It’s not long until British Champions Day – often referred to as the Grand Finale of the British flat racing season which takes place this year on Saturday 21st October and showcases the very best thoroughbreds in the UK and Ireland. Held annually at Ascot Racecourse, this event serves as a culmination of the Champions Series – a season-long competition that includes top-class races across all different categories.
This is a true day of champions and celebrates the most exquisite horses on the scene – and here we will take a look at its history, its very best moments, and some of the memorable horses that have graced British Champions Day.
The First British Champions Day
This isn’t one of the most historic racing events in the world – in fact, it’s barely more than a decade old – however, it’s one of the biggest events in horse racing betting today. The British Champions Day was first held in 2011 when it was introduced to the British racing calendar. The goal of it was to create a prestigious championship day that could rival other major international racing events – and it was seen as a major development in the British horse racing landscape… and the perfect finale to the flat racing season.
An Iconic Venue
Ascot Racecourse is famous across the world for its rich history and royal patronage – making it the perfect venue for British Champions Day. This legendary course in Berkshire has hosted some of the biggest racing events in the world of horse racing for more than three hundred years – and it’s the perfect backdrop for this stunning event.
The Best Moments
British Champions Day always features an incredible lineup of races across a host of different distances and categories – and it has seen some real standout moments:
The Champion Stakes
Unarguably, the highlight of the day is the QIPCO Champion Stakes, which is a Group 1 race that is held over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs. This race always attracts the best horses and jockeys from all over the world – and to date, one of its most memorable moments was the victory of the legendary Frankel in 2012, which marked his final farewell to the world of horse racing.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
This is a one-mile Group 1 race that is renowned for always having a fiercely competitive field. Whilst there have been many standout moments, it’s hard to beat the 2019 edition, which saw the majestic Irish filly, Magical, thrill the crowd with a stunning win.
There have been numerous other top moments – Addeybb winning the 2020 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes in style – and Stradivarius galloping to victory in the Long Distance Cup. No doubt, in years to come, we will witness many more magical moments.
Some of the Most Memorable Horses
This is British Champions Day – and, as such, it has seen the participation of some of the most incredible horses in racing history. However, even amongst these, there are some that stand out from the rest:
- Frankel: Arguably the greatest racehorse of modern times, Frankel had an unbeaten streak that included an incredible victory in the 2012 Champion Stakes. His performance that day has left a lasting legacy.
- Enable: Then we have the exceptional mare Enable, who was trained by John Gosden and graced British Champions Day several times. She always demonstrated incredible talent and unbeatable versatility. Her victories in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders’ Cup Turf have further cemented her status as one of the all-time greats.
- Stradivarius: We have to mention Stradivarius. Famous for his dominance in the staying division, he has been a standout performer in the Long Distance Cup for years. He has an incredible ability to maintain his speed over long distances… and this has made him a firm fan favourite.
- Addeybb: Last on our list, but by no means least, this Australian-bred gelding has had a huge impact on British Champions Day, with memorable wins in the Champion Stakes and the Fillies & Mares Stakes. With his racing prowess and versatility, he is a real shining star of the event.
Conclusion
Ultimately, British Champions Day is the perfect finale to the British flat racing season – as it celebrates excellence in horse racing and provides seriously memorable moments for everyone involved. What will this year bring? We’ll have to wait and see.
