebox Jury– Palace Princess (GER) Breeder: Gestut Hony-Hof Info: The grey mare has been a revelation over the past 15 months or so, rising from run-of-the-mill handicapper to one of the best stayers in the world. She reeled off five successive wins last year, culminating in a memorable win in the Group 1 Prix du Cadran (Longchamp) when she got up in the final strides. Her sequence of victories had begun with a win in handicap company off a rating of just 70. Princess Zoe ran even better than she did in France when beating all except Subjectivist in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June; and she has continued to run well since in top company.

HOLLIE DOYLE (JOCKEY) ON TRUESHAN

“

“

Trueshan is a real superstar. The further he goes the better he gets.

THE LONG DISTANCE SERIES 1.25: THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS

LONG DISTANCE CUP L

(CLASS 1) (GROUP G 2) (ABT 2M) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY

CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 2 4 =

Subjectivist Hurricane Lane (IRE) Trueshan (FR) Stradivarius (IRE) Spanish Mission (USA)

Rating 122

Rating 121 Rating 118

Rating 117 Rating 117

The category rankings use the official performance ratings awarded by the British Horseracing Authority handicappers to the first three horses to finish in each QIPCO British Champions Series race.

THE MATCHBOOK YORKSHIRE CUP YORK, 14TH MAY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (1M 6F) £120,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SPANISH MISSION (USA) 11/2 2nd: Santiago (IRE) 9/4 3rd: Sir Ron Priestley 6/5F The last running of the Matchbook Yorkshire Cup had been in 2019 after the race in 2020 was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Spanish Mission reminded us of what we had been missing. Stradivarius was the last winner of the race, but the performance put up by the Andrew Balding-trained five-year-old was up there with the best. Restrained

by William Buick in his usual race tactics, the route to victory couldn’t have been much simpler. Spanish Mission flicked through the gears to secure a comfortable two-andthree-quarter-length victory, beating Santiago and the well-fancied Sir Ron Priestley.

THE GOLD CUP

ROYAL ASCOT, 17TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (2M 4F) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SUBJECTIVIST 13/2 2nd: Princess Zoe (GER) 28/1 3rd: Spanish Mission (USA) 7/1 Stradivarius returned for an attempt to emulate Yeats and win a fourth Gold Cup, however there was a new young challenger on the scene – Subjectivist.

A fairly inconspicuous rise through the handicap system formed a large part of his background, but he showed true quality when winning the Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp last October before winning the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in March.

He would prove too good for Stradivarius with a dominant front-end performance under Joe Fanning here - the winning margin of five lengths could have been further.

THE AL SHAQAB GOODWOOD CUP GOODWOOD, 27TH JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (2M) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: TRUESHAN (FR) 6/5F 2nd: Away He Goes (IRE) 33/1 3rd: Sir Ron Priestly 9/2 With the late defection of Stradivarius, the Alan King-trained Trueshan was sent off the clear market leader. He relished the testing conditions on the Downs and his jockey Hollie Doyle continued her excellent start to life as a QIPCO British Champions Series race winner, securing her third win in less than a year. The race result was never in doubt. Kept handy throughout, when the field crossed the course to the stands, Doyle pushed her mount on and nothing in behind could keep tabs on them, running out a comfortable three-and-three-quarter length winner.

THE WEATHERBYS HAMILTON LONSDALE CUP YORK, 20TH AUGUST

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (2M 1/2F) £200,000 PRIZE MONEY

1st: STRADIVARIUS (IRE) 4/6F 2nd: Spanish Mission (USA) 15/8 3rd: The Grand Visir (IRE) 28/1 Some performances can’t be summarised properly in words, and that’s exactly what could be said of Stradivarius’ emotional and thrilling victory in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup. Retirement rumours were firmly quashed as the winning-most QIPCO British Champions Series horse added another race to his belt when holding off Spanish Mission in a battle for the ages. Having been headed by Spanish Mission, Stradivarius and Frankie Dettori dug deep and found just enough at the line to hold off the challenge.

THE DONCASTER CUP DONCASTER, 10TH SEPTEMBER

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (2M 2F) £100,000 PRIZE MONEY

1st: STRADIVARIUS (IRE) 4/11F 2nd: Alerta Roja 16/1 3rd: Nayef Road (IRE) 7/2 2019 Doncaster Cup winner Stradivarius made light work of his competition to complete his 17th Group victory and give John & Thady Gosden their 100th winner of the season. The seven-year-old star stayer glided past his opposition with Frankie Dettori motionless in the saddle. The short-priced favourite showed his trademark turn of foot to stretch away from the field, kept up to his work by Alerta Roja, who finished two-and-a-half lengths behind.

THE CAZOO ST LEGER DONCASTER, 11TH SEPTEMBER

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 6F) £700,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: Hurricane Lane (IRE) 8/11F 2nd: Mojo Star (IRE) 8/1 3rd: The Mediterranean (IRE) 28/1 Not often do you see a St Leger winner claim victory in comfortable fashion, but the Godolphin-owned son of Frankel, Hurricane Lane, did exactly that, landing the spoils as he dominated the field to win the last Classic of the season.

William Buick steered home the hot favourite in some style, sweeping clear three furlongs out to finish two-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of nearest rival, Mojo Star. The three-year-old certainly stamped his authority and gave trainer Charlie Appleby his first Cazoo St Leger victory.

FIRST RACE 1.25PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES)

RACE

RACE

FINISH

START

ABOUT TWO MILES (15F 209YDS) (3,100 metres) For three yrs old and upwards. Total race value £500000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS

Stalls: Inside

See page 124 for conditions of this race.

Horse

1

BARON SAMEDI (GB) (34)

Draw Draw

No

B g Harbour Watch (IRE) - Dame Shirley (Haafhd) Owner: Lech Racing Ltd Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Usk Valley Stud Sponsor: Lech Investments Ltd

2

Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle

2

BERKSHIRE ROCCO (FR) (36)

Ch c Sir Percy - Sunny Again (Shirocco (GER)) Owner: Berkshire Parts & Panels Ltd Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: RED, WHITE epaulets, Breeder: Seserve S A G L diabolo on sleeves.

Sponsor: Berkshire Parts & Panels Ltd, Solo Refinish Solutions Ltd Form: 2421-22 C BF

Draw

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: WHITE, RED star, hooped sleeves and star on cap.

Form: 11-1153 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Transformed since last August; won Belmont Gold Cup in USA in June on his only outing over 2m, which did not require his best form, but his good, staying-on third in the Irish St Leger on latest start suggested he will prove fully effective at this trip; cheekpieces enlisted; each-way chance.

Official BHA Rating 112

3

Jason Watson

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Beaten a neck in the St Leger last September and narrowly made all when 1-2 in 1m6f Listed race here next time; second in Qatar in February was lucrative but not seen again until a conditions stakes at Salisbury five weeks ago when he was again below form, at 4-6; may have needed that run but he requires a career best on this first attempt at 2m in first headgear.

Official BHA Rating 110

HAMISH (GB) (42)

Draw

3

B g Motivator - Tweed (Sakhee (USA)) Owner: Mr B. Haggas Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: J. B. Haggas Sponsor: Brook Taverner

1

Tom Marquand

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: WHITE, RED braces, BLACK cap.

Form: 3112/4-1

4

MASTER OF REALITY (IRE) (34)

B g Frankel - L’Ancresse (IRE) (Darshaan) Owner: Lloyd J Williams Syndicate Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: March Thoroughbreds

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Won two good 1m6f handicaps at York in 2019 (tremendously impressive on second occasion) and went down by a neck to Trueshan on final run that year; unlike that rival, hardly anything has been seen of him since but winning a 1m4f Group 3 on Kempton AW six weeks ago suggested he can reach new heights, including as 1m6f (unraced beyond that) seemed to suit him so well as 3yo.

Official BHA Rating 111

12

James Doyle

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 7 Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE armlets, WHITE cap.

Form: 10-2510 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Close third in 2m4f Gold Cup here in 2019 and went very close in that year’s Melbourne Cup over 2m but not so good in the latter race last year and that’s his entire record at 2m+; this step back up in trip needs a very positive response because he needs far better form than any he’s produced in 2020 or 2021; came last in the Irish St Leger on latest outing.

Official BHA Rating 110

MORANDO (FR) (23)

Draw

5

Gr g Kendargent (FR) - Moranda (FR) (Indian Rocket) Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Guy Pariente Holding SPRL Sponsor: King Power International Co Ltd

6

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 7 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, striped sleeves, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star.

Form: 436034 C BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H No win for two years; about 8l fourth to Trueshan in this race last year but looks a declining force now as 8yo; outsider.

Official BHA Rating 101

40

Silvestre De Sousa

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP NICHOLAS T (GB) (7)

Draw

6

B g Rail Link - Thorntoun Piccolo (Groom Dancer (USA)) Owner: Mr James Callow & Mr J. S. Goldie Trainer: Jim Goldie, Glasgow Breeder: W. M. Johnstone Sponsor: Crawton Ltd

Paul 11 Mulrennan

Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 9 Colours: DARK BLUE, RED stripe, halved sleeves, RED cap.

Form: 050300 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Won the 2m Northumberland Plate on AW in June but his best effort back on turf since was over 1m6f and he was tailed off in the 2m2f Cesarewitch last Saturday; even his best form gives him little chance at this level.

Official BHA Rating 97

ROBERTO ESCOBARR (IRE) (23)

Draw

7

B c Galileo (IRE) - Bewitched (IRE) (Dansili) Owner: Mr Hussain Alabbas Lootah Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: R. Scarborough & Carradale Sponsor: Hussain Lootah Investment Group

4

William Buick

Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 4 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, WHITE diamonds on sleeves, WHITE cap.

Form: 6-51462 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Having a solid season and was runner-up in a Listed event at Newmarket on latest outing when attempting 2m for the first time; a prominent finish in this race, however, demands far more of him; headgear first time.

Official BHA Rating 108

STRADIVARIUS (IRE) (14)

Draw

8

Ch h Sea The Stars (IRE) - Private Life (FR) (Bering) Owner: Mr B. E. Nielsen Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Bjorn Nielsen

Weight: 9 Horse Age: 7 Colours: BLACK, YELLOW cap.

Form: 0-14112 CD

10

Frankie Dettori

7

9

TRUESHAN (FR) (14)

B g Planteur (IRE) - Shao Line (FR) (General Holme (USA)) Owner: Singula Partnership Trainer: Alan King, Barbury Castle Breeder: Mr Didier Blot Sponsor: Hare Group Ltd

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH The swashbuckling hero of three Gold Cups here and of so many other top-level staying races; however, he has contested the last four runnings of this prize and won in only 2018, and he’s been well short of his best form this season, notwithstanding three wins; put in his place when second to Trueshan at Longchamp two weeks ago and whether less testing ground today can see him recapture past glories remains to be seen.

Official BHA Rating 119

9

Hollie Doyle

Draw

10 PRINCESS ZOE (GER) (14)

7

Joseph Sheridan

Draw

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE cross belts, ROYAL BLUE and YELLOW chevrons on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap.

Form: 11-2611 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH Non-runner in several key staying races when it’s been fast ground this season; however, he ran away with this race last year and finished comfortably on top in the Goodwood Cup this July and 2m4f Prix du Cadran two weeks ago; while soft ground would seemingly be preferable, good to soft is probably okay; this is quite a quick return to action but he’s the one to beat.

Official BHA Rating 120

8

Ben Robinson

Gr m Jukebox Jury (IRE) - Palace Princess (GER) (Tiger Hill (IRE)) Owner: Patrick F. Kehoe/Mrs.P.Crampton Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Anthony Mullins, Ireland Colours: PURPLE, YELLOW sleeves, Breeder: Gestut Hony-Hof PURPLE and YELLOW striped cap.

Form: 4-04225 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Needed almost all of the 2m4f on heavy ground when winning last year’s Prix du Cadran at Longchamp but she was unable to keep tabs on Trueshan or Stradivarius when fifth in that race on very soft ground two weeks ago; excellent second in the Gold Cup here in June was on good to firm but this 2m race will probably confine her to minor honours.

Official BHA Rating 114

11 TASHKHAN (IRE) (14)

B g Born To Sea (IRE) - Tarziyna (IRE) (Raven’s Pass (USA)) Owner: Mr P. Boyle Trainer: Brian Ellison, Malton Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan’s Studs S.C. Sponsor: Brian Ellison Racing Limited

12 THE MEDITERRANEAN (IRE) (20)

Ch c Galileo (IRE) - Flashy Wings (Zafonic (USA)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Lynch Bages Ltd & Rhinestone B/Stock

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 13 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE hollow box, striped sleeves and cap.

Form: 101255 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Improvement almost every time this season and it’s been on a major scale; graduated from good handicaps when fifth of nine in Group 2 at Longchamp (1m7f, very soft) two weeks ago, soon outpaced when the action began in earnest but rallying strongly at the finish; has more to offer as a stayer but he’s taking on some of the very best in that division today.

Official BHA Rating 106

5

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 13 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap.

Form: 244232 BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Minor honours in his five Group races, most notably finishing nearly 5l third in the St Leger at Doncaster (14.5f, good to soft) where he stuck to his guns very well; comprehensively turned over when evens in Group 3 at the Curragh on step up to 2m on latest outing but there’s little to no doubt that he stays; needs to bounce back from that performance.

Official BHA Rating 113

41

Ryan Moore

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 12 (EXACTA) Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 1, 2, 7. Hood worn by No. 6.

Tongue Strap worn by No. 1. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 5, 12.

2020: TRUESHAN (FR) 4 9 7 Hollie Doyle 11-1 (Alan King) 13 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 11-8 Trueshan (FR), 7-2 Stradivarius (IRE), 6-1 Hamish (GB), 8-1 Baron Samedi (GB), Princess Zoe (GER), 14-1 Berkshire Rocco (FR), 16-1 The Mediterranean (IRE), 25-1 Roberto Escobarr (IRE), 33-1 Master of Reality (IRE), 50-1 Morando (FR), 66-1 Tashkhan (IRE), 100-1 Nicholas T (GB)

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.

42

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THE RACE TO BE CROWNED

CHAMPION JOCKEY

2 0 2 1 Tradition dictates that the battle for the Flat Jockeys’ Championship rarely comes alive before the final weeks of the campaign. So often it seems something of a slowburner that bursts into life in the late-summer. Not so in 2021.

A fierce competitor, Oisin Murphy usually states his intentions in the spring: he wants to be champion and is prepared to sacrifice everything to earn that crown.

Not everyone relishes the battle in quite the same way - not every day from May through to October.

But William Buick gave a sign that he was ready to rumble at the end of the 2020 season, staging a late and ultimately unsuccessful bid to dethrone Murphy, but in no way needing to be carried out on his shield.

He would be back.

As so he was. Buick has given it his all this year, taking only the day off at the end of the Qatar Goodwood Festival where he rode seven winners to marry longtime partner Jane Duncan, mother of his two-year-old son Thomas. The following day, he was back to the day job at Kempton Park, beaten in a photo finish by one of his wedding guests, Hayley Turner.

Buick has undoubtedly enjoyed a brilliant season as number one jockey to Charlie Appleby, winning the Cazoo St Leger on Hurricane Lane and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes aboard Adayar. But winners such as those only count one in this race, no matter how glittering the prize, and Buick has had to look beyond the big days in order to stay in the fight.

OISIN MURPHY

Indeed, it was Buick who set the early pace and after the first six weeks of jousting, who held a slender lead over Murphy, becoming the first jockey to hit 50 winners for the season when riding a treble at Lingfield on June 28. “This is where the hard work starts,” he told reporters afterwards. “I’m experienced enough to know that you can’t take your eye off the ball.”

Also very much in contention at that stage was Tom Marquand, an emerging force and boosted by his blossoming relationship with trainer William Haggas.

Marquand has kept swinging all season, but September proved to be a lean month by his high standards and he has just dropped away from the first two, while still managing to ride well over 100 winners and he looks a certainty to be involved in future championship battles.

Nevertheless, the novice stakes won by Undertheboardwalk at Salisbury on August 12, in which Murphy, Buick and Marquand rode the first three horses home, summed up this season’s Flat Jockeys Championship perfectly: a driving fight to the line, no quarter given, and on this occasion needing the stewards to take a look afterwards.

This time it was Murphy’s turn to try and maintain the momentum.

“I’ve got to keep the pressure on,” Murphy said when noting the healthy lead he had established, but despite not resting on his laurels, he couldn’t stop Buick closing the gap once more.

Married life was clearly agreeing with Buick as he bagged 29 winners in September – including when lifting Noble Truth home at the expense of the Murphyridden Hoo Ya Mal at Doncaster – which kept him in contention and there has been no slacking of the pace from either man since, even if winners have proved slightly harder to come by.

Buick was at his brilliant best when steering Saffron Beach to Group One success in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, making a great start to October, just two weeks from the end of the official season which is today.

MURPHY CELEBRATING ALCOHOL FREE’S WIN IN THE QATAR SUSSEX STAKES

Having inched ahead in June, July proved to be Buick’s toughest month of the season, numerically at least, as Murphy began to turn the tide with 31 winners. Buick could only manage 19 in that time, though earning his share of well over £1million in prize money may have gone some way towards easing his sense of disappointment.

Marquand kept up his challenge with 24 winners of his own that month, but Murphy is an irresistible force when he gets on a roll and his victory aboard Alcohol Free in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood capped a fine month for the Irishman.

The reigning champion had made his move.

His dream that Adayar’s season would be crowned in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was dashed in the final furlong of an arduous contest, but there was no time to dwell on matters – within 24 hours, he was back, along with Murphy, for rides at Lingfield in every race bar the amateur jockeys’ contest.

At the end of a brilliant season of Flat racing and the conclusion of a fascinating battle for the jockeys’ title, we really shouldn’t have expected anything else.

