This year marks the 10th anniversary of QIPCO British Champions Day, the ultimate end of season extravaganza at Ascot and culmination of the 35-race QIPCO British Champions Series.

With £4,091,250 in prize money across six races, QIPCO British Champions Day is the richest raceday in the British calendar. The feature QIPCO Champion Stakes, worth £1.26m, is Britain’s most valuable race, while the £1.1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) is the most lucrative mile contest in Europe.

Such spoils have consistently attracted the biggest stars from across Europe and beyond. Frankel lit up the first two editions of QIPCO British Champions Day and has been followed by other luminaries including Almanzor, Cracksman, Muharaar and Roaring Lion.

Horses from eight countries have competed on QIPCO British Champions Day, from as far afield as Japan, Singapore and South Africa. There have been 17 victories for Irish-trained horses while raiders from France have enjoyed five successes, including three in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO).

This year’s fixture sees two of the world’s three joint top-rated horses, Adayar and Mishriff, face off in the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes, while the world’s leading miler Palace Pier heads an all-star cast for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO), with eight of the 10 runners having been successful at Group 1 level.

Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Racing, said: “We are very proud to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of QIPCO British Champions Day and to have been involved in the Series and Day since the very beginning.

“The day could not have got off to a more sublime start than with Frankel winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) in 2011 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

“Today’s card looks spectacular and we are thrilled to be hosting a truly world class day of racing.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series, said: “We are so excited to be back at Ascot to welcome fans to the 10^th anniversary of QIPCO British Champions Day having raced behind closed doors last year.

“Once again, the racing looks phenomenal, with stars at every turn and some sensational contests lined up. Alongside our long-term partners and sponsors QIPCO, we are delighted to be offering in excess of £4 million in prize money and wish all of the connections the very best of luck this afternoon.”  

ACTIVITIES ON QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY

A range of activities and things to look out for on QIPCO British Champions Day include:

Championship presentations (Apprentice; Jockey; Owner)

Marco Ghiani will be crowned Champion Apprentice while Godolphin will receive the Champion Owner title for a 14th time. Both presentations will take place in the Parade Ring.

The Champion Jockey presentation will be made after the concluding Balmoral Handicap (sponsored by QIPCO). Oisin Murphy is three winners ahead of William Buick heading into the final day of the championship season. Murphy, the defending champion, has four rides while Buick has five mounts.

Jockey masterclass

Leading riders Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand, who sensationally won four of the six races on QIPCO British Champions Day in 2020, will host a jockey masterclass on the bandstand lawn for Pony Club members.

Jockey Autograph signings

Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand and Marco Ghiani autograph signings will take place from 11.45am.

QIPCO British Champions Hall of Fame exhibition

There will be a Hall of Fame exhibition in the grandstand with specially commissioned medals on display and information on each of the inductees from this year, while there will also be a newly branded Hall of Fame bar on site. More information on this year’s inductees can be found here: https://horseracinghof.com/

After Party

2021 sees the After Party return to QIPCO British Champions Day. Once racing finishes, head over to see live DJ sets from Craig Charles and Roman Kemp as they round off the day in style.