1.0 Event Overview and Conditions

This document provides a comprehensive post-race analysis of the 2025 QIPCO British Champions Day, held at Ascot on October 18. The day’s racing was a compelling spectacle, defined by a dramatic mix of high-profile upsets and authoritative performances by established champions. Two of the day’s Group 1 contests were won by horses at odds of 200/1 and 100/1, while elsewhere, proven stars confirmed their class with dominant victories, creating a memorable and high-impact conclusion to the British flat racing season.

The track and course conditions for the day were officially recorded as follows:

• Date: 18 October 2025

• Official Going: Good

• Course Details:

    ◦ GoingStick Readings: Round course – 7.3, Straight – 8.2

    ◦ Rail Positions: The inside running rail on the Straight course was moved out by approximately 10 yards from the mile start to the three-furlong marker, with the far side of the course in use.

    ◦ Stall Locations: Straight Course – Far side, Round Course – Inside

This report will now proceed with a detailed, race-by-race breakdown and performance analysis of the full seven-race card.

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2.0 Race 1: 12:55 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 1)

As the opening contest of the day and the first time it was run with Group 1 status, this race provided a key test for the season’s premier stayers. The event culminated in a notable one-two finish for the Gosden stable, with the established champion holding off his progressive stablemate in a well-run affair.

2.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup
Class	Group 1 (Class 1)
Distance	2m (1m 7f 209y)
Runners	5
Winner	Trawlerman
Winning Time	3min, 22.29s

2.2 Performance Analysis

The winner, Trawlerman, confirmed his standing as the season’s top stayer with a tenacious performance. This victory took his formidable record in this specific race to 3-1-3-1 and marked the second time he has landed the prize. Ridden prominently, he was never far from the lead before kicking for home on the turn into the straight. Despite his stablemate closing in the final stages, he demonstrated his class and resolution to hold on for the victory, capping a superb season for the reigning Gold Cup champion.

The runner-up, Sweet William, produced another excellent effort to finish second in this race for the second consecutive year. He looked to be the only serious threat in the straight and was closing on the winner all the way to the line but could not get past. Al Qareem ran creditably in third, but the six-year-old is arguably at his best over slightly shorter distances and had no answer when Trawlerman quickened off the bend. The three-year-old Stay True appeared to have his stamina limitations exposed over the two-mile trip and weakened late.

2.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Trawlerman	1st	38.48MPH	7.41M	98.69%
Sweet William	2nd	38.47MPH	7.46M	100.11%
Al Qareem	3rd	38.55MPH	7.51M	94.93%

Sweet William’s superior Finishing Speed % (100.11%) quantitatively confirms the visual impression of him closing on Trawlerman (98.69%), but the winner’s tactical advantage and resolution proved insurmountable.

2.4 Post-Race Reactions

TRAWLERMAN was at his imperious best in the Gold Cup, but today he might not have been totally. Sweet William ran a blinder, and they’re two lovely, staying horses, who are part of the family at home.

— John Gosden, joint-trainer

TRAWLERMAN is a joy to ride. He’s a superstar and I’m delighted for him that he can cap his year off in such a style. He goes out there and wears his heart on his sleeve, and he’s a proper horse.

— William Buick, jockey

It was run at a fast pace and I’d say that was a career best from Sweet William. He’s quirky but so consistent, and he’s my favourite horse of all time. We tried to ease off him after Doncaster but he was swinging Bradley, who rides him every morning, around like a Rag Doll, so we had to kick on with him again, and I’m glad we did.

— Rab Havlin, jockey

Rab said he thought he was going to win but Trawlerman found that little bit extra. There was certainly no case of, ‘If only’. I can only judge it on how close Sweet William finished to Trawlerman, but the way he picked up I totally agree it was a career best.

— Philippa Cooper, owner-breeder

This solid start to the day gave way to a contest for the next generation of potential stars.

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3.0 Race 2: 1:30 Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes (Class 2)

A new addition to the Champions Day card, this Class 2 race for two-year-olds provided a valuable platform to assess a field of promising juveniles over a 6-furlong trip on good ground.

3.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes
Class	Class 2
Distance	6f
Runners	11
Winner	Mission Central
Winning Time	1m 13.03s

3.2 Performance Analysis

The winner, Mission Central, posted his best effort to date. A Group 3 winner over this trip in August, he returned to form back at 6 furlongs, travelling well and doing enough to hold off a late challenge. While he carries his head slightly high, he possesses significant ability and should have more to offer.

