“Horse of the Series” Vote Launched

An amazing year of Flat racing has drawn to a close and with the second edition of the QIPCO British Champions Series having climaxed at Ascot last month, our expert panel has come back with the three names to go forward for the “Horse of the Series” vote.

Michael Owen, Cornelius Lysaght, Lee Mottershead, Alex Hammond and Nick Luck not surprisingly all had one horse at the top of their list. There can be no doubt as to who will win the poll, but what percentage of the vote will Frankel claim? 

Stoke City and former England striker, Michael Owen, said of the Sir Henry Cecil-trained superstar: “Heads into retirement with his unbeaten record intact, after heading off Cirrus des Aigles in a thrilling Champion Stakes. One of the greats."

Frankel’s impact on the Series cannot be under-estimated. No other horse has won more than two Series races since its inception – Frankel has won nine, four last year and five this season. 

His two rivals in the poll are both trained by Aidan O’Brien. 

First up is Excelebration, who stepped out of Frankel’s shadow to blow the opposition away in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO, earning himself a rating that confirms him as the second best miler in the world after Frankel.

BBC Radio’s Cornelius Lysaght said: "Excelebration showed us Frankel's brilliant worth when putting in his own top notch, Group One performance in the QEII."

Frankel’s second rival is Camelot, who came so agonisingly close to winning the elusive Triple Crown.

Sky Sports presenter, Alex Hammond, said: "Camelot is another Aidan O'Brien star. He deserves to be in the top three given his achievements this season."

The Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead summed up the voting shortlist perfectly: "Like all the races Frankel has run in this year, this one is hugely one-sided, not due to a lack of meaningful opposition but because of his own incomparable and perhaps unprecedented ability.

"Frankel is head and shoulders above all other horses and that fact that Excelebration is still clear number-two choice is a further compliment to the great one.

"Camelot deserves to come home third, not necessarily because he was the third best horse to race in the Series, but because of a fine Guineas-Derby double and a valiant assault on the Triple Crown."

Everyone who casts a vote will be automatically entered in a free prize draw to win two tickets to QIPCO British Champions Day in 2013 plus a QIPCO British Champions Series cap.

Votes can be cast at www.britishchampionsseries.com. The vote will close at 10.00am next Monday 19th November.

QIPCO British Champions Day Capacity Increased To 32,000 Following Initial Sell-Out

1,500 tickets to a new Champions Bar facility, which includes access to the Premier Admission lawn, to go on sale tomorrow

Following a sell-out of the original QIPCO British Champions Day capacity of 30,500 this weekend, four weeks in advance of Britain’s richest raceday, British Champions Series is pleased to announce that 1,500 additional spaces have been created at Ascot on Saturday 20 October.

 

They are in a bespoke new temporary facility, the Champions Bar, to the west of the main grandstand.

 

In all this increases capacity to 32,000 and that will be the cut off for admission on the day when five championship races will be run for prize money of £3m and the world’s best racehorse, Frankel, is expected to have the last race of his spectacular, unbeaten career.

 

Admission to this new facility, which consists of a Grandstand ticket and a Champions Bar badge, is priced at £36, or £10 to existing Grandstand ticket holders, and will allow access to the Premier Admission lawn as well as the private marquee.

 

For every upgrade sold to existing Grandstand ticket holders, a general Grandstand ticket will become available, so 1,500 additional racegoers can be accommodated on site.

Tickets went on sale at 9am today (Monday 24 September) on this Ascot ticket hotline only: 0844 346 3000. A maximum of four tickets will be sold per caller.

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series, said:

"Notwithstanding the obvious additional interest generated by the Frankel factor, it is still a remarkable landmark for us to have sold out our original 30,500 capacity in year two of QIPCO British Champions Day so early.

"We have worked closely with Ascot to decide on the final capacity of 32,000. The customer experience is paramount and the priority for us is that racegoers - many first time or not regular visitors - have an enjoyable and comfortable day and want to come back.

“On top of the high-class racing action, we are going to have some superb attractions on the day and would like to encourage racegoers to arrive early and enjoy the occasion.”

 

QIPCO British Champions Series – the world’s finest Flat racing

www.britishchampionsseries.com

QIPCO and British Champions Series Announce New Long-Term Deal

£4m QIPCO British Champions Day on the horizon

 

QIPCO Holding has today signed a new contract to extend its sponsorship of the British Champions Series and British Champions Day for a further five years in an improved deal which enables a £4m QIPCO British Champions Day within the term of the enhanced new contract.

The Day is currently worth £3m, already by far the most valuable raceday in this country.

The improved deal secures ongoing title sponsorship of the QIPCO British Champions Series, including full partnership rights for its starting point at the QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket, the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Goodwood mid-way through the Series, and the grand finale on QIPCO British Champions Day.

The new agreement will enable British Champions Series to make regular six-figure prize money increases on QIPCO British Champions Day. Significantly, the deal provides additional prize money incentives which elevate the sponsorship levels still further should any of the three non-Group 1 races on QIPCO British Champions Day be upgraded.

