SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 2023
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY
#CHAMPIONSDAY
Keep up to date with all the action by following British Champions Series on social media. Use #ChampionsDay to join the conversation.
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QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY FOREWORD FROM ROD STREET Welcome to QIPCO British Champions Day 2023. It is a pleasure to have you join us on what is sure to be an exciting and memorable day of horseracing. We are immensely grateful to have the continued support of QIPCO who sponsor both British Champions Series and British Champions Day and appreciate the commitment and unwavering enthusiasm of Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al Thani and his brothers. Champions Day has been blessed with the participation of many of the world’s best racehorses since its inception and this year throughout the Series we have seen a range of memorable performances – from the likes of Paddington, Mostahdaf, Shaquille and a resurgent Trueshan. We welcome a host of top horses today, racing for over £4 million across four Group 1 races, a Group 2 and the valuable Balmoral Handicap. Today, we will also be celebrating the career of Frankie Dettori, who has achieved so much in the sport over the last 36 years and is today participating in his final raceday in Britain. We will be marking his career with a special presentation, as well as the unveiling of a specifically commissioned statue by the Grandstand Lawns. Everyone involved in British racing wishes him well in his next endeavours and thanks him for his huge contribution to the popularity of horseracing.
There is a host of activity taking place away from the racing today: we will be crowning the Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice ahead of racing, and the Champion Owner after the third race. We have a large Fan Zone, as well as two jockey masterclasses and jockey signings, the opportunity to meet globetrotting equine millionaire, Side Glance, in the Meet The Racehorse area and Clare Balding joins us and will be signing her new book, Isle of Dogs, after the second race. A new addition to QIPCO British Champions Day this year will be the Goffs QIPCO British Champions Day Sale which will be held in the parade ring before racing. Lastly, to bring the day to a close, the QIPCO British Champions Day after party will feature iconic electronic music duo Groove Armada. Our thanks go to all the owners, trainers and stable staff for continuing to support the day. We wish them and you the best of luck today and thank you for being with us at Ascot. We hope that you have a safe and enjoyable day.
Since last year’s QIPCO British Champions Day, we have announced four more inductees into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame: Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Sea the Stars and Stradivarius. Today we are privileged to welcome two new inductees to receive their Hall of Fame honours. Firstly, American jockey Steve Cauthen who in 1978 became the youngest jockey to win the U.S. Triple Crown and remains the only jockey to ride the winner of The Derby and Kentucky Derby. Secondly, the wonderful filly Pebbles, who dominated the mid-1980s and in 1985 became the first British-trained winner at the Breeders’ Cup.
ROD STREET, CHIEF EXECUTIVE BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES
qipco.com.qa
HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani (left) accepting a trophy with his brothers (left to right), Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Suhaim and Sheikh Fahad.
Welcome from HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chief Executive, QIPCO Holding
HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and the late Queen Elizabeth II
Welcome from HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Thani, My brothers and I have been Al fortunate On behalf of my brothers and fellow enough to experience the highs that Directors of QIPCO, I welcome you all to Chairman, QIPCO Holding accompany the thrill of a winner on QIPCO Ascot for the 2016 running of QIPCO British Day. honour for QIPCO to have been It Champions has been an enormous associated with British Champions Day since its inception As title sponsors we to are delighted atfor how and it is wonderful to return Ascot Racecourse the QIPCO British Champions Day has evolved 13th renewal of this special afternoon. and grown and once again there are several QIPCO British Champions Day was designed to bring the Flat reasons to look forward to this year’s racing season to a spectacular conclusion, where equine and running, the sixth since its launch in 2011. human heroes are crowned. First Buick and retains foremost, there is the title quality and William his Champion Jockey – an impressive competitiveness ofwill thebecome racing. This year feat – and Billy Loughnane Champion Apprentice. there were a his record number of horses Having only ridden first winner less than 12 months ago and entered (256) when August, now with more than 100 to hisentries credit, it closed has beenin a remarkable year for the 17-year-old. The legendary Frankie Dettori, including the winners of 79 Group 1 racesone ofand the greatest jockeys ofClassics. all time, is to bid farewell to British 15 European Today’s runners racing and we thank for him prize for his magnificent endeavours will today be competing money totaling on£4.2m, what willthe be arichest momentous occasion.in Britain, and the raceday actionourwill bepartnership played out front of what is Through close within QIPCO British Champions expected towe beare a proud record crowd two of Series and Ascot, to have madeafter this Britain’s richest raceday. Six outstanding fourin at advance. Group 1 level, the enclosures sold outraces, weeks and £4 million in prize-money will bring the very best horses, As a and business, hasRoyal invested jockeys trainers toQIPCO the famous turf. in British Champions Series and British Champions From Frankel to Cracksman, Muhaarar, Minding, Trueshan Day to promote the sport and to promote and Baaeed, there have been so many incredible stories in the company and although both our racing a relatively short time. and bloodstock operations are subsidiaries Our Qatar Racing always keen be involved in offamily’s QIPCO, it is as aisfamily thattowe share in thethe action andof theownership. wins of Charm Spirit in 2014, Simple Verse thrill in 2015 and three years later by Roaring Lion have provided
British moments Champions – firstly, in conjunction stunning for us,Day too. There have been encouraging signs yearlings siredCharm by our QIPCO 2000 Guineas withfrom ourthe father when Spirit won the winner Kameko at the sales and weinvery muchand lookthen forward to Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 2014 seeing his first crop of two-year-olds the track season. last year when Simple Verseonwon the next Fillies’ andhas Mares’. 2023 been a year of new initiatives including the QIPCO British Champions Series sponsorship of a series of maiden Simple Verse returns to Ascot this year races to strengthen the two-year-old programme here in and we are excited at the prospect of Britain. We are also very excited about the introduction of Club her seeing again. Meanwhile, 26, a free racingher clubrun offering a range of benefits to 18-26-yearCharm Spirit returns to Britain, after a of olds. Educating and encouraging the next generations season in France, to stand at racegoers is vitally important and thosestud underin 182017 will be able to alongside other Qatar enjoy a host ofour activities today in theBloodstock Fan Zone, such as a jockey stallions at Tweenhills in Gloucestershire. masterclass with Oisin Murphy. It is a dream and ambition of ours to breed The QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame was launched stock of the calibre enough toand wincelebrate on on the 10th anniversary to good recognise excellence QIPCO British Champions Day. to welcome the champions of the sport and we are delighted latest inductees; Pebbles, onehigh of thequality greatest fillies of the A day of spectacular, racing lies modern andwe the wish first British-trained winner at theand Breeders’ aheadera and all the participants Cup, and Stevethe Cauthen. American, your three-times racegoers bestThe ofbrilliant luck, without Champion hereBritish himself, Champions is the only riderDay to have won the supportJockey QIPCO could Derby both at Epsom and Kentucky. not have progressed in the manner it has. I believe that QIPCO British Champions Day is an event which will entertain everyone, from families and newcomers to expert HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI racegoers alike. I wish all connections the very best of luck and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, QIPCO HOLDING LTD cannot wait for the sport to begin. HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI CHAIRMAN, QIPCO HOLDING
ITINERARY SATURDAY, 21ST OCTOBER 2023 11.10 - 11.40
12.50
Goffs QIPCO British Champions Day Sale
QIPCO British Champions Day Expert Panel
PARADE RING
11.45
GRANDSTAND/ QUEEN ANNE LAWN Unveiling of Frankie Dettori statue
12.05
GRANDSTAND LAWN Jockey Masterclass with Oisin Murphy
PARADE RING
13.15
FIRST RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP
13.50
SECOND RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES
14.05
QUEEN ANNE LAWN Clare Balding book signing
14.25
THIRD RACE THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES
14.40 12.20
QUEEN ANNE LAWN
PARADE RING Crowning of Champion Owner
Oisin Murphy and Billy Loughnane autograph signings
14.45
12.30
Veterinary Talk with Side Glance at Meet The Racehorse area
PARADE RING Inductions to the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame and crownings of Champion Jockey and Apprentice
MOTIVATOR LAWN
15.05
FOURTH RACE THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)
15.45
FIFTH RACE THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES
15.55
PARADE RING Special presentation to Frankie Dettori
16.25
SIXTH RACE THE BALMORAL HANDICAP (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)
16.45
GRANDSTAND LAWN After Party featuring DJ Char Stape and Groove Armada
ChampionsSeries
FAN ZONE
GRANDSTAND & QUEEN ANNE LAWNS FREE activities including our brilliant Jockey School featuring Virtual Reality Experience and Face Painting. Jump on board with professional jockeys and coaches, as they show you how to ride a racehorse. Plus, don’t miss a live Jockey Masterclass with Oisin Murphy at 12.05pm on the Grandstand Lawn. Meet Oisin Murphy and Billy Loughnane as they sign autographs from 12.20pm.
EXCLUSIVE AREA CHAMPIONS LAWN
For Club 26 members and INVADES, don’t miss the Jockey Masterclass with Cieren Fallon at 1.30pm. Also enjoy our VR experience, plus live music.
MEET THE RACEHORSE TWEENHILLS MOTIVATOR LAWN EXHIBITION Meet ex-racehorse, Side Glance, and learn about his second career and the outstanding care that he receives daily during a veterinary talk at 2.45pm.
FLY LIKE FRANKIE BANDSTAND LAWN
Recreate Frankie Dettori’s signature celebration. Plus, the chance to WIN a WEEKEND GETAWAY to MILAN!
QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION
GRANDSTAND
In partnership with the Australian Turf Club, we are proud to exhibit the Queen Elizabeth Stakes trophy in the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame Exhibition. Find out more about its links to the Royal Family and discover more about today’s inductees and their medals.
QUEEN ANNE LAWN
Learn about the Tweenhills foals and what it takes to breed a thoroughbred racehorse with a talk from Olympic gold medallist, Laura Collett MBE on the incredible work of Retraining of Racehorses, allowing superstars from the track to thrive off the track.
MERCHANDISE GRANDSTAND
Pick up a limited edition QIPCO British Champions Day jacket from the Ascot Shop.
AFTER PARTY
GRANDSTAND LAWN Join us for the After Party from 4.45pm with a headline DJ set from Groove Armada.
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Fan Zone: Jockey School & Jockey Masterclasses
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Fan Zone: Jockey Signings & Tweenhills Exhibition
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After Party
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QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame Exhibition and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes Trophy Display
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Champions Lawn: Exclusive Area for Club 26 Members and INVADES Crowning of Champion Owner Champion Jockey & Champion Apprentice
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QIPCO British Champions Day Expert Panel
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QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame Inductions
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Bandstand Kitchen
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Furlong Restaurant
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Pavillion Restaurant
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Meet the Racehorse
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Autism in Racing Sensory Van
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Fly Like Frankie
AC FR TIV EE ITI ES
FAN ZONE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BRITISH RACING SCHOOL, GREAT BRITISH RACING, PONY RACING PROGRESSION PATHWAY AND TWEENHILLS
JOCKEY SCHOOL
Thunderdome, Grandstand Lawn Jockey Masterclass with Oisin Murphy from 12.05 Virtual Reality Experience / Face Painting
JOCKEY SIGNINGS
Jockey Hub, Queen Anne Lawn Oisin Murphy and Billy Loughnane from 12:20
6 Gr.1 winners and 40 Stakes winners Sire of the European Champion 2yo filly from his first European crop.
Starlust - Gr.3 winning 2yo colt in 2023
Lezoo - The winner of 4 Stakes races including the Cheveley Park Stakes, Gr.1
Miaharris - Stakes winning 2yo in 2023
Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177
HOW TO READ THE RACING PAGES UNDERSTANDING THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS 1. Owner’s Silks (illustration)
5. Sire (Father)
2. Colour of Horse
6. Horse’s name
13. Trainer and location
16. Age of Horse
of training establishment
17. Owner’s Colours (description)
B = Bay
7. Dam (Mother)
14. Breeder
18. Weight Stones/lbs
Br = Brown
8. Birthplace of horse
15. Previous Performances
19. Draw
(if not Great Britain)
Ch = Chestnut Gr = Grey
9. Number of days
Ro = Roan
since last ran
3. Horse’s Number on saddlecloth 4. Sex of Horse
C = Course Winner
20. Jockey’s Name & Photo.
D = Distance Winner
If there is a number next
CD = Course &
to the name, this indicates
10. Damsire (Grandfather)
Distance Winner
that the jockey can claim
11. Form Guide
BF = Beaten Favourite
that amount in weight (lbs)
12. Owner(s)
d = disqualified
off the stated riding weight.
c = colt h = horse
Bold form figures
g = gelding
indicate All-Weather form
f = filly m = mare
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3
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FRANKEL (89)
B c Galileo (IRE) - Kind (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Owner: Mr K. Abdullah Trainer: Sir Henry Cecil, Newmarket Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd.
Draw
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Tom Queally
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, WHITE sleeves. Form: 11-1111 CD
The best horse for many a year and unbeaten in 13 starts, recording his ninth Group 1 success with another wide-margin success upped in trip in the Judmonte International at York last time; beat Nathaniel on his 2yo debut on soft but that just useful form and, raced only on quicker ground since, has to prove he is as good in testing conditions. Official BHA Rating 140
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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).
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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.
ChampionsSeries
TODAY’S RUNNERS AT A GLANCE 1m Race 1 1.15 1m 7f 209y Race 4 3.05 THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) CUP (CLASS 1) (Group 2) (British Champions Series) (Sponsored by QIPCO) (Group 1) (British Champions Mile) 1 Broome (IRE) Dylan Browne McMonagle 1 Angel Bleu (FR) Hector Crouch 2 Coltrane (IRE) Oisin Murphy 2 Checkandchallenge (GB) William Buick 3 Kyprios (IRE) Ryan Moore 3 Facteur Cheval (IRE) Mickael Barzalona 4 Stratum (GB) William Buick 4 Big Rock (FR) Aurelien Lemaitre 5 Sweet William (IRE) Robert Havlin 5 Chaldean (GB) Frankie Dettori 6 Trawlerman (IRE) Frankie Dettori 6 Epictetus (IRE) Kieran Shoemark 7 Trueshan (FR) Hollie Doyle 7 Hi Royal (IRE) James Doyle 8 Maxident (GB) Owen Lewis 8 Nashwa (GB) Hollie Doyle 9 Paddington (GB) Ryan Moore Race 2 1.50 6f Daniel Tudhope THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES 10 Rogue Millennium (IRE) Chris Hayes (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 11 Tahiyra (IRE) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Art Power (IRE) Kinross (GB) Rohaan (IRE) Run To Freedom (GB) Saint Lawrence (IRE) Spycatcher (IRE) Mill Stream (IRE) Makarova (GB) Sandrine (GB) Sense of Duty (GB) Vadream (GB) Believing (IRE) Magical Sunset (IRE) Ocean Quest (IRE) Swingalong (IRE)
David Allan Race 5 3.45 1m 1f 212y Frankie Dettori THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) Ryan Moore (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MIDDLE DISTANCE) (Group 1) Trevor Whelan 1 Bay Bridge (GB) Richard Kingscote Hollie Doyle 2 Dubai Honour (IRE) James Doyle Clifford Lee 3 Mostahdaf (IRE) Jim Crowley William Buick 4 My Prospero (IRE) Tom Marquand Paul Mulrennan 5 Point Lonsdale (IRE) Ryan Moore Oisin Murphy 6 Via Sistina (IRE) Oisin Murphy Tom Marquand 7 Horizon Dore (FR) Mickael Barzalona Kieran Shoemark 8 King of Steel (USA) Frankie Dettori Daniel Tudhope 9 Royal Rhyme (IRE) Clifford Lee Rossa Ryan Race 6 4.25 1m Shane Foley THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Sam James (Sponsored by QIPCO) Race 3 2.25 1m 3f 211y 1 Migration (IRE) Benoit de la Sayette THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES 2 Raadobarg (IRE) Rossa Ryan STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 3 Sonny Liston (IRE) Ryan Moore 1 Above The Curve (USA) Dylan Browne 4 Baradar (IRE) William Buick McMonagle 5 Al Mubhir (GB) Tom Marquand 2 Free Wind (IRE) Frankie Dettori 6 Awaal (IRE) James Doyle 3 One For Bobby (IRE) Rob Hornby 7 Bopedro (FR) Daniel Tudhope 4 Poptronic (GB) Sam James 8 Blue For You (IRE) Paul Mulrennan Hayley Turner 5 Stay Alert (GB) David Egan 9 Docklands (GB) Richard Kingscote 6 Term of Endearment (GB) Tom Marquand 10 Helm Rock (GB) Chris Hayes 7 Time Lock (GB) William Buick 11 Coeur d’Or (IRE) Jason Watson 8 Bluestocking (GB) Rossa Ryan 12 Rhoscolyn (GB) Tom Queally 9 Jackie Oh (IRE) Ryan Moore 13 Ropey Guest (GB) Neil Callan 10 Red Riding Hood (IRE) James Doyle 14 Bennetot (IRE) Joe Fanning 11 Rue Boissonade (FR) Gerald Mosse 15 The Gatekeeper (IRE) Jim Crowley 12 Running Lion (GB) Oisin Murphy 16 Dual Identity (IRE) Oisin Murphy 13 Sea of Roses (GB) P. J. McDonald 17 Dancing Magic (IRE) Cieren Fallon 14 Sweet Memories (IRE) Hollie Doyle 18 Lattam (IRE) 19 Vetiver (GB) P. J. McDonald 20 Eilean Dubh (IRE) Clifford Lee 21R Escobar (IRE) Hollie Doyle 22R Maywake (GB) 23R Graignes (FR) Billy Loughnane \S
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.
HORSES THAT HAVE LIT UP QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY FRANKEL
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) (2011) QIPCO Champion Stakes (2012)
‘Wonder Horse’ Frankel signed off his unblemished 14-race career with a breathtaking victory over multiple Group 1-winning horse Cirrus Des Aigles in the 2012 QIPCO Champion Stakes in front of a sellout crowd, having won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in emphatic style at the meeting 12 months earlier. His trainer, the late great Sir Henry Cecil said: “He’s the best I’ve ever had and the best I’ve ever seen, I’d be very surprised if there’s ever been better”. Both horse and trainer have been recognised with inductions into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame.
CRACKSMAN
QIPCO Champion Stakes (2017, 2018)
Memories of Cracksman’s great sire, Frankel, came flooding back as he surged clear in successive renewals of the QIPCO Champion Stakes. Partnered by Frankie Dettori, the combination produced a draw-dropping performance to win by an astonishing seven-lengths over rival Poet’s Word. He was subsequently given an official rating of 130, making him the best three-year-old in the world. It was déjà vu when they lined up in the race 12 months later in another sensational display, beating Crystal Ocean by six-lengths.
ROARING LION
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) (2018)
The loveable grey had already captured the hearts of many before his appearance at QIPCO British Champions Day, having had a season to remember after landing successive wins in the Coral-Eclipse, Juddmonte International Stakes and QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes. Lining up in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Roaring Lion produced a hair-raising performance, showing terrific resolution to win a compelling renewal by a neck from I Can Fly.
MAGICAL
QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2018) QIPCO Champion Stakes (2019)
Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore have produced some of the greatest horses of the modern era, and Magical is no exception. Her first of two QIPCO British Champions Day victories came in 2018 with a comfortable victory in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. The daughter of Galileo maintained the tempo to land her first Group 1, one-length clear of Coronet. The filly returned a year later to produce a typical resolute performance to stamp her class and land the QIPCO Champion Stakes. Following that, her trainer described her as “the ultimate racehorse”.
TRUESHAN
QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (2020, 2021, 2022)
A QIPCO British Champions Day constant in recent years, Alan King’s Trueshan has certainly left his mark on the Flat season finale, winning the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup for three years running. His first win in the race came in 2020 with a stunning seven-and-a-half length victory leaving his twelve rivals in his wake, including staying sensation, Stradivarius. This win also created history for his jockey, Hollie Doyle, who became the first woman rider to win on QIPCO British Champions Day. Defiant as ever, the pair returned the following two years to subsequently land the hat-trick.