Ardisia, winner of the Two-Year-Old Trophy on slower ground, handled the quicker surface without issue and took another step forward, finishing off his race strongly to claim second. Words Of Truth, who set the standard on ratings, ran a respectable race in third but was unable to quicken as effectively as the first two on the sounder surface and may now be ready for a step up to 7 furlongs. Super Soldier returned to form back on turf, while the early exertions of Division told late on. Elsewhere, Gentle George rallied late despite possibly disliking the quicker conditions, and Siren Suit never featured after a poor start.

3.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Mission Central	1st	40.42MPH	7.48M	99.28%
Ardisia	2nd	40.20MPH	7.48M	99.69%
Words Of Truth	3rd	40.35MPH	7.43M	99.20%

Ardisia’s stronger Finishing Speed % of 99.69% compared to the winner’s 99.28% provides quantitative backing for the analysis that he was “finishing off strongly” and closing the gap in the final stages.

The subsequent race marked the first of the day’s major Group 1 upsets in the sprint division.

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4.0 Race 3: 2:05 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1)

In a European sprinting division that has received criticism this season, this contest had the air of a title decider, bringing together winners of previous all-aged 6f Group 1 races. The result was historic on two fronts: not only did an unheralded 200/1 shot deliver a stunning performance, but it was also the fastest edition of this race at Ascot since at least 1960.

4.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes
Class	Group 1 (Class 1)
Distance	6f
Runners	19
Winner	Powerful Glory
Winning Time	1m 11.72s

4.2 Performance Analysis

The victory of Powerful Glory was a monumental upset. The 200-1 shot had shown little this year but bounced back from a recent wind surgery to deliver what can only be described as a masterful training performance. This victory equalled the record for the biggest-priced winner of a top-level Flat race in British racing history.

The favourite, Lazzat, ran a fine race in defeat, just getting collared late after looking the likely winner. His trainer subsequently mentioned international targets in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Quinault kept on well to take third on his drop back to 6 furlongs, while July Cup winner No Half Measures showed her true colours with a fine effort in fourth. Inisherin also returned to form, but last year’s winner Kind Of Blue disappointed, hanging under pressure and returning without his right-fore shoe.

4.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Powerful Glory	1st	41.83MPH	7.81M	101.01%
Lazzat	2nd	41.44MPH	7.52M	99.21%
Quinault	3rd	41.33MPH	7.49M	98.39%

The metrics tell the story of the historic upset: Powerful Glory not only achieved the highest Top Speed (41.83MPH) but, crucially, sustained his effort to post a Finishing Speed % over 101, quantitatively demonstrating a superior late charge while the favourite Lazzat faded to a sub-100% figure.

4.4 Post-Race Reactions

It was the plan all year, genuinely. We had a blip halfway through and we had to stop with him, and we were running out of races. Did I think he would come here and win? I thought he would need to be at his very best… It was a Spencer special.

— Richard Fahey, trainer

I’m lost for words. Powerful Glory is a good horse and we obviously travelled nicely. I thought I was going to be placed and then all of a sudden, I thought ‘I’ve got a chance’.

— Jamie Spencer, jockey

He battled hard and we saw the real Lazzat today… he’s a really tough horse and I’d think he’s the best sprinter in Europe this year. We’ll have a bit of a break now and prep him for early next season.

— Jerome Reynier, trainer

Following the sprint shock, attention turned to the premier contest for fillies and mares over a middle distance.

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5.0 Race 4: 2:45 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1)

This Group 1 contest was run at a steady pace, a tactical factor that ultimately favoured those racing prominently. The race culminated in a repeat victory for the previous year’s winner, who returned to her best form in commanding style.

5.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes
Class	Group 1 (Class 1)
Distance	1m4f (1m 3f 211y)
Runners	10
Winner	Kalpana
Winning Time	2m 32.67s

5.2 Performance Analysis

Kalpana returned to her best form to win this race for the second consecutive year. Having posted a personal best when runner-up in the King George over the same course and distance earlier in the season, she was well-positioned off the steady pace and picked up decisively to win comfortably. Connections noted that another tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe could be on the agenda next year.

The runner-up, Estrange, faced several mitigating circumstances. Returning from a 58-day layoff on ground quicker than ideal, she took a keen hold and had to be switched out for a clear run at the top of the straight, a manoeuvre for which jockey Danny Tudhope received a six-day suspension for improper riding. While she couldn’t catch the winner, she remains a filly capable of winning at this level. Quisisana ran a good race in third but may be even more effective back at 1m2f. Bedtime Story bounced back to form over a more suitable trip, while Danielle made late gains in a race not run to suit her closing style.

5.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Kalpana	1st	40.87MPH	6.99M	110.50%
Estrange	2nd	40.05MPH	7.11M	110.79%
Quisisana	3rd	40.35MPH	7.52M	109.77%

The extremely high Finishing Speed percentages for the top finishers confirm the race was run at a “steady pace” followed by a fast finish. Estrange’s slightly higher FSP% (110.79%) supports the narrative that she was closing strongly but could not overcome the winner’s decisive positional advantage.