The upgrading of these races remains a major short-term goal for the Series and its sponsor, with substantial prize money increases for these races set to follow as soon as this is achieved.

A combination of planned prize money increases and upgrades to all three races could make a £4m QIPCO British Champions Day a reality as early as 2016.

Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chief Executive of QIPCO Holding, said:

“We believe that Britain hosts the world’s best horseracing. We respect and appreciate the heritage of the sport and we would like it to maintain its status as the most important and deep rooted in the world.

“This new deal highlights our commitment to the sport in this country and our desire to make QIPCO British Champions Day the best day’s Flat racing in the international calendar.

“We are still in the early stages of a journey which we hope will contribute to the overall wellbeing of top level Flat racing in this country for many years to come, with the subsequent benefits filtering down to the industry as a whole.

“This objective complements  our own expanding bloodstock and racing operation, in which we have made a very substantial, ongoing investment and which will continue to be based in the UK. 

“The deal reflects the very positive experience that we have enjoyed with British Racing to date, and the pleasure we derive from our association with Britain’s most famous and iconic race meetings such as the Guineas, Derby, Royal Ascot, Goodwood and York.

“We believe that the British Champions Series helps to signpost Britain’s most important and prestigious races to a wider audience and are delighted that it has already contributed to a new broadcast deal for the sport starting in 2013.”

Chris McFadden, Chairman of British Champions Series Limited, said:

“This is fantastic news for British Horseracing. We are absolutely delighted with this new, long-term deal with QIPCO, which puts British Champions Series Limited on a firm financial footing and which will enable us to meet our commercial objectives.

“Our shareholders have made a huge financial investment in delivering the Series and the Day, but none of this would have been possible without QIPCO Holding.

“The Series is a partnership between QIPCO and British Racing and on behalf of everyone involved in the industry in this country, and in particular Newmarket and Goodwood who are thrilled to benefit from the long-term sponsorship of the Guineas Festival and Sussex Stakes, I would like to thank Sheikh Hamad and his brothers for their fantastic ongoing support.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series, said:

“It took considerable effort and sacrifice to get the concept of British Champions Series and British Champions Day off the ground and QIPCO’s long term commitment reflects the benefits of such innovation.

“Securing a major sponsor is part of virtuous circle of higher prize-money, high quality horses, customer participation and broadcast coverage, all of which safeguards the status of British Flat racing, and a five-year deal gives us the time and resource to grow the Series and Day further.

“The inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day last October attracted six of the world’s ten highest-rated, active horses, something that no other raceday in the world could match last year, and it is vital that we increase prize money as much as possible going forwards to establish the day as a really serious player on the international stage.”

#AscotAsks James Oldring, Operations & Events Director at British Champions Series

James Oldring takes the hot seat in the first of our new Q&A series, #AscotAsks. As Operations and Events Director at TheBritish Champions Series (BCS), James gives us great answers including what exactly the BCS is and what’s new for 2012, how he got into racing and what he’s looking forward to seeing this year at Royal Ascot.

Name: James Oldring
Age: 32
Location: Holborn, for work. Home is in Chiswick, West London
Occupation: Operations & Events Director, British Champions Series

1) How long have you been involved with British Horseracing?

I guess my first involvement came because my Dad used to be one of the doctors at Leicester Racecourse and I used to go along with him in school holidays from the age of about seven. I was hooked almost immediately.

I started riding out at a local trainer’s yard from the age of about 13, and by 16 I was riding in point to points. I actually spent three years after I finished my A levels working in racing yards and riding as an amateur (mainly point to point) – I did OK, rode a few winners, but it eventually became clear that I was never going to be the next AP McCoy, and I struggled with my weight and a dodgy back, so I headed off to Nottingham University to read English.

After graduation I managed to get a place on the British Horseracing Board (as it was then) Graduate Scheme, based with Jockey Club Racecourses, and spent time at Newmarket, Nottingham and Huntingdon, as well as in the head offices in London. I ended up working at Newmarket for a while, which I loved as I could ride out for William Jarvis each morning before heading to the office. However I hadn’t been there long before I got a call to say that there was a job opportunity at the BHB that might be of interest to me…I got the job and I ended up working for BHB/BHA for the next seven years in various roles (despite being a complete country boy at heart and swearing I wouldn’t be in London for longer than two years…), winding up my time there as Corporate Projects Manager, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and Chairman.

I started working at British Champions Series as Operations & Events Director in February 2011.

2) Could you briefly explain the British Champion Series to some of our readers who may not be very familiar?



It’s an initiative that links together the best thirty five races that take place throughout the course of the British Flat racing season which culminates in a finale day at Ascot in October – QIPCO British Champions Day, which is the richest raceday in British racing history, with £3m on offer in prize money.

We’ve split the races into five categories: Sprint, Mile, Fillies & Mares, Middle Distance and Long Distance, which we hope makes it a little easier to track the progress of the best horses competing in the best races.

The main aim is to try and showcase the very best the sport has to offer to as wide an audience as possible.


3) What is your role at the British Champion Series?


