QIPCO British Champions Day 2025: Thrills & Shock Winners

Ascot was a theatre of high drama and unexpected heroes on a crisp October day as QIPCO British Champions Day delivered everything racing fans could dream of—emotional triumphs, giant-killing upsets, and masterful rides that will be remembered long after the final furlong. From two-year-olds announcing themselves on the big stage to seasoned Group 1 performers asserting their dominance, the day was a feast of top-class action.

Mission Central Shines in Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes

The day began with the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes, where Mission Central (5/1) showcased his class with a smooth victory under Christophe Soumillon. Bouncing back from a near-miss in the G2 Flying Childers Stakes, the Aidan O’Brien-trained son of No Nay Never took command over six furlongs, holding off Ardisia (18/1) by half a length, with G2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Words Of Truth (11/10F) a length further back in third.

O’Brien praised his gelding’s performance, highlighting the ideal ground and Mission Central’s raw speed. Soumillon added, “He took a nice blow three furlongs out and when I asked him to quicken, he responded brilliantly. He is an impressive two-year-old.”

Finish Order – Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes:

1. Mission Central – Christophe Soumillon / Aidan O’Brien

2. Ardisia – Tom Marquand / Hugo Palmer

3. Words Of Truth – William Buick / Charlie Appleby
   11 ran

Powerful Glory Stuns in Champions Sprint

The shock of the day came in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint (G1), where Powerful Glory (200/1) produced a breathtaking finish to claim victory over favourite Lazzat (2/1) in a thrilling finale. After undergoing wind surgery earlier in the year and finishing last in a prep race at Beverley, the three-year-old colt defied all expectations under a masterful ride from Jamie Spencer.

Trainer Richard Fahey expressed delight at the turnaround: “We’ve seen the real Powerful Glory today. He has only had four starts and has been through a lot. This is a fantastic result for Sheikh Rashid and everyone involved.” Spencer, visibly emotional, added: “I’m lost for words. To ride a 200/1 winner in a Group 1—unbelievable.”

Finish Order – Champions Sprint:

1. Powerful Glory – Jamie Spencer / Richard Fahey

2. Lazzat – James Doyle / Jerome Reynier

3. Quinault – Sean Levey / Stuart Williams
   19 ran

Kalpana Dominates Fillies & Mares Stakes

In the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1), Kalpana (11/8F) doubled up for a second consecutive win, asserting authority from the two-furlong pole. The Juddmonte-owned filly, trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Colin Keane, left rivals Estrange (6/1) and Quisisana (6/1) trailing by several lengths.

Balding noted her resurgence after a mixed season: “Kalpana has had a frustrating year but looked right back to her best today. Champions Day is a really special occasion, and to get a winner here is fantastic.”

Finish Order – Fillies & Mares Stakes:

1. Kalpana – Colin Keane / Andrew Balding

2. Estrange – Danny Tudhope / David O’Meara

3. Quisisana – Mickael Barzalona / Francis-Henri Graffard
   10 ran

Cicero’s Gift Delights at 100/1 in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) produced another shock as Cicero’s Gift (100/1) surged down the far rail to claim victory under Jason Watson. Despite being the lowest-rated entrant of the 16-strong field, he led passing the furlong pole and never looked back, defeating The Lion In Winter (12/1) and Alakazi (22/1).

Trainer Charlie Hills reflected on an emotional day: “It’s been a tough year, but to get this Group 1 win is amazing. Jason rode a brilliant race, and the horse has improved so much after time off for soundness issues.”

Finish Order – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes:

1. Cicero’s Gift – Jason Watson / Charlie Hills

2. The Lion In Winter – Christophe Soumillon / Aidan O’Brien

3. Alakazi – Ben Coen / Johnny Murtagh
   16 ran

Calandagan Rules the QIPCO Champion Stakes

The QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) saw Calandagan (15/8) confirm his star status, storming home to a convincing victory over Ombudsman (13/8F) by two-and-a-quarter lengths. The French-trained gelding, partnered by Mickael Barzalona and owned by Aga Khan Studs, displayed a striking turn of foot to overcome the world’s highest-rated rival.

Francis-Henri Graffard praised the colt’s maturity and adaptability: “Calandagan is a fantastic horse, maturing beautifully and giving us a thrilling performance today.” Barzalona added: “He is a very good horse and deserves this win.”

Finish Order – QIPCO Champion Stakes:

1. Calandagan – Mickael Barzalona / Francis-Henri Graffard

2. Ombudsman – William Buick / John & Thady Gosden

3. Almaqam – Kieran Shoemark / Ed Walker
   11 ran

Crown Of Oaks Seals Balmoral Handicap Finale

The curtain fell on a high note in the Balmoral Handicap (sponsored by QIPCO), where Crown Of Oaks (5/1) led from the front under Tom Marquand to secure a second Ascot win of the season. Despite a rise in handicap rating, the William Haggas-trained three-year-old held off Ebt’s Guard (10/1) and Holloway Boy (16/1) in a gritty finish.

Haggas reflected on his rising star: “Crown Of Oaks has come on tremendously this year. He is a talented horse with plenty of potential for next season.”

Finish Order – Balmoral Handicap:

1. Crown Of Oaks – Tom Marquand / William Haggas

2. Holloway Boy – Karl Burke

3. Ebt’s Guard – William Muir & Chris Grassick
   20 ran

Read more exclusive race coverage and results on RaceBuzz.