Heading in to today the winner is still unclear, but it is clear that a thrilling day’s racing awaits.

With the winners now starting to flow freely, Murphy sharpened his focus and seven more triumphs in two days would have been a blow to his rivals, a double at Ffos Las on August 3rd followed by a brilliant fivetimer at Kempton a day later.

Buick once again refused to take a backwards step, swiftly landing a telling blow of his own when scoring on the classy Masekela at Newbury after regular pilot, Murphy, had been forced to sit out the fixture due to suspension.

The pair continued to go hammer and tongs throughout August, but Murphy finished strongly and a brace of doubles at Goodwood and Epsom ensured he finished the month with a tally of 42 winners – a figure that others had matched before, but scarcely believable under the new restrictions preventing jockeys from riding at more than one meeting each day.

OISIN MURPHY | DEIRDRE

WILLIAM BUICK

THEQIPCOBRITISHCHAMPIONSSPRINTSTAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The event was established in 1946, and was originally called the Diadem Stakes, named after Diadem, a winner of several of Ascot’s leading races.

The race was given its present name and returned to October in 2011 when it became part of the newly created QIPCO British Champions Day. In 2015, the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes was upgraded from Group 2 to Group 1 status and has since been won by some top-class sprinters.

This six-furlong (1,200m) contest provides the grand finale to the seven-race sprint category of the QIPCO British Champions Series. There are three Series races run over five furlongs and four, including today’s contest, over six furlongs.

Trainer James Fanshawe has a good record in the race, having won the first renewal under its current guise with Deacon Blues and more recently, with the ever-reliable The Tin Man in 2016.

In 2017, 2018, and 2019 there were high-priced winners with the most notable being Donjuan Triumphant, winning at 33/1 in 2019, making him the highest-priced winner at QIPCO British Champions Day so far.

In 2020 Hollie Doyle rode Glen Shiel to victory and, in doing so, secured her maiden Group 1 win. The win followed hot on the heels of her earlier win on Trueshan in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

6 Furlongs

2020: Glen Shiel

Overall: £531,250

2019: Donjuan Triumphant 2018: Sands Of Mali

1st: £301,271.87

2017: Librisa Breeze

2nd: £114,218.74

2016: The Tin Man

3rd: £57,162.50

2015: Muhaarar 2014: Gordon Lord Byron

4th: £28,475

2013: Slade Power

5th: £14,290.63

2012: Maarek

6th: £7,171.88

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

DRAGON SYMBOL

Sex: Colt Colour: Grey Age: 3 Trainer: Archie Watson Owner: Yoshiro Kubota Sire-Dam: Cable Bay (IRE) – Arcamist Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud

Info: Archie Watson’s Dragon Symbol has thrived on his racing since making his debut in March.

Four successive wins when learning the ropes in low-key races in the spring have been followed by a sequence of superb efforts in the top sprints this summer. He was first past the post in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June but demoted for hanging across Campanelle in the closing stages. He then went on to finish runner-up in the Darley July Cup before dropping to 5f and making the frame in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood, Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York and Derrinstown Stud Flying Five at the Curragh. The return to 6f promises to suit.

ART POWER

Sex: Colt Colour: Grey Age: 4 Trainer: Tim Easterby Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Sire-Dam: Dark Angel (IRE) – Evening Time (IRE) Breeder: Owenstown Bloodstock Ltd Info: Art Power has run in five QIPCO British Champions Series races over 6f in the past year and finished 44345; never being beaten far on any occasion. His connections must be growing a little concerned that he might never hit the jackpot, but he clearly has a soft spot for Ascot and it would be folly to underestimate him, especially after an emphatic win on his latest start at The Curragh. A resounding winner at Royal Ascot last year, he also ran a cracker at the meeting this year when third in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes despite racing solo at the head of affairs for much of the way.

ROHAAN

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: David Evans Owner: Chris Kiely Racing Ltd & J Tomkins Sire-Dam: Mayson– Vive Les Rouges Breeder: Liam Phelan Info: Rohaan has been a revelation in the past year, winning seven races and rising no less than 59lb up the official ratings. His first win was off a mark of just 55 at Newcastle in December and he’s since never stopped improving, with his triumph in the Wokingham Stakes from well off the pace at Royal Ascot in June being achieved off a mark of 112. He’s 2/2 over course and distance and was a big eye-catcher when a staying-on fifth in the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh last time after a slow start. It goes without saying that he is tremendously tough, and all ground seems to come alike to him.

DAVID EVANS (TRAINER) ON ROHAAN

“

“

him.

I don’t think there’s anything in the race to beat

THE SPRINT SERIES 2.00: THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS

SPRINT STAKES

(CLASS S1 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £531,250 PRIZE MONEY

CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 3 = 5

Starman Dream Of Dreams (IRE) Emaraaty Ana Winter Power Oxted

Rating 119

Rating 118

Rating 117 Rating 117

Rating 115

The category rankings use the official performance ratings awarded by the British Horseracing Authority handicappers to the first three horses to finish in each QIPCO British Champions Series race.

THE KING'S STAND STAKES ROYAL ASCOT, 15TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (5F) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: OXTED 4/1 2nd: Arecibo 28/1 3rd: Extravagant Kid 18/1 The last two renewals of the King’s Stand Stakes have been fought out and won by two world-class sprinters in Battaash and Blue Point. However it was another top-drawer sprinter, Oxted, that came to the fore in 2021. Oxted’s last win had been in the 2020 Darley July Cup. He slightly under-performed on his reappearance in the Clipper Logistics at York over six furlongs this season, but the drop to five furlongs for this race was fully justified. Allowed time to find his feet under the more frenetic pace, he weaved his way through under Cieren Fallon Jr to win the race going away at the line.

THE COMMONWEALTH CUP ROYAL ASCOT, 18TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: CAMPANELLE (IRE) 5/1 2nd: Dragon Symbol 4/1 3rd: Measure Of Magic (IRE) 11/1 Drama ensued in the Commonwealth Cup as Campanelle and Dragon Symbol had to fight it out in the Steward’s Room – or at least their respective jockeys did. Campanelle, trained by American Wesley Ward, had been talked up by her trainer coming into the race and it looked like that confidence was well placed. Dragon Symbol, ridden by Oisin Murphy, was her only challenger as the rest of the field toiled in difficult conditions. Dragon Symbol drifted right in the closing stages but, ultimately, was first past the post with the winning margin a head.

That result was reversed in the Steward’s Room with Campanelle being awarded the race.

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES

ROYAL ASCOT, 19TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: DREAM OF DREAMS (IRE) 3/1F 2nd: Glen Shiel 7/1 3rd: Art Power (IRE) 7/2 Sprinters tend to frequent racecourses for many years, and often it can take a while to break through at the top level, which is exactly the career path taken by this year’s Diamond Jubilee winner, Dream of Dreams. He had twice been unlucky. In 2019 he was denied by the narrowest of margins by Blue Point and the same result would follow in 2020 with Hello Youmzain taking the spoils by a head. However, it would be third time lucky in 2021 as Ryan Moore timed Dream of Dreams’ run to perfection, just getting up on the line.

THE DARLEY JULY CUP NEWMARKET JULY COURSE, 10TH JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: STARMAN 9/2 2nd: Dragon Symbol 7/2F 3rd: Oxted 11/2 The Darley July Cup always attracts a whole host of talented sprinters, and 2021 proved to be no different. The winner was a promising sprinter right out of the top draw – Starman. Having won the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes last time out, confidence was high and rightly so. The race split into three, Starman in the near side group. When the groups converged two furlongs out there was inevitably traffic problems, including for the winner himself. However, Starman’s rider Tom Marquand expertly manoeuvred the colt through and was going away from his rivals at the line.

THE COOLMORE WOOTTON BASSETT NUNTHORPE STAKES YORK, 20TH AUGUST

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (5F) £400,000 PRIZE MONEY

1st: WINTER POWER (IRE) 9/1 2nd: Emaraaty Ana 40/1 3rd: Dragon Symbol 4/1 There is a lot to be said for the knowledge that a Yorkshire trainer has of a Yorkshire course, and that recipe was just the ticket in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes. Before the race, the two time-winner Battaash was paraded to the crowds having recently been retired, but attentions soon turned to the on-track action. The market suggested that the two international raiders, Suesa and Golden Pal, had the strongest chance, but the prize money stayed close to home as the sizzling Winter Power took the race for trainer Tim Easterby and Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa, holding off the late advances of Emaaraty Ana.

THE BETFAIR SPRINT CUP HAYDOCK PARK, 4TH SEPTEMBER

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £270,000 PRIZE MONEY

1st: EMAARATY ANA 11/1 2nd: Starman Evens F 3rd: Chil Chil 22/1 Having outrun his odds in the previous race in the sprint category of QIPCO British Champions Series, Emaraaty Ana went one better back over six furlongs in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Starman was a well-backed favourite after his win in the Darley July Cup earlier in the season over this distance, but the Kevin Ryan-trained five-year-old would prove just too good for Ed Walker’s colt.

Emaaraty Ana took the lead up in the closing stages and it was for Starman to peg him back, but the run was a fraction too late, falling short by just a shoulder.

SECOND RACE 2.00PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES) SIX FURLONGS (6F) (1,200 metres) For three yrs old and upwards. Total race value £531250 Owners Prize Money. Winner £301271; Second £114218; Third £571162; Fourth £28475; Fifth £14290; Sixth £7171. (Penalty Value £301271.87) 1 Balloted Out Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. A SS

RACE

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

No

Horse

1

AINSDALE (GB) (14)

B c Mayson - Bruni Heinke (IRE) (Dutch Art) Owner: Mr David W. Armstrong Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: Highfield Farm LLP Sponsor: Highfield Farm LLP

Draw

Jockey

Draw

See page 124 for conditions of this race.

Clifford Lee

14

Weight: 9 2 Horse Age: 4 Colours: RED, RED cap, WHITE spots.

Form: 326044 D

2

ART POWER (IRE) (21)

Gr c Dark Angel (IRE) - Evening Time (IRE) (Keltos (FR)) Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Trainer: Tim Easterby, Malton Breeder: Owenstown Bloodstock Ltd Sponsor: King Power International Co Ltd

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H All four wins on soft/heavy; finished a creditable fourth to Vadream in a Group 3 over C&D recently but so much more is needed if he’s to play a part in his first Group 1.

Official BHA Rating 104

20

Silvestre De Sousa

3

AZANO (GB) (14)

B g Oasis Dream - Azanara (IRE) (Hurricane Run (IRE)) Owner: M.J & L.A Taylor & Partner Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Breeder: Elysian Bloodstock Ltd Sponsor: Equistock Limited

Draw

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 2 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, striped sleeves, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star.

Form: 634051 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Sterling sprinter who was a close fourth in this race last October and has been on the premises in three Group 1s this year on ground ranging from soft to good to firm; usually front-runs but was ridden a shade more patiently when impressive in a Group 3 in Ireland last month and those tactics could see further improvement back over this stiff 6f.

Official BHA Rating 114

7

Shane Gray

4

BRANDO (GB) (25)

Ch g Pivotal - Argent du Bois (USA) (Silver Hawk (USA)) Owner: Mrs Angie Bailey Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Breeder: Car Colston Hall Stud Sponsor: K. A. Ryan Racing

Draw

Weight: 9 2 Horse Age: 5 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED epaulets, diabolo on sleeves, RED cap.

Form: 253231 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Regularly leads, as when ending losing run in a 7f Listed race at Redcar two weeks ago; made no impact in his only run over 6f, in a Group 3 at Deauville last summer, and has masses to find.

Official BHA Rating 103

13

Tom Eaves

Horse Age: 9 Weight: 9 2 Colours: YELLOW, PURPLE and YELLOW halved sleeves, YELLOW and PURPLE quartered cap.

Form: 200043 D BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Has taken part in the last five runnings of this race, only just failing 12 months ago (soft); retains all his ability but had to go round the houses when beaten just under 3l in the July Cup (good to firm) and again had no luck (early interference, then not clear run) when looking in good heart in a French Group 1 in August on his latest start over about 6f; luck in running is the bugbear again but a big run is likely.

Official BHA Rating 112

GLEN SHIEL (GB) (14)

Draw

5

Ch g Pivotal - Gonfilia (GER) (Big Shuffle (USA)) Owner: Hambleton Racing XXXVI & Partner Trainer: Archie Watson, Upper Lambourn Breeder: Darley Sponsor: Hambleton Racing Ltd

2

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 2 Colours: BEIGE, DARK BLUE armlets, DARK BLUE cap.

Form: 426005 CD BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Rock-solid form in two Group 1s over C&D on soft, making most to hold Brando in this race last year and having Art Power (third) and Happy Power (fourth) behind when runner-up to top-class winner in the Diamond Jubilee in June; however, he dropped his standards when only fifth in a Group 3 here recently and is now more of an unknown quantity in first-time blinkers.

Official BHA Rating 113

54

Hollie Doyle

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES GUSTAVUS WESTON (IRE) (34)

Draw

6

16

Br g Equiano (FR) - Chrissycross (IRE) (Cape Cross (IRE)) Owner: Mr Alfred Sweetnam Trainer: Joseph G. Murphy, Ireland Breeder: M. Orlandi & J. Harrod

G. F. Carroll

Weight: 9 2 Horse Age: 5 Colours: RED, WHITE sash, ROYAL BLUE sleeves, WHITE stars, RED cap, ROYAL BLUE star.

Form: 661216 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Three Group wins at a lower level and, although impressive when making all at the Curragh in August (6f, yielding), this is a very different kettle of fish in his first Group 1 at this trip.

Official BHA Rating 115

HAPPY POWER (IRE) (49)

Draw

7

19

Gr h Dark Angel (IRE) - Tamarisk (GER) (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud Sponsor: King Power International Co Ltd

Rob Hornby

Weight: 9 2 Horse Age: 5 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, WHITE sleeves, ROYAL BLUE stars, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star.

Form: 354036 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Smart form on different surfaces at 6f-1m and, having been ninth in the 2020 running of this, he was snapping at Art Power’s heels when they were third and fourth in the Diamond Jubilee here in June (soft); some reservations, though, about him hacking it as a top-class sprinter on drying ground.

Official BHA Rating 111

KINROSS (GB) (13)

Draw

8

17

B g Kingman - Ceilidh House (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: Mr Marc Chan Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Breeder: Lawn Stud Sponsor: R M Beckett Ltd

Frankie Dettori

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 2 Colours: MAUVE, GOLD chevron hoop, WHITE sleeves, PURPLE stars, WHITE cap, PURPLE star.

Form: 661154 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Best efforts on good to soft or slower; improved to win Group 3 and 2 races over 7f this year but he couldn’t go on after travelling well in a French Group 1 over an extended 6f in August; has something to prove on course debut on first run over a bare 6f.

Official BHA Rating 114

CREATIVE FORCE (IRE) (42)

Draw

9

Ch g Dubawi (IRE) - Choose Me (IRE) (Choisir (AUS)) Owner: Godolphin Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket Breeder: Owenstown Bloodstock Ltd Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Form: 111526 CD

5

William Buick

1

10 DRAGON SYMBOL (GB) (34)

Gr c Cable Bay (IRE) - Arcamist (Arcano (IRE)) Owner: Mr Yoshiro Kubota Trainer: Archie Watson, Upper Lambourn Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH Raced through the ranks earlier this year, his latest win coming in the 7f Jersey at the Royal meeting here (soft); kept on strongly when a close fifth in the July Cup next time (good to firm) but was down on his nose at the start when never involved back over 6f at Haydock last month; this stiffer test back here promises to suit and he remains of interest.

Official BHA Rating 113

3

Oisin Murphy

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: TURQUOISE,YELLOW sharks tooth shoulders,ROYAL BLUE sleeves,TURQUOISE&ROYAL BLUE segmented cap,YELLOW star.

Form: 222234 D BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Handles all ground; has yet to win above conditions stakes level but has proved very reliable in Group company, including when only just losing out to Rohaan at Haydock in May, first past the post but demoted in the Commonwealth Cup over C&D and second in the July Cup; has continued to run well over 5f since and should have another big run in him now back up to 6f.

Official BHA Rating 114 Draw

11 MINZAAL (IRE) (14)

B c Mehmas (IRE) - Pardoven (IRE) (Clodovil (IRE)) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Trainer: Owen Burrows, Lambourn Breeder: Ringfort Stud

4

Jim Crowley

12 NANDO PARRADO (GB) (42) B c Kodiac - Chibola (ARG) (Roy (USA)) Owner: Mrs Marie McCartan Trainer: Clive Cox, Hungerford Breeder: Mrs James Wigan Sponsor: Clive Cox Racing Limited

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, striped cap.

Form: 4113-2 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Smart 2yo who won a Group 2 at 6f (good) but couldn’t take the next step in a Group 1 last October; wasn’t seen again until running with plenty of promise over an inadequate 5f here two weeks ago (soft) and, while this quick return in much stronger company raises questions, he has potential.

Official BHA Rating 111

12

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED sleeves, YELLOW cap.

Form: 2-44050 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Big-priced winner of a Group 2 over C&D last June who later ran well in a Group 1 in France; has been harder to slot in this year, however, and was last of 11 on return to 6f in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month; has worn blinkers, first-time cheekpieces today.

Official BHA Rating 102

55

Adam Kirby

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES Draw

13 ROHAAN (IRE) (34)

15

B g Mayson - Vive Les Rouges (Acclamation) Owner: Chris Kiely Racing Ltd & Mr J Tomkins Trainer: David Evans, Abergavenny Breeder: Liam Phelan Sponsor: Emma Evans Racing Ltd

Ryan Moore

Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Colours: BLACK, ORANGE stars, armlets and stars on cap.