Although I get quite involved in the commercial negotiations behind the scenes, my primary role is to work with the racecourses involved in the British Champions Series, the broadcasters (both terrestrial and satellite) and the participants, to try and differentiate the races, and the racedays, from the other racing product that people are used to seeing, and maximise the commercial value of the Series.


4) What are the highs and lows of your job?


I love being out on a racecourse on a big raceday, especially when there’s a clash of reputations – for example Frankel and Canford Cliffs in last year’s QIPCO Sussex Stakes. There’s a real tingle on course, and there are few better sounds in sport than the roar of an enthusiastic racing crowd as a would-be-champion moves up to challenge.


For the most part I can’t think of too many lows – I’m very lucky that I work in an industry that I love, with people that are passionate about the same things that I am. There are definitely days when you can be witness to (or on very rare occasions, be part of!) heated clashes of opinion – but that’s part of racing’s appeal – it’s a sport that inspires so much emotion in those that follow it.


5) Following the success of British Champions Day last year, what can we expect for Saturday, 20th October 2012?


We tried really hard to make British Champions Day all about the racing in 2011 – and that will be the focus again in 2012. On ratings, it was probably the best raceday in the world last year – not bad for an inaugural event! 

So the aim has to be to match that again this year and to be a day that is mentioned in the same breath as events such as Wimbledon, the FA Cup Final and the British Grand Prix.


We’ll definitely look to make the stars more accessible, so we’ll try and do more of the autograph signing with great jockeys, we’ll make sure that we try and get even more ‘behind the scenes’ interviews via Ascot TV, so that the people that come to the event really feel like they’re getting something special.We’ve had an amazing amount of interest from celebrities wanting to attend British Champions Day as well, so I expect you might get a little star-gazing done if you’re at Ascot in October. 


6) What’s new for British Champion Series 2012?


We’ve introduced Sectional Timing for 63% of British Champions Series races this year – this is technology where every runner carries a ‘chip’ which allows us to see how fast they’re travelling, how much ground they cover and a whole host of other information.

It’s my hope that this technology becomes for horseracing what Hawkeye is for tennis and cricket, as I honestly believe that sports fans have a real appetite for hard facts.We’ve launched a great Fantasy Racing game which plays out across the entire Series -more detail on that later on though.


We’ve also developed a range of British Champions Series merchandise, which you can buy online or at our on-course store at any BCS event.

7) Following the success of our champions last year, for example Frankel, do you think they have competition this year from other horses in the UK and internationally?

Frankel is probably the best horse I have ever seen. I was lucky enough to be at every one of his races last year, and he seemed to get better with every performance.

However, horses are not machines, and if he was to have an off day then Excelebration looked a real star – take Frankel out of the equation last season, and Excelebration is a multiple Group 1 winner. He’ll be an interesting horse to follow, I think.


It’s a real shame that Deacon Blues is out for the 2012 season, as he was improving at a rate of knots – although I have to be honest and say that had he lined up against the Aussie superstar filly Black Caviar, I’m not sure he’d have seen which way she went!


The clash between Frankel and Black Caviar is what all racing fans are dreaming of…will it happen? I honestly couldn’t say – but QIPCO have put a huge financial incentive on the table of a guaranteed prize fund of £1m if both horses line up in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.


I’m already looking forward to the Champion Stakes on British Champions Day – you could potentially have Cirrus des Aigles coming back to defend his crown, being taken on by Nathaniel and Twice Over, with Camelot representing the three year olds and potentially even Frankel having stepped up in trip.

8) How would you suggest is the best way to follow the British Champion Series if you aren’t going to attend every race meeting it falls on?


Every race in the British Champions Series is televised on TV (BBC or C4) – so you won’t have to miss any of the action if you can’t make it to the track.


We’ve also launched a great Fantasy Racing game with the Daily Telegraph and the Racing Post – it’s Fantasy Football Manager for horse racing. You pick five jockeys and five trainers for the season, and then for every BCS race you get to select two horses – points are scored according to the odds of the horses, so just picking Frankel every time he runs might not be your best strategy!


There are some great prizes on offer, and you can enter at: www.britishchampionsseries.com.


9) Where do you hope to see the British Champions Series in five years time?


I hope that we’ve reached a stage where we have effectively created something that is viewed as horseracing’s ‘Premier League’ – something that is instantly recognisable as standing for the very best of the sport, and something that sports fans and not just racing fans will talk about in the pub, and aspire to attend.


You could perhaps instigate a ‘wild card’ system, whereby the top three highest rated horses globally that hadn’t already qualified for British Champions Day were issued with invitations to run.


The current sponsors (QIPCO) are extremely innovative and passionate about British racing – they are never short of ideas as to what might improve the Series either.


Commercially, I’d like to see the British Champions Series secure a long term sponsorship deal, bringing more money into British racing. 


10) And finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2012?


There are probably three things that I’m most looking forward to – firstly, seeing Black Caviar in action in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. 


Secondly, seeing Fame & Glory come back to have another crack at the Gold Cup; he’s a class act and I’d love to see him win again (and then come back to British Champions Day to defend his Long Distance Cup crown, obviously!).


