Ever since its inception back in 2011, Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot has acted as the finale to the British Flat season and offers the richest prize money of the season.
With over £4 million in prize money up for grabs, the day will consist of several Group 1 races with the most high profile race of the day being the Qipco Champions Stakes which carries a purse of well over £1 million.
With the 2024 Qipco British Champions Day due to take place at Ascot racecourse in October, in this article we will tell you everything you need to know about one of the best racing days of the year.
When is Qipco British Champions Day?
British Champions day is set to take place at the historic Ascot racecourse on Saturday 19th October. The finale of the Flat racing season and the final leg of the Qipco British Champions series, the card brings the curtain down on the Flat season in Britain and gives owners, trainers and jockeys one final opportunity to land some of the biggest races of the season.
Broadcast on both Sky Sports Racing and ITV 1, the idea of Champions Day is to showcase the great and the good of the British Flat racing season and it often attracts some of the world's best horses. The iconic Ascot racecourse has been the host of this world-class race day since 2011.
What races take place on British Champions Day?
Champions Day at Ascot racecourse will consist of six races which take place on Saturday 19th October. Here is the running order and everything you need to know about each race.
The Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2) - 2 miles
The action on British Champions Day will begin with the Long Distance Cup. One of the most exciting races on the British racing calendar, several of the world's best staying horses will make the Royal Ascot stage their own.
Formerly known as the Jockey Club Cup, since becoming a part of the Champions Day card, horses such as Stradivarius, Trueshan and Order of St George have all been able to claim this prize.
Open to horses aged three and above, this year's race looks set to be between recent Ascot Gold Cup winner, Kyprios and 2023 Qipco Long Distance Cup champion, Trawlerman.
Offering jockeys and trainers the opportunity of the perfect start to the day, the race day is bound to get off with a bang.
The Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) - 6 furlongs
The world-class horse racing continues with the second race of the day, the Champions Sprint Stakes. The shortest race of the day, the race used to be known as the Diadem Stakes and many legends of Great British racing such as Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori have been able to win this race multiple times.
Hoping to find themselves in the winners’ enclosure this year is the Ralph Beckett-trained Kinross who will be looking to recapture the crown he won in 2022. Described by his trainer ‘as the gift that keeps giving’, he could take all of the stopping this year.
The Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) - 1½ miles
The third race of the day will see the ladies take centre stage with the Fillies & Mares Stakes, a title which replaced the Princess Royal Stakes back in 2011 and over the years, some of the greatest female horses have been able to win this race.
A race never to miss, Kalpana will be hoping to put her third place finish in the Ribblesdale Stakes long behind her to win her third successive race.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) - 1 mile
British Champions Day would rightly be described as world class and one of the biggest unmissable Group races is the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Formerly known as the Royal Stakes, the race is open to horses aged three and over and takes place over Ascot's famous mile course.
Offering one of the richest prizes of the day, the hugely exciting Charyn is expected to light up this grand finale of the Flat. Trained by Roger Varian, Charyn was a brilliant winner of the Queen Anne Stakes and it looks highly likely that she will take some serious stopping.
The Qipco Champions Stakes (Group 1) - 1¼ miles
One of the best races that the famous Berkshire course hosts every year is the Champions Stakes. Raced over a mile and a quarter, the race is often described as the grand finale to the Flat season. The Champion Stakes at Ascot is one race that connections all over the world want to win and this year is no exception.
The 2023 race will be remembered for King of Steel's memorable victory but this year it is the William Haggas-trained Economics who will be looking to end the year in style. A winner of his last four races, he will miss the Arc, with the sole focus of winning this race. Haggas seems relaxed about the situation: ‘If he’s as good as we hope he is, he can run in it next year.’
Horses like King of Steel in the Qipco Champion Stakes have been able to take their careers and cement their legacies to the very next level, and Economics will hope to follow suit.
The Balmoral Handicap Stakes (Handicap) - 1 mile
The final race of the day is a handicap contest which often sees one of the biggest fields canter down to post. In what is usually one of the most wide-open races of the day, many horses in this year's line-up will have a great chance of winning and backing any horse in the field should give you a brilliant run for your money.
Frequently asked questions about QIPCO British Champions Day and Ascot Racecourse in 2024
- Is there a dress code for Champions Day?
If you want to experience the thrill of Champions Day, there is a dress code to follow. Although overall dress attire is a lot more relaxed than the Royal meeting, it is advised that men wear suits and ladies wear dresses. Hats are not compulsory.
- Are there hospitality options that can be purchased?
Qipco British Champions Day hospitality will let you watch the racing in style. With many different hospitality packages that can be purchased, some of the best packages can be bought for the King Edward VII enclosure. Those who take advantage of the hospitality on offer can expect a range of food and drink packages. The level of hospitality will differ depending on how much you are willing to spend.
- As well as the racing, are there other activities planned?
Champions Day can be a great day for all of the family, and before racing even starts there will be jockey signings and masterclasses, as well many different on-course activities in the fan zone. There will be a party once racing has concluded with a string of top DJ's including Groove Armada playing into the evening.
- Will event partners be involved?
Rumour has it that Slotsjudge might become one of the partners of the Qipco British Champions Day 2024. The platform will provide information and reviews on various casinos, helping visitors better navigate the world of gambling.
In addition, guests will be able to learn about free demo slots for fun. It's important to note that Slotsjudge is an informational platform, not a gambling site. This could be an enjoyable addition for those interested in the gaming industry and wanting to better understand it before playing for real.