Form: 111005 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Kept on the go and has shown massive improvement since making his debut last October, just getting the better of Dragon Symbol at Haydock in May and winning a Group 3 (good to firm) and the Wokingham (soft) in his two C&D starts; lapsed in Group 1s after but made up a lot of ground after a slow start at the Curragh last month; slight worry that he didn’t seem eager to set off there but he has the form to go close.

Official BHA Rating 114

11

Tom Marquand

18

Jason Hart

Draw

14 THUNDER MOON (IRE) (35)

B c Zoffany (IRE) - Small Sacrifice (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) Owner: Mrs C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Colours: RED, YELLOW stripe, chevrons on Breeder: Whisperview Trading Ltd sleeves.

Form: 3-00200 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Has had a middling year after showing so much promise at two and although he went down only narrowly in a Group 1 at Deauville in July (7f, very soft), his one venture over a similar trip to this didn’t come to much at that track in August; has work to do.

Official BHA Rating 113 Draw

15 HIGHFIELD PRINCESS (FR) (14)

B f Night of Thunder (IRE) - Pure Illusion (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Owner: Trainers House Enterprises Ltd Horse Age: 4 Weight: 8 Trainer: John Quinn, Malton Colours: RED, YELLOW star.

Breeder: Trainers House Enterprises Ltd Form: 113243 C BF Sponsor: JJ Quinn Racing Ltd

13

Draw

16 KEEP BUSY (IRE) (14)

8

James Doyle

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Streaked up the stand rail to win the big 7f handicap here in June (good to firm; acts on soft); dependable in Listed and Group races since but has a lot to prove now upped to the top level on her first 6f run.

Official BHA Rating 107

1

Daniel Tudhope

B f Night of Thunder (IRE) - Look Busy (IRE) (Danetime (IRE)) Owner: Mrs Doreen Tabor Horse Age: 4 Weight: 8 13 Trainer: John Quinn, Malton Colours: BLACK, WHITE disc, striped sleeves Breeder: Hackcanter Ltd & Mr P. Gleeson and cap.

Sponsor: Ashford Stud Form: 105034 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Capable of smart 5f form on her day, such as when fifth in the King’s Stand here in June, but she didn’t run to the same level here this month and makes limited appeal now back up to 6f in first-time headgear.

Official BHA Rating 100

17 LAST EMPIRE (GB) (13)

B m Pivotal - Final Dynasty (Komaite (USA)) Owner: Clipper Logistics Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Breeder: Mrs G. S. Rees and Douglas McMahon

Horse Age: 5 Colours: GREY. Form: 10-2510

Weight: 8

13

D

18 HAPPY ROMANCE (IRE) (42)

B f Dandy Man (IRE) - Rugged Up (IRE) (Marju (IRE)) Owner: The McMurray Family Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Breeder: Redpender Stud Ltd Sponsor: Tote

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Best sprint win came in Listed race at Chantilly in 2020; surpassed that on first 7f run when winning a fillies’ Group 3 in July (soft) but mid-division in Group 1 at Longchamp since and it’s no easier here back at 6f.

Official BHA Rating 106

6

Sean Levey

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 12 Colours: DARK BLUE, RED braces, DARK BLUE and WHITE striped sleeves.

Form: 150314 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH In peak form at 6f, having won a Group 3 in July and given it an excellent shot when a close fourth in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month; both were on good to firm but she acts on good to soft; has had excuses for both defeats here and has a good run in her if handling the track.

Official BHA Rating 111 Draw

19 VADREAM (GB) (14)

9

B f Brazen Beau (AUS) - Her Honour (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Mr D. R. J. King Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 12 Trainer: Charlie Fellowes, Newmarket Colours: EMERALD GREEN and WHITE (quartered), Breeder: Crispin Estates Ltd PURPLE sleeves, EMERALD GREEN and WHITE striped cap.

CD Form: 632041 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Has run well in her two starts here and although she lacked the firepower of Creative Force over 7f in the Jersey in June, she was better suited by 6f when winning a Group 3 this month (both on soft); bare form is not up to this standard yet, though.

Official BHA Rating 107

56

David Egan

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES

B f Dandy Man (IRE) - Shehila (IRE) (Zamindar (USA)) Owner: Middleham Park Racing XXVIII Trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton Breeder: Sandra Russell Sponsor: Middleham Park Racing

Draw

20 VENTURA DIAMOND (IRE) (14)

10

Jamie Spencer

Weight: 8 12 Horse Age: 3 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ORANGE epaulets.

Form: 320553 D

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Listed winner on final 2yo start (heavy) but has been hard to place this year and she couldn’t stay with Vadream in the closing stages of a recent Group 3 here; up against it in this company.

Official BHA Rating 102

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20 (EXACTA) Blinkers worn first time by No. 5, 16. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 12.

Tongue Strap worn by No. 3. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 1.

2020: GLEN SHIEL 6 9 2 Hollie Doyle 16-1 (Archie Watson) 16 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 11-2 Art Power (IRE), 15-2 Happy Romance (IRE), 9-1 Dragon Symbol (GB), Vadream (GB), 10-1 Rohaan (IRE), 11-1 Kinross (GB), Creative Force (IRE), Minzaal (IRE), Highfield Princess (FR), 14-1 Glen Shiel (GB), 18-1 Azano (GB), Ventura Diamond (IRE), 20-1 Happy Power (IRE), Thunder Moon (IRE), 22-1 Gustavus Weston (IRE), 25-1 Ainsdale (GB), Nando Parrado (GB), Keep Busy (IRE), Last Empire (GB), 33-1 Brando (GB)

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.

57

Royal Ascot Racing Club

Horses In Retirement British racing is committed to the welfare of its racehorses, through initiatives like Retraining of Racehorses, and we are proud to tell the story of some of our own Royal Ascot Racing Club ex-racehorses going on to live happy, fulfilling lives after racing.

M

ost recently many of the Club’s retired horses have been begun their life after racing in Wales with Steph Thomas on her farm. Steph gets them settled and prepared for their new careers before finding them nice homes often in nearby Pembrokeshire.

Recently, that has included Coincidence who had been in training with William Haggas. He is now maturing nicely and currently enjoying

showing classes, dressage and is now starting crosscountry.

his retraining. He has attended a number of small competitions and his new owner plans to head down the eventing route with him in the future. He is proving a proper gentleman in his work and has a flare for jumping.

Next year he will hopefully start his eventing career and take part in Retraining of Racehorses classes.

“He is the most genuine horse I’ve owned and out moves any warmblood I’ve owned.”

Projection is also on the same farm now and he is looked after by Jess and who knows him as Henry.

Projection was retired in May this year having raced

24 times for the Royal Ascot Racing Club, winning twice including at Ascot on debut. In the short time he has been with Jess he has already taken part in

Finally, Escape has also recently made his way to the farm in Pembrokeshire having raced six times when in training with Richard Hannon. Scampi, as he is now nicknamed, will have a few months off over winter to mature and have some down time before beginning his reschooling with the hope of competing in a variety of RoR classes.

“He really is one in a million and has a home for life with me.”

F I R E WO R K S ON THE T R AC K AND IN THE SKY F I R E WO R K S S P E C TAC U L A R FA M I LY R AC E DAY S AT U R DAY 3 0 T H O C TO B E R The first Jumps meeting of the new season is a Halloween themed family day out loaded with fairground fun and a fantastic fireworks show.

Tickets from £27pp | Fine Dining from £199 +VAT pp Under 18s go free | Book now at ascot.co.uk

5 Star Reviews

For his first European yearlings "We were so taken with Zoustar and have been following him for a while now. I’ve been so impressed with the yearlings I’ve seen by him and am delighted to purchase this colt."

Colt ex Rue Cambon Purchased for 110,000Gns as a foal and sold for 310,000Gns as a yearling

Charlie Hills, purchaser of the colt ex Miss Work Of Art for 100,000Gns.

“From the moment I saw her she just caught my eye. She is a lovely filly, a January foal and looks very sharp and early.”

Ben McElroy, purchaser of the filly ex Parting Clouds for 77,000Gns.

Colt ex Herecomesthesun Sold for 200,000Gns to Mick Kinane, on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

“He’s a beautiful first foal, a big athletic strong horse with a great walk – one of the nicest horses we’ve seen at Book 1.”

Mick Kinane, purchaser of the colt ex Herecomesthesun for 200,000Gns.

Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177

THE RACE TO BE CROWNED

CHAMPION APPRENTICE

2 0 2 1

Marco Ghiani was not born into horseracing. Sure, he had the experience of riding horses in the famous Sartiglia carnival in his native Sardinia. Indeed, when top Italian jockey Dario Sirigu saw a video of him falling off, getting back up and resuming the chase, he sent a message of encouragement, urging him to consider becoming a jockey.

But when it came to sitting on a racehorse for the first time, things didn’t come so easily. “They would either go too slowly or just take off with me and carry with me,” recalls Ghiani. “When Dario messaged me, I didn’t even know horseracing existed. I had just been on a couple of ponies. I went racing to see what it was like and just thought ‘Wow’.”

MARCO GHIANI

Despite being named the top Apprentice on the Allweather over the winter, helped by his new association with the excellent trainer Stuart Williams, Ghiani’s hopes for this season’s Apprentice title were limited.

But luck has sometimes been on his side. Just as he was building up a head of steam, Mark Crehan’s challenge

Encouraged to give it a go and figuring that life working in the family pizza restaurant held slightly less appeal, Ghiani applied to the British Racing School to join the training scheme for fledgling apprentice jockeys. Three or four months later, he arrived as a 16-year-old in Newmarket barely able to speak a word of English, but with a broad smile and a desire to learn fast. Does this story remind you of anybody?

was stopped in its track by a 28-day ban for mistaking

After securing his licence, Ghiani joined Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani, who insisted he talk to him in English, but told him off in Italian. The pair remain in touch almost every day, but it is not as a result of having friends in high places that he will be crowned Champion Apprentice at QIPCO British Champions Day, rather through hard work and natural talent.

a Racing League contest in August that resulted in a

the winning post at Doncaster – a fate that has befallen a number of future greats in their earlier years.

And while Saffie Osborne’s year has again been punctuated by some ill fortune, including the injury that has now brought her season to a premature end, Ghiani managed somehow to keep going. A fall at Lingfield in micro-fracture to his knee and a torn ligament saw him make a lightning recovery that allowed him to return to the saddle just nine days later in order to partner Real World to victory in the Strensall Stakes at York.

Osborne grasped the opportunity to raise her profile and show notable composure in front of the camera, both in and out of the saddle.

She will return in 2022 for another challenge at the Apprentice Championship and, not being one to hide her ambitions, winning the title is very much on her mind.

“Marco has had a brilliant season and you have to admire what he has achieved,” she says. “I’m not one to be making excuses, but I do feel things didn’t quite always go my way this year, so hopefully I can give it another good go next season.”

Also enjoying hugely-successful campaigns were the likes of Mollie Phillips and Stefano Cherchi in the south, Billy Garritty and Ella McCain in the north, and Thore Hammer Hansen, who last month successfully rode out his claim to move into the ranks of the fully-fledged professionals.

MARCO GHIANI | REAL WORLD

And it is for his association with that horse, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, that Ghiani has become best known with many racing fans this season. The four-year-old won on his belated seasonal bow in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot before taking a Listed contest at Newbury and then scoring at York in the race that Ghiani performed miracles in order to return for his first Group-race success.

Hansen was particularly pleased to have achieved the landmark 95th winner on a horse trained by Richard Hannon, his key supporter since moving to the country in 2017. He has now set his sights on winning a first Group race, and with agent Shelley Dwyer – who guided Silvestre de Sousa to three Jockeys’ Championship successes – in his corner, his career can only remain on an upwards trajectory.

Frankie Dettori stepped in when Real World subsequently made a winning move up to Group One company in France, but his compatriot, while frustrated, insists he bears no grudges at the decision, preferring to look forward to continuing association with Godolphin’s squadrons of bluebloods in the future.

“It’s been a brilliant year, better than I could possibly have expected,” says Ghiani who also became a father for the first time in the summer to five-month-old son Louis. “I have a beautiful family, a happy life and a job I love.”

Saffie Osborne’s rise to the top has come even more quickly. Little more than a year after her first ride under Rules, her 35 winners have come for a variety of trainers across the country, her burgeoning reputation being boosted by three victories in £50,000 races that formed part of the Racing League series.

SAFFIE OSBORNE

THEQIPCOBRITISHCHAMPIONSFILLIES&MARESSTAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

The history of the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes dates back to 1946 when Ascot staged the Princess Royal Stakes for the first time.

In 2008 it was renamed the Pride Stakes and moved to Newmarket, but it returned to Ascot under its current name in 2011.

The new race was given a boost in its very first year as it was won by none other than the Investec Oaks and Preis der Diana (German Oaks) winner, Dancing Rain, a dual Classic heroine in her final European start. It was subsequently upgraded to Group 1 status in 2013.

Simple Verse was the second British Classic winner to claim the spoils in its short recent history when successful in 2015. Aidan O’Brien won back-to-back renewals with with Hydrangea (2017) and Magical (2018).

The latter went on to secure 2019’s QIPCO Champion Stakes. In 2019, the race was won by the John Gosdentrained Star Catcher with Frankie Dettori aboard.

In 2020, Wonderful Tonight was a hugely impressive winner and was a first Group 1 win on British soil for her Trainer, David Menuisier.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile about 4 Furlongs

2020: Wonderful Tonight

Overall: £500,000

2019: Star Catcher 2018: Magical

1st: £283,550

2017: Hydrangea

2nd: £107,500

2016: Journey

3rd: £53,800

2015: Simple Verse 2014: Madame Chiang

4th: £26,800

2013: Seal of Approval

5th: £13,450

2012: Sapphire

6th: £6,750

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

SNOWFALL

Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Owner: Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Sire-Dam: Deep Impact (JPN) – Best In The World (IRE) Breeder: Roncon, Chelston Ire & Wynatt Info: There has been wind, rain and sunshine on Champions Day over the years but never snowfall. The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly has been a revelation this season, completing the English/Irish/Yorkshire Oaks treble in spectacular style. She won by a record 16 lengths at Epsom and then followed up by 8½ at The Curragh. The daughter of Deep Impact was then a commanding winner of the Darley Yorkshire Oaks in August.

She has suffered successive defeats in France on her past two starts, although she was a creditable sixth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on her latest outing.

ALBAFLORA

Sex: Filly Colour: Grey Trainer: Ralph Beckett Sire-Dam: Muhaarar – Almiranta Breeder: Miss K Rausing

Age: 4 Owner: Miss K Rausing

Info: Muhaarar capped his dazzling career as a sprinter with victory over 6f on QIPCO British Champions Day in 2015. Six years later, one of his daughters, Albaflora, could also shine at the meeting, but over twice as far. She has looked a middle-distance performer from day one, and probably ran as well as she has ever done on her latest start when chasing home dual Classic heroine Snowfall in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York last time. Her other efforts this year include an impressive seven-length win at Ascot in May, when the ground was soft. Ralph Beckett, her trainer, scooped the 2015 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares with Simple Verse – 35 minutes after Muhaarar had zoomed home.

INVITE

Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Team Valor Sire-Dam: The Gurkha (IRE) – Katiyra (IRE) Breeder: Rjb Bloodstock Info: Invite was unraced at this time last year and, having had only six races, there will be few horses in action on QIPCO British Champions Day open to greater improvement.

She certainly still looked very much on the upgrade last month, when the commanding winner of a Listed event over 1m4f on softish ground at Chester. She had never previously run over so far but seemed to relish the trip, and it was also her first start since being switched to the yard of Andrew Balding. In May, she sauntered home by ten lengths in a handicap at Doncaster on soft ground, showing her versatility.

RALPH BECKETT (TRAINER) ON ALBAFLORA

“

“

She has run well at Ascot in the past, which is a positive. I am hopeful of a good show.

THE FILLIES & MARES SERIES 2.35: THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS

FILLIES L & MARES STAKES

(CLASS 1) (GROUP R 1) (1M ABT 4F) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY

CATEGORY LEADERS 1 = 3 = 5

Snowfall (JPN) Alcohol Free (IRE) Lady Bowthorpe Snow Lantern Mother Earth (IRE)

Rating 118 Rating 118

Rating 115 Rating 115

Rating 114

The category rankings use the official performance ratings awarded by the British Horseracing Authority handicappers to the first three horses to finish in each QIPCO British Champions Series race.

THE QIPCO 1000 GUINEAS NEWMARKET ROWLEY MILE, 2ND MAY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £ £375,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: MOTHER EARTH (IRE) 10/1 2nd: Saffron Beach (IRE) 9/1 3rd: Fev Rover (IRE) 22/1 Aidan O’Brien is never too far away when it comes to the opening Classics of the British Flat racing season, and so it proved to be the case again as Frankie Dettori steered Mother Earth to victory in the opening Fillies’ Classic of the season. Having grabbed early cover before rising out of the famous dip on the Rowley Mile, Dettori galvanised the daughter of Zoffany to secure a cosy victory in the end by a length to Saffron Beach in second.

THE CAZOO OAKS EPSOM DOWNS, 4TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £395,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SNOWFALL (JPN) 11/2 2nd: Mystery Angel (IRE) 50 /1 3rd: Divinely (IRE) 20/1 Scintillating, magnificent, astounding. Just a few words that might describe this year’s Cazoo Oaks performance. It was once again one of Aidan O’Brien’s fillies that came out on top – Snowfall. Lesser fancied than her stablemate Santa Barbara before the race, she claimed an emphatic victory to give the trainer his 40th British Classic - equalling the all-time record held by John Scott. The daughter of Deep Impact decimated the field in the hands of Frankie Dettori, who put daylight between her and her rivals two furlongs out to win by 16 lengths ahead of Mystery Angel, who defied her odds of 50/1 to finish 2nd.