Finally, I’m actually bringing my girlfriend’s Australian parents to the Royal Meeting on Saturday. It’s going to be a very different experience for them compared to their local track, where the standard dress code is shorts and flip flops!

British Champions Series to Apply For Race Upgrades

British Champions Series will be applying to upgrade the Group 2 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes, won in fine style yesterday by dual Oaks heroine Dancing Rain, to Group 1 status next month.

Having surpassed the required average rating of 110 for a fillies’ and mares’ race for three consecutive years, the previous two when it was run as the Pride Stakes at Newmarket, the mile-and-a-half contest now meets the criteria to be considered by the European Pattern Committee for elevation to the top level.

An application is also likely to be made to upgrade the Group 2 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, won by the brilliant Deacon Blues, to Group 1 status as well.

“Yesterday exceeded our wildest expectations for the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day with such high class fields, absolute top class winners and a record autumn Flat crowd for the modern era,” said British Champions Series Chief Executive, Rod Street.

“There is a great deal for us to review over the coming weeks, but one obvious thing we would like to improve is the official status of the two Group 2 races and one Group 3 on the card.

“Clearly we would like to have five Group 1s and after yesterday I don’t think anyone could say that the day does not merit that.

“Whilst it may be difficult to achieve, yesterday’s ratings will have ensured that we made some great strides towards our goal and, as well as applying to upgrade the Fillies and Mares, we also hope that the Sprint might qualify for fast-track elevation given that it does not conflict with the five furlong Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc weekend.

“Different horses tend to run over five and six furlongs and there is considerable logic in having a late season Group 1 sprint over six furlongs as well as five.

“The Group 3 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup is much more difficult given the presence of the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp next weekend, but we would be delighted if it could achieve Group 2 status in the near future.

“Having had what are arguably the top two stayers in the world finish first and second yesterday, the same one-two from the Group 1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, we will have comfortably achieved the requisite rating for the race this year.”

“We are very grateful to the European Pattern Committee to have supported the vision that made yesterday possible and we look forward to working with them to strengthen further the overall autumn European Pattern.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alistair Haggis, British Champions Series: 07761 896 500; ahaggis@britishchampionsseries.com

QIPCO British Champions Series – the world’s finest Flat racing

http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/

At The Races to Produce First Ever 3D Horseracing Feature for the QIPCO British Champions Day

At The Races, the dedicated racing channel available in 13 million Sky and Virgin homes, will produce and edit a groundbreaking 3D feature programme to mark the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday. It will be the first time British horseracing has been filmed in 3D. The feature is a co-production between ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series.

The 24 minute film will be used as a centrepiece at a press and industry event to launch the 2012 QIPCO British Champions Series next year and ATR is also in talks with 3D distributors, service providers and hardware manufacturers worldwide about rights to use the feature.

ATR will use 3D specialist production partner, CAN Communicate, to shoot at Ascot on six 3D cameras. Each 3D camera will actually be made up of two cameras set up to capture action from different angles. Two sets of footage will then be displayed to the viewer simultaneously allowing the brain to determine depth and perspective. Bespoke rigs on the ATR production will allow for smooth zooming, something difficult to achieve in 3D broadcast. State of the art post production systems will generate maximum impact and feature-film quality.

ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series are also delighted to announce that legendary racing broadcaster, Sir Peter O’Sullevan, will record the voiceover for the film.

Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races said, "We believe that racing is ideally suited to 3D broadcast. We want to use the latest technology to capture the colour, impact and excitement of this exceptional day and really create something that can help promote QIPCO British Champions Day, Ascot Racecourse and British racing more generally around the world. We are extremely grateful to Sheikh Fahad for QIPCO’s support of the project and also to the British Champions Series for its involvement. It is also, of course, a real honour to be working with Sir Peter O’Sullevan.”

Sheikh Fahad Al Thani said, “We are proud to extend our association with British racing through this film which should encapsulate the most thrilling raceday ever staged in the UK as well as the richest. We want to be associated with excellence and innovation and British Champions Day is shaping up well to deliver that.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of the British Champions Series, said, "We are delighted ATR has taken this initiative and equally happy to support it. It's a great way to help celebrate what's already been a hugely successful first QIPCO British Champions Series and will launch us into next year with a showcase of what we're sure will be a real spectacle on QIPCO British Champions Day itself."

- ENDS -

For more information please contact:

Matthew Imi

Chief Executive, At The Races

Tel: 0207 420 3203

James Singer

Marketing Director, At The Races

Tel: 0207 420 3218

Queally and Dettori Battle it out for Jockey of the Series Title

DAFA set to benefit if either emerges triumphant

Direct Aid For Africa (DAFA) is set to benefit to the tune of at least £12,500 if either Tom Queally or Frankie Dettori is crowned top jockey in the QIPCO British Champions Series after the final five races are run on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday, 15 October.

The Jockey of the Series will be presented with a specially crafted trophy and a cheque for £25,000 for the charity or charities of his choice after the final race, the QIPCO Champion Stakes, has been run.