MUHAARAR
QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (2015)
Sprinting sensations come and go and it’s no mean feat to land successive Group 1s, but Muhaarar defied that with a season to remember in 2015. Ridden by Paul Hanagan, he confirmed his Champion Sprinter status with a stunning two-length victory over Twilight Son in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint, his final appearance on track. It marked a fourth successive Group 1 triumph having won the Commonwealth Cup, Darley July Cup and Arc Prix Maurice de Gheest.
BET SMALL WIN BIG All of today’s races are in the World Pool – even more chances to win big! Find out more at ascot.com
WHAT IS WORLD POOL? World Pool is a collaboration between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Tote, and Ascot Racecourse. It enables racegoers to bet into a global pool consisting of over 28 countries, resulting in significantly bigger pools and increasing the total amount that can be won. WIN, PLACE , FIRST T WO, FIRST THREE , T WO FROM THREE and the TREBLE will be the available World Pool bets on course and there are expected to be more than 30 races with pool sizes of over £1 million this year. Bet With Ascot screens will indicate pool sizes for each race. The Placepot, Jackpot and Quadpot will be managed by using the standard Bet With Ascot rules. Under World Pool rules, in races with exactly 7 declared runners, the place market will pay three places. The place terms for all races are as follows:
1-4 declared runners 5 & 6 declared runners
7-20 declared runners
21 or more declared runners
No place pool 1st or 2nd
(void if less than 4 runners)
1st, 2nd or 3rd
(3 places remain if 5 or 6 runners, void if less than 5 runners)
1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th
(4 places remain for 20 or less runners)
THE LONG DISTANCE SERIES 1.15: THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS
LONG DISTANCE CUP L
(CLASS 1) (GROUP G 2) (ABT 2M) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY
CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 = 3 =
Continuous (JPN) Quickthorn Courage Mon Ami Trueshan (FR) Coltrane (IRE)
Rating 119
Rating 118
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 BOODLES YORKSHIRE CUP YORK, 19TH MAY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (1M 6F) £170,000 PRIZE MONEY
1st: GIAVELLETTO (IRE) 14/1 2nd: Eldar Eldarov 6/1 3rd: Broome (IRE) 9/4J Giavelletto turned the tables on his St Leger conqueror Eldar Eldarov to secure top honours in the Boodles Yorkshire Cup. The 14/1 chance quickened up smartly to grab the lead under Andrea Atzeni, from long-time leader Quickthorn. Eldar Eldarov charged home closer to the stands side rail but finished half-a-length behind the winner, with Broome only a further length behind in third.
THE GOLD CUP
ROYAL ASCOT, 22ND JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (2M 4F) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: COURAGE MON AMI 15/2 2nd: Coltrane (IRE) 11/4F 3rd: Subjectivist 9/2 Gracing Royal Ascot for one final time in his career, Frankie Dettori registered an astonishing ninth Ascot Gold Cup when winning aboard the lightly raced Courage Mon Ami for training partnership John and Thady Gosden. In a terrific finish, Dettori carrying the Wathnan Racing colours stayed patient as he peeled his mount off the rail to challenge eventual third Subjectivist, before holding off a late challenge from Oisin Murphy and Coltrane, to win by just under a length. Dettori, who collected his trophy from Their Majesties' The King and Queen, said: “It’s pretty emotional. Nine Gold Cups, what can you say? It’s amazing and I’m speechless.”
THE AL SHAQAB GOODWOOD CUP GOODWOOD, 1ST AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (2M) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: QUICKTHORN 16/1 2nd: Emily Dickinson (IRE) 9/2 3rd: Coltrane (IRE) 3/1 Quickthorn was not for catching as he and Tom Marquand ran their rivals ragged to register an incredible six-length win in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. Repeating the ploy that served them so well in last year’s Lonsdale Cup, the duo dominated from the front. So aggressive were their frontrunning tactics, that by the time they turned for home in the two-mile contest, the pair were 30 lengths clear of their rivals. With rival jockeys realising he showed no signs of slowing, late attempts were in vain and the Hughie Morrison stayer recorded a first Group 1 success; Emily Dickinson and Coltrane filled the placings.
THE WEATHERBYS HAMILTON LONSDALE CUP YORK, 25TH AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (2M 1/2F) £250,000 PRIZE MONEY
1st: COLTRANE (IRE) 11/4 2nd: Courage Mon Ami 5/2F 3rd: Giavelletto 5/1 It was a case of roles reversed in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup as Coltrane got the better of rivals Courage Mon Ami, Quickthorn and Giavelletto. Andrew Balding’s consistent stayer had previously finished second and third in the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup, but on the Knavesmire he was able to finish the race the strongest. Speaking after the race, winning jockey Oisin Murphy reflected: “He’s truly a top-class stayer when we get it right, this means the world. We had a nice start and I was able to ride him with confidence from there.”
THE DONCASTER CUP DONCASTER, 15TH SEPTEMBER
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (2M 2F) £130,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: TRUESHAN (FR) 100/30 2nd: Sweet William (IRE) 3/1 3rd: Broome (IRE) 6/1 Trueshan, the remarkable three-time Long Distance Cup winner, trained by Alan King, returned to form in the Doncaster Cup. Initially, he looked green on his first time back since the Sagaro Stakes in early May, but quickly settled into a smooth rhythm. Jockey Hollie Doyle’s outstanding horsemanship was evident as she expertly guided Trueshan down the centre of the track coming off the final bend. Trueshan responded with effortless grace, showcasing the deep trust and synergy between horse and rider. Trueshan’s victory marked a remarkable return to form and highlighted the exceptional skill of Doyle, solidifying Trueshan’s status as a star-stayer in the world of horseracing.
THE BETFRED ST LEGER DONCASTER, 16TH SEPTEMBER
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 6F) £743,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: CONTINUOUS (JPN) 3/1 2nd: Arrest (IRE) 11/4F 3rd: Desert Hero 6/1 Trainer Aidan O’Brien achieved an astounding feat with his record seventh St Leger victory, and the anticipation was palpable with a Royal runner and Frankie Dettori’s last British Classic appearance. Continuous, ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, settled towards the back of the field as the race progressed at an even pace. As the race progressed, he travelled with ease, steered masterfully by Moore down the rail coming off the final bend. In an impressive display, Continuous forged to the front with two furlongs to go and stayed clear of competition by a commanding margin of nearly three lengths. An exceptional record continues for all involved in Continuous, the 2023 St Leger winner.
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP
HISTORY OF THE RACE
The £500,000 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup was originally known as the Jockey Club Cup and run at Newmarket. First run 150 years ago, it has been staged over a variety of distances, being run over its present distance of two miles since 1963. Switched to Ascot in 2011, for the first Champions Day, Irish-trained horses found the Berkshire air to their liking and won four successive renewals via Fame And Glory, Rite Of Passage, Royal Diamond and Forgotten Rules. Their stranglehold has since been loosened but Order Of St George (2017) and Kew Gardens (2019) have also proved too strong for the home team. Flying Officer hit back for Britain in 2015, giving Frankie Dettori a belated first Champions Day winner. Sheikhzayedroad (2016) and superstar stayer Stradivarius (2018) followed his example, while the past three renewals have all been won by the relentless Trueshan, trained by Alan King. Trueshan turned the 2020 renewal into a procession under Hollie Doyle, who in the process became the first female jockey to win a race on Champions Day. The combination struck again in 2021 and 2022, to the delight of favourite backers. No other horse has won three times on Champions Day, and Trueshan could raise the bar even higher today as he returns to defend his crown.
RACE DISTANCE
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PRIZE MONEY
About 2 Miles
2022: Trueshan
Overall: £500,000
2021: Trueshan 2020: Trueshan
1st: £283,550
2019: Kew Gardens
2nd: £107,500
2018: Stradivarius
3rd: £53,800
2017: Order of St George 2016: Sheikhzayedroad
4th: £26,800
2015: Flying Officer
5th: £13,450
2014: Forgotten Rules
6th: £6,750
LEADING CONTENDERS
ONES TO WATCH
TRUESHAN
Colour: Bay Age: 7 Sex: Gelding Trainer: Alan King Owner: Singula Partnership Sire-Dam: Planteur (IRE) - Shao Line (FR) Breeder: Didier Blot Info: The Ascot executive will have to consider giving Trueshan his own statue should he win a fourth successive QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup this afternoon. A runaway 7½-length winner of the 2020 edition, he has been made to dig deeper in the past two renewals but has come up trumps each time under regular rider Hollie Doyle. She has been on board for ten of his 15 career wins. Below-par runs on his first two starts this season had some questioning whether Trueshan’s powers were on the wane. However, victories in the Doncaster Cup and Prix du Cadran on his past two starts have dispelled any doubts.He has shown his form on a range of ground but is particularly effective when there is some give underfoot.
KYPRIOS
Sex: Horse Colour: Chestnut Age: 5 Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Owner: Moyglare,Magnier,Tabor,Smith,Westerberg Sire-Dam: Galileo (IRE) – Polished Gem (IRE) Breeder: Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd Info: Trainer Aidan O’Brien has surprisingly drawn a blank on QIPCO British Champions Day for the past three years, but star stayer Kyprios gives him bright prospects of beginning this afternoon with a flourish. The five-year-old was utterly dominant last season, winning each of his six races. Highlights were his four Group 1 victories in the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, Irish St Leger and Prix du Cadran. O’Brien warned that Kyprios would not be at his peak for his belated return in the Irish St Leger last month, following some well-documented health issues, and was satisfied with his second behind Eldar Eldarov. If that outing has added an edge, then the highest-rated runner in the line-up is sure to make his presence felt.
COLTRANE
Colour: Bay Age: 6 Sex: Gelding Trainer: Aidan O'Brien Owner: Mick and Janice Mariscotti Sire-Dam: Mastercraftsman (IRE) – Promise Me (IRE) Breeder: Rockfield Farm Info: The six-year-old has been so reliable and consistent over the past two years that he must be forgiven his rare below-par run in a muddling Doncaster Cup last month. Coltrane’s previous efforts this season have included wins in the Sagaro Stakes, here at Ascot, plus the Lonsdale Cup, at York, having been placed in the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup in between. His exploits last year included victories at Royal Ascot and the Doncaster Cup, plus a tremendously game effort in the Long Distance Cup when beaten a head by Trueshan. He’s yet to finish out of the first two in four runs at Ascot and is versatile regards the ground.
ALAN KING ON TRUESHAN
“
“
Not many horses get to come back for the same race three years running, let alone four, and getting him back to form to win at Doncaster and Longchamp has been very satisfying.
FIRST RACE 1.15PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP (CLASS 1) (GROUP 2) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES)
RACE
RACE
FINISH
START
ABOUT TWO MILES (3,100 metres), INNER COURSE (15F ABT 127YDS) for three yrs old and upwards, Total prize fund £500,000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS
Stalls: Inside
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Horse
1
BROOME (IRE) (36)
Draw
B h Australia - Sweepstake (IRE) (Acclamation) Owner: M Matsushima/Mrs Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Epona Bloodstock Ltd
Draw
No
2
Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle
Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 9 Colours: GREY and WHITE check, striped sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 130053 CD
2
COLTRANE (IRE) (36)
B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Promise Me (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Mick and Janice Mariscotti Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 9 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, Breeder: Rockfield Farm DARK BLUE sleeves and cap. Sponsor: Kingsclere Stud Form: 2-12315 CD BF
Draw
Has won nine races from 1m to 2m on ground varying from good to firm to yielding - soft. Third of five behind Trueshan beaten 4 1/2l on his latest outing in the Group 2 Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes at Doncaster over 2m 2f last month. Likely to find a few of these too good. Official BHA Rating 116
8 Oisin Murphy
Has won eight races from 1m 4f to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. Finished 7l behind Trueshan when last of five at on his latest outing in the Group 2 Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes at Doncaster over 2m 2f last month. Needs to return to form. Official BHA Rating 117
KYPRIOS (IRE) (41)
Ch h Galileo (IRE) - Polished Gem (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Owner: Moyglare/Magnier/Tabor/Smith/Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd
Draw
3
6
Ryan Moore
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 9 Colours: BLACK, WHITE sleeves, RED cap, BLACK star. Form: 11111-2 C D BF
Has won eight races from 1m 1f to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Beaten 3 1/2l by Eldar Eldarov when second of four on his latest outing in the Group 1 Comer Group International Irish St. Leger at Curragh over 1m 6f last month. Has every chance. Official BHA Rating 121
STRATUM (GB) (27)
Draw
4
B g Dansili - Lunar Phase (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Tony Bloom Trainer: W. P. Mullins, Ireland Breeder: Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd
5 William Buick
Horse Age: 10 Weight: 9 9 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE seams, WHITE and ROYAL BLUE hooped cap. Form: 64-0030 CD
Winner of seven races from 1m 2f to 2m 6f on ground varying from good to firm to soft; has also won three hurdles. Well beaten behind Magellan Strait when 25th of 30 on his latest outing at Curragh over 2m 1f last month. Unlikely to land a blow on some of these rivals. Official BHA Rating 99
SWEET WILLIAM (IRE) (36)
Draw
5
B g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Gale Force (Shirocco (GER)) Owner: Normandie Stud Ltd Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Normandie Stud Ltd Sponsor: Normandie Stud Ltd
3 Robert Havlin
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 9 Colours: PINK, WHITE sleeves. Form: 211122 D
He has won three times from 1m 4f to 2m on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Beaten 1 1/4l by Trueshan when second of five last time in the Group 2 Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes at Doncaster over 2m 2f last month. Consistent performer who is likely to run his race. Official BHA Rating 108
22
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP TRAWLERMAN (IRE) (23)
Draw
6
B g Golden Horn - Tidespring (IRE) (Monsun (GER)) Owner: Godolphin Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Godolphin Sponsor: Emirates Fly Better
Weight: 9 Horse Age: 5 Colours: ROYAL BLUE. Form: 13-0011 D
1 Frankie Dettori
9
Winner of six races from 1m 2f to 2m on good to firm ground and on the all-weather. Won on his latest outing when 1-5fav at Newmarket over 2m (good to firm) last month, beating Island Brave by 18l. Has also won at Salisbury this season. Has more on his plate today. Official BHA Rating 113
TRUESHAN (FR) (21)
Draw
7
B g Planteur (IRE) - Shao Line (FR) (General Holme (USA)) Owner: Singula Partnership Trainer: Alan King, Barbury Castle Breeder: Mr Didier Blot Sponsor: Goodwin Racing Ltd
7
Hollie Doyle
Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 9 Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE cross belts, ROYAL BLUE and YELLOW chevrons on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap. CD Form: 21-2411
8
MAXIDENT (GB) (22)
B g Nathaniel (IRE) - Mahamuni (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Dominic Ffrench Davis, Lambourn Colours: VIOLET, WHITE quartered cap. Breeder: Harriet Loder Form: 1434 Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd
Draw
Has won 15 races from 1m 4f to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to heavy and on the all-weather. Won on his latest outing when 6-5fav in the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp over 2m 4f (good to soft) last month, beating Moon Wolf by 4l. Holds solid claims. Official BHA Rating 117
4
Owen Lewis
A winner at 1m 4f on heavy ground. Finished 8l behind Urban Outlook when fourth of five at 10-3 on his latest outing at Haydock over 1m 6f (soft) last month. Struggled to get involved in handicap company last time and he is difficult to fancy in this tougher assignment. Official BHA Rating 79
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 8 Hood worn by No. 6. Blinkers worn by No. 5. Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn by No. 4. Stewards Note: COLTRANE: Following its run on 15/9/2023 it was reported that the horse ran flat. 2022: TRUESHAN (FR) 6 9 9 Hollie Doyle 11-8 (Alan King) 8 ran
THE RESULT
2ND:
WINNER:
3RD:
DISTANCE:
TIME:
4TH:
BETTING FORECAST:
6-4 Kyprios (IRE), 11-4 Trueshan (FR), 13-2 Coltrane (IRE), 9-1 Sweet William (IRE), 10-1 Trawlerman (IRE), 25-1 Broome (IRE), 150-1 Stratum (GB), 200-1 Maxident (GB)
RACE SUMMARY
After nearly a year off due to injury, Kyprios returned to the track to finish second when looking to defend his Irish St Leger crown over 1m6f at the Curragh last month. Connections will be hoping that the cobwebs have been blown off and their superstar stayer is back to his best. However, it’s TRUESHAN who gets the nod to reverse the form of the 2022 Goodwood Cup and get the better of Aidan O’Brien’s charge today. Alan King’s runner has been in fine form recently, winning the Doncaster Cup and the Group 1 Prix du Cadran over 2m4f at Longchamp in ready fashion last time, and he has conditions that suit today. Sweet William heads the remainder.
RACE PREDICTOR Winner - Trueshan
Second - Kyprios
Third - Coltrane
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.
23
All leading to the industry's most valuable raceday.
BRITISHCHAMPIONSSERIES.COM
DETTORI BY NUMBERS
CHAMPION JOCKEY
1994, 1995, 2004
PLUS
200
Total British Career Wins: 3,365 First Winner: Rif, Turin, 16th November 1986 First British Win: Lizzy Hare, Goodwood, 9th June 1987 First Group 1 Winner: Markofdistinction, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Ascot, 29th September 1990 British Group 1 Wins: 125 British Group 2 Wins: 156 British Group 3 Wins: 181 British Classic Wins: 23 British Prize Money: +£94 Million Global Group 1 Wins: 280 QIPCO British Champions Series Winners: 62 Royal Ascot Wins: 81
CHAMPION APPRENTICE
1989
THIS IS FRANKIE’S 37TH YEAR
RIDING IN GREAT BRITAIN
WINS IN A SEASON
1994 (233), 1995 (217) HE HAS WON THE
LEADING
JOCKEY
TITLE AT ROYAL ASCOT SEVEN TIMES
FIRST TEENAGE JOCKEY WITH
100 VICTORIES
SINCE LESTER PIGGOTT
DETTORI HOLDS THE RECORD FOR WINNING THE FAMOUS
PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE SIX TIMES
FRANKIE TIMELINE 1987 1989 26th September 1996 ‘Magnificent Seven’
1994 1996 2000
2nd June 2007 First Derby ‘Authorized’
2007 2016 2018
First win in Britain aged 16, aboard the Luca Cumani-trained Lizzy Hare at Goodwood Wins the Champion Apprentice title
Wins the first of his three Jockey’s Championships, with subsequent wins following in 1995 and 2004 MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: Rides all seven winners on the card at Ascot on 28th September Awarded an Honorary MBE in the HM The Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to horse racing Wins The Derby at Epsom for the first time aboard Authorized. He also guided Golden Horn to Derby glory in 2015 Rides his 3,000th British winner aboard Predilection at Newmarket on August 12th
A record sixth win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October aboard Enable
7th October 2018 Sixth Arc Victory ‘Enable’
2020
Wins his eighth Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and his third with Stradivarius
2022
Inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame
2023 30th April 2022 Inducted into the Hall of Fame
Rides his 23rd and final British Classic winner with Soul Sister (Oaks) having also won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas in May with Chaldean
Head to the Bandstand Lawn and recreate Frankie Dettori’s signature celebration! PLUS THE CHANCE TO WIN A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO MILAN!
THE RACE TO BE CROWNED
CHAMPION JOCKEY
2 0 2 3
William Buick had set his sights on the 2023 Flat Jockeys’ Championship even before last year’s coronation of his first first title. Championship glory had been wrapped up long before QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, the final day of the season, and Buick had been able to - if not relax with work still to be done and a new-born at home - enjoy the catharsis of a commanding victory after near-misses in 2020 and 2021. Buick finished runner-up by eight in the first of those years but the 2021 Championship was even closer with Buick ending two adrift of Oisin Murphy at the final count. There was to be no slowing of the pace, however with Buick declaring: “It was disappointing to miss out last year, but that motivated me even more for this year and it’s certainly something I enjoy and all being well I’ll go for it again next year.” The Flat Jockeys’ Championship has always fascinated Buick who said: “Being Champion Jockey is personally something I had always wanted to achieve. It feels great. You keep your head down and keep busy.”
OISIN MURPHY
Buick has certainly had the horses to ride over the previous two seasons with Godolphin’s famous colours carried to victory in major contests in Britain, Ireland and much further afield. A glut is so often followed by a fallow year and in relative terms 2023 hasn’t yielded the same returns at the top level for either Buick or Godolphin with Modern Games’ victory at Newbury in May in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes their sole domestic Group 1, but that hasn’t stemmed the flow of winners.
