BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY: We set the scene ahead of Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday. Testing ground is expected at the Berkshire venue for the 2023 renewal. We look ahead to the day and what makes the meeting so special.
As the flat racing season draws to a thrilling climax, all eyes turn to the grand finale at Ascot Racecourse – British Champions Day. A day that showcases the creme de la creme of equine talent, British Champions Day is a momentous event that leaves an significant mark on the world of horse racing. With a rich tapestry of history and remarkable sporting achievements, this race day stands as one of the crowning jewels of the British racing calendar.
Frankie Dettori: The Most Successful Jockey
No discussion of British Champions Day would be complete without paying homage to the legendary jockey, Frankie Dettori. With nine victories under his belt, Dettori has become the most successful jockey in the history of the event, and he may not be finished yet after renouncing his retirement in October. His magical touch in the saddle has delighted racing enthusiasts for decades, and his record at British Champions Day reflects his almost unrivalled ability.
The Richest Raceday in Britain
When it comes to prize money, British Champions Day reigns supreme. With a staggering £4.1 million up for grabs this year, this event is the richest raceday in Britain. The allure of such substantial rewards creates an atmosphere of intense competition and showcases the very best in the sport, with riders all contending for some of the most substantial pots racing has to offer.
Cracksman: Champions Stake Veteran
In the Champions Stakes, one horse stands out as a true titan of the turf. Cracksman, with two victories in the prestigious race in 2017 and 2018, holds the record for the most successful horse at British Champions Day. His dominance on the track is a testament to both his remarkable speed and the skill of his jockey on both occasions – the aforementioned Frankie Dettori.
Frankel: The Highest Rated Winner
When it comes to rating, few horses can match the legendary Frankel, often considered one of the finest horses of his generation. With a remarkable rating of 140, Frankel earned the title of the highest-rated winner in the history of the Champions Stakes when he bowed out of racing in 2012. His 14 wins from 14 races was a special record that very few horses will even come close to matching, and it was fitting that his career came to an end in such glorious fashion.
An Autumn Cluster
While the horses take centre stage, the spectators at British Champions Day play their part in creating a thundering atmosphere. In 2012, a record-breaking 32,000 spectators flocked to the event to watch Frankel’s last ever race, adding to the grandeur and excitement. The crowd, adorned in their finest attire despite the colder autumn conditions, create a palpable sense of anticipation and camaraderie, making the day a true British celebration of racing.
John Gosden: The Master Trainer
Behind every successful horse, there’s a mastermind trainer, and at British Champions Day, that trainer is John Gosden. With nine wins to his name, he stands as the most successful trainer in the history of this event. His notable horses who have ran in his name include Cracksman in 2017 and 2018, and recently Emily Upjohn in last year’s event. Gosden’s his name is synonymous with success at this prestigious meet, and he’ll be hoping for more success when his horses line up on Saturday.
British Champions Day is not just a horse racing event; it’s a celebration of excellence and a culmination of a season’s worth of dedication and passion. From Frankie Dettori’s magical rides to the lure of substantial prize money, from the dominance of Cracksman and Frankel to the electric atmosphere created by the spectators, this day is a true spectacle in the world of horse racing. It’s a day where the best in the world come to compete and where history is made.