Both are currently locked together on five victories apiece after the 30 races run so far, with Queally’s biggest contributor, Frankel (who has supplied him with three wins), looking his best chance to add to that tally in Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO. He also has the probable favourite, Vita Nova, in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and star mare Midday in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Likewise Dettori’s biggest contributor, Opinion Poll (who has supplied him with two wins and a second place), appears to be his best chance to enhance his total in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup which opens the QIPCO British Champions Day race programme. Dettori is also likely to partner the highly-regarded Dubai Prince in the QIPCO Champion Stakes and Meeznah in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes.

Queally currently edges the battle on the strength of his three second places to Dettori’s two, but a victory or second place for likely favourite Opinion Poll would take Dettori into the lead.

If successful, Queally would donate £15,000 to DAFA (Direct Aid For Africa), a charity founded by Newmarket trainer Barney Curley in 1996 to improve the lives of people in the Third World through a range of projects focusing on health care, education and self-help, £5,000 to the Jack And Jill Foundation, which provides care and support for children with severe neurological development issues in his native Ireland, and £5,000 for Save Historic Newmarket, which was formed in 2008 in order to protect and preserve the unique identity of the home of British horseracing.

Dettori would give £12,500 to DAFA and £12,500 to the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, which helps young people with special needs to relate more successfully to others and have greater and more appropriate control over their own lives through an interaction with horses.

William Buick has four wins to his name and will be hoping to add to that with Gertrude Bell in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and Nathaniel in the QIPCO Champion Stakes, but he has just the one second place and will therefore need two victories without reply from Queally or Dettori to take the inaugural title.

JOCKEY OF THE SERIES

JOCKEY WINS 2nds 3rds
1 Tom Queally 5 3 0
2 Frankie Dettori 5 2 2
3 William Buick 4 1 1
4 Richard Hughes 2 2 2
5 Hayley Turner 2 0 0

In the event of a tie for the number of winners, the number of seconds and thirds (and, if necessary, lower placings) will be taken into account

CECIL LOOKING GOOD FOR TRAINERS’ TITLE

With six victories to his name, Sir Henry Cecil leads Mahmood Al Zarooni by one winner in the Trainer of the Series table, but with one more second place to his name as well and Frankel, Vita Nova, Twice Over and Midday running for him on QIPCO British Champions Day, he looks nailed on for the inaugural title.

As with the Jockey of the Series, the trainer will receive a special trophy and a cheque for £25,000 for the charity or charities of his choice.

Al Zarooni is set to be represented in two races – with Opinion Poll in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup and Dubai Prince and Casamento in the QIPCO Champion Stakes – and would need to win them both without reply from Cecil to top the table.


TRAINER OF THE SERIES

TRAINER WINS 2nds 3rds
1 Sir Henry Cecil 6 3 1
2 Mahmood Al Zarooni 5 2 0
3 Aidan O’Brien 3 5 3
4 John Gosden 3 1 2
5 Richard Hannon 2 3 0
6 David Simcock 2 0 1

In the event of a tie for the number of winners, the number of seconds and thirds (and, if necessary, lower placings) will be taken into account

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alistair Haggis, British Champions Series: 07761 896 500; ahaggis@britishchampionsseries.com

QIPCO British Champions Series – the world’s finest Flat racing

http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/

Botti Hoping for Third Time Lucky as Excelebration Takes on Frankel

Excelebration will be racing against Frankel for the third time in the £1-million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day, Saturday, October 15.

He finished second, beaten four lengths, to Frankel in the totesport.com Greenham Stakes over seven furlongs at Newbury on April 16 and third to Frankel, beaten two and a quarter lengths, in the mile St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 14.

Excelebration has won his other three races this year - the Mehl Mulhens-Rennen (the German 2,000 Guineas - Cologne - Group Two - May 22 - a mile), the CGA Hungerford Stakes (Newbury - Group Two - August 13 - seven furlongs) and the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Group One - September 11 - a mile)

Marco Botti said: “I have to say we are very pleased with the horse - he looks in good order since he came back from France. He had his final piece of work on Saturday and everything went well. He looks healthy and is ready to run

“We are hoping to close the gap with Frankel - whether we will be good enough to beat him, who knows. I am aware it is a difficult task, but that’s racing. In another era without Frankel, we could have been the best miler in Europe. It is still nice to have the chance to take on the best horse in the world. For a young trainer, it is very important to have a good horse that can be part of a big meeting.

“I have heard good things about Frankel. He has had a break since Goodwood and is going to be difficult to beat. If Sir Henry Cecil says Frankel is the best horse he has had, then it’s scary! I can’t see any weaknesses in Frankel and it will be no disgrace to finish second to him again.

“It was a good run in the Greenham Stakes, considering our horse was lacking experience and having his first run of the year. We knew Frankel would beat us, but we just wanted to test our horse.

“The St James’s Palace was a little bit of a rough race and he was beaten two lengths. Our horse has improved a lot since Ascot - he is physically stronger and has grown a bit too.