Keeping busy is never likely to be a problem for Buick whose principal employer, Godolphin, operates a global enterprise. One weekend in September saw Buick fly to Canada on the Saturday morning for two rides before returning that same evening to be back in time to ride at Doncaster on the Sunday. He acknowledged:
The season may have started slowly for the 35-yearold but the defending champion was still the first jockey to notch up 50 winners, doing so in mid-July aboard a horse owned by His Majesty The King, and he, as ever, acknowledged the support of those behind him, saying: “I am in a fortunate position, first and foremost with my job at Godolphin and I have been well supported so far this season, so hopefully that will remain the same and I can continue to be given some good opportunities.”
“That’s what you have to do if you want to be champion… as well as ride the best horses.”
Indeed, the Godolphin stable of Charlie Appleby had hit the ground running in spring but was
uncharacteristically quiet in May, while Buick suffered a slow June by his own high standards, Buick’s halfcentury being reached with a strike rate of ‘just’ 19%. That’s a record many jockeys would be proud of but in the months that followed June, Buick has roughly ridden a winner for every four rides, keeping up relentless pressure on his pursuers in the title race. Appleby has again provided the bulk of the winners as one would expect but demand for Buick’s services remains high and he has ridden winners for more than 40 trainers with Andrew Balding, George Boughey and Charles Hills notable amongst them. Buick was apprenticed to Balding when sharing the apprentices’ title with David Probert in 2008 and the Master of Kingsclere has continued to make good use of his protégé’s services, when available, with the pair operating at around a one-in-three strike rate in 2023. The Ebor meeting at York may signal the beginning of the end for the lazy days of summer but Buick kept his foot firmly to the floor with a double on the final day’s racing on the Knavesmire before riding four winners from four rides for four different trainers at Yarmouth the following day. Those winners took him to 91 for the season and it wasn’t long until the century was brought up with a treble at Haydock Park a week into September but Buick was not content to rest on his laurels, declaring that there was ‘still a long way to go’ and that he would ‘keep on kicking until the end of the season’. A four-timer the following week at Yarmouth showed he was a man true to his word, but it is highly likely that the five victories he registered earlier this month at Newmarket’s Future Champions Festival will prove even more significant in the long run.
Bagging some of the prestigious prizes on offer will have felt good enough, but that four of them came with exciting juveniles who could contend in next year’s Classics for Godolphin and Appleby will surely have whetted the appetite for 2024. Chasing Buick home in 2023 are Oisin Murphy who has had a season peppered with big-race successes and Rossa Ryan, whose 150/1 Royal Ascot success aboard Valiant Force has ensured he will complete the season registering a rare level-stakes profit for those punters who have kept the faith throughout. The ever consistent Tom Marquand follows the three after another fruitful season having surpassed a century of wins. The unexpected early pacesetter in the title race, Joe Fanning, completes his 36th British season in the saddle with another admirable haul of winners, including Significantly’s memorable Ayr Gold Cup success. However, in the final reckoning it is Buick who has kept his focus and claimed the title; he is just the 48th jockey to claim the championship in 183 years, a fair reflection of just how hard this honour is to come by… and why he won’t want to surrender it in 2024.
THE SPRINT SERIES 1.50: THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS
SPRINT STAKES
(CLASS S1 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY
CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 = 3 =
Shaquille Kinross Live In The Dream (IRE) Bradsell Highfield Princess (FR)
Rating 120
Rating 118
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 KING'S STAND STAKES ROYAL ASCOT, 20TH JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (5F) £627,500 PRIZE MONEY 1st: BRADSELL 14/1 2nd: Highfield Princess (FR) 7/4F 3rd: Annaf 50/1 Hollie Doyle gained her fourth Royal Ascot victory when winning aboard Bradsell in a dramatic King’s Stand on day one of the Royal Meeting. The Archie Watson-trained colt repelled multiple Group-winner, Highfield Princess, with 50/1 shot, Annaf in third. Doyle and Watson had an anxious wait, who survived a stewards’ inquiry as Bradsell drifted left in the final furlong.
THE COMMONWEALTH CUP ROYAL ASCOT, 23RD JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SHAQUILLE 9/1 2nd: Little Big Bear (IRE) 10/11F 3rd: Swingalong (IRE) 66/1 Yorkshire-based trainer Julie Camacho enjoyed her first winner at the Royal Meeting, and first Group 1 success, when her exuberant three-year-old, Shaquille defied all expectations to win the Commonwealth Cup. With an unfortunate record of misbehaving on the racecourse, Shaquille reared as the gates opened, leaving him several lengths behind the field. His jockey, Oisin Murphy eased him into the race and the duo slowly worked their way back into contention. He then powered through the line to produce on of the great Royal Ascot comebacks, defeating short priced favourite, Little Big Bear.
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II JUBILEE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT, 24TH JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £1,000,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: KHAADEM (IRE) 80/1 2nd: Sacred 9/1 3rd: Highfield Princess (FR) 11/4F 3rd: Artorius 4/1 80/1 shot Khaadem claimed a shock victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot to become the biggest-priced winner in the race’s history. Highfield Princess, who was second in the King’s Stand Stakes just four days previous, broke well to lead the field before Sacred came through and looked to hold the winning hand. But that was not to be as a typical Jamie Spencer ride bought his time, before cutting through the pack to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
THE PERTEMPS NETWORK JULY CUP NEWMARKET JULY COURSE, 15TH JULY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £628,500 PRIZE MONEY 1st: SHAQUILLE 5/2 2nd: Run To Freedom 28/1 3rd: Kinross 4/1 Playful Shaquille was up to his usual tricks as he once again reared leaving the stalls, this time with Rossa Ryan in the hot seat. The Julie Camacho-trained colt matched his miraculous Commonwealth Cup performance to land a second Group 1 in as many months. The joint favourite recovered well and eased into the race, and despite trailing for most of the race, Ryan cagouled his mount as the pair bulldozed their way to the front. Victory gave Rossa Ryan his first Group 1, defeating 28/1 shot Run To Freedom in second. “I’m speechless,” Ryan said. “I’ve worked every day for this and I thought it would never come. To get it is something else.”
THE COOLMORE WOOTTON BASSETT NUNTHORPE STAKES YORK, 25TH AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (5F) £525,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: LIVE IN THE DREAM (IRE) 28/1 2nd: Highfield Princess (FR) 7/5 3rd: Bradsell 9/2 Epsom-based trainer Adam West enjoyed a breakthrough big-race victory as Live In The Dream blazed his way to a shock win in only his first race in Group 1 company. Fresh from riding out his claim, jockey Sean Kirrane pinged the gates and instantly led the field. Last year’s winner Highfield Princess and Royal Ascot winner Bradsell kept him company in behind, and with many expecting them to pass, Kirrane and his mount kicked on to land a spectacular victory at 28/1. Trainer, West said: “I never thought it was possible to win. We were laughing about there being six places and how his odds were so skinny.”
THE BETFAIR SPRINT CUP HAYDOCK PARK, 9TH SEPTEMBER
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (6F) £400,000 PRIZE MONEY
1st: REGIONAL 10/1 2nd: Shouldvebeenaring 50/1 3rd: Believing 66/1 The Ed Bethell trained five-year-old made a triumphant comeback stepping back up in trip to the six-furlong distance, delivering a performance that stands out as one of his finest to date. Under the guidance of Callum Rodriguez, Regional broke well and took up a prominent position down the centre of the racetrack with two-furlongs left to race. Shaken up by Rodriguez with just over a furlong left he responded well to pressure and pressed on to beat Richard Hannon’s Shouldvebeenaring by a neck. In a thrilling display of tenacity, Regional deservedly brought home both Rodriguez and Bethell’s first Group 1 success, this race will be remembered as a shining moment for all connections.
THEQIPCOBRITISHCHAMPIONSSPRINTSTAKES
HISTORY OF THE RACE
The QIPCO British Champions Sprint was established in 1946 and originally called the Diadem Stakes. It’s always been run at Ascot and was upgraded to a Group 1 in 2015. It invariably attracts a big field – a maximum of 20 can run - and is usually over in 75 seconds. Little wonder then that the start can be as vital as the finish. Nevertheless, the cream has often risen to the top with Deacon Blues (2011), Slade Power (2013), Gordon Lord Byron (joint-top, 2014), Muhaarar (2015) and Kinross (2022) all being highest-rated runners to triumph on QIPCO British Champions Day. Busy campaigns have been no barrier to success in the £500,000 dash. Glen Shiel (2020) was having his eleventh run of the year when successful, while Maarek (2015) was having his tenth and had been a runner-up just six days before. Meanwhile, Gordon Lord Byron was having his ninth race of the year, having started his campaign in Australia. Three of the first four winners on Champions Day were Irish-trained but the past eight renewals have been dominated by British contenders. The best of them was the outstanding Muhaarar, who had won the Commonwealth Cup, July Cup and Prix Maurice de Gheest earlier in the summer.
RACE DISTANCE
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PRIZE MONEY
6 Furlongs
2022: Kinross
Overall: £500,000
2021: Creative Force 2020: Glen Shiel
1st: £301,271.87
2019: Donjuan Triumphant
2nd: £107,500
2018: Sands Of Mali
3rd: £53,800
2017: Librisa Breeze 2016: The Tin Man
4th: £26,800
2015: Muhaarar
5th: £13,450
2014: Gordon Lord Byron
6th: £6,750
LEADING CONTENDERS
ONES TO WATCH
KINROSS
Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 6 Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Marc Chan Sire-Dam: Kingman – Ceilidh House Breeder: Lawn Stud Info: No horse has won back-to-back renewals of the Sprint on Champions Day but many will fancy Kinross to retain his crown. He beat 17 rivals in decisive style last year and capped an excellent season by going on to finish third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. The six-year-old has continued to excel this year, finishing third in the July Cup before gaining Group 2 wins in the Lennox Stakes, at Goodwood, and City Of York Stakes, at York. He also came close to winning a second successive Prix de la Foret at Longchamp last time, when short of room at a crucial time. Frankie Dettori has guided him to six of his ten triumphs.
VADREAM
Sex: Mare Colour: Bay Age: 5 Trainer: Charlie Fellowes Owner: D R J King Sire-Dam: Brazen Beau (AUS) – Her Honour (IRE) Breeder: Crispin Estates Ltd Info: Vadream was a good sixth in the Sprint last year and her connections will have been delighted with the rain that has fallen this week as their mare is in her element with some give underfoot. She confirmed that in the first half of the season when her exploits included beating Live In The Dream, the subsequent Nunthorpe winner, in the Palace House Stakes on soft going at Newmarket in May. Vadream was given a break in the summer before finishing an eye-catching fifth in the Bengough Stakes here at Ascot a fortnight ago on ground that wouldn’t have shown her to best advantage. That run is likely to have put her spot-on for this assignment and she now has her optimum conditions.
SANDRINE
Colour: Bay Age: 4 Sex: Filly Trainer: Andrew Balding Owner: Miss K Rausing Sire-Dam: Bobby’s Kitten (USA) – Seychelloise Breeder: Miss K Rausing Info: Andrew Balding won the Sprint with 33/1 outsider Donjuan Triumphant in 2019 but you will not get such fancy odds about Sandrine obliging. She was a leading two-year-old in 2021 and her exploits the following year included a neck defeat of Kinross in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood. Sandrine disappointed a little in her first four starts this year but has been better than ever since being equipped with a visor. She was a close third to Kinross in the City of York Stakes and followed that with victory in the Group 2 Park Stakes last time. She stays 7f well, but 6f away from fast ground should also play to her strengths.
ANDREW BALDING ON SANDRINE
“
Sandrine is right back to her best and she hasn’t had a hard season. The visor she’s worn at York and Doncaster the last twice has made a big difference, and six furlongs with a bit of give in the ground is ideal for her.
“
SECOND RACE 1.50PM 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 prize fund £500,000 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: Far Side
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Horse
1
ART POWER (IRE) (20)
Draw
Gr g 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
No
1
Jockey David Allan
Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 4 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop, striped sleeves, WHITE cap, ROYAL BLUE star. Form: 041560 CD
Has won eight races from 5f to 6f on ground varying from good to yielding - soft and on the all-weather. Beaten 7l behind Highfield Princess when 17th of 18 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp at ParisLongchamp over 5f. Needs more to figure. Official BHA Rating 114
KINROSS (GB) (20)
Draw
2
B g Kingman - Ceilidh House (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: Mr Marc Chan Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Breeder: Lawn Stud Sponsor: R M Beckett Ltd
8 Frankie Dettori
Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 4 Colours: MAUVE, GOLD chevron hoop, WHITE sleeves, PURPLE stars, WHITE cap, PURPLE star. CD Form: 3-03112
Has won ten races from 6f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to heavy and on the all-weather. Beaten 1/2l by Kelina when second of 14 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp over 7f earlier this month. Official BHA Rating 118 Sets the standard on form.
ROHAAN (IRE) (15)
Draw
3
B g Mayson - Vive Les Rouges (Acclamation) Owner: Mr Kieran McCabe & Mr Paul Byrne Trainer: David Evans, Abergavenny Breeder: Liam Phelan Sponsor: Emma Evans Racing Ltd
6
Ryan Moore
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE star and sleeves. Form: 006001 CD
Has won ten races from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy and on the all-weather. Won on his latest outing when 2-1fav over this course and distance (good) earlier this month, beating English Oak by a neck. An each-way player under these conditions. Official BHA Rating 105
RUN TO FREEDOM (GB) (42)
Draw
4
B h Muhaarar - Twilight Mistress (Bin Ajwaad (IRE)) Owner: Mr Godfrey Wilson Trainer: Henry Candy, Wantage Breeder: Mrs C. R. D. Wilson Sponsor: Tote
5 Trevor Whelan
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN stars, sleeves and stars on cap. Form: 2-41020 D
5
SAINT LAWRENCE (IRE) (42)
B g Al Kazeem - Affluent (Oasis Dream) Owner: Mr D. J. Deer Trainer: Archie Watson, Upper Lambourn Breeder: D. J. and Mrs Deer Sponsor: Oakgrove Stud
Draw
Winner of six races from 6f to 7f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 7l behind Regional at 18-1 when 11th of 16 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock over 6f (good) last month. Faces a tough assignment. Official BHA Rating 116
11 Hollie Doyle
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: ROYAL BLUE and WHITE diamonds, WHITE sleeves, ROYAL BLUE armlets, quartered cap. CD Form: 0-60130
He has won three times from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. Beaten 5l behind Regional at 40-1 when ninth of 16 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock over 6f (good) last month. Easy enough to look elsewhere. Official BHA Rating 109
36
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES SPYCATCHER (IRE) (35)
Draw
6
B g Vadamos (FR) - Damask (IRE) (Red Clubs (IRE)) Owner: Highclere T’BredRacing-Adriana Zaefferer Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud Sponsor: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd
9
Clifford Lee
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE armlets, DARK BLUE cap. D BF Form: 142123
Winner of five races from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to soft and on the all-weather. Third of five behind Sandrine beaten 3l on his latest outing in the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at Doncaster over 7f last month. A key player on the drop in distance. Official BHA Rating 110
MILL STREAM (IRE) (42)
Draw
7
B c Gleneagles (IRE) - Swirral Edge (Hellvelyn) Owner: Mr P. W. Harris Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam, Newmarket Breeder: Redpender Stud Ltd Sponsor: Tote
14 William Buick
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED sash, YELLOW sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 632116 D
He has won three times at 6f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Finished 3 1/2l behind Regional when sixth of 16 at 8-1 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock over 6f (good) last month. Likely to enter the reckoning. Official BHA Rating 111
MAKAROVA (GB) (20)
Draw
8
B f Acclamation - Vesnina (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Owner: Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd Trainer: Ed Walker, Upper Lambourn Breeder: Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd Sponsor: Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd
12 Paul Mulrennan
Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 4 Colours: TURQUOISE, NAVY BLUE collar and cuffs, check cap. Form: 412446 D
She has won three times from 5f to 6f on good to firm and good ground. Finished 1 3/4l behind Highfield Princess when sixth of 18 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at ParisLongchamp over 5f earlier this month. Others are preferred. Official BHA Rating 107
SANDRINE (GB) (35)
Draw
9
15 Oisin Murphy
B f Bobby’s Kitten (USA) - Seychelloise (Pivotal) Owner: Miss K. Rausing Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Miss K. Rausing
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 1 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, WHITE sleeves and cap. Form: 250631 CD
Winner of five races from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy and on the all-weather. A winner at 11-2 in the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at Doncaster over 7f (soft) on her latest outing last month, beating Audience by 3/4l. Must enter calculations. Official BHA Rating 113
B or Br f Showcasing - Margaret’s Mission (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: St Albans Bloodstock Limited Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: BRONZE. Breeder: St Albans Bloodstock LLP Form: 21/111-3 D
Draw
10 SENSE OF DUTY (GB) (28)
10 Tom Marquand
1
She has won four times at 6f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather. Third of five behind Thunderbear beaten 2 1/4l on her latest outing in the Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes at Newbury over 5f last month. Needs to bounce back. Official BHA Rating 108 Draw
11 VADREAM (GB) (14)
2 Kieran Shoemark
B m Brazen Beau (AUS) - Her Honour (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Mr D. R. J. King Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Charlie Fellowes, Newmarket Colours: EMERALD GREEN and WHITE (quartered), Breeder: Crispin Estates Ltd PURPLE sleeves, EMERALD GREEN and WHITE striped cap. CD Form: 610005
12 BELIEVING (IRE) (42)
B f Mehmas (IRE) - Misfortunate (IRE) (Kodiac) Owner: Highclere T’bred Racing - Jane Addams Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Breeder: M. Mullen & Cloneymore Farm Sponsor: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
Draw
She has won four times from 5f to 6f on soft and heavy ground and on the all-weather. Finished 1 3/4l behind Annaf when fifth of 10 on her latest outing over this course and distance (good) earlier this month. Has won at Newmarket and Doncaster this season. Respected. Official BHA Rating 107
4 Daniel Tudhope
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE hooped sleeves, DARK BLUE cap. Form: 511013 D
She has won four times at 6f on good to firm ground and on the all-weather. Third of 16 behind Regional beaten 3/4l at 66-1 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock over 6f last month. Has won three times this season; each-way claims. Official BHA Rating 109
37
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES B f Kodiac - Fikrah (Medicean) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Trainer: Dominic Ffrench Davis, Lambourn Breeder: Ms Alice Fitzgerald Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd
Draw
13 MAGICAL SUNSET (IRE) (34)
7
Rossa Ryan
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: VIOLET, WHITE quartered cap. Form: 640010 D
She has won four times from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Beaten 14l behind Matilda Picotte when last of 10 on her latest outing in the Group 3 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster over 7f last month. This represents a stiff task. Official BHA Rating 107 Draw
14 OCEAN QUEST (IRE) (27)
Ch f Sioux Nation (USA) - Gold Zain (Aqlaam) Owner: J. Kirkland/Mrs. J.M. Ryan Trainer: Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland Breeder: Dr T. K. Chah
13 Shane Foley
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: RED, WHITE diamond and sleeves, WHITE cap, RED star. Form: 2-12414 D BF
She has won three times from 5f to 6f on ground varying from good - yielding to heavy. Finished 8l behind Go Athletico when fourth of nine on her latest outing in a Group 3 at the Curragh over 6f last month. She appears to have plenty on her plate. Official BHA Rating 107 Draw
15 SWINGALONG (IRE) (42)
Ch f Showcasing - Pilates (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: Mountarmstrong Stud
3
Sam James
Weight: 9 0 Horse Age: 3 Colours: DARK BLUE, large YELLOW spots. Form: 4-30314 D
She has won three times at 6f on good and good to soft ground. Finished 1 1/2l behind Regional when fourth of 16 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock over 6f (good) last month. Soft ground may not be ideal, but she cannot be ruled out. Official BHA Rating 107
(EXACTA) NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 15 Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 8, 12. Blinkers worn by No. 5. Visor worn by No. 9. Tongue Strap worn by No. 8, 12. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4, 11. Stewards Note: MAGICAL SUNSET: Following its run on 17/9/2023 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run. 2022: KINROSS 5 9 4 Frankie Dettori 3-1 (Ralph Beckett) 18 ran
THE RESULT
2ND:
WINNER:
3RD:
DISTANCE:
TIME:
4TH:
BETTING FORECAST:
2-1 Kinross (GB), 7-1 Vadream (GB), 9-1 Mill Stream (IRE), 10-1 Sandrine (GB), 14-1 Rohaan (IRE), Spycatcher (IRE), 18-1 Art Power (IRE), 22-1 Sense of Duty (GB), Believing (IRE), Swingalong (IRE), 25-1 Run To Freedom (GB), 28-1 Ocean Quest (IRE), 50-1 Saint Lawrence (IRE), 66-1 Makarova (GB), 100-1 Magical Sunset (IRE)
RACE SUMMARY
A somewhat unlucky loser (runner-up) in the Prix de la Foret last month when not getting a clear run inside the final furlong, KINROSS can gain compensation on the drop in trip and follow up last year’s emphatic success in this contest. Ground conditions should be ideal for Ralph Beckett’s charge as he looks to give Frankie Dettori a Group 1-winning send off on his Ascot swan song. A comfortable winner of the Park Stakes at Doncaster, C&D winner Sandrine is of interest now back over 6f, while Spycatcher and last year’s sixth Vadream should enjoy conditions. Not beaten far in the Haydock Spring Cup, Believing is a key player, along with Mill Stream, who has had a very progressive season.