5.4 Post-Race Reactions

It’s massive and it’s one of the biggest days in British racing. To be here with a filly like KALPANA is amazing. She’s tough. It didn’t work out for her in the Arc, but the owners are sportsmen and they said to roll the dice if Andrew [Balding, trainer] was happy. He gave us the green light on Wednesday and thank god he did.

— Barry Mahon, owners’ racing manager

It was very important for KALPANA because she’s been knocking on the door all year. Things didn’t go right for her in the Arc, but Andrew and the team thought she was well so they rolled the dice.

— Colin Keane, jockey

The day’s action continued with another major upset in one of Europe’s most high-profile mile races.

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6.0 Race 5: 3:25 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1)

This prestigious Group 1 mile race was a star-studded event, featuring the winners of a combined 17 Group/Grade 1s and the much-anticipated return of Field Of Gold. Despite the depth of quality on display, the contest produced one of the day’s biggest shocks.

6.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qipco)
Class	Group 1 (Class 1)
Distance	1m
Runners	16
Winner	Cicero’s Gift
Winning Time	1m 38.35s

6.2 Performance Analysis

In a stunning result, 100/1 shot Cicero’s Gift “trampled over the form book” to claim victory. With a Listed win as his previous career highlight and the lowest official rating in the field, he came through powerfully against the far rail to take some notable scalps in an inexplicable return to form.

The Lion In Winter backed up his good recent effort with another strong run but will be viewed as disappointing for not fending off the winner from a similar track position. Alakazi continued his upward progression with a fine third in his first Group 1 attempt, while Docklands ran another solid race at his favourite track despite having to wait for a run. The high-profile disappointments were Field Of Gold, who lacked his old spark perhaps due to a poor track position and the lack of a recent race, and Rosallion, who was tapped for toe in what was described as an “exasperating” season.

6.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Cicero’s Gift	1st	40.91MPH	7.50M	100.98%
The Lion In Winter	2nd	40.32MPH	7.22M	99.64%
Alakazi	3rd	40.28MPH	7.58M	100.03%

Cicero’s Gift’s superior Finishing Speed % of 100.98% compared to the runner-up’s 99.64% quantitatively demonstrates the decisive late kick that allowed him to pull clear and secure the remarkable upset victory.

6.4 Post-Race Reactions

It’s amazing. I’m speechless to be honest with you… Cicero’s Gift is talented but he’s been a challenge; he’s not been the soundest.

— Charlie Hills, trainer

Cicero’s Gift came into this so well. I worked him the other day and was very happy with him. I’m telling you now, on the way here I just felt like something was a bit different.

— Jason Watson, jockey

Lion In Winter jumped out the gates really well, I was travelling very easily all the race and he quickened up very well.

— Christophe Soumillon, jockey

Very happy with Alakazi’s run… I believe he is a Group 1 horse and I think he showed that today.

— Johnny Murtagh, trainer

Field Of Gold has run a very good race. He came into it well but the lack of a recent race just caught him out in the final furlong. He’s had a long time off and was having a good blow afterwards.

— John Gosden, joint-trainer

Coming down to the two it felt like he was picking up to be competitive, but a lack of a run cost us. He’s run a massive race after being off for so long.

— Colin Keane, jockey

Rosallion has gone out on his shield and he’s a very honest horse who has never run a bad race… It’s been a long season since the Lockinge and probably the first-time this year he’s encountered ground like that.

— Liam O’Rourke, owner’s representative

The focus then shifted to the day’s feature race, which delivered a contest of exceptional quality.

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7.0 Race 6: 4:05 Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1)

This was a “crackerjack renewal” of the Champion Stakes and a contender for “Europe’s, possibly the world’s, strongest race of 2025.” The field represented a convergence of multiple international Group 1 winners, including the victors of the Prince Of Wales’s, Eclipse, International, and Irish Champion Stakes, promising a true championship decider.

7.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	Qipco Champion Stakes
Class	Group 1 (Class 1)
Distance	1m2f (1m 1f 212y)
Runners	11
Winner	Calandagan
Winning Time	2m 3.19s

7.2 Performance Analysis

Calandagan produced a dominant performance to land a Group 1 hat-trick convincingly. A close second in this race last year, he has taken his form to a new level this term and now stands as a primary contender for the title of world’s best racehorse. Famously gelded, the four-year-old is still progressing, and the frightening thing for his rivals is that he may improve further next season.