“I wouldn’t say he was unlucky at Royal Ascot but the race just didn’t pan out for him. He lost ground leaving the stalls and got hampered. He had to chase Frankel and had no chance to find his stride. That was the only time he has every hung. I don’t think we would have won, but I think we could have finished closer to Frankel.

“This will be the third time we meet Frankel - hopefully it will be third time lucky!
“He is very correct and a tough and courageous horse - he always gives his best. He has a great attitude and he is so switched off in his work. Also on the day of the race, he is relaxed - he just walks around the paddock so that is good.
“When he won the German Guineas in Cologne, the ground went a bit soft and it was heavy last time out which was too soft. Jamie Spencer came back and said he got away with it but hopefully we won’t find that ground at Ascot.
“Frankel will have a pacemaker and so there should be a good, even pace which should suit everyone. The straight course should also help Excelebration and l am happy with the weather forecast as he wants good ground.

“He did not cost a lot at the sales - we were lucky to get him. He is a lovely horse and now we need a bit of luck on Saturday.
“It is great to have a horse like Excelebration to run against Frankel and hopefully we’ll run a good race. It is exciting and I am really looking forward to the race. Every trainer hopes for good horses that can go for good races. It is very exciting for the yard.
“We haven’t decided what we will do after Ascot. He could maybe go to Hong Kong but the Breeders’ Cup looks very unlikely as it would come too soon.
“I need to talk to the owners about whether he stays in training next year. I would love to have him back next year as he improved physically throughout the season and in my opinion should make up into a better four-year-old.”
GOING NEWS AT ASCOT

The going at Ascot this morning (Monday 10th October) changed to

Good to Firm, Good in places

from Good.

The GoingStick Readings at 9.30am

Straight: 10

Round 9.9

Weather Forecast

An odd light shower is possible today and tomorrow, with blustery winds until Wednesday - the weather is forecast to be mainly dry during the week.

Watering

Four millimetres are being applied to the straight by boom currently and four millimetres will be put on the round course tonight.

Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot, said at noon: “The strong breeze has dried up the course in the last 24 hours and this has prompted today’s watering.
“I don’t want to be putting on a lot of water on the course at this time of year but we will monitor the situation through the week as the forecast is for mainly dry weather.

“I am looking to offer ground which is a combination of good and good to firm on Saturday.”

EXCELEBRATION (IRE) FACTFILE

3 b c Exceed And Excel (AUS) - Sun Shower (IRE) (Indian Ridge)

Form: 411-21311 Owner: Manfredini, Tabor, Smith & Magnier

Trainer: Marco Botti Breeder: Owenstown Stud Jockey: Jamie Spencer

Excelebration

Excelebration has lived up to his name and that of his sire, Exceed And Excel, with some brilliant performances on the track that make him one of the bargain buys of the century. Bred by Owenstown Stud, the colt was offered for sale at Goffs in November, 2008 and was knocked down to John Walsh Bloodstock for only 15,000 euros. Put through the sales ring once again at the Doncaster St Leger Yearling Sale in August, 2009, trainer Marco Botti secured Excelebration for a relatively modest £20,000. The colt made his debut for Botti and owner Giuliano Manfredini in May, 2010, finishing fourth in a Nottingham six-furlong maiden. He won his remaining two starts as a juvenile, seeing off the smart Belgian Bill at Doncaster in June and then easily landing a conditions race over the same trip at Newmarket in July. Excelebration did not reappear until his three-year-old bow in April, 2011, when he was set a seemingly impossible task against the mighty Frankel in the Group Three totesport.com Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Botti’s charge ran with credit, finishing four lengths second to the subsequent QIPCO 2,000 Guineas hero. The fast improving colt was sent to Cologne for his next outing on May 22, when he toyed with his rivals in soft going to land the Group Two German 2,000 Guineas over a mile by a comfortable seven lengths under Adam Kirby. Next up was Royal Ascot and a rematch with Frankel in the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes. Excelebration was once again vanquished but reduced the margin of defeat to two and a quarter lengths as he finished third in the mile showpiece. Excelebration enjoyed a high summer rest before returning with a smooth six-length victory in the Group Two Hungerford Stakes on August 13. Excelebration’s impressive performance in that Newbury seven-furlong contest prompted Coolmore’s Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Sue Magnier to purchase a controlling interest in the colt, at a cost thought to be in excess of £1.5 million. The deal allows Excelebration to race in Manfredini’s colours until the end of 2011, at which point a decision will be made as to whether he races on at four or retires to stud. Excelebration rewarded that investment at Longchamp on September 11 with a first Group One victory in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp over a mile on heavy going under Jamie Spencer. It was announced in early October that Coolmore had purchased the colt’s dam, Sun Shower, from Hazara Stud in India. Sun Shower is out of Miss Kemble, a half-sister to Group One Irish Oaks winner Princess Pati.