RACE PREDICTOR Winner - Kinross
Second - Sandrine 38
Third - Vadream
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.
THERE’S YOU YOU, YOU, THEN THERE’S
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First yearlings averaged over 4 times his fee Colt x Glories
€140,000 to Yoshito Yahagi
“The The Kameko’s we sold were lovely forward types with a great walk, they have all been extremely well received by agents and trainers.” Henri Bozo, Ecurie Des Monceaux
Colt x Lady Mckell
£95,000
to Peter and Ross Doyle/ Richard Hannon I’ve been so impressed with the “I’ve Kameko’s. Very straightforward, good-looking, solid horses. I’ve bought a couple of very nice ones and would love to have more!” Richard Hannon, Classic winning trainer
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First yearlings averaged over 4 times his fee Colt x Golden Spell
160,000gns
to Blandford Bloodstock “Kameko was top-class and from what I’ve seen at the sales he could be even more exciting as a sire. I have already bought a few and am sure I will be booking clients mares to him!” Richard Brown, Blandford Bloodstock
Colt ex Stacey Sutton
125,000gns
to Blandford Bloodstock “Kameko Kameko was clearly an exceptional racehorse breaking the race record in the 2000 Guineas. I really like the colt we bought; he had lots of quality and great presence about him. I am very excited to train him!” Ed Bethell, Gr.1 winning trainer
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 3
It wasn’t meant to be like this. Six or eight winners over the winter, they had all agreed. Maybe 10 if things went well. Then perhaps another 15 or 20 on turf this year, before consideration was given as to whether the 2024 Apprentices’ Championship title might be a legitimate option. But no rush. Yet sometimes even a plan that has been 16 years in the preparation can end up in the wastebin and the meteoric rise of Billy Loughnane has proved too irresistible a force to be contained. On this day 12 months ago, Loughnane had not even yet had the thrill of seeing his name on a racecard in the newspaper. It wasn’t until October 24 that Loughnane took his first ride under Rules, his mum Clare having told him that unless he passed his GCSE exams, he could think again about getting an apprentices’ licence. But those who had seen him in action on the pony racing circuit already had a decent idea as to the talent that lay ready to be discovered. And the GCSEs thankfully proved no problem. So on a day on which the achievements of our brilliant jockeys are annually celebrated, and on which we are set to witness Frankie Dettori delighting British racegoers for the final time, Loughnane will take his rightful place among the champions, coming home clear in front of reigning title-holder Benoit de la Sayette and a clutch of other talented youngsters to take the title. Family is foremost when it comes to those the 17-yearold wishes to credit for playing a part in his success.
Father, Mark, who trains from Rock Farm Stables in the Worcestershire countryside, supplied the right balance of ambition and grounding, slowing things down when it was happening all too quickly, but opening doors that included a month’s work experience in the US at Palm Meadows at the start of the year. Loughnane’s agent Shashi Righton, and jockey coach, the ever-affable Rodi Greene also come in for particular mention. Greene and Loughnane are meticulous both in preparation and post-race analysis, painstakingly unpicking every ride as if it were still the first. Opportunities, for the record, have not been in short supply. He has ridden for approaching 150 different stables so far this year. “It has happened more quickly than any of us could have expected,” says Mark Loughnane. “We were going to stop at 15, but two days later he’d ridden 20. Then 25, then 30. It seemed to happen overnight. But he just wants to ride winners. He lives, eats and breathes racing. This is all he has ever wanted to do.” Throughout the year, records have fallen, landmarks have been achieved. Billy’s first public ride on turf ended in victory in the Brocklesby Stakes. His apprentice’s
weight claim was gone in a fastest-ever 11 months. At Newmarket in May, he became the youngest jockey since Lester Piggott to ride in a British Classic. Can such a level of achievement possibly continue? Who knows, but he’ll have fun finding out. “My first goal was to become Champion Apprentice and my next is to become Champion Jockey,” says Loughnane. “It’s been a whirlwind how quickly it has all happened, but bar injuring my thumb and having to take three weeks out in the summer, I’ve loved every minute. “Although I’m quite tall, I take my fitness very seriously and I’ve been riding out for Dad since I was 10 and looking after my weight since I was 13. I’m lucky because this has always been what I wanted to do and Mum and Dad have put everything in place for me to achieve my ambitions – all I have to do is concentrate on my riding and being the best that I can be.” Loughnane’s best result of the year came, however, not on the track but behind the wheel when he passed his driving test at the first attempt. That has allowed him to stop depending upon lifts and make his own way to stables and racecourses as he builds up the contacts that he will depend upon from now onwards as a fully-fledged rider. Consolidation rather than championship chase has been a sensible call in 2023 for Benoit de la Sayette, who has
concentrated his efforts in building ties in Newmarket, establishing profitable relationships that will hopefully endure with trainers of the calibre of John and Thady Gosden, James Fanshawe and Kevin Philipart de Foy – the last-named having supplied most of the rides – and winners – for this talented 20-year-old. However, it was aboard Migration for David Menuisier that de la Sayette enjoyed his biggest day of the year, bagging the Lincoln Handicap with a confident come-from-behind ride that illustrated the jockey’s confidence and sense of timing. Also enjoying an excellent season has been Harry Davies, another jockey whose weight allowance has disappeared during the year, but whose industry has been rewarded by developing new partnerships with a number of trainers, including Newmarket’s Charlie Fellowes, who supplied him a big winner at this track in Atrium just two Saturdays ago. Davies and his mount needed to be brave to find the right gap, but this a rider who lacks nothing in courage or conviction. Laura Pearson finishes the season as the top female apprentice and is another who now looks set to go on and make her name among the professional ranks, while special mention must also be made of Sean Kirrane, who celebrated with welcome passion when Live In The Dream memorably made every yard to win the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
THE FILLIES & MARES SERIES 2.25: THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS
FILLIES L & MARES STAKES
(CLASS 1) (GROUP R 1) (1M ABT 4F) £531,250 PRIZE MONEY
CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 3 4 5
Nashwa Mawj (IRE) Tahiyra (IRE) Soul Sister (IRE) Free Wind (IRE)
Rating 121
Rating 118
Rating 117
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, 7TH MAY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY
1st: MAWJ (IRE) 9/1 2nd: Tahiyra (IRE) 6/4F 3rd: Matilda Picotte (IRE) 33/1 Saeed bin Suroor registered his third success in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, 21 years after his previous victory (Kazzia, 2002), when filly Mawj fought off favourite Tahiyra after an epic duel on the Rowley Mile. Tahiyra started slow but made smooth headway under Chris Haynes and looked the most likely winner a furlong out, but Oisin Murphy hustled his mount to edge out winner by just halfa-length, while the pair were in turn seven-and-a-half lengths clear of third placed Matilda Picotte. Murphy was registering his biggest success since returning from a spell on the sidelines and said: “for me to win this having not been back very long is incredible. I got a huge buzz out of that”.
THE BETFRED OAKS EPSOM DOWNS, 2ND JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY
1st: SOUL SISTER (IRE) 11/4 2nd: Savethelastdance (IRE) 5/6F 3rd: Caernarfon 40/1 Soul Sister danced her way to a one-and-a-half-length victory over odds-onfavourite Savethelastdance in the Betfred Oaks to continue Frankie Dettori’s remarkable swansong. The two market leaders had run out impressive winners of their trials, but Soul Sister appeared to be travelling by far the better of the pair in the straight. Dettori made a big move from last having rounded Tattenham Corner and held his mount together on the cambers before kicking on to cruise to a second Group 1 on the day. Caernarfon kept on well to finish in third place.
THE CORONATION STAKES ROYAL ASCOT, 23RD JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £400,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: TAHIYRA (IRE) 8/13F 2nd: Remarquee 25/1 3rd: Sounds Of Heaven 16/1 After a narrow defeat in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, Tahiyra went one better to land the Irish equivalent in stylish fashion, before completing a second Group 1 in as many months, landing the Coronation Stakes. Chris Hayes settled Tahiyra in last place and as the field bunched up two furlongs out, Hayes pushed the button and Tahiyra obliged, surpassing all rivals to hit the line a length clear of Remarquee. Victory secured a first Royal Ascot win for Hayes.
THE TATTERSALLS FALMOUTH STAKES NEWMARKET JULY COURSE, 14TH JULY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £275,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: NASHWA 4/1 2nd: Remarquee 11/2 3rd: Via Sistina EvsF Nashwa returned to her brilliant best when running away with the Falmouth Stakes in the driving rain at Newmarket’s July Course. After successive defeats in lesser company over longer trips, the daughter of Frankel handled a significant drop in trip for the first time in more than a year in style when accounting for Remarquee and hot favourite Via Sistina. Winning jockey Hollie Doyle, who was landing the seventh Group 1 of her career, said: “It’s great to see how effective she was over a mile, which has opened up a new corridor for her.”
THE QATAR NASSAU STAKES GOODWOOD, 3RD AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2F) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: AL HUSN (IRE) 9/1 2nd: Above The Curve (USA) 7/1 3rd: Nashwa 11/4 Fresh from their King George VI & Queen Elizaveth QIPCO Stakes success with Hukum just five days previous, Jim Crowley and Shadwell combined once more to secure another Group 1, with Al Husn upsetting marketing rivals to land the Qatar Nassau Stakes. Trained by Roger Varian, the 9/1 chance settled alongside odds-on favourite French raider, Blue Rose Cen, as the pair tracked early leader Above The Curve. A tenacious Crowley controlled the race perfectly before powering to the front from her rivals which recorded a seventh career win.
THE PERTEMPS NETWORK YORKSHIRE OAKS YORK, 24TH AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: WARM HEART 9/1 2nd: Free Wind (IRE) 5/1 3rd: Savethelastdance (IRE) 100/30 The rare combination of Aidan O’Brien and James Doyle secured victory in the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks after Warm Heart defeated Free Wind and stablemate Savethelastdance on the Knavesmire. In an open wide renewal, the Yorkshire crowd were treated to a thrilling finish as Doyle gathered up his mount two furlongs out to move alongside leader Savethelastdance. It looked as though these two would battle it out, but Dettori, aboard Free Wind pulled his way out of a crowd of horses to find clear running, but it was too little too late. A patient Doyle pushed his mount to the line to deny Dettori one final Yorkshire Oaks.
THEQIPCOBRITISHCHAMPIONSFILLIES&MARESSTAKES
HISTORY OF THE RACE
Like the Sprint, the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes was established in 1946. It’s been formerly known as the Princess Royal Stakes, then Pride Stakes, and has alternated between Ascot and Newmarket. The mile-and-a-half contest, which carries prize-money of £500,000, was a Group 2 race when forming part of the first Champions Day before being upgraded to a Group 1 in 2015. It has not paid to look too far beyond the obvious, with all bar one of the dozen winners being among the four highest-rated runners. The odd one out was Seal Of Approval (2013), who had suffered a fall on her previous start after three successive wins. Her edition was an international affair, featuring runners from England, Ireland, France, Germany and South Africa. Dancing Rain (2011), Simple Verse (2015) and Star Catcher (2019) had all won a Classic earlier in the season, while Emily Upjohn (2022) had looked unlucky not to land the Oaks en route to landing last year’s renewal. The past six winners (and eight of the past nine) have all been three-year-olds, including a trio – Hydrangea (2017), Magical (2018) and Wonderful Tonight (2020) - who had run at the Arc meeting in France a few weeks earlier. Magical would drop back in trip and win the QIPCO Champion Stakes 12 months later.
RACE DISTANCE
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PRIZE MONEY
1 Mile about 4 Furlongs
2022: Emily Upjohn
Overall: £531,250
2021: Eshaada 2020: Wonderful Tonight
1st: £301,271
2019: Star Catcher
2nd: £114,218
2018: Magical
3rd: £57,162
2017: Hydrangea 2016: Journey
4th: £28,475
2015: Simple Verse
5th: £14,290
2014: Madame Chiang
6th: £7,171
LEADING CONTENDERS
ONES TO WATCH
TIME LOCK
Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton Owner: Juddmonte Sire-Dam: Frankel – Time Chaser Breeder: Juddmonte Farms (east) Ltd Info: Eight of the past nine editions of the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes have been won by three-year-olds. The exception was Journey, a four-year-old who had won the Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes in emphatic style at Newmarket the previous month. That perhaps augurs well for Time Lock, another four-year-old who also won that Newmarket contest in great fashion last time. It looked a wide-open renewal but the Frankel filly surged clear to win by more than four lengths in a slick time. She had previously got off the mark for the season with a comfortable success in France, so she arrives in great heart. Time Lock will be making her Ascot debut, but her sire won each of his five races here, while another of her relatives, Time Test, won at Royal Ascot on his only visit.
JACKIE OH
Sex: Filly Colour: Chestnut Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Owner: Triermore Stud, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor Sire-Dam: Galileo (IRE) – Jacqueline Quest (IRE) Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited Info: Unraced at two, the daughter of Galileo has progressed well this term and is interesting stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time. She didn’t have the pace, or perhaps the experience, when fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in the first half of the campaign but has raised her game since having her stamina tested more in recent starts. Jackie Oh was emphatic winner of the Group 3 Rathbride Stakes at Gowran in July - a race Magical won en route to winning this race for O’Brien in 2018 - and has since finished runner-up over a mile and a quarter at The Curragh and Longchamp. She ran a blinder at the latter course when beaten a neck by Blue Rose Cen, winner of the French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks.
FREE WIND
Colour: Bay Age: 5 Sex: Mare Trainer: John & Thady Gosden. Owner: George Strawbridge Sire-Dam: Galileo (IRE) – Alive Alive Oh Breeder: Mrs Sue Ann Foley Info: Octogenarian owner/breeder George Strawbridge scooped the 2016 running of the Fillies & Mares with Journey and will be hoping Free Wind can also carry his silks to victory. She’s won half of her 12 races, completing an unusual Group 2 hat-trick along the way. Those wins were spread over 20 months, being achieved in three different seasons. Free Wind signed off the 2021 campaign with a runaway win in the Park Stakes and landed an eventful Lancashire Oaks on her only start last term. She began this term with success in the Middleton Stakes at York and probably ran as well as she’s ever done when beaten a head by Warm Heart in the Yorkshire Oaks at the same venue. She was unable to land a blow in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last time but her record against her own sex is hard to fault.
HARRY CHARLTON ON TIME LOCK
“
“
She is in great form and is on the right path, growing in confidence with her success. It looks very competitive with a big field but she’s in as good form as any others at the moment.