THE CORONATION STAKES ROYAL ASCOT, 18TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £425,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: ALCOHOL FREE (IRE) 11/2 2nd: Snow Lantern 14/1 3rd: Mother Earth (IRE) 9/2 Connections had seemed disappointed after Alcohol Free ran a very creditable fifth in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas. That disappointment was clearly a sign of what type of horse they knew they had on their hands, as the Andrew Balding-trained filly bounced back in style in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Straightening up for home after a steady pace had been set, Murphy asked for a response from his mount and that is exactly what he got. Passing rivals with ease, Alcohol Free galloped clear all the way to the line with Snow Lantern back in second and Mother Earth, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas winner, in third.

THE TATTERSALLS FALMOUTH STAKES NEWMARKET JULY COURSE, 9TH JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £200,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SNOW LANTERN 6/1 2nd: Mother Earth (IRE) 5/1 3rd: Alcohol Free (IRE) 5/2F Every Trainer, Owner and Jockey has a race that they look back upon and think “that was the one that got away”. A series of unfortunate events in 2013 meant that Sky Lantern was an incredibly unlucky loser of the Tattersall’s Falmouth Stakes, but eight years later her daughter erased that heartache. In a race filled with quality, Sean Levey got the perfect tune out of Snow Lantern to score by half a length. The race was a congested one, with a few hard luck stories in behind, but it was all about redemption as Snow Lantern sauntered up the far side of the July Course to claim her first Group 1.

THE QATAR NASSAU STAKES GOODWOOD, 29TH JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2F) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: LADY BOWTHORPE 100/30 2nd: Zeyaadah (IRE) 7/1 3rd: Joan Of Arc (IRE) 9/4F No horse had come closer this season to winning a Group 1 than Lady Bowthorpe. She had finished second in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes before finishing fourth after traffic problems in the Tattersall’s Falmouth Stakes. However on the third time of asking, she finally secured a well-deserved QIPCO British Champions Series victory. Having navigated the undulations of the South Downs course with ease, Jockey Kieren Shoemark comfortably urged his mount clear to score by a-length-and-a-half, securing his first Group 1 winner in the process. It was without doubt one of the most celebrated winners of the week.

THE DARLEY YORKSHIRE OAKS YORK, 19TH AUGUST

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SNOWFALL (JPN) 8/15F 2nd: Albaflora 16/1 3rd: La Joconde (IRE) 150/1 Snowfall’s performance in the Cazoo Oaks meant that all eyes would be on her heading into the Darley Yorkshire Oaks. Her reputation was a big weight to carry, but she carried it with ease when making light work of the field, securing her second QIPCO British Champions Series race in the process. Ryan Moore allowed Snowfall to warm to her task, switching her off in the first half of the race before letting her off the lead three furlongs out. The reins barely moved as she sauntered clear to a winning margin of four lengths. Albaflora took the runner-up spot and there was a big run from La Joconde at 150/1 to finish third.

THIRD RACE 2.35PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES) ONE MILE ABOUT FOUR FURLONGS (2,300 metres), SWINLEY COURSE (11F ABT 211YDS), For three yrs old and upwards fillies and mares. Total race value £500000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS

RACE

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Inside

No

Horse

1

ALBAFLORA (GB) (58)

Gr f Muhaarar - Almiranta (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Miss K. Rausing Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Breeder: Miss K. Rausing

Draw

Jockey

Draw

See page 124 for conditions of this race.

Rossa Ryan

6

TRIBAL CRAFT (GB) (37)

3

ESHAADA (GB) (58)

Draw

2

7

Oisin Murphy

Draw

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 5 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, WHITE sleeves and cap.

Form: 2-14532 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Ran away with C&D Listed event (soft) in May and back near that top form when second to impressive Snowfall in the Yorkshire Oaks at York (good) on latest outing; not so good in between but seriously involved if judged on best efforts.

Official BHA Rating 110

8

Jim Crowley

Ch m Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Snoqualmie Star (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mr J. C. Smith Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 5 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: PURPLE, LIGHT BLUE chevron, Breeder: Littleton Stud LIGHT BLUE cap.

Form: 215205 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Better form this season at 1m6f but she wasn’t seen to best effect over that trip either on last two outings when ninth in the Ebor and fifth in Doncaster Group 2; on that evidence soft ground would suit her a lot better but even then she has her work cut out at this level.

Official BHA Rating 104

B f Muhaarar - Muhawalah (IRE) (Nayef (USA)) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Trainer: Roger Varian, Newmarket Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited

INVITE (IRE) (35)

5

LADY HAYES (IRE) (66)

Draw

4

2

John Egan

Draw

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 13 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, striped cap.

Form: 1-120 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Won first two starts on softer than good; only ninth 2f out in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) and made up plenty of ground to go down by three quarters of a length; that was just her third start, so all looked rosy, but she flopped in the Yorkshire Oaks in her only race since.

Official BHA Rating 108

1

Andrea Atzeni

B f The Gurkha (IRE) - Katiyra (IRE) (Peintre Celebre (USA)) Owner: Team Valor Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 13 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED chevron, Breeder: RJB Bloodstock RED cap.

Form: 1-22151 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Only fifth when 5-4 favourite for Italian Oaks in June on final start for Marco Botti; major improvement every time otherwise and she scored stylishly in a Listed race at Chester (1m4f, good to soft) five weeks ago on debut for new yard; looks set for better still, so has strong place claims at least.

Official BHA Rating 103

Br f Kodiac - Andry Brusselles (Hurricane Run (IRE)) Owner: Mr George Bolton Trainer: Roger Varian, Newmarket Breeder: Gigginstown House Stud

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 13 Colours: DARK BLUE and YELLOW stripes, WHITE sleeves, DARK BLUE cap.

Form: 15-4225 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Has run in Group or Listed races on last five starts, clear best form when second in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock (soft) on penultimate outing and that is her only attempt at 1m4f; may have more to offer at this trip, which is needed in a big way.

Official BHA Rating 103

70

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES LA JOCONDE (IRE) (8)

Draw

6

B f Frankel - Wadyhatta (Cape Cross (IRE)) Owner: M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs J Magnier/Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Lynch Bages Ltd

4

Hollie Doyle

MYSTERY ANGEL (IRE) (22)

8

SNOWFALL (JPN) (13)

Draw

7

5

Ben Curtis

Draw

Weight: 8 13 Horse Age: 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, striped sleeves and cap.

Form: 016330 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Ballydoyle 3yo who has won just a maiden in June from 12 starts; seemed to run extremely well when front-running third in the Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille, in both of which she played a supporting role to stable star Snowfall; well beaten when 12-1 dropped in class and distance eight days ago and she is likely to return to front-running duties today.

Official BHA Rating 109

3

Ryan Moore

B or Br f Kodi Bear (IRE) - Angel Grace (IRE) (Dark Angel (IRE)) Owner: Nick Bradley Racing 27 & Partner Weight: 8 13 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Colours: WHITE, BLACK seams, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Mrs Noelle Walsh BLACK stars, WHITE cap, BLACK star.

Sponsor: Tattersalls Form: 424364 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Front-runner last five starts and runner-up to Snowfall in the Oaks on first occasion, albeit beaten 16l; latest outing saw her bounce back from a rare below-form effort but she is bottom of the list on ratings today.

Official BHA Rating 100

B f Deep Impact (JPN) - Best In The World (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Weight: 8 13 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, Breeder: Roncon, Chelston Ire. & Wynatt striped sleeves, PURPLE cap.

Form: 111126 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH In a different league to her rivals in the Oaks (good to soft), Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks (both on good) and those performances make her easily the form pick in today’s field; however, shock defeat in the Vermeille was not due to the run of the race alone and, although far from discredited when about 5l sixth in the Arc de Triomphe two weeks ago, her finishing effort flattened out in the final 1f; some doubts have been introduced but the Arc was on heavy going and this is a big drop in class.

Official BHA Rating 120

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 8

(EXACTA)

2020: WONDERFUL TONIGHT (FR) 3 8 13 William Buick 4-1 (David Menuisier) 12 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

71

THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES

RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 5-6 Snowfall (JPN), 9-2 Invite (IRE), 5-1 Albaflora (GB), 8-1 Eshaada (GB), 20-1 Tribal Craft (GB), 25-1 La Joconde (IRE), 33-1 Lady Hayes (IRE), Mystery Angel (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.

72

Q I P C O

B R I T I S H H A L L

C L A S S

C H A M P I O N S O F

O F

F A M E

2 0 2 1

S E R I E S

H E R M A J E STY THE QUEEN SPECIAL

CONTRIBUTOR

Her Majesty The Queen has been racing’s greatest supporter for more than 70 years and it is our honour to induct her into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame.

What other sport has had such a constant companion and ally since the mid-1940s? The Queen’s lifetime love of horses has never diminished, with her devotion as an owner, breeder, ambassador and fan unwavering. She is a treasured figurehead and has been part of racing’s fabric for as long as anyone can remember.

The magic and excitement that The Queen creates when attending the races is immeasurable, as anyone who has crowded around the paddock to greet her daily arrival at Royal Ascot over the past seven decades will testify. “The racing fans adore her and love seeing her at the races. If she has a winner, the excitement is euphoric. Everybody is thrilled for her and she’s also thrilled,” says Sir Michael Stoute, who has trained over 100 winners for The Queen.

The Queen has had more than 1,800 winners (the first was Monaveen over jumps at Fontwell Park in 1949), and has twice been Champion Owner on the Flat in Britain, in 1954 and 1957.

On the latter occasion, 16 horses carrying the Royal colours accumulated 30 wins.

In the BBC documentary, The Queen’s Racehorses: A Personal View, made in 1974, she said: “My philosophy about racing is simple. I enjoy breeding a horse that is faster than other people’s. And to me, that is a gamble from a long way back. I enjoy going racing but I suppose, basically, I love horses, and the thoroughbred epitomises a really good horse to me.”

With the exception of The Derby, which has remained tantalisingly out of reach, she has bred and owned the winner of every British Classic, plus maintained bloodlines established long ago. She plays a leading role in the breeding of her horses, which are foaled at the Royal Stud in Sandringham, and has an outstanding recall of the generations involved.

The Queen nominated Aureole as being among her favourite five racehorses in Horse & Hound magazine in 2020. The other quartet were Doutelle, the first top-class horse bred by The Queen in her own right; Phantom Gold, who won the Ribblesdale Stakes in 1995 before becoming central to Her Majesty’s broodmare band, Estimate who won the Gold Cup at Ascot in 2013 and Highclere, winner of the 1974 1000 Guineas.

Her membership of the Hall of Fame is testament to her unwavering commitment and longstanding patronage of the sport, and the benefits that this devotion has undoubtedly brought to British horseracing.

BRIGADIER GERARD

FRANKEL

MILL REEF

D AY J U R

NIJINSKY

The QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame inducts individuals, both equine and human, from 1970 to the present day and the Class of 2021 has already introduced equine Hall of Famers from both ends of the timeline.

In April, the Hall of Fame launched, with Frankel becoming one of two inaugural Hall of Famers and the first horse to be inducted.

Frankel was a titan of the turf who represented equine perfection. 14 races. 14 wins. Ten of them in Group 1 races and nine of them in contests that fall under the QIPCO British Champions Series umbrella. The World Thoroughbred Rankings Supervisory Committee awarded Frankel a rating of 140 when he was retired, making him their all-time No. 1.

The Class of 2021 also wound back the clock to the early 1970s, with three more outstanding equine inductions announced in September: Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard and Nijinsky.

In 1970, Nijinsky won The Triple Crown, comprising wins in the 2000 Guineas, The Derby and the St Leger – a feat that has not been achieved since. He retired with 11 wins from 13 starts, and formed a major cornerstone to the careers of two other Hall of Famers in the Class of 2021 – Lester Piggott and Vincent O’Brien.

In 1971, Brigadier Gerard and Mill Reef saw their careers start off on the same path in one of the greatest 2000 Guineas there ever was, but it would be Brigadier Gerard that would leave his rivals toiling behind.

That race would prove to be the stepping stone for a remarkable career that saw him win 17 out of 18 races, including his first 15. Wins in the St James’s Palace, Sussex Stakes (twice), Champion Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes would all come to fruition. He suffered his only career defeat in the 1972 Benson & Hedges Gold Cup at York, at the hands of that year’s Derby winner Roberto.

Mill Reef and Brigadier Gerard would never cross paths again after that memorable 2000 Guineas. Mill Reef defeated the majority of horses he met in a career spanning 1970-1972.

He was defeated just twice, winning The Derby, Eclipse Stakes, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Coronation Cup, which would prove to be his last outing.

The final horse to make it into the Class of 2021 was chosen by you. This year saw the Hall of Fame’s first ever public vote between four outstanding sprinters shortlisted by the Hall of Fame’s judging panel: Black Caviar, Dayjur, Lochsong and Moorestyle. Your votes saw Dayjur run out a ready winner, and it’s easy to see why. Dayjur was pure pace. His successive wins in the Temple Stakes, King’s Stand, Nunthorpe, Sprint Cup and Prix de l’Abbaye, were glorious minute-long exhibitions of raw pace.

Five brilliant horses all deservedly taking their place into the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021.

LESTER PIGGOTT

PAT E D D E RY

VINCENT O’BRIEN TRAINER

Horses are only half of the story. The other half is made up of the Jockeys, Trainers and Special Contributors who have consistently raised the bar to the highest level within British Flat racing.

Alongside The Queen, three other individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2021 for their contribution to racing across many decades: Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery and Vincent O’Brien.

Lester Piggott was an inaugural Hall of Famer, inducted alongside Frankel in April. Piggott’s genius in the saddle has rarely, if ever, been matched. He won 4,493 races; was Champion Jockey 11 times; prevailed in a record nine Derbys among 30 Classics triumphs; and enjoyed 116 Royal Ascot winners. He rode countless champions including the Vincent O’Brien -trained Nijinsky, who won the Triple Crown (The 2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger) in 1970.

Piggott’s achievements speak for themselves and there are few more deserving of a place within the Hall of Fame.

Pat Eddery’s career began when Piggott was in his prime, but it took him no time at all to begin making his mark as a world class jockey. Eddery became Champion 11 times between 1974 and 1996, accumulating more than 6,000 winners in his career, 4,632 of them in Britain; a figure exceeded only by the legendary Sir Gordon Richards, who finished with 4,870.

Derby winners Grundy, Golden Fleece and Quest For Fame were among Eddery’s 14 British Classic winners, while he was associated with many other Champions including El Gran Senor, Zafonic, Danehill, Sadler’s Wells, Warning, and the mesmerising Dancing Brave – one of four Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners for him in the 1980s.

His daughter Natasha Eddery-Dunsdon said: “Entering the Hall of Fame would have made him so proud. I only wish he were still here to experience this special moment. It’s one that my family and I will cherish.”

Vincent O’Brien became the first Trainer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he joined Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard and Nijinsky in September. His eye for detail, knowledge of pedigrees, intuition and careful planning helped his horses realise their full potential, and him to reach the highest levels as a Trainer – incredibly within both Jump and Flat racing.

Larkspur (1962), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), The Minstrel (1977) and Golden Fleece (1982) all won The Derby for O’Brien, who won a total of 16 British Classics and a further 27 in Ireland.

O’Brien’s legacy can be seen all around us. He created the superb training facilities at Ballydoyle and played a pivotal role in the development of Coolmore Stud – two of Ireland’s, if not the world’s, most illustrious racing operations.

A pioneer for the sport and, undoubtedly, a worthy Hall of Famer.

To find out more information on all nine Hall of Famers in the Class of 2021, head to...

Where thoroughbreds thrive Permanent and seasonal boarding for mares and young stock.

Spelling facilities for horses in-training.

Spring Lodge is located in Co. Limerick, an area with a rich tradition of raising champions.

For more information contact Peter Molony: T (+353) 86823 8611 E pmolony@springlodge.ie W springlodge.ie

MAKING THE BREEDING INDUSTRY

Sustainable

The end of the month signals the start of COP 26, a UN climate change conference which will take place in Glasgow and run for nearly two weeks. While that summit will discuss and deliberate over the larger picture, the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has been conducting its own research into how its members can make their breeding businesses more environmentally sustainable.

T

he research, which was funded through the Racing Foundation has been shortlisted for the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) Awards next week, the first time the British horse racing industry has been shortlisted for an award in this area.

The Environmental Impact of Stud Farms Assessment project was instigated by the TBA’s Environmental Sustainability Working Group, Chaired by James O’Donnell, and involved environmental impact assessments and carbon calculations at a pair of stud farms. The assessments looked at biodiversity, emissions, carbon storage, soil health and water quality.

As a low input grassland management sector, it was identified that thoroughbred breeders were likely to already be in a strong position. However, more needs to be done to make the industry as sustainable as possible for future generations, as well as to comply with any future legislation that may be introduced in response to the Climate Change Act (amended 2019), which pledged to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

For stud owners, the Basic Payments Scheme was announced as being phased out by the Agriculture Act (2020) and its replacement, the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) has yet to be introduced, with pilot studies underway. This new scheme is thought to be built around a subsidy framework that will encourage and reward sustainable actions, i.e. awarding public monies for public ‘goods’, such as enhanced air and water quality; improved soil health; increased biodiversity; flood mitigation

“We are grateful to the Racing Foundation for their financial support, which enabled us to commission the study and are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.” measures; as well as public access and heritage preservation.

The environmental impact case studies identified biodiversity opportunities with wildlife corridors (positioning of woodlands, hedgerows and infield features); prioritisation of native plant and tree species and diversification of the native species already present; and the importance of layers in woodland (low-growing native species of shrubs and brash with retention of deadwood).

Some of the more simple solutions that could be implemented include moving to battery powered equipment or electric vehicles. When it comes to cutting grass, increasing the intervals between mowing, strimming or topping was recommended and potentially introducing wildflower seed mixes on grass strips along hedgerows, woodland and paddock corridors. Whilst hedges could be cut on alternate sides annually, leaving one side un-trimmed, which would increase its attractiveness to wildlife and also store more carbon.