Race Record: Starts: 8; Wins: 5; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £402,197

Marco Botti

Hailing from one of Italy’s most successful racing families, Marco Botti was born on December 23, 1976. Alduino Botti, Marco’s father, formed a formidable partnership with his cousin, Giuseppe Botti, with the pair being crowned champion trainer in Italy on numerous occasions. As well as riding 48 winners as an amateur in his homeland, Botti worked as assistant trainer to his father and gained further experience under Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor, fellow Newmarket trainers Ed Dunlop and Luca Cumani, and Bill Mott in the USA. In 2006 he took out a licence to train from Green Ridge Stables in Newmarket and notched his first winner when the Giuliano Manfredini-owned Ceremonial Jade won a Beverley maiden on June 27 of that year. His first season also produced an initial Pattern race winner as the filly Sesmen won the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood, while in 2007, his stable star was another juvenile filly, the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes heroine Raymi Coya, who was owned by Peruvian football star Claudio Pizarro. In 2009, Botti enjoyed a first top level success when Gitano Hernando annexed the Grade One Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita, California. This year has seen Botti add a first European Group One and an initial European Classic to his CV thanks to Excelebration, whose tally in 2011 includes the Group One Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, Group Two German 2,000 Guineas and Group Two CGA Hungerford Stakes. Also this year, Fanunalter took the Group Three Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Derby day. Botti’s best season numerically came in 2008 when he saddled 45 winners. He is married to Lucia, a former jockey, and the couple has two children.

No previous runners in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO

Cecil, Crisford, Fanshawe and Gosden Talk About Their Hopes for QIPCO British Champions Day

Trainers Sir Henry Cecil, James Fanshawe and John Gosden, plus Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford, were all present today at a press conference at the National Stud in Newmarket to talk about their hopes for the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day.

QIPCO British Champions Day, run at Ascot this Saturday, October 15, is the richest raceday ever to take place in Britain, with £3 million in prize money.

Please find below quotes on a race by race basis from those present today.

1.50pm £200,000 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, Group Three, Two Miles

John Gosden: “People enjoy watching these long races. It sets up the day nicely. We don’t want the first race to be a sprint that is over in a flash.

“The entries look to have good strength in depth. We run Nehaam and it would be lovely if he could get a place. He has won at Ascot before and is a grand horse. He is in good nick.”

Simon Crisford: "Opinion Poll is in tremendous form and has been very, very consistent throughout the whole year, including when he was racing in Dubai.

"He is thoroughly honest and we are very happy with him. Looking at the entries, I would say he could win the race.

"He appreciates a little bit of cut in the ground but ironically some of his best form this year has been on a quick surface. So I don't think the ground is going to be too much of an issue.

"Cavalryman and Darley Sun are possible runners too. Cavalryman has been running over a mile and a half but he hasn't been winning against very high quality middle distance horses.

"So possibly we will give him a chance over a longer trip."

2.25pm £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes, Group Two, Six Furlongs

James Fanshawe: “We are very lucky to be going there into the race with two horses who have both won at Ascot.

“Everyone is talking about Deacon Blues but don’t forget Society Rock - he has won two out of three at Ascot and the only time he got beat there was by Starspangledbanner in the Golden Jubilee last year.

“Deacon Blues is improving and has been very impressive in his last four races. He would just like a bit of ease in the ground. If the ground did come up fast, we would have to review our decision about whether he runs. I was at Ascot’s last meeting and the going on the first day was beautiful, so if it is like that again we would be happy.

“The plan is for Johnny Murtagh to ride Deacon Blues and Pat Cosgrave will partner Society Rock.”

3.00pm £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, Group Two, One Mile & Four Furlongs

Henry Cecil: “Hopefully, we will run Vita Nova.

“She had a slight hiccup - she either got cast in her box or knocked herself but she has had tests and been x-rayed and seems to have come right. She had been working well before that.

“She will have her final piece of work tomorrow. She is an improving filly and hopefully there is more to come.

“She looks terrific and if everything goes well, we will let her take her chance. As long as there is no jar in the ground, she should be fine.”

John Gosden: “After Henry helped us (Gertrude Bell) win the Lancashire Oaks (referring to when Vita Nova’s saddle slipped) we planned to go for the Prix Vermeille but she had a poor blood count.

“She will retire after Saturday’s race and will visit Oasis Dream. She was the first horse bred by my wife (Rachel Hood) - I said she should give up now!”

3.35pm £1,000,000 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO, Group One, One Mile

Sir Henry Cecil: “I think I’ve read more about him (Frankel) than I’ve ever said - what more is there to say?

“He was not easy early on but has grown up a lot and has improved physically. He has been going really well.

“It looks like there are one of two good horses in the race and no race is a formality. There is no such thing as a ‘good thing’ but I am very happy with him.

“I also run Bullet Train (the likely pacemaker). It could help me and it could also help everyone else too. Frankel could take up the running at a certain time but we haven’t decided one, two or three things yet.

“I don’t want it to be a crawl and then turn into a sprint. It will depend on how the race is run as to whether it plays to Frankel’s speed or stamina.

“Bullet Train should make it a true run race. He will not go off like hell in front but is there is we need him.

“Frankel is still an improving horse. Hopefully it will be a nicely run race and he will do what we expect.

“It is important for racing have real champions. Sea The Stars, Arkle, Mill Reef and Desert Orchid - you don’t have to be an enthusiast to have heard of them.