THIRD RACE 2.25PM THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES)
RACE
RACE
FINISH
START
Stalls: Outside
ONE MILE ABOUT FOUR FURLONGS (2,300 metres), INNER COURSE (11F ABT 133YDS) for three yrs old and upwards fillies and mares. Total prize fund £531,250 Owners Prize Money. Winner £236725; Second £97166; Third £48609; Fourth £24278; Fifth £12166; Sixth £6056. (Penalty Value £301271.87) A SS See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Horse
1
ABOVE THE CURVE (USA) (41)
Draw
B f American Pharoah (USA) - Fabulous (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Colours: DARK BLUE. Breeder: Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt Form: 013236
Draw
No
3
Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle
7
2
FREE WIND (IRE) (20)
B m Galileo (IRE) - Alive Alive Oh (Duke of Marmalade (IRE)) Owner: Mr George Strawbridge Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoop. Breeder: Mrs Sue Ann Foley Form: 1-15420 D
Draw
She has won four times at 1m 2f on ground varying from good to yielding. Finished 2 1/4l behind Warm Heart when sixth of 8 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp over 1m 4f last month. Handles give in the ground and she’s not dismissed. Official BHA Rating 114
7 Frankie Dettori
Winner of six races from 1m 2f to 1m 6f on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Beaten 12l behind Ace Impact at 14-1 when 13th of 15 latest in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp over 1m 4f (good to soft) earlier this month. A solid option. Official BHA Rating 114
ONE FOR BOBBY (IRE) (62)
Draw
3
B f Frankel - One Spirit (IRE) (Invincible Spirit (IRE)) Owner: Miss A. H. Marshall Trainer: Hughie Morrison, East Ilsley Breeder: F. Dunne Sponsor: Bridgend Hotel
4
Rob Hornby
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: BLACK and ORANGE stripes, WHITE cap. Form: 03-1316
Won four times from 1m 1f to 1m 2f on soft and yielding ground. Finished 6l behind Mqse De Sevigne when sixth of 8 last time in the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville over 1m 2f (heavy) in August. Has won at Vichy and Nottingham this season. Faces a stiff test. Official BHA Rating 109
POPTRONIC (GB) (21)
Draw
4
10 Sam James
B f Nathaniel (IRE) - Alpine Dream (IRE) (Dream Ahead (USA)) Owner: David & Yvonne Blunt Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE epaulets, ROYAL BLUE Breeder: David & Yvonne Blunt and YELLOW chevrons on sleeves, RED cap. Sponsor: KB Spigot Ltd Form: 4-33100 D
She has won four times from 1m 1f to 1m 4f on good to firm and good ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 10l behind Sea Silk Road when 9th of 14 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu at ParisLongchamp over 1m 6f last month. Soft ground is a concern. Official BHA Rating 108
STAY ALERT (GB) (20)
Draw
5
B f Fastnet Rock (AUS) - Starfala (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Ben & Sir Martyn Arbib Trainer: Hughie Morrison, East Ilsley Breeder: Arbib Bloodstock Partnership Sponsor: Bridgend Hotel
14 David Egan
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE Cross of Lorraine, armlets and cap. Form: 10-5260 D
She has won three times from 1m 2f to 1m 4f on good and good to soft ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 4l behind Blue Rose Cen at 16-1 when 9th of 11 last time in the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp over 1m 2f earlier this month. Needs a career best. Official BHA Rating 112
48
6
TERM OF ENDEARMENT (GB) (64)
B f Sea The Moon (GER) - Miss You Too (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Mrs C. Acheson Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland Breeder: Mr Andrew Whitlock
Draw
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES 13 Tom Marquand
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: MAUVE, LIGHT BLUE sash, WHITE sleeves, LIGHT BLUE cap, MAUVE star. D Form: 432-521
Successful at 1m 1f and 1m 4f on yielding and soft - heavy ground. A winner at 9-2 in the Group 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes at Cork over 1m 4f (soft - heavy) on her latest outing in August, beating Library by 4 1/2l. Will love the ground and can go well. Official BHA Rating 104
TIME LOCK (GB) (22)
Draw
7
B f Frankel - Time Chaser (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Juddmonte Trainer: Harry & Roger Charlton, Beckhampton Breeder: Juddmonte Farms (East) Ltd Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc
1 William Buick
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, WHITE sleeves. Form: 244311 D
She has won three times at 1m 4f on good to firm and good to soft ground. A winner in the Group 3 Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes at Newmarket over 1m 4f last month, beating Sweet Memories by 4 1/2l. Has also won at Craon this season. Must be considered. Official BHA Rating 112
BLUESTOCKING (GB) (35)
Draw
8
B f Camelot - Emulous (Dansili) Owner: Juddmonte Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Breeder: Juddmonte Farms (East) Ltd Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc
11 Rossa Ryan
Weight: 9 1 Horse Age: 3 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash, WHITE sleeves. Form: 1-23242 BF
A winner at 1m on good to soft ground. Beaten a neck by Al Qareem when second of 7 at 8-11fav on her latest outing at Chester over 1m 4f (good to soft) last month. She is wearing cheekpieces for the first time and needs to improve in her toughest assignment so far. Official BHA Rating 111
JACKIE OH (IRE) (20)
Draw
9
Ch f Galileo (IRE) - Jacqueline Quest (IRE) (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) Owner: Triermore Stud, Mrs J.Magnier,M.Tabor Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Colours: PINK, ROYAL BLUE cap, PINK spots. Breeder: C. O. P. Hanbury Form: 250122
9
Ryan Moore
Successful at 1m and 1m 1f on soft and heavy ground. Beaten a neck by Blue Rose Cen when second of 11 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp over 1m 2f earlier this month. Has to be of interest now that she is stepping up in trip. Official BHA Rating 114 Draw
10 RED RIDING HOOD (IRE) (41)
Ch f Justify (USA) - Ballydoyle (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: D.Smith,Mrs J.Magnier,M.Tabor,Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Coolmore
2 James Doyle
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 000015
11 RUE BOISSONADE (FR) (21)
B f Seabhac (USA) - Saturnine (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Ecurie X Trainer: M. Delzangles, France Breeder: Suc. L. Kneip & United Breeders
Draw
Successful at 1m 1f and 1m 3f on good ground and on the all-weather. Finished 5l behind Lumiere Rock when fifth of 11 on her latest outing in the Group 2 Moyglare ‘’Jewels’’ Blandford Stakes at the Curragh over 1m 2f last month. She needs to take a big step forward. Official BHA Rating 104
6 Gerald Mosse
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: MAUVE, WHITE cross belts, WHITE cap. Form: 0-13144 D
Successful twice at 1m 4f on soft and heavy ground. Finished 5l behind Sea Silk Road when fourth of 14 at 12-1 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu at ParisLongchamp over 1m 6f last month. Her French form is solid and she is high on the shortlist. Official BHA Rating 108 Draw
12 RUNNING LION (GB) (22)
Gr f Roaring Lion (USA) - Bella Nouf (Dansili) Owner: Mr D. P. Howden Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: The Bella Nouf Partnership Sponsor: Tweenhills Farm & Stud
5 Oisin Murphy
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, LIGHT GREEN epaulets. Form: 1-11023
Won four times from 1m to 1m 2f on soft ground and on the all-weather. Third of 11 behind Time Lock beaten 6l in the Group 3 Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes at Newmarket over 1m 4f last month. Has won at Newmarket and Kempton this season. Has more to offer. Official BHA Rating 106
49
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES Draw
13 SEA OF ROSES (GB) (35)
8 P. J. McDonald
B f Sea The Moon (GER) - Plume Rose (Marchand de Sable (USA)) Owner: Weldspec Glasgow Limited Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Colours: WHITE, ROYAL BLUE stars, WHITE and Breeder: Overbury Stallions Ltd RED diabolo on sleeves, WHITE cap, RED star. Sponsor: Weldspec Baku Limited Form: 250525
14 SWEET MEMORIES (IRE) (22)
B f Sea The Stars (IRE) - Time Control (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) Owner: Lordship Stud Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 1 Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Colours: DARK BLUE and PINK stripes, Breeder: Merry Fox Stud Limited PINK sleeves and cap. Sponsor: M3 Media Form: 4-112 D BF
Draw
A winner at 1m on soft ground. Well beaten at 13-2 behind Al Qareem when fifth of 7 on her latest outing at Chester over 1m 4f (good to soft) last month. She ran well over C&D in June but has struggled at this level before and will need everything to go her way. Official BHA Rating 100
12 Hollie Doyle
Won at 1m 2f and 1m 4f on good to soft and soft ground. Beaten 4 1/2l by Time Lock when second of 11 in the Group 3 Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes at Newmarket over 1m 4f last month. Has won at Newmarket and Newbury this season. Noted with headgear tried. Official BHA Rating 105
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 14 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 1, 8, 14. Hood worn by No. 6. Tongue Strap worn by No. 3, 5, 10. 2022: EMILY UPJOHN 3 9 1 Frankie Dettori 3-1 (John & Thady Gosden) 14 ran
THE RESULT
2ND:
WINNER:
3RD:
DISTANCE:
TIME:
4TH:
BETTING FORECAST: 7-2 Free Wind (IRE), 5-1 Jackie Oh (IRE), 6-1 Time Lock (GB), 10-1 Above The Curve (USA), 11-1 Bluestocking (GB), 14-1 Rue Boissonade (FR), Sweet Memories (IRE), 16-1 Term of Endearment (GB), 25-1 Running Lion (GB), 28-1 One For Bobby (IRE), 33-1 Stay Alert (GB), 50-1 Poptronic (GB), 150-1 Red Riding Hood (IRE), 200-1 Sea of Roses (GB)
RACE SUMMARY
TIME LOCK seems impervious to the state of the ground and, having easily brushed aside Sweet Memories (second) and Running Lion (third) when landing the Dubai Stakes at Newmarket last month, she is likely to make a bold bid to extend her winning run to three on the bounce. Obviously, this is a stiffer test and the challenges presented by the less exposed Jackie Oh and high-class Free Wind are afforded the utmost respect, with the latter looking the pick of that pair given the Gosden’s fine record in this race. Rue Boissonade’s French form has plenty of depth and she, too, is a must for consideration.
RACE PREDICTOR Winner - Time Lock
Second - Free Wind
Third - Jackie Oh
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. 50
Q I P C O
B R I T I S H H A L L
C H A M P I O N S O F
F A M E
S E R I E S
The QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame is the official Hall of Fame for British Flat racing, recognising the exceptional horses and people who have lit up the sport from 1970 onwards. Since its launch in 2021, twenty racing stars have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, with six new inductees comprising the ‘Class of 2023’. Join us by the Parade Ring ahead of racing at 12.30pm in a rare opportunity to celebrate our newest Hall of Famers – 1980s superstar Pebbles and iconic jockey, Steve Cauthen! Here, we take a look at the Hall of Fame’s incredible Class of 2023...
Inductions at the QIPCO Guineas Festival Legendary Newmarket trainer Sir Michael Stoute and fabled racehorse Sea The Stars were the first inductions of 2023, with both recognised at the QIPCO Guineas Festival in Newmarket, where they were presented with their coveted Hall of Fame medals. Stoute became the first active trainer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the revered Vincent O’Brien and his lifelong friend and training rival, Sir Henry Cecil. Stoute is a legend of our sport, winning ten Champion Trainer titles and 15 British Classics to date, including six victories in The Derby at Epsom. Stoute has also trained an astonishing 82 Royal Ascot winners, including The Late Queen’s 2013 Gold Cup winner Estimate, with the celebration that followed one of the most recognisable moments in racing – and royal - history. Meanwhile Sea The Stars, owned by Christopher Tsui and trained by the measured and much-loved trainer John Oxx, dominated the European Flat racing scene during his three-year-old career in 2009, capturing the public’s hearts with one supreme exhibition of equine perfection after another. Sea The Stars became the eighth horse to join the Hall of Fame, 14 years after winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Record-Breaking Stradivarius Crowd favourite Stradivarius continues to break records, this time winning the Hall of Fame’s annual public vote, when the public are invited to decide a horse to be inducted. Stradivarius received the highest number of votes from the public to date and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Glorious Goodwood, ahead of the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, a race that he won a record-breaking four times. The popular horse was voted the “Ultimate Stayer” by the public, chosen from a shortlist comprising four more legendary Stayers in the shape of Ardross, Le Moss, Persian Punch and Yeats.
Special Recognition Prince Khalid bin Abdullah was just the second to be recognised within the Hall of Fame’s Special Contributor category, following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II. He was posthumously inducted ahead of a race that he had supported since 1989, the Juddmonte International, which took place at York Racecourse in August. Prince Khalid was chosen by the Hall of Fame’s independent judging panel of industry experts in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport, his achievements through his breeding and racing operation, Juddmonte, leaving a legacy – including that of the world’s greatest racehorse, Frankel - that will undoubtedly continue to shape British horseracing for many years to come.
ROUNDING OFF THE CLASS OF 2023 Today, popular jockey Steve Cauthen, known to be Frankie Dettori’s idol, becomes just the fifth jockey to enter the Hall of Fame, his induction being recognised alongside that of Pebbles, the Hall of Fame’s first filly, her exploits earning her a rightful place alongside equine stars including Frankel and Galileo. Steve Cauthen was a teenage sensation in America who then came, saw, and conquered Great Britain. The only jockey to have ever ridden the winner of both The Derby and Kentucky Derby, he was also the youngest jockey to win the US Triple Crown. He was crowned British Champion Jockey three times and rode the winners of ten English Classics, all but one for Hall of Fame trainer Sir Henry Cecil, including two Derby winners in Slip Anchor and Reference Point. Pebbles has conquered quirks, setbacks and top-quality rivals on her way to ground-breaking triumphs in the mid-1980s, her sporting prowess leading her to become the first British-trained winner at the Breeders’ Cup in 1985, when she landed the Turf at New York’s Aqueduct Racecourse in a record time. It’s a fitting tribute to induct both Cauthen and Pebbles into the Hall of Fame on the same day, seeing as they combined for a historic success in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park in 1985, as the latter also became the first filly to win the race in its 99-year history at that stage.
Please join us as both inductees are recognised with a special presentation moment, taking place in the Parade Ring at 12.30pm.
Q U E E N E L I Z A B E T H S TA K E S T R O P H Y In 2021, Queen Elizabeth II was the first to be inducted within the Hall of Fame’s Special Contributor category, recognising her lifelong passion for and contribution to British horseracing. Royal Randwick’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April is among a number of races named in her honour, with the eponymous race in Great Britain, the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, held today, QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse. Newmarket trainer William Haggas and jockey Tom Marquand have won three of the last four renewals of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick with Dubai Honour (2023) and Addeybb (2020 & 2021), with the latter also a winner of the QIPCO Champion Stakes, the feature race on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse. In fact, Addeybb won the QIPCO Champion Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the same year in 2020, while Dubai Honour was also second in the QIPCO Champion Stakes in 2021. The trophies will be on display at each racecourse, Royal Randwick in April 2024, and, today, at Ascot Racecourse. The Australian Turf Club and QIPCO British Champions Series will make the special presentations to the connections of the winners at the next renewals.
QIPCO British Champions Day is proud to exhibit the Queen Elizabeth Stakes trophy in the Hall of Fame exhibition (in the Grandstand), kindly lent by the Australian Turf Club.
For more information on our Hall of Famers, visit the special exhibition located in the centre of the Grandstand, or head to
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THE MILE SERIES 3.05: THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES
(SPONSORED P BY QIPCO)
(CLASS 1)) (GROUP ( 1) (1M) £1,156,250 PRIZE MONEY
CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 3 4 5
Paddington Triple Time (IRE) Chaldean Inspiral Light Infantry (FR)
Rating 124 Rating 121 Rating 119 Rating 118 Rating 116
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, 6TH MAY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £500,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: CHALDEAN 7/2 2nd: Hi Royal 125/1 3rd: Royal Scotsman 11/1 The 2023 QIPCO British Champions Series started in tremendous style with Frankie Dettori kicking off his swansong year on British shores with a dream win on Chaldean. Trained by Andrew Balding, Chaldean sent the Newmarket crowd wild on a wet day on the Rowley Mile. Dettori kept his mount prominent as 150/1 shot Hi Royal led the field under Oisin Murphy. A patient Dettori laid down his challenge two furlongs out and went on to win the first Classic of the year by one-and-a-quarter lengths. A late surge from Royal Scotsman wasn’t enough to clinch second as he finished half-a-length back in third place. Favourite Auguste Rodin disappointed, but his time was to come. Dettori said; “I thought, I can’t believe this is happening. It is my last 2000 Guineas and to win it in front of my home crowd is amazing”.
THE AL SHAQAB LOCKINGE STAKES NEWBURY, 20TH MAY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £350,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: MODERN GAMES (IRE) 3/1F 2nd: Chindit (IRE) 22/1 3rd: Berkshire Shadow 33/1 Winner of the previous two Breeders’ Cup Miles, Modern Games produced a devastating turn of pace to land the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes to claim a first domestic Group 1. Mutasaabeq blazed a trail out front but was beaten approaching the final furlong as Chindit looked set to land the big prize. However, William Buick had other ideas as Modern Games found top gear to hit the front. A brave Berkshire Shadow ran a huge race under Oisin Murphy to finish in third.
THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES
ROYAL ASCOT, 20TH JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £750,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: TRIPLE TIME (IRE) 33/1 2nd: Inspiral 11/4 3rd: Light Infantry (FR) 14/1 Royal Ascot kicked off with a 33/1 shock winner Triple Time, ridden by Neil Callan. Modern Games went off favourite a month after his win in the Lockinge. Dettori, going into his final ever Royal Meeting, was aboard last year’s Coronation Stakes winner, Inspiral, but he could only finish second having been slowest out the stalls. Callan, meanwhile, took a strong hold as his mount pulled him to front, and when he finally relaxed, the pair soon powered away. Callan said: “I talked in his ear and got him to relax and then he powered away. It was very impressive.”
THE ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES ROYAL ASCOT, 20TH JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £600,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: PADDINGTON 11/5 2nd: Chaldean 13/8F 3rd: Charyn (IRE) 33/1 Paddington continued his winning start to the season by producing a flawless display when winning the St James’s Palace Stakes, making his trainer Aidan O’Brien the most successful trainer in Royal Ascot history. Irish 2,000 Guineas winner, Paddington, defeated QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner, Chaldean, in one of the most anticipated races of the week. Chaldean finished second, with 33/1 shot Charyn in third.
THE QATAR SUSSEX STAKES
GOODWOOD, 2ND AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £1,000,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: PADDINGTON 4/9F 2nd: Facteur Cheval (IRE) 11/1 3rd: Charyn (IRE) 40/1 Fan’s favourite, Paddington headed to the Sussex Downs as he continued to dominate the Mile category. The weather didn’t dampen spirits at Goodwood as the Ballydoyle colt made all in the driving rain to win the Qatar Sussex Stakes, defeating French Raider, Facteur Cheval, in the process. Victory in the race gave the Aidan O’Brien star a fourth Group 1 of the year.
THE VIRGIN BET SUN CHARIOT STAKES NEWMARKET ROWLEY MILE, 7TH OCTOBER (CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M) £291,580
1st: INSPIRAL 10/11F 2nd: Mqse De Sevigne (IRE) 100/30 3rd: Heredia 6/1 Frankie Dettori hit another landmark when winning the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot aboard John and Thady Gosden’s Inspiral on a memorable day on the Rowley Mile. Carrying the Cheveley Park colours, Dettori settled his mount behind the pace before angling to the far-side rail three furlongs out. Within a matter of strides the combination hit the front and put the race to bed in devastating fashion, drawing away from the field to win by three-and-three-quarter-lengths. It was Inspiral’s fifth Group 1, and incredibly Frankie Dettori’s 500th winner at his home track. Following the race, Dettori said: "I couldn't have written a better ending. Newmarket has been my home for the past 38 years and I couldn't think of a better way to bring up 500 Newmarket winners.”
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)
HISTORY OF THE RACE
The £1.1million showpiece, the most valuable mile race in Europe, was established in 1955 and named in honour of Her Majesty The Queen. It was given Group 1 status in 1987 and is the final race in the Mile category of the QIPCO British Champions Series. It has a magnificent roll of honour, not least since forming part of Champions Day in 2011. Frankel was a commanding four-length winner from Excelebration that year and would end his flawless career being hailed as the greatest thoroughbred there has been. Excelebration went one better 12 months later before Olympic Glory helped Richard Hannon Sr become champion trainer for a fourth and final time in 2013. His son, Richard Hannon Jr, saddled King Of Change to win in 2019. Charm Spirit signed off his sparkling career with victory in 2014, while Solow (2015) and Minding (2016) also capped brilliant campaigns with victory in the race. Roaring Lion was similarly prolific before striking in 2018. Like the winner the previous year, Persuasive, he was a grey. The Revenant kept up France’s excellent recent record when successful in 2020, while Baeeed landed a memorable running in 2021. His only defeat, in a dazzling 11-race career, would come in the Champion Stakes a year later. Bayside Boy was a rare surprise winner last year.
RACE DISTANCE
PREVIOUS WINNERS
1 Mile
2022: Bayside Boy 2021: Baaeed 2020: The Revenant
PRIZE MONEY Overall: £1,156,250 1st: £655,709
2019: King Of Change
2nd: £248,593
2018: Roaring Lion
3rd: £124,412
2017: Persuasive 2016: Minding
4th: £61,975
2015: Solow
5th: £31,103
2014: Charm Spirit
6th: £15,609
LEADING CONTENDERS
ONES TO WATCH
PADDINGTON
Sex: Colt Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Owner: Tabor,Smith,Magnier,Westerberg,Brant Sire-Dam: Siyouni (FR)– Modern Eagle (GER) Breeder: Dayton Investments Ltd Info: Paddington has been one of the stars of the season, and he lines up today seeking a fifth Group 1 win of the year. If successful, he will emulate Solow and Minding, who made it five wins at the highest level for the year with victory in this race. Paddington began his campaign with victories in handicap and Listed company before having his sights raised with devastating effect. His success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas was followed by a brilliant triumph in the St James’s Palace Stakes, before further top-level wins in the Eclipse and Sussex Stakes. Paddington was unable to extend his dazzling winning sequence when third in the Juddmonte International at York last time, although he was beaten little more than a length into third behind Mostahdaf and Nashwa. Versatile regards the ground, he drops back a to a mile this afternoon having had a break.
TAHIYRA
Sex: Filly Colour: Bay Age: 3 Trainer: Dermot Weld Owner: H H Aga Khan Sire-Dam: Siyouni (FR) – Tarana (IRE) Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan’s Studs S C Info: Tahiyra and Paddington share plenty in common. They were both sired by Siyouni. They’ve both won four Group 1 races. They are both Classic winners. They both seem impervious to ground conditions. And they are both trained in Ireland. Little wonder, then, that their first clash is so eagerly awaited. Tahiyra flashed her brilliance as a two-year-old when a scintillating winner of the Moyglare Stakes and her only defeat this year was when beaten half a length in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas on her return at Newmarket. She’s been flawless since then, going one better in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at The Curragh before following up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. On her latest start, she was a fluent winner of the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.
NASHWA
Colour: Bay Age: 4 Sex: Filly Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Imad Alsagar Sire-Dam: Frankel – Princess Loulou (IRE) Breeder: Blue Diamond Stud Farm (uk) Ltd Info: Nashwa will be contesting her tenth Group 1 race today and her form figures at the highest level on a variety of surfaces – 311241323 – speak for themselves. Since finishing a non-staying third in last year’s Oaks, she’s raced mainly over a mile and a quarter. Victories in the French Oaks and Nassau Stakes followed after Epsom before further creditable efforts in France and America. This year, she’s continued to keep up the good work, looking better than ever when waltzing to a five-length win dropped to a mile in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket in July. The Frankel filly has since been unable to add to her tally of wins, but placed efforts in the Nassau Stakes, Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes have shown she remains in excellent heart.
RALPH BECKETT ON ANGEL BLEU
“
It’s going to be tough, but he’s in very good form and when the ground became soft, we made the decision to supplement. The ground will even everything up and he is a proven soft ground performer.
