Newmarket, England: The eyes of the racing world will be focused on Ascot Racecourse on Saturday for the richest ever day in British racing.
QIPCO British Champions Day boasts more than £4 million (Dh23.6 million) in prize money and has attracted some of the best horses in training, who will line up for three Group One races, two Group Twos, and the most valuable one-mile handicap in Europe.
Nine runners will go to post for the day’s showpiece contest, the QIPCO Champion Stakes.
Favourite Cirrus Des Aigles has been drawn widest of all in stall nine, with last year’s Investec Derby hero Ruler Of The World having the inside berth.
Cirrus took the showpiece event in 2011 and has finished second in the last two renewals behind Frankel and Farhh respectively.
David Simcock’s globetrotter Sheikhzayedroad, the John Gosden-trained Western Hymn, Roger Varian’s Ayrad, Roger Charlton’s Al Kazeem and Richard Hannon’s supplementary entry Pether’s Moon make up a strong field.
Night Of Thunder and Charm Spirit, are among 11 horses declared in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Richard Hannon’s Night Of Thunder has failed to get his head in front since his memorable 2000 Guineas triumph in the spring, but is closely matched with French raider Charm Spirit on their recent meeting at Longchamp.
Charm Spirit clinched the Prix du Moulin in Paris last month, with Night Of Thunder just half a length away in third.
Kieren Fallon has been booked to ride Toormore and connections are cautiously optimistic about his chances.
Last year’s Irish Oaks winner Chicquita is among a field of 10 declared for the Qipco British Champion Fillies & Mares Stakes.
The filly, who cost €6million at Goffs in November, will be having her third start for the Aidan O’Brien stable having been well beaten in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp earlier this month.