“I hope Frankel can be a champion. I still think he will be a better horse next year.

“I think whether he runs on a straight course or round a bend doesn’t matter. Although at least one bend usually helps, I don’t think it’s a material factor.

“Lets let the horse do the talking.

“I respect Excelebration and Immortal Verse. Marco’s horse (Excelebration) has improved and looks like he adored the soft ground when he won in France.

“I think Immortal Verse won nicely last time, when she beat Goldikova. I have some line on her through Timepiece. Goldikova is a brilliant mare but whether she is as quite as good as she was, I am not sure. So, I have assessed where we stand with the French fillies - but I am not telling you my thoughts!”

Simon Crisford: "Poet's Voice also has an entry in the QIPCO Champion Stakes and he has been a little bit disappointing this year as against the form he showed last season.

"But with each race this season he seems to have improved. He is doing well at the moment and now we have got to weigh which is the best race for him.

"I think we will leave the decision as late as possible. Poet's Voice does seem to be coming back to something nearing his best while Rio De La Plata has run well all year."

4.10pm, £1.3 million QIPCO Champion Stakes, Group One, One Mile & Two Furlongs

John Gosden: “The ground was beautiful at Ascot’s last meeting and it would be great if it could prepared like that again on Saturday.

“Although Nathaniel is stepping down in distance, that is not a great concern to me as when he won the King George there was no pace early and it turned into a mile and a quarter race.

“I think Saturday’s race is going to be very much a draw race. I think it will be critical where you are drawn. If you are on the outside, you will be severely compromised. It could get messy going into Swinley Bottom and it won’t be smooth for the jockeys.

“It looks a strong field with great strength in depth - a race to be celebrated.”

Sir Henry Cecil: “I plan to run Twice Over and Midday.

“Both horses are very well and I am delighted with them.

“They have been trained for the race. This is always the best time of the year for Twice Over and he is better than ever - he is jumping out of his skin. Midday is also better in the second half of the seson.

“Both horses are entitled to run and they could both beat each other.

“Midday can get lazy when she is in front. At York, she got left in front early when the O’Brien horse dropped back.

“Both are really coming to themselves and are not there to make up the field.

“I wouldn’t want to pick any other horse in the field. I have my two horses and they are my friends.”

Simon Crisford:"Casamento is rated 7lb higher than Dubai Prince who is on 110 and will need to run to 125+ to win the race.

"But Dubai Prince is the one horse we have within Godolphin whom we have definitely not seen the best of yet.

"He is a quality colt and he is not going to bounce from his victory at Newbury after a long layoff because that was an easy win for him. He is definitely progressing the way we want him to progress.

"It is impossible to judge his form so far and we don't know how good he is. He hasn't claimed any proper scalps yet but he is exciting us and he belongs in that race alongside very good horses. Whether he is good enough to win, we will find out.

"Casamento is really solid, tough, nice horse. He won the Racing Post Trophy last year. It has taken him a few races ro get back to his best but he is workmanlike colt who does not exude huge quality in terms of acceleration. He needs to be wound up a long way from the finish but he comes into this race after a decent victory in France and we would expect him to run well.

"And obviously Poet's Voice could join those two as a third runner. Sheikh Mohammed will decide on the riding plans closer to the race."

SUPPORT FOR QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY

John Gosden

“We know the Flat season cannot start until Cheltenham and Aintree are over and then we get the Craven meeting.

“However, we have never had an end of season championship in Britain although the French rather surreptitiously have tried to make the Arc meeting the European Breeders’ Cup.

“It was not satisfactory the way the season ended in Britain and the QIPCO British Champions Series is just what we needed.

“I am not sure the timing is perfect, but it’s a great concept. It offers a tremendous day’s racing and is something we need.

“Personally, I think the best date for QIPCO British Champions Day would be at the end of the summer festivals, in the first two weeks of September, which would also attract the last of the summer holiday crowd. You would obviously have to get the necessary changes from the Pattern committee - which is hard unless you are French!

“The weather has been kind to us this year - the indian summer is holding up nicely. It’s a great bookend to the season to be able to see Henry’s horse (Frankel).”

Sir Henry Cecil

“It’s a great achievement to have the day. It was badly needed.

“We have the best turf horses here in Europe . They obviously have good horses in America, but they are dirt horses.

“With top-class horses, they need to be brought to a peak five or six times a year and up until now there was nothing to go for at the end of the end of the season except the Breeders’ Cup but it’s very hard to go there.

“For example, Twice Over would have to go for a dirt race at the Breeders’ Cup and has never run on dirt before.”

James Fanshawe

“We have been lucky with the weather this year because in October the ground could go soft, which could distort the results for championship races.

“I would definitely bring the date forward.

“The support of Sheikh Al Thani has been phenomenal.”

 

Simon Crisford

"QIPCO British Champions Day is very important as Britain has not had a day like this at any time in the past.

"It was quite clear that the summer festivals all work well but at this time of year there was a serious need for a huge day.

"As a consequence, we have been very supportive since day one and we have definitely been targeting these races."