“
FOURTH RACE 3.05PM THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (CLASS 1) (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) (GROUP 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MILE)
RACE
RACE
FINISH
START
ONE MILE (1,600 metres), ROYAL HUNT CUP COURSE (8F), for three yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £1,156,250 Owners Prize Money. Winner £515225; Second £211478; Third £105797; Fourth £52841; Fifth £26478; Sixth £13181. (Penalty Value £655709.37) A SS
Stalls: Far Side
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Horse
1
ANGEL BLEU (FR) (56)
Draw Draw
No
Jockey
1 Hector Crouch
Gr c Dark Angel (IRE) - Cercle de La Vie (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Marc Chan & Nurlan Bizakov Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Colours: MAUVE, GOLD chevron hoop, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Pan Sutong Racing Bloodstock PURPLE stars, WHITE cap, PURPLE star. Sponsor: R M Beckett Ltd Form: 261041 D
2
CHECKANDCHALLENGE (GB) (21)
B or Br c Fast Company (IRE) - Likeable (Dalakhani (IRE)) Owner: Mr A. Hetherton Trainer: William Knight, Newmarket Breeder: Meon Valley Stud Sponsor: William Knight Racing Ltd
Draw
Winner of seven races from 5f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. A winner at 9-2 in the Group 2 Celebration Mile Stakes at Goodwood over 1m on his latest outing in August, beating Knight by 1/2l. Supplemented for this on Monday with conditions to suit. Official BHA Rating 113
11 William Buick
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Colours: PINK, ROYAL BLUE seams and armlets, quartered cap. Form: 4-40045 D
He has won three times from 7f to 1m on good to soft ground and on the all-weather. Finished 7l behind Horizon Dore when fifth of 9 at 18-1 on his latest outing in the Group 2 Prix Dollar at ParisLongchamp over 1m 2f (good to soft) last month. Official BHA Rating 112 Likely to be up against it.
FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE) (48)
B g Ribchester (IRE) - Jawlaat (IRE) (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Team Valor International LLC/Gary Barber Trainer: J. Reynier, France Breeder: McCracken Farms
Draw
3
8 Mickael Barzalona
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Colours: PINK, BLACK B in circle, BLACK shoulders, PINK sleeves, BLACK cap. Form: 1-32323 D
Winner of five races at 1m on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Third of 8 behind Sauterne beaten 1 1/2l at 3-1 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Prix du Moulin at ParisLongchamp over 1m last month. A definite player with the ground coming his way. Official BHA Rating 117
BIG ROCK (FR) (48)
Draw
4
6 Aurelien Lemaitre
Br c Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) - Hardiyna (IRE) (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Owner: Yeguada Centurion Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: Christopher Head, France Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE seams, WHITE and Breeder: Yeguada Centurion SLU ROYAL BLUE chevrons on sleeves, hooped cap. Form: 111222
He has won four times at 1m 1f on good to soft and heavy ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 1l by Sauterne when second of 8 at 5-6fav on his latest outing in the Group 1 Prix du Moulin at ParisLongchamp over 1m last month. The return to testing ground could prove vital. Official BHA Rating 118
CHALDEAN (GB) (104)
Draw
5
Ch c Frankel - Suelita (Dutch Art) Owner: Juddmonte Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud Sponsor: Juddmonte Farms Inc
9 Frankie Dettori
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: GREEN, PINK sash and cap, WHITE sleeves. Form: 11-U120 D
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m on good and soft ground. Beaten 10l behind Good Guess at 5-6fav when seventh of 12 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Haras d’Etreham Prix Jean Prat at Deauville over 7f (soft) in July. 2000 Guineas hero who needs to bounce back. Official BHA Rating 119
66
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) EPICTETUS (IRE) (22)
Draw
6
B c Kingman - Thistle Bird (Selkirk (USA)) Owner: Mr George Strawbridge Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: George Strawbridge
4 Kieran Shoemark
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoop. D Form: 550154
He has won three times from 7f to 1m 2f on good to firm and soft ground. Finished 4l behind Mutasaabeq when fourth of 6 at 5-1 on his latest outing in the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket over 1m last month. Held the last twice at Group 2 level; others preferred. Official BHA Rating 112
HI ROYAL (IRE) (69)
Draw
7
B c Kodiac - Majestic Roi (USA) (Street Cry (IRE)) Owner: Mr Jaber Abdullah Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited
2 James Doyle
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE striped sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 1-42300 D
A winner at 1m on good ground. Beaten 19l behind Inspiral at 33-1 when 9th of 11 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville over 1m (good to soft) in August. He is wearing cheekpieces for the first time. Has plenty to prove on recent evidence. Official BHA Rating 114
NASHWA (GB) (42)
Draw
8
B f Frankel - Princess Loulou (IRE) (Pivotal) Owner: Mr Imad Alsagar Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Blue Diamond Stud Farm (UK) Ltd Sponsor: Blue Diamond Stud Farm
3
Hollie Doyle
Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 4 Colours: DARK GREEN, WHITE stars on sleeves. Form: 421323 D
Winner of five races from 1m to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. Third of 8 behind Auguste Rodin beaten 3/4l at 9-2 in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown over 1m 2f last month. The drop back to a mile opens up more options. Key player. Official BHA Rating 121
PADDINGTON (GB) (59)
Draw
9
B c Siyouni (FR) - Modern Eagle (GER) (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Tabor/Smith/Magnier/Westerberg/Brant Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Dayton Investments Ltd
5
Ryan Moore
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, ORANGE disc, striped sleeves and cap. Form: 111113 CD BF
10 ROGUE MILLENNIUM (IRE) (20) B f Dubawi (IRE) - Hawaafez (Nayef (USA)) Owner: The Rogues Gallery Trainer: Tom Clover, Newmarket Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited Sponsor: T Clover Racing Limited
Draw
Winner of seven races from 7f to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to soft. Third of 4 behind Mostahdaf beaten 1 1/4l at 4-6fav at York over 1m 2f in August. Had been kept fairly busy until that display, so it will be interesting to see how he fares returning from a break. Official BHA Rating 125
7 Daniel Tudhope
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 3 Colours: RED, WHITE inverted triangle, halved sleeves. Form: 321520 CD
She has won three times from 1m to 1m 4f on good to firm and good ground. Beaten 7l behind Blue Rose Cen at 6-1 when last of 11 in the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera at ParisLongchamp over 1m 2f earlier this month. A winner at Royal Ascot who could surprise a few. Official BHA Rating 110 Draw
11 TAHIYRA (IRE) (42)
B f Siyouni (FR) - Tarana (IRE) (Cape Cross (IRE)) Owner: H.H. Aga Khan Trainer: D. K. Weld, Ireland Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan’s Studs S.C.
10 Chris Hayes
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 0 Colours: GREEN, RED epaulets. Form: 11-2111 CD
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Won when 5-6fav in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown over 1m last month, beating Rogue Millennium by 1 1/4l. She has strong claims on the formbook but testing ground would be a concern. Official BHA Rating 118
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 11 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 7. Visor worn by No. 2. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 6. 2022: BAYSIDE BOY (IRE) 3 9 3 Tom Marquand 33-1 (Roger Varian) 9 ran
67
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)
THE RESULT
2ND:
WINNER:
3RD:
DISTANCE:
TIME:
4TH:
BETTING FORECAST: 5-4 Paddington (GB), 9-2 Tahiyra (IRE), 6-1 Nashwa (GB), 9-1 Big Rock (FR), 18-1 Facteur Cheval (IRE), 22-1 Chaldean (GB), 33-1 Angel Bleu (FR), 50-1 Rogue Millennium (IRE), 100-1 Checkandchallenge (GB), Epictetus (IRE), Hi Royal (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.
RACE SUMMARY
Paddington’s winning run came to an end in the Juddmonte International when third to Mostahdaf having been kept busy since the beginning of the season. The four-time Group 1 winner has been freshened up for this, but it remains to be seen whether his schedule earlier in the campaign has left a mark and, therefore, the vote goes to NASHWA. She finished ahead of Aidan O’Brien’s colt at York and backed that up when a close third in the Irish Champion Stakes. With conditions on the softer side and the manner of her impressive win in the Falmouth fresh in the mind, this appears to be a shrewd move by connections. Tahiyra’s bid may be dampened by persistent rain, so the other main challengers could prove to be the French duo of Big Rock and Facteur Cheval.
RACE PREDICTOR Winner - Nashwa
Second - Big Rock
#ChampionsDay
68
Third - Tahiyra
CHAMPION OWNER TITLE RACE
2 0 2 3
The sadness and doubts of just a couple of years ago have turned to cheers of celebration as Shadwell Estate Company Ltd claims the 2023 British Flat Owners’ Championship at Ascot this afternoon. In anyone’s terms it has been a remarkable couple of years for Shadwell with the world-famous racing and breeding operation’s future doubted in some quarters following the death of founder Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2021. But the decision of Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum and her brothers to keep going in order to try and honour their father’s legacy soothed concerns that the famous royal blue and white silks would be lost to the sport. And the decision taken to streamline the global operation in 2021 and into 2022 with the intention to ‘focus on quality and competition at the highest level’ has proved as shrewd as any taken by the man himself during his four decades of support for British horseracing. In 2022 that focus largely centred upon Baaeed, and the brilliant son of Sea The Stars didn’t disappoint, winning four Group 1s that year before signing off with a fine fourth in the QIPCO Champion Stakes on ground that had gone against him. Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold described Baaeed as “The best horse I’ve been around in 36 years” and his importance wasn’t lost on the wider racing public or on Sheikha Hissa who said: “For me and my family Baaeed means the world. He is homebred. The whole lineage goes back to Height of Fashion.”
Height Of Fashion, an early purchase from Her Majesty The Queen, was adored by Sheikh Hamdan; she became a broodmare of huge importance with Nashwan, Unfuwain and Nayef among her progeny. Following in the steps of Baaeed this year was never going to be easy but Mostahdaf did just that at York when winning the Juddmonte International in August. Like Baaeed, Mostahdaf was unraced at two before making a bright start at three but it wasn’t until his five-year-old season that he came into his own. A winner on the Saudi Cup card in February before finishing a creditable fourth over a mile and a half in the Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night, he wasn’t sighted again until Royal Ascot where he produced a scintillating display on reverting to 10 furlongs in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes prompting trainer John Gosden to quip: “I was expecting him to pick up well in the straight but not make them look like they were standing still.” The son of Frankel proved that performance had been as good as it looked when following up in a thrilling renewal of the International to cap a fine run of high profile successes for the Shadwell team. Hukum, a brother to Baaeed, has been another of the stories of the season for the popular Owen Burrows. The pair enjoyed a breakthrough Group 1 success in the 2022 Coronation Cup only for Hukum to be ruled out for the remainder of the season with injury.
Group company in April of this season. A Listed win in May was followed by a Group 3 defeat of the top-class Nashwa with the post-race analysis focusing more on the runner-up but Al Husn accounted for her again with a tough and classy victory in the Qatar Nassau Stakes. If those three have been the main acts but there is a strong supporting cast including Alflaila, a quietly progressive stablemate of Hukum, winning a Group 3 on his return from injury in July before finishing a close fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes, a race which didn’t show him in the best light.
Nursed back to fitness by Burrows and his team, Hukum went under the radar when beating last season’s Epsom Derby hero Desert Crown on his reappearance in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown Park but there was no doubting his constitution or class after his defeat of Westover in one of the best renewals of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes in recent memory. Hukum was this week retired, after a remarkable career, and will join Darley’s stallion roster in Hokkaido in Japan. Hukum and Mostahdaf are fine examples of the patient approach employed by Shadwell yielding rich reward and similar comments can be applied to Al Husn, a Group 1 winner at Glorious Goodwood in July. Al Husn didn’t make her debut until the end of September of her juvenile season, racing twice more in 2021 and three times in 2022 – winning all three, a novice and two handicaps – before being stepped up to
Some of those named above may still be in action this year – perhaps even on this card – but the ensuing months are just as important for the next generation and the Shadwell juveniles have been ticking over nicely with four winners from just six runners in August, with a couple more successes added in September. The future is bright on the track and in the equally important breeding sheds. Baaeed stood at Nunnery Stud for the first time in 2023 where he is on the roster alongside Mohaather, a superb winner of the 2020 Sussex Stakes on his final start and whose first yearlings are going through the sales rings this year. Their stallion ranks were further bolstered by the addition of Minzaal, the highest rated European sprinter, joining Awtaad at Derrinstown Stud in Co. Kildare. Sheikh Hamdan was crowned Champion Owner on multiple occasions, most recently in 2020. This will be the first title for the new team, but the links to the founder and foundation remain strong both on and off the track.
LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE RANKINGS Age
Sex
Country of Training
129 Equinox (JPN) 2019 128 Ace Impact (IRE) 2020 128 Mostahdaf (IRE) 2018 127 Hukum (IRE) 2017 126 Westover (GB) 2019 125 Golden Sixty (AUS) 2015 125 Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) 2018 125 Paddington (GB) 2020 124 Auguste Rodin (IRE) 2020 124 Titleholder (JPN) 2018 123 Luxembourg (IRE) 2019 123 Onesto (IRE) 2019 123 Romantic Warrior (IRE) 2018 122 Bay Bridge (GB) 2018 122 California Spangle (IRE) 2018 122 Cody's Wish (USA) 2018 122 Dubai Honour (IRE) 2018 122 Ushba Tesoro (JPN) 2017 122 White Abarrio (USA) 2019 121 Arcangelo (USA) 2020 121 Art Collector (USA) 2017 121 Emily Upjohn (GB) 2019 121 I Wish I Win (NZ) 2018 121 King of Steel (USA) 2020 121 Nashwa (GB) 2019 121 Nations Pride (IRE) 2019 121 Triple Time (IRE) 2019 121 Up To e Mark (USA) 2019
C C H H C G G C C H C C G H G H G H C R H F G C F C C C
JPN FR GB GB GB HK HK IRE IRE JPN IRE FR HK GB HK USA GB JPN USA USA USA GB AUS GB GB GB GB USA
Rank Rating Horse
1 2 2 ifhaonline.org 4 The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings 5 is horseracing’s equivalent to World 6 Rankings by other major sporting 6 organizations such as ATP Tennis 6 Rankings, World Golf Rankings, FIFA World Rankings for soccer and 9 IRB Rugby World Rankings. 9 The LONGINES Rankings are based on 11 the ratings earned by horses running worldwide from North and South 11 America, Europe, Middle East, South 11 Africa, Asia through to Australia and 14 New Zealand. The ratings are compiled under 14 the auspices of The International 14 Federation of Horseracing Authorities 14 (IFHA) by racing officials & handicappers representing the five continents who 14 compile the ranking order by agreeing 14 on the rating for each horse. 20 The ratings are based on the performance of horses in elite races held 20 during the designated period which 20 takes in account the quality of 20 opposition and achievements of each horse. 20 Throughout the year the LONGINES 20 Rankings are published at regular 20 intervals and the consolidated annual rankings are released in January. The 20 annual rankings denote the champions 20 in the various distance categories for WORLD RANKINGS
example sprint or mile, surface either turf or dirt/artificial and also the fillies & mares category.
THE MIDDLE DISTANCE SERIES 3.45: THE QIPCO
CHAMPION C STAKES (CLASS 1)) (GROUP (G 1) (1M 2F) £1,300,000 PRIZE MONEY
CATEGORY LEADERS 1 2 3 4 5
Mostahdaf (IRE) Paddington Auguste Rodin (IRE) King Of Steel (USA) Emily Upjohn
Rating 128
Rating 124
Rating 122 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 DAHLBURY CORONATION CUP
EPSOM DOWNS,2ND JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £425,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: EMILY UPJOHN 11/4 2nd: Westover 5/2F 3rd: Point Lonsdale (IRE) 7/2 Frankie Dettori continued his fruitful start to the season in the saddle with another major race win, this time landing the Coronation Cup aboard Emily Upjohn. Her previous run at Epsom ended in despair with the daughter of Sea The Stars beaten a short head when stumbling out the stalls, this time she was flawless. Dettori placed her handy throughout, and the pair threw down a challenge in the home straight to show a devastating turn of pace. They were comfortable threequarter length winners ahead of last year’s Irish Derby winner, Westover.
THE BETFRED DERBY
EPSOM DOWNS, 3RD JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £1,561,050 PRIZE MONEY 1st: AUGUSTE RODIN (IRE) 9/2F 2nd: King Of Steel (USA) 66/1 3rd: White Birch 12/1 Aidan O’Brien produced another masterful training performance as Auguste Rodin put his Guineas failure behind him to give his trainer a record-extending ninth Betfred Derby. The son of Deep Impact was back to his best, firmly putting his abysmal QIPCO 2000 Guineasrun behind him, to land the biggest prize on the Epsom Downs after an epic battle with 66/1 shot King Of Steel. The build up mostly surrounded Frankie Dettori, who was riding in his final Derby, but it was the ever-present Aidan O’Brien, Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore who stole the headlines. Moore was full of praise for his mount, saying: “I felt like he was doing it easy. He always felt like he was going beautifully.”
THE PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES
ROYAL ASCOT, 21ST JUNE
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2F) £1,000,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: MOSTAHDAF (IRE) 10/1 2nd: Luxembourg (IRE) 2/1F 3rd: Adayar (IRE) 100/30
Magnificent Mostahdaf produced one of the performances of the year when storming to victory in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes under Jim Crowley, for training partnership John and Thady Gosden. Sent off at 10/1 in a field stacked with established quality, the Shadwell-owned five-year-old produced an emphatic flawless display to win his first Group 1 of the season by four lengths. 2/1 favourite Luxembourg finished in second, with 2021 Derby hero Adayar in third.
THE CORAL-ECLIPSE SANDOWN PARK, 8TH JULY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2F) £750,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: PADDINGTON 8/11 2nd: Emily Upjohn 85/40 3rd: West Wind Blows (IRE) 12/1 Aidan O’Brien’s fan favourite Paddington was back in action, this time at Sandown Park in the Coral-Eclipse. And yet again, the three-year-old oozed class under a fine Ryan Moore ride to win his third Group 1 in as many months and to remain unbeaten. It gave trainer O’Brien seventh triumph in the race. Upped in trip to 10 furlongs for the first time, Moore rode him as if there were no doubts about his stamina and so it proved, with Paddington finishing ahead of dual Group 1-winner Emily Upjohn. Moore was full of praise for his mount, saying: “We had very little doubt about the trip and he could get further because he is a very good horse. Class always exposes anything else.”
THE KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH QIPCO STAKES ASCOT, 29TH JULY
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 4F) £1,250,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: HUKUM (IRE) 13/2 2nd: Westover 7/1 3rd: King Of Steel (USA) 9/2 A star-studded line-up graced the stage for this year’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes including dual Derby-winner, Auguste Rodin. Against the odds, it was Hukum who prevailed over Westover at the line to give train Owen Burrows another notable success. Burrows said: “I’m just speechless. He’s an absolute star, isn’t he. It is a big team effort – I have a great team behind me.” Hukum had made a winning start to his season, beating Desert Crown in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown, which was his first appearance following a career-threatening injury sustained in 2022 after winning the Coronation Cup.
THE JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES YORK, 23RD AUGUST
(CLASS 1) (GROUP 1) (1M 2 1/2F) £1,000,000 PRIZE MONEY 1st: MOSTAHDAF (IRE) 3/1 2nd: Nashwa 13/2 3rd: Paddington 4/6F Leading up to this year’s Juddmonte International all the talk was of Ballydoyle’s unbeaten Paddington who was looking to win his fifth Group 1 of the season; however, it wasn’t to be. Frankie Dettori produced yet another stunning ride in his farewell season as he rode the mighty Mostahdaf to victory in the Juddmonte International at York. Dettori was always keen to dictate the pace and remained unmoved as favourite, Paddington and stablemate Nashwa chased on in the final two furlongs. The Shadwell-owned Mostahdaf powered on to register an impressive victory backing up his Royal Ascot display.
THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES
HISTORY OF THE RACE
With £1.3 million prize-money on offer, the Champion Stakes is the most valuable mile-and-aquarter race in Europe and brings down the curtain on the 35-race QIPCO British Champions Series in style. First run in 1877, it was annually run at Newmarket before switching to Ascot for Champions Day in 2011. No fewer than seven Group 1 winners lined up for that renewal, but it was the brilliant French raider, Cirrus Des Aigles, not among that number, who upstaged them all. He would finish runner-up in the next two editions. Ascot rose as one to salute Frankel in 2012 as the titan of the turf capped his flawless career with a 14th successive triumph. His trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, battling ill health, afterwards described him as perhaps the greatest racehorse there has been, and few were inclined to disagree. Farrhh defied a lengthy absence when winning in 2013 before Noble Mission, a younger brother of Frankel, scooped the spoils 12 months later. Fascinating Rock (2015) and Almanzor (2016) won for Ireland and France, respectively, with the latter confirming himself as something out of the ordinary. Cracksman, a son of Frankel, was a breathtaking runaway winner in both 2017 and 2018, before mighty mare Magical took the spoils in 2019. Addeybb, Sealiway and Bay Bridge have been exciting winners in the past three years.
RACE DISTANCE
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PRIZE MONEY
1 Mile about 2 Furlongs
2022: Bay Bridge
Overall: £1,300,000
2021: Sealiway 2020: Addeybb
1st: £737,230
2019: Magical
2nd: £279,500
2018: Cracksman
3rd: £139,880
2017: Cracksman 2016: Almanzor
4th: £69,680
2015: Fascinating Rock
5th: £34,970
2014: Noble Mission
6th: £17,550
LEADING CONTENDERS
ONES TO WATCH
MOSTAHDAF
Colour: Brown Age: 5 Sex: Horse Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Sire-Dam: Frankel- Handassa Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited Info: With an official rating of 128, Mosthadaf is the highest-rated runner in action at Ascot today. It’s hard to disagree with the handicappers who crunch the numbers because the son of Frankel has taken his form to another level on his past two starts. At Royal Ascot, in June, he swept through from off the pace to beat Luxembourg (the subsequent Irish Champion Stakes winner) by four-lengths in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, with My Prospero and Bay Bridge further behind. And he followed that by making all the running in the Juddmonte International, at York, fending off Nashwa and Paddington in the closing stages. Overall, he’s won ten of his 16 races on a variety of ground and, clearly, he is versatile regarding tactics.
KING OF STEEL
Colour: Grey Age: 3 Sex: Colt Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: Amo Racing Limited Sire-Dam: Wootton Bassett - Eldacar Breeder: BCF Services LLC Info: This imposing colt could possibly be Frankie Dettori’s last ever ride in Europe. And it would be typical of the most famous jockey in the world to sign off in style! King Of Steel has had a tremendous season, belying odds of 66/1 when beating all bar Auguste Rodin on his return in the Derby at Epsom in June. He showed that was no fluke when winning the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot 20 days later and then returned here the following month to be a fine third in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes. On his latest start, the grey was a close fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
HORIZON DORE
Colour: Bay Age: 3 Sex: Gelding Trainer: Patrice Cottier Owner: Gousserie Racing/EC Gribomon/F Delaunay Sire-Dam: Dabirsim (FR) – Sweet Alabama (FR) Breeder: Mlle C Becq Info: French-trainer runners have excelled in this showpiece since the first QIPCO Champions Day, with Cirrus Des Aigles, Almanzor and Sealiway all delivering. The exciting Horizon Dore will be fancied by many to emulate them, not least because he has run four times over a mile-and-a-quarter in his native France and won each time, scoring by an aggregate of almost 13 lengths. Connections earmarked this race for him after his victory in the Group 2 Prix Eugene at Saint-Cloud, in early July, and since then he’s won two more pattern prizes, swooping impressively from off the pace in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp this month. He carries the same silks as Ace Impact, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner.
“
“
JOHN GOSDEN ON MOSTAHDAF
He’s a great character, and he’s always up for it every morning. He’s very playful. If horses had a sense of humour, he’d have a very good one. He’s a very buoyant personality and a very positive fellow.
FIFTH RACE 3.45PM THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MIDDLE DISTANCE) (GROUP 1)
RACE
RACE
FINISH
START
ONE MILE ABOUT TWO FURLONGS (2,000 metres), INNER COURSE (10F) for three yrs old and upwards, Total prize fund £1,300,000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £579280; Second £237770; Third £118950; Fourth £59410; Fifth £29770; Sixth £14820. (Penalty Value £737230) A SS
Stalls: Inside
See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Horse
1
BAY BRIDGE (GB) (20)
Draw Draw
No
B h New Bay - Hayyona (Multiplex) Owner: James Wigan & Ballylinch Stud Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute, Newmarket Breeder: London Thoroughbred Services Ltd Sponsor: Tote
Jockey
8 Richard Kingscote
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: CHERRY, CORNFLOWER BLUE sash and cap. Form: 1-32516 CD
Winner of seven races from 1m 2f to 1m 4f on varying ground and on the all-weather. Finished 6l behind Ace Impact when sixth of 15 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp over 1m 4f. Warrants serious consideration. Official BHA Rating 121
DUBAI HONOUR (IRE) (105)
B g Pride of Dubai (AUS) - Mondelice (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Mr Mohamed Obaida Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Macha Bloodstock/Meridian International
Draw
2
6 James Doyle
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED epaulets, striped cap. Form: 26-1134 D
He has won four times from 1m to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Finished 9l behind Paddington when last of 4 at 8-1 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown over 1m 2f (good) in July. Needs a career best to come out on top. Official BHA Rating 120
MOSTAHDAF (IRE) (59)
Draw
3
Br h Frankel - Handassa (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Newmarket Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited
7 Jim Crowley
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, striped cap. Form: 10-1411 CD
Has won ten races from 7f to 1m 4f on varying ground and on the all-weather. A winner in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York over 1m 2f on his latest outing in August, beating Nashwa by 1l. At the top of his game this season; respected. Official BHA Rating 128
MY PROSPERO (IRE) (24)
Draw
4
B c Iffraaj - My Titania (IRE) (Sea The Stars (IRE)) Owner: Sunderland Holding Inc. Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Sunderland Holding Inc. Sponsor: Somerville Lodge Ltd
4 Tom Marquand
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: YELLOW, PURPLE star and star on cap. Form: 13-4421 D
He has won four times from 1m to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Won on his latest outing when 8-11fav at Goodwood over 1m 2f (soft) last month, beating King Of Conquest by 1/2l. Has had his limitations exposed at this level and others appeal more. Official BHA Rating 119
POINT LONSDALE (IRE) (42)
Draw
5
B c Australia - Sweepstake (IRE) (Acclamation) Owner: D.Smith,Mrs J.Magnier,M.Tabor,Westerberg Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Ireland Breeder: Epona Bloodstock Ltd
3
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE seams, striped sleeves, PURPLE cap. Form: 0-11306 CD
Winner of six races from 7f to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to heavy. Finished 4l behind Auguste Rodin when sixth of 8 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown over 1m 2f last month. Has a bit to find at this level. Official BHA Rating 115
78
Ryan Moore
BAY BRIDGE, RIDDEN BY RICHARD KINGSCOTE, WINS LAST YEAR’S RENEWAL New Bay (GB)
Hayyona (GB)
Pride of Dubai (AUS)
Mondelice (GB)
Dubawi (IRE) Cinnamon Bay (GB) Multiplex (GB) Shemriyna (IRE)
Street Cry (IRE) Al Anood (AUS) Montjeu (IRE) Compelling (IRE)
Galileo (IRE) Frankel (GB)
Kind (IRE) Dubawi (IRE)
Handassa (GB)
Iffraaj (GB)
My Titania (IRE)
Australia (GB)
Sweepstake (IRE)
Starstone (GB)
Zafonic (USA) Pastorale (GB) Sea The Stars (IRE) Fairy of The Night (IRE)
Galileo (IRE) Ouija Board (GB) Acclamation (GB) Dust Flicker (GB)
Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Zamindar (USA) Trellis Bay (GB) Danehill (USA) Shirley Valentine (GB) King of Kings (IRE) Shemaya (IRE) Machiavellian (USA) Helen Street Danehill (USA) Eljazzi Sadler's Wells (USA) Floripedes (FR) Kingmambo (USA) Damson (IRE) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Danehill (USA) Rainbow Lake (GB) Dubai Millennium (GB) Zomaradah (GB) Diktat (GB) Star (GB) Gone West (USA) Zaizafon (USA) Nureyev (USA) Park Appeal Cape Cross (IRE) Urban Sea (USA) Danehill (USA) Sassenach (IRE) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Cape Cross (IRE) Selection Board Royal Applause (GB) Princess Athena Suave Dancer (USA) Galaxie Dust (USA)
THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES VIA SISTINA (IRE) (62)
Draw
6
B m Fastnet Rock (AUS) - Nigh (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mrs R. G. Hillen Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Breeder: Laundry Cottage Stud Farm
9 Oisin Murphy
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 4 Colours: DARK BLUE, PINK epaulets, diabolo on sleeves. D Form: 21-1132
Winner of five races from 1m 1f to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten a nose by Mqse De Sevigne when second of 8 on her latest outing in the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville over 1m 2f in August. Conditions should be in her favour; not ruled out. Official BHA Rating 116
HORIZON DORE (FR) (21)
Draw
7
B g Dabirsim (FR) - Sweet Alabama (FR) (Enrique) Owner: Gousserie Racing/Ec.Gribomont/F.Delaunay Trainer: P. Cottier, France Breeder: Chantal Becq
2 Mickael Barzalona
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: YELLOW, DARK GREEN cross belts, chevrons on sleeves, YELLOW cap, DARK GREEN stars. Form: 521111 D
Winner of six races from 1m to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to soft. Won on his latest outing in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Dollar at ParisLongchamp over 1m 2f (good to soft) last month, beating Jack Darcy by 1 1/4l. He’s highly progressive and must be feared. Official BHA Rating 120
KING OF STEEL (USA) (42)
Draw
8
Gr c Wootton Bassett - Eldacar (Verglas (IRE)) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Trainer: Roger Varian, Newmarket Breeder: BCF Services LLC Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd
1 Frankie Dettori
Weight: 9 3 Horse Age: 3 Colours: VIOLET, WHITE quartered cap. Form: 10-2134 C
Successful at 1m and 1m 4f on good to firm and soft ground. Finished 1 1/4l behind Auguste Rodin when fourth of 8 at 10-3 on his latest outing in the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown over 1m 2f (good) last month. Can mount a serious challenge. Official BHA Rating 121
ROYAL RHYME (IRE) (28)
Draw
9
5
B c Lope de Vega (IRE) - Dubai Queen (USA) (Kingmambo (USA)) Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Colours: YELLOW, large BLACK spots and spots Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum on cap. Form: 431011 D
Clifford Lee
He has won four times from 7f to 1m 2f on good to soft and soft ground. Won on his latest outing when 6-5fav at Ayr over 1m 2f (good to soft) last month, beating Pride Of America by 1 1/2l. He continues to climb the ranks but will need much more to come out on top today. Official BHA Rating 113
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 9 (EXACTA) Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 4. Tongue Strap worn by No. 2, 9. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 3. 2022: BAY BRIDGE 4 9 7 Richard Kingscote 10-1 (Sir Michael Stoute) 9 ran
THE RESULT
2ND:
WINNER:
3RD:
DISTANCE:
TIME:
4TH:
BETTING FORECAST: 11-4 Horizon Dore (FR), 9-2 King of Steel (USA), 5-1 Bay Bridge (GB), 15-2 Mostahdaf (IRE), 8-1 Via Sistina (IRE), 12-1 Royal Rhyme (IRE), 14-1 My Prospero (IRE), 33-1 Dubai Honour (IRE), 66-1 Point Lonsdale (IRE)
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.
80
Fastnet Rock (AUS)
Nigh (IRE)
Danehill (USA) Piccadilly Circus (AUS) Galileo (IRE) Native Force (IRE)
Hat Trick (JPN)
Dabirsim (FR)
Rumored (USA) Enrique (GB)
Sweet Alabama (FR)
Hallen (FR)
Iffraaj (GB)
Wootton Bassett (GB)
Balladonia (GB) Verglas (IRE)
Eldacar (GB)
Lope de Vega (IRE)
Dubai Queen (USA)
Seracina (GB)
Shamardal (USA) Lady Vettori (GB) Kingmambo (USA) Zomaradah (GB)
Danzig (USA) Razyana (USA) Royal Academy (USA) Gatana (AUS) Sadler's Wells (USA) Urban Sea (USA) Indian Ridge La Pellegrina (IRE) Sunday Silence (USA) Tricky Code (USA) Royal Academy (USA) Bright Generation (IRE) Barathea (IRE) Gwydion (USA) Midyan (USA) Haumette (FR) Zafonic (USA) Pastorale (GB) Primo Dominie Susquehanna Days (USA) Highest Honor (FR) Rahaam (USA) Nashwan (USA) Seralia (GB) Giant's Causeway (USA) Helsinki (GB) Vettori (IRE) Lady Golconda (FR) Mr Prospector (USA) Miesque (USA) Deploy Jawaher (IRE)
RACE SUMMARY
A few with chances, including last year’s winner Bay Bridge, who arrives following a creditable sixth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and progressive French raider Horizon Dore. That said, it might pay to side with MOSTAHDAF. The son of Frankel landed the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes here in June and was given an excellent ride in the Juddmonte at York next time. He appears to have matured ten-fold this season, and the Group 1 hat-trick does not look beyond him. Via Sistina will be suited by underfoot conditions and should not be underestimated.
RACE PREDICTOR Winner - Mostahdaf
Second - Bay Bridge
Third - King Of Steel
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THE BALMORAL HANDICAP (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)
HISTORY OF THE RACE
The Balmoral Handicap has closed Champions Day every year since 2014. The £200,000 mile race has never featured fewer than 18 runners and has often included future stars, with subsequent Group 1 winners Lord Glitters, Accidental Agent, Zabeel Prince, Lord North and Glen Shiel being among those to contest it. A race known as the Balmoral Handicap had previously been staged over five furlongs at Royal Ascot but was discontinued after the 2003 running. It was always intended to revive the race title when the appropriate opportunity arose, and Queen Elizabeth II graciously consented to it being reintroduced on Champions Day. Two-time Cambridgeshire winner Bronze Angel won the first running before Musaddas struck 12 months later. Yuften, who had contested Group 1 races early in his career, won in 2016 before the dashing grey, Lord Glitters, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in 2017. His trainer, David O’Meara, has also hit the target with Escobar (2019) and Shelir (2022). The other three winners – Sharja Bridge (2018), Njord (2020) and Aldaary (2021) – have all been popular in the betting. Spare a thought for John Gosden, who has saddled the runner-up five times without having the winner.
RACE DISTANCE
PREVIOUS WINNERS
PRIZE MONEY
1 Mile
2022: Shelir
Overall: £200,000
2021: Aldaary 2020: Njord 2019: Escobar
1st: £103,080 2nd: £48,340
2018: Sharja Bridge
3rd: £24,180
2017: Lord Glitters
4th: £12,080
2016: Yuften 2015: Musaddas 2014: Bronze Angel
5th: £6,040 6th: £3,020
LEADING CONTENDERS
ONES TO WATCH
BARADAR
Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Brown Age: 5 Trainer: George Boughey Owner: Amo Racing Limited Sire-Dam: Muhaarar - Go Lovely Rose (IRE) Breeder: Knocktoran Stud Info: Baradar has already scooped one valuable handicap at Ascot this year, having scooped the 25-runner Moët & Chandon International Stakes in July. He was equipped with first-time cheekpieces that afternoon and the headgear was retained when he followed up in fluent fashion at Doncaster last time. Those victories were achieved over a furlong or so shorter than today’s distance, but he showed that a mile was within his range when a fine third in the Lincoln, on heavy going at Doncaster, at the start of the year. The ground was also deep when he won at that course at the end of last season.
SONNY LISTON
Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 4 Trainer: Ralph Beckett Owner: Chelsea Thoroughbreds - The Big Bear Sire-Dam: Lawman (FR) - Stars In Your Eyes Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud Info: He’s named after the legendary boxer and proved a knockout on his debut at Sandown, in the summer of 2021, when winning at 18/1. However, since then his supporters have had a bruising time because he’s been unable to add to that initial victory despite running a sequence of fine races. He looked sure to gain overdue reward at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting last month, only to be headed on the line. That frustrating reverse came after his second in the Royal Hunt Cup, at the Royal Meeting in June, plus good efforts at Goodwood and York when again hinting he had more in his locker. Sonny Liston is going to connect at some time in a big handicap.
DOCKLANDS
Colour: Bay Age: 3 Sex: Colt Trainer: Harry Eustace Owner: O T I Racing Sire-Dam: Massaat (IRE) – Icky Woo Breeder: Mickley Stud Info: Those who adhere to the old adage of “horses for courses” will have Docklands on their radar because he’s run twice at Ascot and won on each occasion. He was winning for the first time on turf when a wide-margin winner here in May and then, despite a 14lb rise in the handicap, followed up with a decisive victory in the Britannia Stakes at the Royal Meeting the following month. Docklands has since come up short in Group 3 company at Goodwood but Harry Eustace, his trainer, observed he was compromised by a tactical affair. Eustace has had the Balmoral in mind for Docklands for a good while, and a 78-day break since his run at Goodwood means he will have a fresh horse on his hands.
MIGRATION
Sex: Gelding Colour: Bay Age: 7 Trainer: David Menuisier Owner: Gail Brown Racing (IX) Sire-Dam: Alhebayeb (IRE) – Caribbean Ace (IRE) Breeder: Ms C Peddie Info: Don’t be put off by the fact that Migration will line-up for today’s finale having not run for 167 days. He has a good record when fresh and overcame a similar absence when winning the Lincoln on his return at Doncaster in April. The form of that hot handicap, which like the Balmoral is run over a mile, has been franked time and again. Migration disappointed in a Group 3 race at Newmarket the following month but does seem well served by the end-to-end gallops that handicaps often provide. He was only eighth in last year’s Balmoral but was not seen to best advantage.
SIXTH RACE 4.25PM THE BALMORAL HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (SPONSORED BY QIPCO)
RACE
RACE
FINISH
START
Stalls: Inside
ONE MILE (1,600 metres), ROYAL HUNT CUP COURSE (8F), for three yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £200,000 Owners Prize Money. Winner £81260; Second £40640; Third £20320; Fourth £10160; Fifth £5080; Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 9 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS See page 94 for conditions of this race.
