Members -- 6 days ago
Witness racing history in action at QIPCO British Champions Day 2025
From record-breaking races to off-track entertainment, there’s something for everyone at this year’s QIPCO British Champions Day
Words: Gentleman's Journal
After an entertaining season, British flat racing comes to a close in October. But not without an epic grand finale to send it off. That finale takes the form of QIPCO British Champions Day, when the very best horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world descend on Ascot for one spectacular showdown.
Taking place on the 18th October, this year’s Champions Day is set to be the richest day in British racing history, with a record-breaking £4.35 million in prize money to be won. This year also features seven races for the first time – including a record five Group 1 contests, the highest level in the sport. From the QIPCO Champion Stakes to the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes, these are some of the season’s most coveted prizes.
Some of the big-name horses to keep tabs on include:
- Calandagan: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner, targeting the Champion Stakes
- Field Of Gold: Irish 2,000 Guineas & St James’s Palace Stakes winner, eyeing the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
- Ombudsman: Prince Of Wales's Stakes winner at Royal Ascot, entered for the Champion Stakes
- Lazzat: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes winner, leading the Sprint Stakes entries
But QIPCO British Champions Day is about more than world-class racing. It’s a festival of sport, entertainment and family fun. Off-track, expect to witness history unfold as legends cement their legacy. Champion Jockey, Champion Apprentice and Champion Owner titles will be bestowed in dramatic fashion, honouring the culmination of months of fierce competition and unrelenting work. Plus, at the Jockey Hub, attendees can rub shoulders with racing royalty, meeting and hearing the stories of star jockeys.
Younger racegoers have plenty to look forward to, with the free Family Zone offering everything from face painting to interactive VR racing games. There’s even the chance to meet a retired racehorse and experience the power and presence of this former star.
But the fun doesn’t end when the final horse crosses the finish line. In fact, that’s when the celebrations really kick off. The day’s events culminate in a legendary after party, with plenty of music, entertainment and that inimitable Ascot atmosphere. Until next year!
Gentleman’s Journal readers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on admission to the Winning Post Enclosure using the code GJ10 at checkout. Under-18s go free, making this the perfect day out for families and racing fans alike.