Stud farms were considered to be effective carbon stores with the soil under paddocks and plant material in mature woodlands storing carbon and active sequestration in younger woodland. However, the carbon emissions from the horses themselves and any other livestock grazing the premises; as well as horse transport, feed (soya), and

bedding provide challenges for the industry to consider over the coming months and years.

Victoria Murrell, Executive Secretary at the TBA and Project Lead for the Environmental Sustainability Working Group, said: “The environmental assessments performed by ADAS are the first step in benchmarking the carbon footprint of stud farms and raising awareness of the opportunities available to breeders, to optimise the sustainability of their stud farms and to begin to prepare for a subsidy system that will assess the environmental impact of their business activities. The next stage will be to repurpose the case study findings as a guidance booklet for breeders, which should be finalised by the end of the year and launched alongside a Q&A webinar.

“We are grateful to the Racing Foundation for their financial support, which enabled us to commission the study and are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.”

To find out more about the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and its work, including about the benefits of its Associate Subscription, visit www. thetba.co.uk

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THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Long recognised as Europe’s flagship mile race, 1,600m contests come no bigger than this anywhere on the international stage. Since becoming part of QIPCO British Champions Day the race has gone from strength to strength and has seen some mighty performances across the previous nine runnings.

Named in honour of The Queen in 1955, the race has a roll of honour packed full of stars, including Brigadier Gerard (1971 & 1972), Known Fact (1980), Dubai Millennium (1999) and the awesome Frankel, who took the contest in 2011 in effortless fashion.

In 2016, Minding became the first filly to be successful since Milligram in 1987, a feat which was followed up by Persuasive for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori in 2017.

The race already held special memories for Frankie Dettori, having provided him with his first-ever Group 1 victory thanks to Markofdistinction in 1990. Six years later, Mark Of Esteem was the third leg of his ‘Magnificent Seven’, when he won all seven races on that famous Ascot card.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

1 Mile

2020: The Revenant 2019: King Of Change 2018: Roaring Lion

PRIZE MONEY Overall: £1,100,00 1st: £623,810

2017: Persuasive

2nd: £236,500

2016: Minding

3rd: £118,360

2015: Solow 2014: Charm Spirit

4th: £58,960

2013: Olympic Glory

5th: £29,590

2012: Excelebration

6th: £14,850

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

PALACE PIER

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Sire-Dam: Kingman – Beach Frolic Breeder: Highclere Stud And Floors Farming Info: Palace Pier has lost only one of his ten races and has chalked up five Group 1 triumphs. Last year, the Kingman colt won the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot plus the Jacques le Marois at Deauville. And this campaign he has enhanced his reputation with successive victories in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes, at Newbury, and Queen Anne Stakes, back at Royal Ascot, before retaining his Jacques le Marois crown when apparently short of his peak. His one defeat came when third in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last year, when he lost a shoe. His exploits over a mile speak for themselves but John Gosden says he has not discounted stepping him up to a mile and a quarter.

THE REVENANT

Sex: Gelding Colour: Chestnut Age: 6 Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard Owner: Al Asayl France Sire-Dam: Dubawi (IRE) – Hazel Lavery (IRE) Breeder: Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd

Info: French-trained runners have merited a second look in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) since the first Champions Day in 2011. From just nine runners, they have enjoyed three winners, a runner-up and a third placing.

The Revenant has played his part, chasing home King Of Change in the 2019 renewal before going one better last year. He again impressed with the way he travelled 12 months ago, when he was chalking up his tenth win from 13 starts. This year, he has suffered successive defeats in his native France but has shown plenty of his usual vigour and, on each occasion, he was conceding weight to the opposition.

BAAEED

Sex: Colt Colour: Chestnut Age: 3 Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Sire-Dam: Sea The Stars (IRE) – Aghareed (USA) Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited Info: Baaeed did not make his debut until June 7 of this year after being unraced as a two-year-old, but he has rapidly made up for the lost time. The Sea The Stars colt won his four races by an aggregate of about 20 lengths without being anything like fully extended and then, on his latest start, was elevated to Group 1 company and landed the Prix du Moulin (Longchamp). He had previously breezed home by 6½ lengths in the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood, having landed the Listed Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes by four lengths at Newmarket before that.

WILLIAM HAGGAS (TRAINER) ON BAAEED

“

“

What he’s done in such a short space of time is impressive but he’s got an enormous task.

THE MILE SERIES 3.10: THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES

(SPONSORED P

BY QIPCO)

(CLASS 1)) (GROUP ( 1) (1M) £1,100,000 PRIZE MONEY

CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 3 4 =

Palace Pier Poetic Flare (IRE) Alcohol Free (IRE) Lady Bowthorpe Master Of The Seas (IRE)

Rating 124 Rating 122

Rating 119

Rating 117 Rating 117

The category rankings use the official performance ratings awarded by the British Horseracing Authority handicappers to the first three horses to finish in each QIPCO British Champions Series race.

THE QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS NEWMARKET ROWLEY MILE, 1ST MAY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £400,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: POETIC FLARE (IRE) 16/1 2nd: Master Of The Seas (IRE) 6/1 3rd: Lucky Vega (IRE) 12/1 At 54 years of age Kevin Manning became the oldest jockey to win a British or Irish Classic, since a 56-year-old Lester Piggott won the Irish 2000 Guineas back in 1992. Poetic Flare, his mount, dug deepest in what was a thrilling race to kick off the 2021 QIPCO British Champions Series, beating the Charlie Applebytrained Master Of The Seas by a nose. Lucky Vega was with them right to the line but fell just short for a valiant third. Trainer Jim Bolger and his wife Jackie were proud owners, trainers and breeder of the Classic winner. After the race, Bolger declared Poetic Flare as “the most complete racehorse I’ve ever had”.

THE AL SHAQAB LOCKINGE STAKES NEWBURY, 15TH MAY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY

1st: PALACE PIER 1/2F 2nd: Lady Bowthorpe 22/1 3rd: Top Rank (IRE) 11/1 A priceless performance by Palace Pier, on his return as a four-year-old at Newbury.

He had beaten all before him until he was caught for speed on QIPCO British Champions Day in 2020 but he returned with his normal exuberance here. The market suggested he would face little opposition, and that was exactly the way it panned out as the Kingman colt cruised clear for a commanding one-and-a-half length victory over Lady Bowthorpe, with Top Rank for James Tate back in third.

THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES

ROYAL ASCOT, 15TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £400,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: PALACE PIER 2/7F 2nd: Lope Y Fernandez (IRE) 12/1 3rd: Sir Busker (IRE) 22/1 Two from two in 2021. Palace Pier blew away the cobwebs in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes but made a statement in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

His comfortable Newbury success rightly granted him a commanding presence over the remainder of the field in the market. Palace Pier was ridden a little more prominent than he had been the last day and three furlongs out Dettori looked a little animated in the saddle. However, the response was there again when needed.

Palace Pier was always doing enough, the winning margin was a-length-and-a-half with Lope Y Fernandez and Sir Busker in second and third respectively.

THE ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES

ROYAL ASCOT, 15TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: POETIC FLARE (IRE) 7/2F 2nd: Lucky Vega (IRE) 4/1 3rd: Battleground (USA) 11/1 Poetic Flare came in to the 2021 season a somewhat underestimated quantity, for trainer Jim Bolger. His season couldn’t have started any better with a win in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and his win in the St James’s Palace at Ascot proved that result was no fluke. Throughout the race, Kevin Manning always looked to be very happy with how his mount was travelling and he towed his way to the lead without any encouragement. When Manning did push go, the response was instant and the opposition were left trailing as the son of Dawn Approach ran out an easy four-and-a-quarter length winner.

THE QATAR SUSSEX STAKES

GOODWOOD, 28TH JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £1,000,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: ALCOHOL FREE (IRE) 7/2 2nd: Poetic Flare (IRE) 11/8F 3rd: Snow Lantern (IRE) 6/1 No filly had won the Qatar Sussex Stakes since Soviet Song in 2004, but Alcohol Free broke that duck and in some style. Having already notched up the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, confidence was high, but she would be squaring off against the standout miler from the Classic generation – Poetic Flare. It would be Poetic Flare that would look the most likely winner as the race entered its closing stages, picking up the mantle at the front from longtime leader Order of Australia. Oisin Murphy always had Alcohol Free closing and she breezed past Poetic Flare inside the final furlong to secure her second Group 1 of the season.

THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN SUN CHARIOT STAKES NEWMARKET ROWLEY MILE, 2ND OCTOBER (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £250,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SAFFRON BEACH (IRE) 5/1 2nd: Mother Earth 11/4F 3rd: Dreamloper 25/1 It was a first Group 1 win for trainer, Jane Chapple-Hyam as her filly Saffron Beach recorded a comfortable victory to land the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, finishing three lengths clear of Mother Earth. The first and second were separated by a just a length in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, with Mother Earth the winner that day. However, Saffron Beach, paired with William Buick made all from her low draw and looked comfortable all the way.

Third would go to Dreamloper who outran her 25/1 odds.

FOURTH RACE 3.10PM THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) (GROUP 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MILE)

RACE

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

ONE MILE (1,600 metres), ROYAL HUNT CUP COURSE (8F) For three yrs old and upwards. Total race value £1100000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £490160; Second £201190; Third £100650; Fourth £50270; Fifth £25190; Sixth £12540. (Penalty Value £623810) A SS See page 124 for conditions of this race.

Horse

1

BENBATL (GB) (22)

Draw Draw

No

B h Dubawi (IRE) - Nahrain (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: Godolphin Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor, Newmarket Breeder: Darley Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Form: 1133-21 CD

4

Jockey Pat Cosgrave

4

3

NJORD (IRE) (13)

4

PALACE PIER (GB) (62)

Draw

LORD GLITTERS (FR) (42)

3

Daniel Tudhope

Draw

2

8

Tom Marquand

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Raced mainly on good/firmer and proved unsuited by heavy ground, trailing home last of 16 when favourite for this race in 2019; Group 1 winner in UAE, Germany and Australia in 2018; retains a smart level of ability judged on his two Group 2 performances this season, winning at Newmarket latest, but he’s currently several pounds below his peak form.

Official BHA Rating 117

5

Frankie Dettori

Gr or Ro g Whipper (USA) - Lady Glitters (FR) (Homme de Loi (IRE)) Owner: Geoff & Sandra Turnbull Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: DARK BLUE and PINK diabolo, chevrons Breeder: S.C.A. Elevage de Tourgeville et al on sleeves, PINK cap, DARK BLUE diamond.

Sponsor: Elwick Stud Form: 164424 CD BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Won the Balmoral Handicap on this card in 2017 and the Queen Anne here in 2019; fourth to Palace Pier in the latter contest this year; disappointing favourite in Group 3 on latest run; beaten in this race for last three years (form figures 686) and looks set for another supporting role.

Official BHA Rating 115

B g Roderic O’Connor (IRE) - Rosalind Franklin (Intikhab (USA)) Owner: Blessingndisguise Partnership Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland Colours: RED, WHITE star, RED sleeves, Breeder: Mrs Eithne McDonnell WHITE stars, striped cap.

Form: 220340 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Several creditable efforts at Group level this term but has done his winning in handicaps, most recently landing the Balmoral on this card in 2020; no impact in the Foret on latest start; has the worst chance on ratings.

Official BHA Rating 110

B c Kingman - Beach Frolic (Nayef (USA)) Owner: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Highclere Stud and Floors Farming

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Colours: SILVER, tassel on cap.

Form: 13-1111 CD

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Career record is 9-10, including five Group 1 wins (on various ground); sole defeat came in this contest last year when hindered by losing a shoe; 2021 campaign includes successes in the Lockinge, Queen Anne and Prix Jacques le Marois, the last-named race (for a second time) despite being only “80 per cent fit” after missing the Sussex Stakes due to a blood disorder; going into this race he’s the best miler in Europe.

Official BHA Rating 125

THE REVENANT (GB) (14)

Draw

5

Ch g Dubawi (IRE) - Hazel Lavery (IRE) (Excellent Art) Owner: Al Asayl France Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, France Breeder: Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd

2

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 4 Colours: RED, BLACK stars, RED sleeves.

Form: 2/11-342 CD

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Finished second in this contest in 2019 then went one better (on soft ground) last year when Palace Pier admittedly had an excuse; strong-finishing second in Longchamp Group 2 (back from a break) on latest start during a light 2021 campaign, and that effort tees him up very nicely for another crack at this prize; should go well again.

Official BHA Rating 117

94

Olivier Peslier

BAAEED (GB) (41)

7

LADY BOWTHORPE (GB) (55)

Draw

6

10

Jim Crowley

Draw

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

6

Kieran Shoemark

B c Sea The Stars (IRE) - Aghareed (USA) (Kingmambo (USA)) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited striped cap.

Form: 11111 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH Unbeaten colt who is one of the most exciting horses of the season, having progressed markedly since his debut success in June and looked very impressive on a few occasions, notably in Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood where he oozed class and hammered his rivals; had to work harder in the Moulin at Longchamp last time but it was his first Group 1 attempt and he should still have plenty more to offer; raced only on good to firm and good to soft ground; up-and-coming miler who commands huge respect.

Official BHA Rating 121

B m Nathaniel (IRE) - Maglietta Fina (IRE) (Verglas (IRE)) Owner: Ms E. L. Banks Trainer: William Jarvis, Newmarket Breeder: Scuderia Archi Romani Sponsor: GB Helicopters

Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 5 Colours: PURPLE, ORANGE stars, EMERALD GREEN sleeves, PURPLE armlets, ORANGE cap.

Form: 122410 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Smart mare who was a clear second behind Palace Pier in the Lockinge and ran to a similar level when winning the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood (upped to 1m2f); disappointing favourite in French Group 1 last time; likely to be just out of the frame in this field.

Official BHA Rating 117

MASTER OF THE SEAS (IRE) (22)

B c Dubawi (IRE) - Firth of Lorne (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Owner: Godolphin Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket Breeder: Godolphin Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better

Draw

8

7

William Buick

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE cap.

Form: 14-2123 D BF

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Soft-ground winner on debut, campaigned on good/firmer since; wore hood on last three appearances (all at Newmarket), winning the Craven Stakes then short-head second in the 2000 Guineas and third to Benbatl in the Joel Stakes (hampered then kept on); may well come on for the last run, which was after a layoff; still open to further progress and, with Classic form on his CV, looks interesting despite the removal of headgear.

Official BHA Rating 117

ALCOHOL FREE (IRE) (59)

Draw

9

B f No Nay Never (USA) - Plying (USA) (Hard Spun (USA)) Owner: Mr J. C. Smith Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Churchtown House Stud

1

Oisin Murphy

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 12 Colours: PURPLE, LIGHT BLUE chevron, LIGHT BLUE cap.

Form: 151316 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Step up to 1m2f backfired in the Juddmonte International when last seen two months ago; generally progressive otherwise and has had three Group 1 wins, including this year’s Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot (heavy) and Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (soft); won the 2020 Cheveley Park on good ground; may be capable of further improvement back at 1m; possibilities.

Official BHA Rating 119 Draw

10 MOTHER EARTH (IRE) (14)

B f Zoffany (IRE) - Many Colours (Green Desert (USA)) Owner: Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Grenane House Stud

9

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 12 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap.

Form: 232132 D BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Has raced exclusively against her own sex; tremendously consistent in Group 1 races this season, winning twice (including the 1,000 Guineas); ties in with Alcohol Free on a few pieces of form; unlucky third in the Matron Stakes two starts ago, then finished second in the Sun Chariot; however, judged on ratings she faces a harder task on first run against males.

Official BHA Rating 114

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 10 (EXACTA) Hood worn by No. 5. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 3.

Stewards Note: LORD GLITTERS: Following its run on 4/9/2021 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.

2020: THE REVENANT 5 9 4 Pierre-Charles Boudot 5-1 (Francis-Henri Graffard) 14 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

95

Ryan Moore

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 13-8 Palace Pier (GB), 9-4 Baaeed (GB), 8-1 The Revenant (GB), Master of The Seas (IRE), Alcohol Free (IRE), 16-1 Benbatl (GB), Lady Bowthorpe (GB), 20-1 Mother Earth (IRE), 66-1 Lord Glitters (FR), Njord (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.

96

Elegance is an attitude Kate Winslet

The Longines Master Collection

LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE RANKINGS

WORLD RANKINGS

ifhaonline.org

The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings is horseracing’s equivalent to World Rankings by other major sporting organizations such as ATP Tennis Rankings, World Golf Rankings, FIFA World Rankings for soccer and IRB Rugby World Rankings.

The LONGINES Rankings are based on the ratings earned by horses running worldwide from North and South America, Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Asia through to Australia and New Zealand.

The ratings are compiled under the auspices of The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) by racing officials & handicappers representing the five continents who compile the ranking order by agreeing on the rating for each horse.

The ratings are based on the performance of horses in elite races held during the designated period which takes in account the quality of opposition and achievements of each horse.

Throughout the year the LONGINES Rankings are published at regular intervals and the consolidated annual rankings are released in January. The annual rankings denote the champions in the various distance categories for example sprint or mile, surface either turf or dirt/artificial and also the fillies & mares category.