Horse
1
MIGRATION (IRE) (167)
Draw
B g Alhebayeb (IRE) - Caribbean Ace (IRE) (Red Clubs (IRE)) Owner: Gail Brown Racing (IX) Horse Age: 7 Weight: 10 1 Trainer: David Menuisier, Pulborough Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PURPLE hoop Breeder: Ms C. Peddie and diamond on cap. Sponsor: Shinco Racing Limited Form: 0/204-15 D
Draw
No
11
Jockey Benoit de la Sayette
Winner of five races from 1m to 1m 2f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Finished 17l behind Adayar when last of 5 at 8-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Newmarket over 1m 2f (soft) in May. A player based on his Lincoln success. Official BHA Rating 113
RAADOBARG (IRE) (7)
B g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Queen Bodicea (IRE) (Revoque (IRE)) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Colours: VIOLET, WHITE cap. Breeder: Pier House Stud Form: 303533 D Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd
Draw
2
6
Rossa Ryan
9
Winner of five races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to soft - heavy. Third of 9 behind Highland Avenue beaten 5l at 7-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 Darley Stakes at Newmarket over 1m 1f (soft) earlier this month. Capable of making the frame. Official BHA Rating 107 (-1)
SONNY LISTON (IRE) (35)
B g Lawman (FR) - Stars In Your Eyes (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: CHELSEA THOROUGHBREDS - THE BIG BEAR Trainer: Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud Sponsor: Oliver Brown
Draw
3
9
Ryan Moore
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 8 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ROYAL BLUE sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 020542 BF
A winner at 7f on good ground, but that win was over two years ago. Beaten a nose by Liberty Lane when second of 15 at 7-2fav on his latest outing at Doncaster over 1m (soft) last month. Often goes well in this type of event but he will need a career best off this mark. Official BHA Rating 106
BARADAR (IRE) (36)
Draw
4
B or Br g Muhaarar - Go Lovely Rose (IRE) (Pivotal) Owner: Amo Racing Limited Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Breeder: Knocktoran Stud Sponsor: Sports Invest UK Ltd
12 William Buick
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 7 Colours: VIOLET, WHITE quartered cap. Form: 1-36011 C
Winner of five races from 6f to 7f on ground varying from good to heavy. Won on his latest outing when 10-3jt-fav at Doncaster over 6f (soft) last month, beating Lethal Nymph by 1 1/2l. Likely to relish conditions but he is arguably at his very best over a shorter trip. Official BHA Rating 105
AL MUBHIR (GB) (29)
Draw
5
23 Tom Marquand
Ch c Frankel - Muffri’Ha (IRE) (Iffraaj) Owner: Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 7 Colours: DARK BLUE, large YELLOW spots. Form: 513503 D
He has won three times from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to heavy. Third of 7 behind Popmaster beaten 1 3/4l at 9-2 on his latest outing at Newbury over 7f (soft) last month. A talented performer but he may find that one or two are on better marks right now. Official BHA Rating 105
88
6
AWAAL (IRE) (14)
B g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Anna’s Rock (IRE) (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) Owner: Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa Horse Age: 4 Weight: 9 6 Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford, Newmarket Colours: ORANGE, BLACK sleeves, Breeder: George Kent BLACK and ORANGE quartered cap. Sponsor: Gainsborough Thoroughbreds Limited D BF Form: 203303
Draw
THE BALMORAL HANDICAP (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) 22 James Doyle
Successful twice at 1m on heavy ground and on the all-weather. Third of 9 behind Vafortino beaten 1 1/2l at 6-4fav on his latest outing at Redcar over 7f (good) earlier this month. Has made the frame in some big handicaps this season and another good run can be expected. Official BHA Rating 104 (-1)
BOPEDRO (FR) (21)
Draw
7
7 Daniel Tudhope
B g Pedro The Great (USA) - Breizh Touch (FR) (Country Reel (USA)) Owner: Mr Lee Bond Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 4 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: WHITE, PURPLE stars on sleeves. Breeder: Mr Daniel Cherdo Form: 300103 D Sponsor: Bravopak
Has won eight races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Third of 34 behind Astro King beaten 1l at 16-1 on his latest outing at Newmarket over 1m 1f (good to firm) last month. Has an each-way chance once again this afternoon. Official BHA Rating 102 (+2)
BLUE FOR YOU (IRE) (14)
Ch g New Approach (IRE) - Love In The Sun (IRE) (Kodiac) Owner: Alderson Burke Francis Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Breeder: Moyglare Stud Farm Sponsor: Gain Equine Nutrition
Draw
8
20 Paul Mulrennan
Weight: 9 4 Horse Age: 5 Colours: RED and BLACK check, BLACK sleeves, WHITE cap. Form: 010000 D
He has won four times from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 3l behind Atrium at 28-1 when seventh of 17 on his latest outing here over 7f (good) earlier this month. Has the ability to go well but others appear to be safer picks based on recent evidence. Official BHA Rating 102 (-2)
DOCKLANDS (GB) (78)
Draw
9
B c Massaat (IRE) - Icky Woo (Mark of Esteem (IRE)) Owner: O.T.I. Racing Trainer: Harry Eustace, Newmarket Breeder: Mickley Stud Sponsor: Fitzdares Limited
2 Hayley Turner
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 9 3 Colours: DARK BLUE, GOLD hoops, WHITE sleeves and cap. Form: 2-21116 CD
He has won three times from 7f to 1m on good to firm and soft ground and on the all-weather. Finished 5l behind Epictetus when sixth of 7 at 4-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood over 1m (soft) in August. May well bounce back to form. Official BHA Rating 104 Draw
10 HELM ROCK (GB) (21)
B g Pivotal - Nibbling (IRE) (Invincible Spirit (IRE)) Owner: CAPTURE THE MOMENT VII Trainer: Daniel & Claire Kubler, Lambourn Breeder: Mrs James Wigan Sponsor: Tote
13
Richard Kingscote
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 2 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED triple diamond, armlets and cap. Form: 460115 D
Winner of seven races from 7f to 1m 1f on ground varying from good to soft and on the all-weather. Finished 7l behind Sparks Fly when fifth of 12 at 12-1 on his latest outing at Haydock over 1m (heavy) last month. Looks to be up against it off this mark. Official BHA Rating 100 (-1) Draw
11 COEUR D’OR (IRE) (41)
14 Chris Hayes
B g Dubawi (IRE) - Irresistible Jewel (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) Owner: Mark E. Phelan/S.P.O’Connor Horse Age: 7 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: D. K. Weld, Ireland Colours: ORANGE, EMERALD GREEN chevrons Breeder: Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd on sleeves, WHITE cap, ORANGE diamond. Form: 213110 D
He has won four times from 7f to 1m 1f on good and yielding - soft ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 6l behind Crystal Black at 12-1 when eighth of 22 on his latest outing at Curragh over 1m 2f (good - yielding) last month. May have to settle for a minor role here. Official BHA Rating 100 Draw
12 RHOSCOLYN (GB) (14)
15 Jason Watson
B g Territories (IRE) - Zeyran (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))(in 6lb ex) Owner: The Horse Watchers Horse Age: 5 Weight: 9 2 Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Colours: BLACK, ORANGE seams and sleeves, Breeder: Mrs J. E. Laws BLACK cap. Sponsor: Timeform Form: 101015 D
Winner of seven races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Finished 2 1/4l behind Atrium when fifth of 17 at 33-1 on his latest outing here over 7f (good) earlier this month. Carries a 6lb penalty and he looks to be better suited by 7f at this venue. Official BHA Rating 94 (+4)
89
THE BALMORAL HANDICAP (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) Draw
13 ROPEY GUEST (GB) (14)
B g Cable Bay (IRE) - Hadeeya (Oratorio (IRE)) Owner: John Guest Racing Trainer: George Margarson, Newmarket Breeder: Mrs S. Hamilton & Kirtlington Stud Ltd
5 Tom Queally
Horse Age: 6 Weight: 9 1 Colours: WHITE, ROYAL BLUE hoop, diabolo on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap. D Form: 020106
He has won four times from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft and on the all-weather. Finished 2 1/4l behind Atrium when sixth of 17 at 28-1 on his latest outing here over 7f (good) earlier this month. Could be vulnerable off this rating. Official BHA Rating 99 (-1) Draw
14 BENNETOT (IRE) (21)
16 Neil Callan
B g Ectot - Al Hayyah (IRE) (Lope de Vega (IRE)) Owner: Mr J. C. G. Chua Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Breeder: Al Shaqab Racing Sponsor: Chuanglee Cash & Carry Ltd
Horse Age: 4 Weight: 8 13 Colours: DARK BLUE, YELLOW inverted triangle, YELLOW sleeves, DARK BLUE armlets, YELLOW cap. Form: 1-04420
15 THE GATEKEEPER (IRE) (24)
B g Excelebration (IRE) - Cherry Creek (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: Middleham Park Racing XIV Weight: 8 12 Horse Age: 4 Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Middleham Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ORANGE epaulets. Breeder: Sean Murphy Form: 220104 D BF Sponsor: Johnston Racing Ltd
Draw
Successful at 1m 1f and 1m 2f on the all-weather. Well beaten at 28-1 behind Sparks Fly when 11th of 12 on his latest outing at Haydock over 1m (heavy) last month. Hard to recommend on the back of that performance on his UK debut. Official BHA Rating 97 (-2)
4
Joe Fanning
He has won four times from 5f to 1m on good and soft ground and on the all-weather. Finished 2l behind Rhoscolyn when fourth of 7 at 3-1jt-fav on his latest outing at Goodwood over 1m last month. Had a productive season but may be a touch high in the handicap as a result. Official BHA Rating 96 (-1) Draw
16 DUAL IDENTITY (IRE) (21)
B g Belardo (IRE) - Teide Lady (Nashwan (USA)) Owner: Kennet Valley Syndicates IV Trainer: William Knight, Newmarket Breeder: Gerry Flannery Developments Sponsor: Oakman Group PLC
10 Jim Crowley
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 8 11 Colours: NAVY BLUE, RED and LIGHT BLUE hoop and armlets, WHITE cap. Form: 450010
He has won four times at 1m 2f on good ground and on the all-weather. Beaten 3 1/2l behind Astro King at 22-1 when 10th of 34 on his latest outing at Newmarket over 1m 1f (good to firm) last month. Will need to find some improvement to score here. Official BHA Rating 95 (-1) Draw
17 DANCING MAGIC (IRE) (65)
18 Oisin Murphy
B c Camelot - Poisson d’Or (Cape Cross (IRE)) Owner: Fishdance Ltd Trainer: Roger Teal, Lambourn Breeder: Fishdance Sponsor: Fishdance Ltd
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 11 Colours: ORANGE and DARK BLUE stripes, ORANGE cap. Form: 4-30054
18 LATTAM (IRE) (8)
Ch g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Alaata (USA) (Smart Strike (CAN)) Owner: Wrigleys and Wyatts Horse Age: 4 Weight: 8 11 Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED hoops, Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Limited quartered cap. Sponsor: Somerville Lodge Ltd Form: 121035 D
Draw
Placed twice in ten starts. Finished 10l behind dead-heaters Mighty Ulysses and Embesto when fourth of 5 at 20-1 on his latest outing in the Group 3 Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury over 1m (good) in August. May benefit from a subsequent wind operation. Official BHA Rating 98
8 Cieren Fallon
He has won four times from 7f to 1m on good to soft and soft - heavy ground and on the all-weather. Finished 1 1/2l behind Hafeet Alain when fifth of 12 at 9-2 on his latest outing at York over 1m (soft) earlier this month. Cannot be discounted in first-time cheekpieces. Official BHA Rating 95 Draw
19 VETIVER (GB) (34)
Ch f Twilight Son - Poana (FR) (New Approach (IRE)) Owner: Cheveley Park Stud Trainer: Andrew Balding, Kingsclere Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Limited Sponsor: Cheveley Park Stud Limited
3 P. J. McDonald
Horse Age: 3 Weight: 8 11 Colours: RED, WHITE sash, ROYAL BLUE cap. Form: 21-1413 D
She has won three times from 7f to 1m on good to soft and soft ground. Third of 10 behind Matilda Picotte beaten 6l at 16-1 on her latest outing in the Group 3 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster over 7f last month. A progressive filly who may have more to offer. Official BHA Rating 98
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THE BALMORAL HANDICAP (SPONSORED BY QIPCO) Draw
20 EILEAN DUBH (IRE) (21)
21 Clifford Lee
B h Vadamos (FR) - Kenwana (FR) (Kendargent (FR)) Owner: Pau - Perth Partnership Trainer: K. R. Burke, Leyburn Breeder: NBB Consultant/DeMoubray Sarl Sponsor: KB Spigot Ltd
Horse Age: 5 Weight: 8 11 Colours: WHITE, EMERALD GREEN epaulets, armlets and cap. D Form: 313000
Winner of six races from 7f to 1m on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft and on the all-weather. Beaten 11l behind Astro King at 66-1 when 25th of 34 on his latest outing at Newmarket over 1m 1f last month. Best look elsewhere following that effort. Official BHA Rating 95 (-2)
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 23 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 18, 20. Hood worn by No. 17. Blinkers worn by No. 3. Visor worn by No. 13. Tongue Strap worn by No. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12/ Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No. 19, 23. Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn by No. 2. Visor, Tongue Strap worn by No. 8. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4. Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 17. Stewards Note: AL MUBHIR: Following its run on 22/9/2023 it was reported that the horse lost a shoe. 2022: SHELIR (IRE) 6 9 5 Jason Watson 80-1 (David O’Meara) 20 ran
THE RESULT
2ND:
WINNER:
3RD:
DISTANCE:
TIME:
4TH:
BETTING FORECAST: 15-2 Baradar (IRE), Docklands (GB), 8-1 Sonny Liston (IRE), 10-1 Awaal (IRE), 14-1 Al Mubhir (GB), Bopedro (FR), Lattam (IRE), 18-1 Migration (IRE), 20-1 Dual Identity (IRE), 22-1 Coeur d’Or (IRE), Rhoscolyn (GB), 25-1 Blue For You (IRE), 33-1 Helm Rock (GB), Bennetot (IRE), Dancing Magic (IRE), 40-1 Raadobarg (IRE), Vetiver (GB), 50-1 Ropey Guest (GB), The Gatekeeper (IRE), 80-1 Eilean Dubh (IRE),
RACE SUMMARY
In a wide-open renewal of this valuable handicap marginal preference is for AWAAL, who arrives here 1lb lower than when third in the Royal Hunt Cup over course and distance in June. He confirmed his well-being when filling the same position at Listed level two weeks ago and he should relish conditions. Migration beat the selection in the Lincoln earlier in the year but may not be able to confirm that form on these terms. Docklands remains unexposed and should not be discounted, while Lattam has to be of some interest in first-time cheekpieces. The shortlist is completed by Raadobarg, Sonny Liston and Vetiver.
RACE PREDICTOR Winner - Awaal
Second - Migration
Third - Docklands
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.
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RACE CONDITIONS First Race 1.15 - 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 8th and pay £1750 stake, Scratch by noon, October 3rd or pay £2000, Confirm by noon, October 16th and pay £1250, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 16th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 19th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 9lb; fillies 9st 6lb. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO HOLDING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). The Outer Flat Course is the default for round course races on QIPCO British Champions Day (1m 2f, 1m 4f & 2m races). In the event of “heavy” appearing in the going 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 8am on the day of racing. 48 entries, 31 at £1750, 7 at £3750, 10 at £5000. - Closed August 8th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 22 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 1.50 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT 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. Enter by noon, August 8th and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, October 3rd or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 16th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 16th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 19th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 4lb; fillies 9st 1lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO HOLDING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). 39 entries, 16 at £2185, 5 at £4685, 18 at £6250. Closed August 8th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £222800; Second £91450; Third £45750; Fourth £22850; Fifth £11450; Sixth £5700. (Penalty Value £283550) A SS SEE PAGE 36 FOR THIS RACE. Third Race 2.25 - THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES 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 fillies and mares only. Enter by noon, August 8th and pay £2185 stake, Scratch by noon, October 3rd or pay £2500, Confirm by noon, October 16th and pay £1565, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 16th and pay £37500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 19th. Weights: 3-y-o 9st 1lb; 4-y-o and up 9st 7lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. The winning owner will secure a single nomination to any stallion standing under the banner of Qatar Bloodstock for the winning horse, to be taken up in 2023 or 2024, by arrangement with Tweenhills Stud. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO HOLDING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). The Outer Flat Course is the default for round course races on QIPCO British Champions Day (1m 2f, 1m 4f & 2m races). In the event of “heavy” appearing in the going 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 8am on the day of racing. 47 entries, 20 at £2185, 9 at £4685, 17 at £6250, 1 at £37500. - Closed August 8th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £236725; Second £97166; Third £48609; Fourth £24278; Fifth £12166; Sixth £6056. (Penalty Value £301271.87) A SS SEE PAGE 48 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 3.05 - 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. £655709 to the winning horse The second to receive £248593, the third £124412, the fourth £61975, the fifth £31103 and the sixth £15609. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 8th and pay £4800 stake, Scratch by noon, October 3rd or pay £5500, Confirm by noon, October 16th and pay £3450, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 16th and pay £70000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 19th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 6lb; fillies 9st 3lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a Silver Salver to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO HOLDING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 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). 29 entries, 10 at £4800, 5 at £10300, 13 at £13750, 1 at £70000. - Closed August 8th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £515225; Second £211478; Third £105797; Fourth £52841; Fifth £26478; Sixth £13181. (Penalty Value £655709.37) A SS SEE PAGE 66 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.45 - THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (CLASS 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS MIDDLE DISTANCE) (Group 1) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £737230 to the winning horse The second to receive £279500, the third £139880, the fourth £69680, the fifth £34970 and the sixth £17550. for three yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, August 8th and pay £5675 stake, Scratch by noon, October 3rd or pay £6500, Confirm by noon, October 16th and pay £4075, Supplementary Entry by noon, October 16th and pay £75000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 19th. Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st 4-y-o and up colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 4lb NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day before confirmation merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible.. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race and will present a specially commissioned trophy to the winning owner and a replica to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse. A £250 cash prize will be presented to the stable lad or lass responsible for the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of QIPCO HOLDING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. THERE WILL BE A PARADE FOR THIS RACE. Runners will be paraded in the order requested by the managing executive on the day. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). The Outer Flat Course is the default for round course races on QIPCO British Champions Day (1m 2f, 1m 4f & 2m races). In the event of “heavy” appearing in the going 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 8am on the day of racing. 34 entries, 18 at £5675, 5 at £12175, 11 at £16250. - Closed August 8th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £579280; Second £237770; Third £118950; Fourth £59410; Fifth £29770; Sixth £14820. (Penalty Value £737230) A SS SEE PAGE 78 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.25 - 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 19th and pay £300 stake, Confirm by noon, October 16th and pay £700, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 19th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after September 23rd, 2023, a winner of a race 6lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 12lb. Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried.. QIPCO HOLDING has generously sponsored this race. A silver salver will be presented to the winning owner and a replica awarded to the winning trainer and jockey. In addition, a memento will be presented to the stable lad or lass of the winning horse and a £250 cash prize to the person responsible for the best turned out horse in this race. 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. 51 entries, 31 at £300, 20 at £1000. - Closed September 19th, 2023. Owners Prize Money. Winner £81260; Second £40640; Third £20320; Fourth £10160; Fifth £5080; Sixth £2540. (Penalty Value £103080) 12 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS SEE PAGE 88 FOR THIS RACE. DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY
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TODAY’S OFFICIALS BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES LTD EXECUTIVE
Tony Langham (Chairman) Rod Street (Chief Executive) Gregg Taylor (Marketing Director) Rachel Frazer (Communications Director)
BOARD MEMBERS
Sophie Able (Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, The Jockey Club) Felicity Barnard (Commercial 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) Alex Eade (Secretary General, Large Independent Racecourses) Mark Spincer (Managing Director, Arena Racing Company)
STEWARDS Chief Steward Shaun Parker Stewards’ Panel Chair Lucinda Cavendish
Stewards Greg Pearson, Cody Watkins Assistant Steward Josie Brown-Smith
Raceday Assistant Gwen Thomas
Commentator Simon Holt Betting Ring Managers Andrew Boardley Sarah Woodborne Doctors Dr Roger Goulds Dr Guy Mitchell Dr Peter Johnson Dr Ramy Saker Dr John Berry Veterinary Officers Colin Roberts Sally Taylor Amy Hawthorn Handicapper Mark Olley
Veterinary Surgeons Simon Knapp, CVO, BVetmed, BSc, MRCVS Clive Hamblin, BVetMed, MRCVS Bobby McEwen, BVSc, MRCVS Jamie Knapp, BVSc, MRCVS Ian Wright,MA, VetMD, DEO, DipECVS.
OFFICIALS Starters Robert Supple Sam Avis Clerks of the Scales Jeremy Lind Robert Cuthbert Judge Nick Bostock Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers Kelly McSorley Sarah Collins Carol Legett Darren Stone Louise Sheridan Julie Lingham Peter Double Chris Hannaford
Hon FRCVS EBVS
Director of Racing and Public Affairs Nick Smith Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels
GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION If you need to speak to a member of the team please call 0344 346 3000 or email enquiries@ascot.com
FEEDBACK We would welcome and appreciate all feedback from your day at Ascot. If you would like to share your experience, please email feedback@ascot.com
LOST PROPERTY For lost property enquiries please call 0344 346 3000 – Monday to Friday.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Getty Images – gettyimages.co.uk Megan Ridgewell - meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com
HORSE WELFARE At all meetings there is a team of specially qualified vets appointed to look after the welfare of all horses. During each race vets follow the horse by car and can attend a casualty in the same response time as the paramedic teams responsible for human casualties. It is standard practise for screens to be fixed around any horse receiving veterinary treatment. This does not reflect the severity of an injury, just allows the vet some privacy and the patient a calm environment in which to recover. Please do not always assume the worst if you see screens around a fallen horse.
ABANDONMENT POLICY In the event of racing being abandoned, refunds on entrance money and car parks will only be made in the following circumstances: a)
Abandonment before the running of the first race – full refund.
b)
Abandonment before the third or feature race, whichever is later – 50% refund
In the event of an abandonment, please apply to the Customer Liaison Team in writing within three days for a refund.
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