The pre-race world’s best, Ombudsman, delivered a top effort in second. He had every chance in the straight but simply could not match the winner’s finishing kick. Almaqam ran a “cracker” to finish third, the only horse to get involved with the three leading contenders. Delacroix, in his final racecourse appearance, had his run checked at a crucial stage and would have been closer with a smoother passage. Unfortunately, last year’s Irish Champion Stakes winner Economics burst a blood vessel again on his return to the track.

7.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Calandagan	1st	40.07MPH	7.57M	105.77%
Ombudsman	2nd	40.59MPH	7.13M	105.21%
Almaqam	3rd	38.05MPH	7.37M	101.70%

While Ombudsman achieved a higher top speed, Calandagan’s superior average stride length and stronger Finishing Speed % underscore the powerful and sustained finish that allowed him to pull clear, just as runner-up jockey William Buick noted: “in the last furlong he pulled away”.

7.4 Post-Race Reactions

He arrived in top form and is a real champion… We always know he will give his all. I was thinking of the Japan Cup for him next, but that’s a tough race to win so we will see how he is and discuss it with the team.

— Francis Graffard, trainer

We went a nice gallop early on, but when CALANDAGAN found his stride he was ready to go on the approach to the straight. I could feel Ombudsman coming to me but I was going much better than him.

— Mickael Barzalona, jockey

Ombudsman ran a super race. He’s had some season… I took the race to him but his stamina probably kicked in and in the last furlong he pulled away. I’m proud of his run.

— William Buick, jockey

The winner and second were behind us the whole way when the pace was on, but Delacroix never really travelled like he did last time. I tried to ease out to make him sprint turning into the straight but he never really reacted like he did last time.

— Christophe Soumillon, jockey

The day’s racing concluded with one of the season’s most competitive mile handicaps.

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8.0 Race 7: 4:40 Balmoral Handicap (Class 2)

The finale of Champions Day was this highly competitive mile handicap. The race had a tactical element, with two distinct groups merging early on. The contest was ultimately won by an improving three-year-old, the first of that age group to win the race since 2021.

8.1 Race Summary

Metric	Details
Race Name	Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored by Qipco)
Class	Class 2
Distance	1m
Runners	20
Winner	Crown Of Oaks
Winning Time	1m 39.43s

8.2 Performance Analysis

Returned to this shorter trip, the three-year-old Crown Of Oaks was “not for passing” and held on well to secure victory. An impressive winner at the track previously, he showed the potential to develop into a “Pattern-class performer” next season. Notably, the last 3-year-old to win this race, Aldaary in 2021, was also trained by William Haggas, demonstrating a clear pattern of success for the stable.

In a dead heat for second place, Holloway Boy ran a big race off top-weight despite a long layoff and taking a keen hold, while Ebt’s Guard posted another good, consistent effort dropped back in trip. Shout ran a solid race on a quicker surface, and Native Warrior performed respectably over this longer trip. It was also noted that Tribal Chief shaped well and may have been closer with a clearer run.

8.3 Key Performance Metrics

Horse	Finishing Position	Top Speed	Avg. Stride Length	Finishing Speed %
Crown Of Oaks	1st	39.58MPH	7.16M	103.92%
Holloway Boy	2nd (DH)	40.08MPH	7.86M	104.44%
Ebt’s Guard	2nd (DH)	40.22MPH	7.24M	105.52%

The superior top speed and finishing speed percentages of the dead-heating second-place horses quantitatively illustrate how strongly they were closing on the winner. The data supports the commentary that Crown Of Oaks was “hard pressed final furlong” but ultimately “held on well”.

8.4 Post-Race Reactions

CROWN OF OAKS looked very happy in front… he’s had a nice freshen up since, he looked great today and he’s obviously talented. It’ll be stakes races next year.

— William Haggas, trainer

CROWN OF OAKS was really good for me there, he found a beautiful rhythm in front. He was back down to a mile so I was always confident he’d see out that last furlong well but he needed every bit of grit and determination to get him through.

— Tom Marquand, jockey

This final race concluded a memorable day of high-class competition and surprising results.

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9.0 Concluding Analysis

QIPCO British Champions Day 2025 delivered a remarkable and unpredictable day of racing that will be long remembered. The dominant narrative was the sharp contrast between stunning long-odds victories and the authoritative, class-confirming wins by established champions. The triumphs of 200/1 shot Powerful Glory in the Sprint and 100/1 winner Cicero’s Gift in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes provided two of the biggest shocks in modern racing history. These results stood in stark opposition to the powerful, odds-on displays from proven top-level performers like Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup and Calandagan, whose commanding win in the Champion Stakes solidified his claim as a contender for the world’s best racehorse. The card also pointed to the future, with rising stars like Crown Of Oaks marking themselves as potential Pattern-class performers for next season. Overall, the day served as a fittingly dramatic and high-impact finale to the season.