British Champions Day at Ascot 2024 is set to be one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar, taking place on Saturday, October 19th. As the season finale of the Qipco British Champions Series, the day promises an exciting blend of elite racing featuring some of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe. With six major races on the card, fans are eager to witness thrilling competition across various distances and categories. Here’s everything you need to know about the race times, running order, weather forecast, and TV channel details.
Race Times and Running Order
The race times for British Champions Day 2024 start at 1 p.m. and conclude around 5 p.m., with six thrilling races scheduled. Each race promises high-stakes excitement as top jockeys and horses compete for prestigious titles. For enthusiasts looking to support their favorite runners, navigating the vast amount of information—such as race conditions, horse form, and odds—can be overwhelming.
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Race 1
The day starts with the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, scheduled for 1:20 pm. This Group 2 race covers 2 miles and will feature a showdown between Kyprios, trained by Aidan O’Brien, and his rival Trawlerman, who narrowly beat him in this race last year. Kyprios, who has dominated long-distance races throughout 2024, winning all six of his starts, will be keen to avenge his defeat.
Race 2
The second race, the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, is a Group 1 event over 6 furlongs and is scheduled for 1:55 pm. This race typically draws some of the fastest sprinters in the world. Though the official entries are yet to be confirmed, the likes of Art Power and Kinross are expected to feature prominently, making this a must-watch for sprint race enthusiasts.
Race 3
At 2:35 pm, attention turns to the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, another Group 1 contest run over 1 mile 4 furlongs. This race will showcase the finest fillies and mares from the UK and beyond, with Kalpana and Blue Rose Cen anticipated to lead the field. The stakes are high in this race, and horses that handle softer ground could have the advantage.
Race 4
One of the most eagerly awaited races of the day is the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, slated for 3:15 pm. This Group 1 mile race, sponsored by Qipco, will be a high-stakes affair. The field is expected to feature Charyn, who has had a brilliant season, and Inspiral, one of the top milers on the circuit.
Race 5
The highlight of the day is the Qipco Champion Stakes, a Group 1 race set for 3:55 pm. With a prize of £737,230 for the winner, this 1 mile 2 furlongs contest will feature some of the biggest names in horse racing. Aidan O’Brien will have two strong entries in Los Angeles and Continuous. Los Angeles, who finished third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Bluestocking taking the win, is expected to challenge for top honors. His biggest competition could come from the likes of Economics, trained by William Haggas, and the French raider Calandagan, who thrives on softer ground.
Race 6
The day’s racing will conclude with the Balmoral Handicap, set for 4:35 p.m. This competitive handicap race, run over one mile, is always a crowd favorite and provides a platform for some lesser-known horses to shine on a big stage.
Weather Conditions for Champions Day
The weather forecast for Ascot on Saturday, October 19th, is expected to be a key factor in the day’s racing. In the days leading up to the event, the course has seen some rain, and the going is expected to be heavy on the Round Course and soft on the Straight Course. Such conditions typically favor horses with a proven track record on softer ground. For example, Calandagan, who won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier this year, could thrive in these conditions.
Your Going report for QIPCO British Champions Day @ChampionsSeries #Ascot #Championsday pic.twitter.com/OfiJerE3Zk
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) October 19, 2024
Racegoers can expect some sunny spells throughout the day, although it may still be cool, with temperatures hovering around 14°C. The weather could impact the performances of certain horses, so trainers and jockeys will need to consider the conditions when planning their strategies.
How to Watch British Champions Day 2024
For those who cannot make it to Ascot, ITV Racing will provide live coverage of the entire day’s events. The broadcast will begin at 1 pm and will run until the final race at 4:35 pm, ensuring fans won’t miss any of the action. Viewers can tune in on ITV1 or catch the races via Sky Sports Racing (Sky channel 415, Virgin channel 418) for more in-depth coverage and analysis.
ITV’s coverage will be presented by Ed Chamberlin, with expert insights from Francesca Cumani and Jason Weaver. They will provide detailed analysis, interviews with trainers and jockeys, and live reactions from the track, making it a comprehensive experience for those watching from home.