Ranking Rating Horse

1 1 1 4 4 6 6 8 8 10 10 10 10 10 15 15 15 15 15 15 21 21 21 21 21

127 127 127 125 125 124 124 123 123 122 122 122 122 122 121 121 121 121 121 121 120 120 120 120 120

21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120

Adayar (IRE) Mishriff (IRE) St Mark's Basilica (FR) Palace Pier (GB) Torquator Tasso (GER) Knicks Go (USA) Nature Strip (AUS) Hurricane Lane (IRE) Medina Spirit (USA) Domestic Spending (GB) Essential Quality (USA) Mystic Guide (USA) Poetic Flare (IRE) Subjectivist (GB) Addeybb (IRE) Baaeed (GB) Eduardo (AUS) Gran Alegria (JPN) Hot Rod Charlie (USA) Pyledriver (GB) Al Aasy (IRE) Charlatan (USA) Chrono Genesis (JPN) Efforia (JPN) Exultant (IRE) (ex Irishcorrespondent) Glory Vase (JPN) Golden Sixty (AUS) Jackie's Warrior (USA) Life Is Good (USA) Lord North (IRE) Mandaloun (USA) Midnight Bourbon (USA) Monomoy Girl (USA) Rainbow Bridge (SAF) Shahryar (JPN) Skalleti (FR) Snowfall (JPN) Starman (GB) Suesa (IRE) Tarnawa (IRE) Trueshan (FR) Zaaki (GB)

Age

Sex

Country of Training

2018 2017 2018 2017 2017 2016 2014 2018 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2014 2018 2013 2016 2018 2017 2017 2017 2016 2018 2014

C C C C C H G C C G C C C C G C G M C C C C M C G

GB GB IRE GB GER USA AUS GB USA USA USA USA IRE GB GB GB AUS JPN USA GB GB USA JPN JPN HK

2015 2015 2018 2018 2016 2018 2018 2015 2014 2018 2015 2018 2017 2018 2016 2016 2015

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

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

CHAMPION OWNER TITLE RACE

2 0 2 1

Godolphin remains a worldwide force in both the international racing and bloodstock industries.

ADAYAR | KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH QIPCO STAKES

For the fourth time in six years, they will be crowned Champion Owners in Britain, but that fact underplays what has been a simply superb year for the operation, marked by another success in the world’s most famous Flat race, the Cazoo Derby at Epsom.

trained by Saeed bin Suroor, was merely embarking on his stellar season when plundering the fiercelycontested 30-runner Royal Hunt Cup, and Appleby’s Kemari also claimed valuable funds with a dominant display in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase.

With the impact of the coronavirus pandemic starting to ease, Newmarket’s QIPCO Guineas Festival weekend reverted this year to its traditional early-May slot, and Godolphin were soon at the top of the prize money charts.

With an apparent shortage of talented three-year-old fillies’ on their books, Godolphin failed to saddle a single runner in the third Classic of the season, with the Cazoo Oaks going to the brilliant filly Snowfall. She was to go on to complete a remarkable treble by later capturing both the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks and has been the top earner in Britain this season for the Coolmore team.

Somewhat agonisingly for trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick, Craven Stakes winner Master Of The Seas was inched out by Poetic Flare in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, with Naval Crown (fourth) and One Ruler (sixth) also contributing. The Godolphin silks were carried to success on 15 occasions in May, including by Derby hopeful Hurricane Lane in the Al Basti Equiworld Dante Stakes at York.

Ultimately it was the month of June that held the key to Godolphin reclaiming the owners’ title from the much-missed Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Shadwell team. Royal Ascot saw the Appleby-trained Creative Force continue his progress when scoring for the first time in pattern company in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes. Meanwhile, the Dark Angel colt Real World,

However, the Guineas had illustrated that Godolphin had a stronger team of three-year-old colts in the ranks and 24 hours on, Godolphin took centre stage in the Cazoo Derby courtesy of Adayar (winner), Hurricane Lane (third) and One Ruler (sixth). Adam Kirby was in the saddle aboard the successful son of Frankel.

Time has since illustrated that this year’s Derby was a strong renewal, with the top-class Moulton Paddocks duo Adayar and Hurricane Lane central to Godolphin success throughout the remainder of the Flat season.

July (22 winners) and August (24 winners) brought even more success for Godolphin, with runners in the famous blue silks operating an impressive 25%-plus strike-rate throughout the summer. Nevertheless, with the British Owners’ Championship determined by prize money (and not total winners) it was the major race successes which mattered most. With Hurricane Lane campaigned abroad (winning the Irish Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris) it was left to Adayar to fly the Godolphin flag in Great Britain.

Six weeks on from the Cazoo Derby, Adayar again delivered the goods in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes at Ascot. In landing the prestigious mid-summer highlight, Adayar took the not-insignificant scalps of the Saudi Cup winner Mishriff and the multiple Group 1-winning filly, Love.

Elsewhere, a recently-gelded Yibir was beginning to focus more fully on his racing duties with victory in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket, and Real World continued on a positive trajectory in the Listed Bet365 Stakes (Newbury). The flourishing Yibir was soon back on the scoresheet in August in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, and in the safe hands of Marco Ghiani, Real World matched that feat by taking the Group 3 Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes.

The admirable five-year-old Space Blues resumed winning ways in August with a smooth success in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes, and at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, Creative Force finished a close second to Kinross in the Unibet Lennox Stakes.

HURRICANE LANE | CAZOO ST LEGER

Going into the final Classic of the season, Doncaster’s Cazoo St Leger, the solid form credentials of the returning Hurricane Lane were there for all to see.

Under considered handling from William Buick, the versatile Frankel colt landed the odds, comfortably reversing Derby placings with Mojo Star.

The likes of Hukum and Al Aasy flew the flag with distinction for Shadwell in 2021, while King Power Racing also enjoyed great success, principally with Winter Power, the Yorkshire-trained local winner of the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.

But despite those victories, Godolphin carry an unassailable advantage in the standings into QIPCO British Champions Day, the final day of the championship season.

Looking back on the year, Appleby reflects: “It’s been a great season. Not just in what we have managed to achieve this year, but in the consistency that we have maintained throughout what is a long season – and even longer for Godolphin in that we are on the go with these horses 12 months a year, either in Britain or in Dubai.

“Speaking personally, I’m delighted for all of the team at Moulton Paddocks, but most of all for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who is the driving force behind our success.”

Just as importantly for Godolphin, with a number of particularly promising two-year-olds in their ranks, Native Trail, Modern Games and Albahr to name but three, the global juggernaut looks likely to keep on rolling.

HURRICANE LANE

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Following on from iconic races like the Cazoo Derby and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, the QIPCO Champion Stakes provides a pulsating showdown in the QIPCO British Champions Series Middle Distance division.

The race brought its great heritage with it from Newmarket, where it had been run from its inception in 1877 until 2010. But it’s move to QIPCO British Champions Day in 2011 has seen some remarkable performances and has further enhanced its status.

Each of the nine renewals in the race’s new surroundings have produced top quality fields and thrilling finishes.

The first set the bar high, with French raider Cirrus Des Aigles getting the better of Aussie superstar So You Think, with two champion mares, Snow Fairy and Midday, further behind.

For quality and drama, few races could ever match the 2012 running, when Frankel rounded off his unbeaten career with another magnificent win, his 14th in a row.

In 2016, Almanzor completed a stunning sequence of five victories with a dramatic defeat of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe winner, Found, to provide French trainer Jean-Claude Rouget with his first and Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon with his second win in the race.

Cracksman, son of Frankel, won back-to-back renewals in 2017 and 2018 by a combined distance of 13 lengths, and in doing so became the first horse to win the same race twice at QIPCO British Champions Day. In 2019 the tough mare Magical showed her class and in 2020, it was Addeybb that would go one better and secure jockey, Tom Marquand his first success at QIPCO British Champions Day.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile about 2 Furlongs

2020: Addeybb

Overall: £1,260,000

2019: Magical 2018: Cracksman

1st: £714,546

2017: Cracksman

2nd: £270,900

2016: Almanzor

3rd: £135,576

2015: Fascinating Rock 2014: Noble Mission

4th: £67,536

2013: Farhh

5th: £33,894

2012: Frankel

6th: £17,010

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

MISHRIFF

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Prince A A Faisal Sire-Dam: Make Believe - Contradict Breeder: Nawara Stud Limited Info: The globetrotting Mishriff has already won his connections more than £11 million in prize-money, making him one of the highest-earning thoroughbreds in history. He won the French Derby last season and began this year by scooping lucrative prizes in Saudi Arabia and Dubai (Sheema Classic). Back on British shores, it’s been a case of 321 this summer with placed efforts in the Coral-Eclipse and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes being a precursor to a dazzling success in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Mishriff ran a rare belowpar race in the Champion Stakes last year but it’s clear there has been no hangover.

ADDEYBB

Sex: Gelding Colour: Chestnut Age: 7 Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Sire-Dam: Pivotal - Bush Cat (USA) Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited Info: Addeybb was a convincing winner of last year’s Champion Stakes, having been runner-up 12 months earlier, and is unlikely to give up his crown without a fight. His exploits this term show he retains all his ability. In April, he won the Group 1 Longines Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Randwick, in Australia, for a second time and on his latest start he chased home St Mark’s Basilica in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park, with Mishriff back in third. That pair have continued to shine in the biggest races. The last seven-year-old to win this race was Bendigo, in 1887, but Addeybb is showing no signs of decline and since being fitted with cheekpieces, 12 races ago, he’s never out of the first two.

ADAYAR

Sex: Chestnut Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Charlie Appleby Owner: Godolphin Sire-Dam: Frankel – Anna Salai (USA) Breeder: Godolphin Info: The brilliant Derby winner followed up with a superb success in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes at Ascot in July, when he won at the main expense of Mishriff. Adayar was then absent for ten weeks before finishing fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp this month, with connections suggesting he didn’t enjoy the heavy ground. Underfoot conditions seem likely to be more in his favour on Champions Day, and he has the class/pace to be effective back over a mile and a quarter. His rematch with Mishriff will be worth the admission fee alone.

DAVID EGAN (JOCKEY) ON MISHRIFF

“

“

He’s laid-back and not one to over-exert himself at home. He does all his work on the racetrack.

THE MIDDLE DISTANCE SERIES 3.50: THE QIPCO

CHAMPION C STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP G 1) (1M 2F) £1,260,000 PRIZE MONEY

CATEGORY LEADERS 1 = = 4 5

Adayar (IRE) St Mark's Basilica (FR) Mishriff (IRE) Pyledriver Addeybb (IRE)

Rating 127 Rating 127 Rating 127 Rating 121

Rating 120

The category rankings use the official performance ratings awarded by the British Horseracing Authority handicappers to the first three horses to finish in each QIPCO British Champions Series race.

THE CORAL CORONATION CUP

EPSOM DOWNS, 4TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £330,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: PYLEDRIVER 8/1 2nd: Al Aasy (IRE) 7/4F 3rd: Japan 100/30 Pyledriver was arguably one of the stories of 2020. A horse that once went unsold for 10,000 guineas, against all the odds ran out a Royal Ascot winner and it was clear that William Muir had a star on his hands. Al Aasy was the much more fancied rival in the market heading into the Coral Coronation Cup but it was Pyledriver that very gamely ground out victory – holding on by a neck from the aforementioned Al Aasy in one of the races of the season. Pyledriver was headed briefly in the closing stages, but anyone that follows Pyledriver knew already that he wouldn’t be giving way that easily.

THE CAZOO DERBY

EPSOM DOWNS, 5TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £1,125,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: ADAYAR (IRE) 16/1 2nd: Mojo Star (IRE) 50/1 3rd: Hurricane Lane (IRE) 6/1 When you ask any Trainer, Jockey or Owner what race they would most like to win, more often than not you are met with the same answer - The Derby. Up until 2018 it had been a race that had evaded one of racing’s biggest operations, Godolphin, before Masar landed a famous win. It didn’t take as long for a second win to follow, with Adayar the beneficiary of some smart jockeyship by Adam Kirby. Having travelled well throughout, a slender gap appeared on the rail and Kirby rallied his mount through the tightest of spaces. He wouldn’t see another rival from then on in and went on to secure an impressive four-and-a-half-length victory.

THE PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES

ROYAL ASCOT, 16TH JUNE

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2F) £700,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: LOVE (IRE) 11/10F 2nd: Audarya (FR) 10/1 3rd: Armory (IRE) 5/2 2020 may have seen one great filly head off for retirement in the form of Enable, but in the same year it welcomed a new star on the block - Love. Her wins in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks were breathtaking. She returned for her 2021 campaign with a weight of expectation and duly delivered, albeit not in the decisive manner we had been accustomed to seeing. In a small field, jockey Ryan Moore opted to make the running. For a large part it looked comfortable, but in the closing stages Audarya threw everything she had at Aidan O’Brien’s filly. As all good horses do, Love found a way and held on by three-quarters-of-a-length.

THE CORAL-ECLIPSE SANDOWN PARK, 3RD JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2F) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY

1st: ST MARK’S BASILICA (FR) EVS F 2nd: Addeybb (IRE) 7/2 3rd: Mishriff (IRE) 9/4 The Coral-Eclipse is the first opportunity for the Classic generation to pitch themselves against the established older horses in the Middle Distance category of the QIPCO British Champions Series. St Mark’s Basilica would go off the even-money favourite in the small, but classy field featuring Mishriff, Addeybb and the outsider, El Drama. Turning for home Mishriff looked the winner and travelled with ease but when Ryan Moore gave St Mark’s Basilica a shake of the reins he had far too much for his older companions. The victory was decisive and would be his only Series win after retiring before the end of the season.

THE KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH QIPCO STAKES ASCOT, 24TH JULY

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £875,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: ADAYAR (IRE) 9/4 2nd: Mishriff (IRE) 13/2 3rd: Love (IRE) 13/8 F Adayar made another huge statement when becoming just the fourth horse to win the Cazoo Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes in the same season. After missing the break, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Broome was cajoled along to make the running, looking to set an even gallop for his stablemate, Love. But the pace would ultimately suit Adayar and his biggest rival would prove to be Mishriff. The former would comfortably assert his authority in the final furlong, showing his Cazoo Derby victory was no fluke.

THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES YORK, 18TH AUGUST

(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2 1/2F) £1,000,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: MISHRIFF (IRE) 9/4F 2nd: Alenquer (FR) 8/1 3rd: Love (IRE) 11/4 A star-studded line up descended upon the Knavesmire for York’s feature race, the Juddmonte International. Mishriff, Love, Alcohol Free and Mac Swiney were all Group 1 winners in their own right, but it was Mishriff that shone the brightest. Ridden by David Egan, he travelled smoothly throughout and, when his rivals looked in trouble, had ounces more to give. From three furlongs out the race turned into a procession as Mishriff continued to stride clear, leaving his rivals toiling. The winning margin was six lengths, and had David Egan not eased down it could have been much more.

FIFTH RACE 3.50PM THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MIDDLE DISTANCE) (GROUP 1)

RACE

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Inside

ONE MILE ABT TWO FURLONGS (9F ABT 212YDS) (1,900 metres) For three yrs old and upwards. Total race value £1260000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £714546; Second £270900; Third £135576; Fourth £67536; Fifth £33894; Sixth £17010 (Penalty Value £714546) A SS See page 124 for conditions of this race.

Horse

1

ADDEYBB (IRE) (105)

Draw Draw

No

Ch g Pivotal - Bush Cat (USA) (Kingmambo (USA)) Owner: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

1

Jockey Tom Marquand

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 5 Colours: YELLOW, BLACK epaulets.

Form: 211-212 CD

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Four-time Group 1 winner (three in Australia, including on good ground) who was runner-up in this in 2019 and went one better last year (both on soft); second to St Mark’s Basilica in the Group 1 Eclipse in July on this year’s sole British outing, a neck ahead of Mishriff (both were back from breaks and probably not at their very best); this looks an even hotter race than last year but this hugely admirable 7yo has to be respected.

Official BHA Rating 125

AL AASY (IRE) (28)

Draw

2

B g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Kitcara (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc.

5

Jim Crowley

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 5 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, striped cap.

Form: 6-11224 BF BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Lightly raced 4yo who kicked off this campaign with two comfortable Group 3 wins at Newbury (1m4f, good/good to soft) before being beaten a neck in the Group 1 Coronation Cup (1m4f, good to soft); however, hasn’t shown his peak form the last twice (gelded prior to last time) and others appeal more.

Official BHA Rating 118

EUCHEN GLEN (GB) (28)

Draw

3

B g Authorized (IRE) - Jabbara (IRE) (Kingmambo (USA)) Owner: Mr W. M. Johnstone Trainer: Jim Goldie, Glasgow Breeder: W. M. Johnstone Sponsor: Jim Goldie Racing

7

Paul Mulrennan

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 5 Colours: YELLOW, DARK BLUE stars, halved sleeves.

Form: 512502 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Evergreen 8yo who has won Group 3 and Listed races this season (1m2f, soft/good) and was a solid Listed second at Ayr last month; however, he’s likely to be out of his depth in today’s company.

Official BHA Rating 114

MISHRIFF (IRE) (59)

Draw

4

B c Make Believe - Contradict (Raven’s Pass (USA)) Owner: Prince A. A. Faisal Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Nawara Stud Limited

2

David Egan

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 5 Colours: MAROON, GREY epaulets.

Form: 0-11321 D

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Flopped in this race last year but has top-notch form otherwise (on a variety of ground); not quite at his best when third in the Eclipse in July (a neck behind Addeybb who was also back from a break) before a fine second to Adayar in the King George here (1m4f), then bolted up in the International at York (1m2f) for a third Group 1 win; needs to turn the tables on his King George conqueror Adayar and this shorter trip boosts his chance.

Official BHA Rating 127

ADAYAR (IRE) (13)

Draw

5

B c Frankel - Anna Salai (USA) (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Godolphin Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Newmarket Breeder: Godolphin Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Form: 1-22114 C

9

1

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH Found major improvement with a commanding win in the Derby (1m4f, good to soft) and following up in the King George here (1m4f, good to firm; runner-up Mishriff beaten about 2l); failed to settle on heavy ground in the Arc (1m4f) last time and didn’t see it out, finishing fourth; that hard race was just 13 days ago and he needs to prove he’s fully effective over 1m2f, but he shapes as though this trip will suit and he has leading claims if at his best.

