The upcoming Ascot British Champions Day is set to feature a thrilling matchup between notable contenders, including Ombudsman, Delacroix, and Calandagan.
Key Participants and Their Profiles
- Ombudsman: A strong competitor trained by John Gosden, known for his performances throughout the season.
- Delacroix: Trained by Aidan O’Brien, he has garnered attention for his prior victories, including the Irish Champion Stakes.
- Calandagan: The talented runner who won the King George and is considered a leading contender.
Notable Races and Events
Ombudsman’s stablemate, Field Of Gold, will compete in the esteemed Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. This event is part of a larger card at Ascot, which includes various prestigious races.
John Gosden also features Gold Cup winner Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup. The owners, Godolphin, have strategically arranged for a pacemaker for Ombudsman in the Champion Stakes, with Devil’s Advocate added for a supplementary fee of £75,000.
Recent Performances and Rivalries
- Field Of Gold: Previously won the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes but faced a setback with a surprise defeat in the Sussex Stakes.
- Calandagan: Recently triumphed in the King George, further solidifying his reputation.
- Almaqam: Another strong competitor who has previously defeated Ombudsman this season.
The rivalry between Gosden and O’Brien has intensified in recent months. O’Brien had invited Gosden to enter Ombudsman in the last month’s Irish Champion Stakes. However, Gosden opted out due to concerns about competition from multiple entries within the same stable.
Additional Contenders
Other noteworthy participants include:
- Rosallion: Trained by Richard Hannon, he aims to overcome three narrow defeats this year in the QEII.
- Fallen Angel: A promising filly trained by Karl Burke, arrives in good form after winning three Group One races.
- Kalpana: Runner-up to Calandagan at the King George, she also finished seventh in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Andrew Balding, who trails O’Brien in the British trainers’ championship, expresses optimism for the upcoming races at Ascot, considering it an ideal finale for the racing season.
Looking Ahead
As the event approaches, teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating day of racing. The Champions Sprint will showcase Lazzat, a recent winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, alongside formidable competitors like Kind Of Blue and Flora Of Bermuda.
Fans of horse racing are eagerly anticipating Ascot British Champions Day, which is set to cap off an exciting year in the sport.
