Qatar Racing is set to take over as the title sponsor of British Champions Day, succeeding its parent company, QIPCO. This transition comes after QIPCO announced its continued support for British horse racing’s premier event, extending its sponsorship until 2028. With this new agreement, British Champions Day will officially be branded as Qatar Racing British Champions Day, which includes individual sponsorship of all seven races throughout the event.
Commitment to British Horse Racing
HH Sheikh Fahad Al Thani expressed his gratitude for the tradition of his family’s support for horse racing, acknowledging the significant contributions made by QIPCO in elevating British Champions Day to a global level. “While the title sponsorship is shifting to Qatar Racing for the next three years, it signifies my brothers’ ongoing commitment to British racing, particularly the efforts of QIPCO chairman HH Sheikh Hamad Al Thani. Since its inception in 2011, our family’s aim has always been to champion the finest elements of British racing, and this dedication remains stronger than ever,” stated Sheikh Fahad.
The Significance of British Champions Day
Qatar Racing, known for its comprehensive operations in global horse racing and breeding under the QIPCO umbrella, aims to leverage this sponsorship to promote its international racing endeavors as well as its stallion and bloodstock interests. British Champions Day, held at the prestigious Ascot racecourse, stands out as the most valuable day in the British racing calendar, boasting a total prize pool of £4.35 million. The event has solidified its reputation as the grand finale of the British Flat racing season.
Nick Smith, co-chair of the British Champions Series and director of racing and public affairs at Ascot Racecourse, acknowledged the crucial role played by HH Sheikh Hamad Al Thani and Sheikh Fahad in supporting the event. He highlighted that the previous year saw British Champions Day host the world’s joint top-rated race. “We are excited to build on the achievements of British Champions Day under its new name and look forward to more successes ahead,” he remarked.
Exciting Entrants for Upcoming Races
On the same day as this announcement, the early closing entries for the five Group 1 races were disclosed, showcasing a strong lineup of contenders. A remarkable total of 45 entries have been submitted for the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes, recognized as one of the top races globally in 2025. This race features notable names such as last year’s top two finishers, Calandagan and Ombudsman, along with high-profile three-year-olds like Constitution River and Diamond Necklace.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes is also drawing attention, highlighted by two-time winner Kalpana, who has 48 entries alongside competitors like Estrange and Johanna Walsh. Additionally, the Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup might see Trawlerman and Scandinavia return to the track, reigniting their rivalry among the 38 entries.
In the realm of sprinting, the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint Stakes boasts an impressive list of 42 entries, featuring the winners of this season’s four Group 1 sprints in Britain, such as Almeraq and Venetian Sun. As anticipation builds for the races, all eyes will be on the competitors who will be making their mark in this esteemed event, further solidifying the importance of British Champions Day in the global horse racing calendar.