Official BHA Rating 127

106

William Buick

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

ADDEYBB, RIDDEN BY TOM MARQUAND, WINS LAST YEAR Polar Falcon (USA)

Pivotal (GB)

Fearless Revival Kingmambo (USA)

Bush Cat (USA)

Arbusha (USA)

Cape Cross (IRE) Sea The Stars (IRE) Urban Sea (USA) Shamardal (USA)

Kitcara (GB)

Kitcat (GER)

Montjeu (IRE) Authorized (IRE)

Funsie (FR) Kingmambo (USA)

Jabbara (IRE)

Isle de France (USA)

Makfi (GB) Make Believe (GB) Rosie's Posy (IRE) Raven's Pass (USA)

Contradict (GB)

Acts of Grace (USA)

Galileo (IRE)

Frankel (GB)

Kind (IRE) Dubawi (IRE) Anna Salai (USA)

Anna Palariva (IRE)

107

Nureyev (USA) Marie d'Argonne (FR) Cozzene (USA) Stufida Mr Prospector (USA) Miesque (USA) Danzig (USA) Lulu Mon Amour (USA) Green Desert (USA) Park Appeal Miswaki (USA) Allegretta Giant's Causeway (USA) Helsinki (GB) Monsun (GER) Kittiwake (GB) Sadler's Wells (USA) Floripedes (FR) Saumarez Vallee Dansante (USA) Mr Prospector (USA) Miesque (USA) Nureyev (USA) Stella Madrid (USA) Dubawi (IRE) Dhelaal (GB) Suave Dancer (USA) My Branch (GB) Elusive Quality (USA) Ascutney (USA) Bahri (USA) Rafha Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Danehill (USA) Rainbow Lake (GB) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Caerleon (USA) Anna of Saxony (GB)

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES BOLSHOI BALLET (IRE) (28)

Draw

6

B c Galileo (IRE) - Alta Anna (FR) (Anabaa (USA)) Owner: Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Lynch-Bages & Rhinestone Bloodstock

Weight: 9 Horse Age: 3 Colours: DARK BLUE Form: 110144 D

8

Ryan Moore

1

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Won two Group 3s at Leopardstown this spring (1m2f, good) and was sent off favourite for the Derby (1m4f, good to soft), only to finish well beaten behind Adayar; won US Grade 1 (1m2f, good) in July but merely fourth in the US the last twice and his limitations are likely to be exposed today.

Official BHA Rating 115

DUBAI HONOUR (IRE) (14)

Draw

7

B g Pride of Dubai (AUS) - Mondelice (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Mr Mohamed Obaida Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Macha Bloodstock/Meridian International

10

James Doyle

Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED epaulets, striped cap.

Form: 14-4111 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Highly progressive during this 3yo campaign, winning a handicap at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) in July then landing two French Group 2s (1m2f, good to soft/very soft); today is a much tougher test of his credentials but he’s done it readily the last twice and it remains to be seen where the ceiling of his ability lies; could have a part to play.

Official BHA Rating 116

FOXES TALES (IRE) (28)

Draw

8

B c Zoffany (IRE) - Starfish (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Manister House Stud Sponsor: King Power International Co Ltd

4

Silvestre De Sousa

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, striped sleeves, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star.

Form: 151212 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW H Pushed Dubai Honour close in Newmarket handicap (1m2f, good to firm) in July then won Haydock Group 3 (10.5f, soft); another big run when pipped in Newbury Group 3 (1m3f, good) latest; wears first-time blinkers and further improvement can’t be ruled out, but a sizeable step forward is needed.

Official BHA Rating 111

MAC SWINEY (IRE) (35)

Draw

9

Ch c New Approach (IRE) - Halla Na Saoire (IRE) (Teofilo (IRE)) Owner: Mrs J. S. Bolger Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: J. S. Bolger, Ireland Colours: WHITE, PURPLE stripe, check cap.

Breeder: J. S. Bolger Form: 414650 BF

6

Kevin Manning

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Group 1 winner in last October’s Vertem Futurity (1m, heavy) and May’s Irish 2,000 Guineas (1m, soft to heavy); however, he was no match for Adayar in the Derby (1m4f, good to soft), nor for Mishriff in the International (1m2f, good), and he’s unlikely to get his favoured very testing ground.

Official BHA Rating 115 Draw

10 SEALIWAY (FR) (13)

Ch c Galiway - Kensea (FR) (Kendargent (FR)) Owner: Le Haras de la Gousserie & Guy Pariente Trainer: Cedric Rossi, France Breeder: Guy Pariente Holding

3

Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: YELLOW, DARK GREEN cross belts, chevrons on sleeves, YELLOW cap, DARK GREEN stars.

Form: 15-2025 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Easily won the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere last October (7f, heavy) and ran a cracker when runner-up in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club (1m2f, soft) in June; first run since when a creditable fifth in the Arc (1m4f, heavy) 13 days ago but others here possess stronger form than this French raider.

Official BHA Rating 117

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 10 (EXACTA) Blinkers worn first time by No. 8. Tongue Strap worn by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 1.

Stewards Note: EUCHEN GLEN: Following its run on 18/9/2021 it was reported that the horse hung left in the home straight.

2020: ADDEYBB (IRE) 6 9 5 Tom Marquand 9-1 (William Haggas) 10 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER: DISTANCE:

3RD: TIME:

4TH:

108

Mickael Barzalona

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES Sadler's Wells (USA)

Galileo (IRE)

Urban Sea (USA) Anabaa (USA) Alta Anna (FR) Anna Edes (FR)

Street Cry (IRE)

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Al Anood (AUS) Montjeu (IRE)

Mondelice (GB)

Compelling (IRE)

Dansili (GB) Zoffany (IRE) Tyranny (GB) Galileo (IRE) Starfish (IRE) Silver Skates (IRE)

Galileo (IRE) New Approach (IRE) Park Express Teofilo (IRE) Halla Na Saoire (IRE) Siamsa (USA)

Galileo (IRE) Galiway (GB)

Danzigaway (USA) Kendargent (FR)

Kensea (FR) Sea Island (FR)

109

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge (USA) Miswaki (USA) Allegretta Danzig (USA) Balbonella (FR) Fabulous Dancer (USA) Abbey (FR) Machiavellian (USA) Helen Street Danehill (USA) Eljazzi Sadler's Wells (USA) Floripedes (FR) Kingmambo (USA) Damson (IRE) Danehill (USA) Hasili (IRE) Machiavellian (USA) Dust Dancer (GB) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Slip Anchor Klarifi Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Ahonoora Matcher Galileo (IRE) Speirbhean (IRE) Quest For Fame Amoura (USA) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Danehill (USA) Blushing Away (USA) Kendor (FR) Pax Bella (FR) Gold Away (IRE) Equatoriale (FR)

THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES

RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 6-4 Mishriff (IRE), 15-8 Adayar (IRE), 7-1 Addeybb (IRE), Dubai Honour (IRE), 12-1 Sealiway (FR), 20-1 Al Aasy (IRE), 25-1 Bolshoi Ballet (IRE), 33-1 Mac Swiney (IRE), 50-1 Foxes Tales (IRE), 66-1 Euchen Glen (GB)

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

110

All eyes on his first European crop of 128 2yo runners in 2022 Buyers of his phenomenal first European yearlings include: Avenue Bloodstock (x4), Peter & Ross Doyle (x3), Longways Stables (x2), Church Farm & Horse Park (x2), Amanda Skiffington, Bryan Smart, Charlie Gordon-Watson, Federico Barberini, Hugo Palmer, Kevin Ross, Margaret O’Toole, Stephen Hillen, etc.

Filly ex Permission Sold for 280,000Gns to Amanda Skiffington

Filly ex Felissa Purchased for 50,000Gns as a foal and sold for 185,000Gns as a yearling Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177

Gr.1 winning son of Pivotal

Champion Older Miler Winner of the Gr.1 Sussex Stakes Dual winner of the Gr.2 Celebration Mile in record time First runners 2022 Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Named after the castle in Scotland that has belonged to the British Royal Family since it was purchased by Prince Albert in 1852, the Balmoral Handicap (sponsored by QIPCO) was inaugurated in 2014.

A race known as the Balmoral Handicap had previously been staged over five furlongs at the Royal Meeting but was discontinued in 2004 in favour of the new Windsor Forest Stakes for fillies and mares. The Ascot Executive always intended to bring the name back when the appropriate opportunity arose, and Her Majesty The Queen graciously consented to it being re-introduced on QIPCO British Champions Day. The Balmoral Handicap, with its £200,000 race value, has quickly become established as one of the most prestigious events of its kind anywhere in Europe. In its inaugural running, the race could not have had a more popular winner than Marcus Tregoning’s Bronze Angel, twice the winner of the Cambridgeshire.

In 2017, Lord Glitters secured victory for David O’Meara and subsequently went on to secure his first Group 1 at Royal Ascot in 2019 in the Queen Anne Stakes. In 2020, trainer Jessica Harrington would secure her first QIPCO British Champions Day winner with Njord, who gave his jockey Tom Marquand back-to-back wins on the card.

RACE DISTANCE

PREVIOUS WINNERS

PRIZE MONEY

1 Mile

2020: Njord

Overall: £200,000

2019: Escobar

1st: £103,080

2018: Sharja Bridge

2nd: £48,340

2017: Lord Glitters

3rd: £24,180

2016: Yuften 2015: Musaddas 2014: Bronze Angel

4th: £12,080 5th: £ 6,040 6th: £3,020

LEADING CONTENDERS

ONES TO WATCH

SUNRAY MAJOR

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Sire-Dam: Dubawi (IRE) - Zenda Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd

Age: 4 Owner: Juddmonte

Info: John Gosden has saddled the Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored by QIPCO) runner-up five times without managing to win it, but perhaps Sunray Major will put that right for him.

Sunray Major is bred to be special, being a son of Dubawi and a half-brother to champion miler Kingman and looked exciting when winning on his debut over a mile at Newmarket in June of last year. He disappointed soon after but returned this autumn with taking victories over 7f at Chelmsford and Ascot, after a fifteen month lay-off. He has a 6lb penalty to carry for the latter success but he’s ahead of the handicapper and there could be a lot more to come.

NUGGET

Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Highclere T’Bred Racing - Karen Darke Sire-Dam: Siyouni (FR) - Gemstone (IRE) Breeder: Highclere Stud & Ors Bloodstock Info: Nugget has never finished outside of the top three when acing over 7f or more and has already won a big mile handicap this year, having landed the MansionBet Spring Cup at Newbury in April. He was unfortunate not to follow up in the Cliff Stud Thirsk Hunt Cup on his next start before resuming winning ways at Haydock Park last time, on what was his first start for five months. The winning margin was only a neck, but he looked to have things under control a little way out. It’s not difficult to envisage Nugget running another big race, although softish ground would be an unknown as he has raced exclusively on good going or quicker.

ALDAARY

Sex: Gelding Colour: Chestnut Age: 3 Trainer: William Haggas Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Sire-Dam: Territories (IRE) – Broughtons Revival Breeder: M E Broughton Info: Aldaary has won four of his eight races, with two of his victories being achieved at Ascot this season. He could not have been more impressive when winning at the course this month, on a day when his in-form trainer had eight winners. That victory was off a mark 10lb higher than when he scored in May. Those victories were both achieved over 7f, but Aldaary did not look beaten for lack of stamina over a mile at York on his penultimate start.

ESCOBAR

Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 7 Trainer: David O’Meara Owner: Withernsea Thoroughbred Limited Sire-Dam: Famous Name – Saying Grace (IRE) Breeder: Peter Evans Info: Escobar is set to run on QIPCO British Champions Day for the fourth successive year and is not one to underestimate. He found the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO) a bit too much last year, but he was runner-up in the 2018 Balmoral Handicap and went one better in the 2019 renewal, at the main expense of the top-class Lord North. His latest defeat is easy to excuse and, before that, he had put together a sequence of excellent efforts in defeat.

He is well-served by the demands of big-field handicaps and the dartboard colours of his owners make him easy to identify. They will be hoping for another bullseye from him.

SIXTH RACE 4.30PM THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)

RACE

RACE

FINISH

START

Stalls: Far Side

ONE MILE (1,600 metres), ROYAL HUNT CUP COURSE (8F) For three yrs old and upwards. Total race value £200000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £81260; Second £40640; Third £20320; Fourth £10160; Fifth £5080; Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 45 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS

No

Horse

1

SIR BUSKER (IRE) (31)

B g Sir Prancealot (IRE) - Street Kitty (IRE) (Tiger Hill (IRE)) Owner: Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds XI Racing Trainer: William Knight, Newmarket Breeder: Ms Ann Foley Sponsor: Oakman Group PLC

Draw

Jockey

Draw

See page 124 for conditions of this race.

Oisin Murphy

3

Weight: 9 11 Horse Age: 5 Colours: NAVY BLUE, RED and LIGHT BLUE hoop and armlets, WHITE cap.

Form: 430243 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Record of 1433 over this C&D, the win gained in handicap at Royal Ascot in 2020 (good); ran well in the QEII on this card last year (soft) and the Queen Anne in June; has frame possibilities back here, despite high mark.

Official BHA Rating 111

OH THIS IS US (IRE) (14)

3

MONTATHAM (GB) (84)

4

ACCIDENTAL AGENT (GB) (14)

6

Rossa Ryan

16

Dane O’Neill

Draw

2

Draw

B h Acclamation - Shamwari Lodge (IRE) (Hawk Wing (USA)) Owner: Team Wallop Horse Age: 8 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Colours: PURPLE, WHITE hoops, Breeder: Herbertstown House Stud PURPLE sleeves, WHITE stars, PURPLE cap.

Sponsor: Tote Form: 030044 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH 16 wins, including Listed event over C&D in April (good to firm) and Epsom Group 3 in June (good to soft); balance of subsequent form suggests he’s unlikely to defy current mark in this very hot handicap.

Official BHA Rating 107

Draw

Gr g Showcasing - Eastern Destiny (Dubai Destination (USA)) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Weight: 9 7 Horse Age: 5 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, Breeder: Worksop Manor Stud BLACK cap.

Form: 120-365 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Progressive form (on good or quicker) last summer included a good second in the Royal Hunt Cup over C&D; stopped improving last autumn and Jim Crowley prefers Aldaary today; absent since July.

Official BHA Rating 107

B g Delegator - Roodle (Xaar) Owner: Mrs R. F. Johnson Houghton Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton, Blewbury Breeder: Mrs R. F. Johnson Houghton Sponsor: ABM Catering Limited

4

Charles Bishop

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 7 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE cross belts and sleeves, ORANGE cap.

Form: 010266 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Landed the Queen Anne here in 2018 but he’s not the same horse now, as this year’s sole success reflects, off 3lb lower at Newmarket in July (good to firm); looks held by a couple of these rivals on course form two weeks ago.

Official BHA Rating 107 (-1)

MAGICAL MORNING (GB) (21)

Draw

5

B g Muhaarar - The Lark (Pivotal) Owner: Lady Bamford Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Lady Bamford

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 Colours: MAROON. Form: 2-01020 D

12

6

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Respectable record when racing over 1m on good or firmer, most recently going close in useful handicap at York two starts ago; however, looks more exposed than his stablemates Sunray Major and King Leonidas.

Official BHA Rating 106

116

Jamie Spencer

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) ESCOBAR (IRE) (14)

Draw

6

B g Famous Name - Saying Grace (IRE) (Brief Truce (USA)) Owner: Withernsea Thoroughbred Limited Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Breeder: Peter Evans Sponsor: Tiffin Sandwiches Limited

2

Adam Kirby

Weight: 9 6 Horse Age: 7 Colours: BLACK, YELLOW, GREEN & RED dartboard, WHITE sleeves, RED darts, RED cap.

Form: 535220 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Acts on any ground; close second in this race in 2018 then went one better in 2019; beaten 23 times since that last success but, with a very good Balmoral record thus far, he is difficult to rule out.

Official BHA Rating 106 (-1)

ALDAARY (GB) (14)

8

DASHING ROGER (GB) (70)

11

Jim Crowley

23

Marco Ghiani

Draw

7

B g Fast Company (IRE) - Croeso Cusan (Diktat) Owner: Mr Ron Spore Trainer: William Stone, West Wickham Breeder: Mr Richard Evans Sponsor: Tote

Draw

Ch g Territories (IRE) - Broughtons Revival (Pivotal)(in 6lb ex) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Weight: 9 6 Horse Age: 3 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, Breeder: M. E. Broughton striped cap.

Form: 135501 C BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Has form figures of 11131 on going softer than good, most recently winning a valuable 7f handicap here in good style; likely player under 6lb penalty, provided he’s as effective back at 1m and the ground is suitable.

Official BHA Rating 103 (+5)

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, YELLOW spots.

Form: 004131 CD

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Absent since winning Shergar Cup Mile over the round 1m here (good to soft) ten weeks ago, taking turf record to 5-13; now 5lb higher in a tougher race but he’s largely progressive.

Official BHA Rating 104

RAISE YOU (IRE) (81)

Dylan Browne 19 McMonagle (3)

Draw

9

Ch g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Hikari (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: J Palmer-Brown/Brian Gleeson Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Brucetown Farms Ltd

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: YELLOW and BLACK diamonds, BLACK sleeves, YELLOW cap.

Form: 342-155 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Useful form in his two attempts at handicap level, winning 21-runner race at the Curragh (1m, good) in April and fifth of 18 at the Galway festival (8.5f, soft) last time out; goes well fresh; interesting.

Official BHA Rating 104

Draw

10 NUGGET (GB) (21)

B c Siyouni (FR) - Gemstone (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Highclere T’Bred Racing - Karen Darke Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Breeder: Highclere Stud & ORS Bloodstock Sponsor: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd

7

Ryan Moore

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE armlets, DARK BLUE cap.

Form: 21-3121 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Yet to race on ground softer than good; consistent and steadily progressive at 1m; won at Newbury (Spring Cup) in April and Haydock (back from layoff) three weeks ago; solid performer who enters calculations.

Official BHA Rating 104

11 JOHAN (GB) (48)

Draw

Tom 17 Marquand

B g Zoffany (IRE) - Sandreamer (IRE) (Oasis Dream) Owner: Jon and Julia Aisbitt Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Jon and Julia Aisbitt

12 MATTHEW FLINDERS (GB) (29)

B g Siyouni (FR) - Cascata (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Mr S. Stuckey Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Breeder: Stuart Stuckey Sponsor: Farm Cove Thoroughbreds

Draw

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 4 Colours: DARK BLUE and MAROON diabolo, MAROON sleeves, DARK BLUE cap.

Form: 0-50140 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Disappointing favourite in French Group 3 last time; sound form on last two attempts in Britain, including fourth in major 1m handicap at Glorious Goodwood; however, needs a career best to defy current mark.

Official BHA Rating 104

14

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Colours: DARK BLUE and LIGHT GREEN diamonds.

Form: 300206 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Good third to Nugget in Spring Cup at Newbury in April (1m, good); mixed results since and hasn’t lived up to expectations but he is quite tempting odds, having been 7-1 second favourite for the Hunt Cup on sole C&D run (underperformed).

Official BHA Rating 103

117

William Buick

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) Draw

13 RHOSCOLYN (GB) (14)

B g Territories (IRE) - Zeyran (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: The Horse Watchers Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Breeder: Mrs J. E. Laws Sponsor: Timeform

5

Daniel Tudhope

Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 3 Colours: BLACK, ORANGE seams and sleeves, BLACK cap.

Form: 622345 BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Has done well since joining these shrewd connections and can’t be totally dismissed, for all that his form has levelled off recently; good second in the Golden Mile at Goodwood (good to soft) on last handicap start. Official BHA Rating 106 (-1)

Draw

14 SALTONSTALL (GB) (25)

Ch g Pivotal - Macleya (GER) (Winged Love (IRE)) Owner: Dooleys & O’Sullivan Partnership Trainer: Adrian McGuinness, Ireland Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Limited

Cian 10 MacRedmond (5)

Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 7 Colours: BLACK, RED chevron, armlets and cap.

Form: 065400 D

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH One of two Irish challengers; useful on his day but isn’t screaming to be backed, as he’s 0-12 this year and has failed to shine in two C&D attempts (including this race in 2019).

Official BHA Rating 103

Draw

15 KING LEONIDAS (GB) (28)

B c Kingman - Reem (AUS) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Essafinaat UK Ltd

8

James Doyle

Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 4 Colours: SILVER, tassel on cap.

Form: 1/16-3 D

16 KENZAI WARRIOR (USA) (17)

Draw

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHH Lightly raced colt who made a promising comeback in Newbury handicap (1m2f, good) four weeks ago, on first run since finishing sixth when favourite for the 2020 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot (won 7f/1m novice events before that); open to further improvement; shortlisted.

Official BHA Rating 103

22

17 MARIE’S DIAMOND (IRE) (21)

B or Br h Footstepsinthesand - Sindiyma (IRE) (Kalanisi (IRE)) Owner: Middleham Park Racing LXXXVI Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Mark Johnston, Middleham Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ORANGE epaulets.

Breeder: Mr Tony Ashley Form: 126530 D Sponsor: Johnston Racing Ltd

Draw

B or Br g Karakontie (JPN) - Lemon Sakhee (CAN) (Lemon Drop Kid (USA))(in 6lb ex) Owner: Rae and Carol Borras Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Roger Teal, Lambourn Colours: YELLOW, RED star, BLACK and YELLOW Breeder: John D. Gunther halved sleeves, YELLOW cap, RED star.

Sponsor: Chartplan(2004) Ltd Form: 0600-P1 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Limitations largely exposed since his Group 3 success (on heavy ground) as a 2yo; bounced back to form with narrow win at Kempton (1m AW handicap) last month; this is harder under a penalty (4lb badly in).

Official BHA Rating 97 (+2)

1

Hollie Doyle

Andrea Atzeni

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Ran respectably in the Cambridgeshire three weeks ago, finishing third in the far-side group; however, he’s far more exposed than some of these rivals and looks unlikely to show improvement.

Official BHA Rating 102

Draw

18 SYMBOLIZE (IRE) (14)

Ch g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - French Flirt (Peintre Celebre (USA)) Owner: Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: DARK BLUE, large YELLOW spots.

Breeder: Dc Investments Ltd Form: 000102

15

David Probert

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HH Raced mainly over 7f, creditable second to Aldaary at this course (heavy) most recently; bit to prove back up in distance, having been below best in this contest last year on sole attempt at 1m (finished eighth).

Official BHA Rating 102

Draw

19 SHELIR (IRE) (8)

13

B or Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Shelina (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))(in 6lb ex) Owner: Akela Construction Ltd Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE seams, Breeder: H. H. The Aga Khan’s Studs SC diabolo on sleeves, quartered cap.

Sponsor: Akela Plant Hire Ltd Form: 220201 D BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHH Made all for comfortable success in big field at York (1m, soft) last week, taking well to first-time cheekpieces and belatedly gaining first win of 2021; possibilities under a 6lb penalty in the retained headgear.

Official BHA Rating 96 (+7)

118

Jason Watson

THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) Draw

20 SUNRAY MAJOR (GB) (15)

21

B c Dubawi (IRE) - Zenda (Zamindar (USA))(in 6lb ex) Owner: Juddmonte Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc

Frankie Dettori

Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 4 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, WHITE sleeves.

Form: 14-11 CD BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH Half-brother to Kingman who has recorded two comfortable wins over 7f since returning from 15-month absence, defying a big weight in competitive handicap at this track (good to soft) on latest; now 3-4 overall and should have plenty more to offer; likely to be as effective back over 1m; looks a potential Group horse and remains one to follow.

Official BHA Rating 95 (+7)

(EXACTA) NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 23 Visor worn by No. 21. Tongue Strap worn by No. 6, 14.

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4, 14, 19.

2020: NJORD (IRE) 4 9 5 Tom Marquand 15-2 (Mrs J Harrington) 18 ran

THE RESULT

2ND:

WINNER:

3RD:

DISTANCE:

TIME:

4TH:

RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 5-2 Sunray Major (GB), 5-1 King Leonidas (GB), 7-1 Aldaary (GB), Nugget (GB), 14-1 Montatham (GB), 16-1 Escobar (IRE), Johan (GB), Matthew Flinders (GB), Rhoscolyn (GB), 20-1 Magical Morning (GB), Dashing Roger (GB), Raise You (IRE), Symbolize (IRE), Shelir (IRE), 25-1 Sir Busker (IRE), Kenzai Warrior (USA), 33-1 Saltonstall (GB), Marie’s Diamond (IRE), 40-1 Oh This Is Us (IRE), Accidental Agent (GB),

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.

119

When racing shut its gates in 2020, we had no idea how long it would be until they opened again.

Until we’d be able to hear the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves and the smell of freshly churned turf.

With no fans in attendance, the sport relied heavily on media rights revenue to survive.

And throughout it all, Racing TV membership fees helped racing survive its toughest challenge.

So, thank you on behalf of the racing industry and, most of all, thank you from everyone at Racing TV. And with the gates now open, we’re delighted to have racing back as it is meant to be.

THE ASCOT

Enquiry MARCO GHIANI

M

arco Ghiani arrived on English soil back in 2017 from Italy and literally hasn’t looked back since. Riding out his claim in July, Marco will be crowned the 2021 Champion Apprentice after an especially lucrative season.

T

his year’s highlights included his first Royal Ascot win for leading owners Godolphin on Real World in the Royal Hunt Cup, and with his biggest haul of winners to date, 2021 will be a season Marco looks back on with great fondness.

What is your favourite Ascot moment in your career so far?

I think it has to be Royal Ascot 2021.

Did you always want to be a jockey?

Yeah, since I was 14. Before that I wanted to be a swimmer.

Did you grow up riding ponies?

Yes, I was doing traditional races in Sardinia and used to ride my pony. My family had never sat on a horse before!

Who is your racing hero?

Andrea Atzeni and Frankie Dettori. I met them when I started riding over here. You think “they’re big people and famous, they don’t want to talk to me” but they were quite friendly!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t stress the horse, just let them go wherever they are happy.

Who is the one horse from racing history you would have loved to ride?

Frankel, I guess!

What is the one Ascot race you would love to win?

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, on Real World!

If you were not a jockey, which job would you be doing?

I used to swim, but I never got the chance to race, so I don’t know if I was any good or not!

Do you have any advice you would give to an aspiring jockey?

Keep your mouth shut, your head down and just work hard.

Who are five famous people (dead or alive) you would invite to a box at Ascot to enjoy a day of racing?

My child, my girlfriend, my mum, dad and sister.

RACE CONDITIONS First Race 1.25 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (Group 2) (British Champions Series) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £283550 to the winning horse The second to receive £107500, the third £53800, the fourth £26800, the fifth £13450 and the sixth £6750. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 3rd and pay £1750 stake, Scratch by noon, September 28th or pay £2000, Confirm by noon, October 11th and pay £1250, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 11th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 14th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 8st 13lb; fillies 8st 10lb 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 4lb. 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. Declarations to run for this race must be made by 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 14 October and declarations of riders must be made by 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 14 October. 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 description on the day, the races in question will switch to the Inner Flat course, subject to verification from an independent panel (The Stewards’ Panel Chair, the BHA Senior Inspector of Courses and a Clerk of Course; independent of British Champions Series) that “heavy” in the going description has been correctly called.

This will only be actioned if the Inner Flat Course is safe to use and the decision to switch will be taken as early as possible and no later than 7am on the day of racing. 48 entries, 17 at £1750, 11 at £3750, 20 at £5000.

- Closed August 3rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 40 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 2.00 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 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 yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 3rd and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, September 28th or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 11th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 11th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 14th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb 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. Declarations to run for this race must be made by 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 14 October and declarations of riders must be made by 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 14 October. 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). 38 entries, 8 at £2185, 9 at £4685, 20 at £6250, 1 at £37500. - Closed August 3rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £236725; Second £97166; Third £48609; Fourth £24278; Fifth £12166; Sixth £6056. (Penalty Value £301271.87) 1 Balloted Out Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. A SS SEE PAGE 54 FOR THIS RACE. Third Race 2.35 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £283550 to the winning horse The second to receive £107500, the third £53800, the fourth £26800, the fifth £13450 and the sixth £6750. for three yrs old and upwards fillies and mares only. Enter by noon, August 3rd and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, September 28th or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 11th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 11th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 14th. Weights: 3-y-o 8st 13lb; 4-y-o and up 9st 5lb 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 2021 or 2022, by arrangement with Tweenhills Stud. Declarations to run for this race must be made by 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 14 October and declarations of riders must be made by 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 14 October. 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 description on the day, the races in question will switch to the Inner Flat course, subject to verification from an independent panel (The Stewards’ Panel Chair, the BHA Senior Inspector of Courses and a Clerk of Course; independent of British Champions Series) that “heavy” in the going description has been correctly called. This will only be actioned if the Inner Flat Course is safe to use and the decision to switch will be taken as early as possible and no later than 7am on the day of racing. 40 entries, 14 at £2185, 14 at £4685, 12 at £6250. - Closed August 3rd, 2021.

Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 70 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 3.10 - THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (Sponsored by QIPCO) (Group 1) (British Champions Mile) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £623810 to the winning horse The second to receive £236500, the third £118360, the fourth £58960, the fifth £29590 and the sixth £14850. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 3rd and pay £4800 stake, Scratch by noon, September 28th or pay £5500, Confirm by noon, October 11th and pay £3450, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 11th and pay £70000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 14th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb 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. A piece of plate value £6000, presented by Her Majesty, is included in this race for the winning owner. Declarations to run for this race must be made by 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 14 October and declarations of riders must be made by 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 14 October. 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). 31 entries, 10 at £4800, 11 at £10300, 10 at £13750. Closed August 3rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £490160; Second £201190; Third £100650; Fourth £50270; Fifth £25190; Sixth £12540. (Penalty Value £623810) A SS SEE PAGE 94 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.50 - THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MIDDLE DISTANCE) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £714546 to the winning horse The second to receive £270900, the third £135576, the fourth £67536, the fifth £33894 and the sixth £17010. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 3rd and pay £5250 stake, Scratch by noon, September 28th or pay £6000, Confirm by noon, October 11th and pay £3750, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 11th and pay £75000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 14th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 5lb; fillies 9st 2lb 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 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. Declarations to run for this race must be made by 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 14 October and declarations of riders must be made by 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 14 October. 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 description on the day, the races in question will switch to the Inner Flat course, subject to verification from an independent panel (The Stewards’ Panel Chair, the BHA Senior Inspector of Courses and a Clerk of Course; independent of British Champions Series) that “heavy” in the going description has been correctly called. This will only be actioned if the Inner Flat Course is safe to use and the decision to switch will be taken as early as possible and no later than 7am on the day of racing. 45 entries, 18 at £5250, 13 at £11250, 13 at £15000, 1 at £75000. - Closed August 3rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £561456; Second £230454; Third £115290; Fourth £57582; Fifth £28854; Sixth £14364. (Penalty Value £714546) A SS SEE PAGE 106 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.30 - 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 yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, September 21st and pay £300 stake, Confirm by noon, October 11th and pay £700, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 14th. Lowest weight 8st; Highest weight not less than 9st 10lb Penalties, after September 25th, 2021, 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 10lb. 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.

Declarations to run for this race must be made by 10.00 a.m. on Thursday, October 14th and declarations of riders must be made by 1.00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14th. 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. 50 entries, 24 at £300, 26 at £1000. Closed September 21st, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £81260; Second £40640; Third £20320; Fourth £10160; Fifth £5080; Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 45 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS SEE PAGE 116 FOR THIS RACE. DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY

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TODAY’S OFFICIALS BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES LTD BOARD MEMBERS Tony Langham (Chairman, British Champions Series Ltd) Rod Street (Chief Executive, British Champions Series Ltd) Amy Starkey (Regional Director, The Jockey Club) Alistair Warwick (Managing Director, Ascot Racecourse) Nick Smith (Director of Racing & Public Affairs, Ascot Racecourse) Charlie Liverton (Chief Executive, Racehorse Owners’ Association) Martin Stevenson (Chief Executive Officer, Racecourse Media Group) Charles Barnett (Secretary General, Large Independent Racecourses) Mark Spincer (Managing Director, Arena Racing Company)

ASCOT AUTHORITY (HOLDINGS) LIMITED BOARD Sir Francis Brooke, Bt. (Chairman and Her Majesty’s Representative)

Lady Celina Carter Guy Davison Guy Henderson Ian McGregor CVO

Harry Morley Jonathan Parker Nick Smith Alastair Warwick

Steward Chris Rutter Assistant Steward Josie Brown

Social Distancing Officer Cody Watkins

Commentator Simon Holt Betting Ring Managers Andrew Boardley Vicki Moore Doctors Peter Johnson John Heathcock Guy Mitchell John Berry Sushant Tiwari Veterinary Officers Amy Hawthorn Sally Taylor

Veterinary Surgeons Simon Knapp LVO, BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS Clive Hamblin, BVetMed, MRCVS Bobby McEwen, BVSc, MRCVS Rob van Pelt, BSc, BVSc, CertEP, MRCVS Jamie Knapp, BVSc MRCVS Director of Racing and Public Affairs Nick Smith Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels

STEWARDS Chief Steward Shaun Parker Stewards’ Panel Chair Lucinda Cavendish

OFFICIALS Starters Robert Supple James Stenning Clerks of the Scales Leigh O’Brien Graham Ford Judge Nick Bostock Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers John Bramhill Carol Broodbank Georgina Crabb Peter Double Thomas Vincent McKevitt Louise Sheridan Stuart Shilston Darren Stone

GENERAL INFORMATION We hope you have enjoyed your day at the races and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

We appreciate any feedback from your day at Ascot. If you have anything you would like to tell us, please email feedback@ascot.co.uk If your feedback requires a more immediate response, please call 0344 346 3000 and we will try and assist you in any way we can.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 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. b) Abandonment before the third or feature race, whichever is later – 50% refund.

In the event of an abandonment, please apply to the Sales Manager in writing within three days for a refund.

RACEDAY CONTACT INFORMATION Ticket Hotline

Press Enquiries

Fine Dining Enquiries

Annual Badgeholder Enquiries

Boxes Department Enquiries

Lost Property

0344 346 3000

0344 346 3000

0344 346 0346 01344 878516

Royal Ascot Racing Club

01344 878543

01344 878513

0344 346 3000 please call on the next working day.

Official Photographers

Megan Ridgwell: 07584 200 553 Getty Images: 0800 376 7977 Local Taxi Numbers

Ascot Cars: 01344 297297 Jubilee Cars 01344 622445

HORSE WELFARE At every race meeting at Ascot there are four specially qualified equine vets appointed to look after the welfare of all horses racing on these days.

During each race vets follow the horses by car and can attend a casualty in the same response time as the paramedic teams responsible for human casualties. It is now standard practice for screens to be fixed around any horse receiving veterinary treatment on the ground. This does not reflect on the severity of an injury, but allows the vet some privacy and the patient a calm environment in which to make a recovery.

Please do not always assume the worst if you see screens around a fallen horse.

THE HORSERACE BETTING LEVY BOARD The Horserace Betting Levy Board has made ratecard payments of £3,355,749 to Flat fixtures at Ascot in 2021, including £451,732 to British Champions Day.

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