Aidan O’Brien Changes Qatar Racing British Champions Day Plans as Scandinavia Misses Out

Aidan O’Brien has confirmed several late changes to his British Champions Day team ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Ascot Racecourse, with star stayer Scandinavia ruled out and Constitution River and Gstaad set to remain at their familiar distances.

The Ballydoyle trainer had been considering switching the targets of his two leading three-year-olds, but has now confirmed Constitution River will contest the Group 1 Champion Stakes, while Gstaad will line up in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The decisions come ahead of a crucial afternoon for O’Brien, who is involved in a close battle with Andrew Balding for the British Flat trainers’ title, with five Group 1 races scheduled at Ascot on Saturday 17th October.

Constitution River Stays in Champion Stakes Despite £70,000 Supplement

One of the biggest surprises concerns Constitution River, who had been supplemented for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Monday at a cost of £70,000.

O’Brien had previously suggested that the French Derby and Coral-Eclipse winner could drop back to a mile following defeats in the Juddmonte International at York and Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

However, the three-year-old will instead remain over a mile and a quarter, where he will face a competitive field that includes defending champion Calandagan and Ombudsman.

The trainer believes that circumstances surrounding Constitution River’s recent defeats may have contributed to his performances, particularly during a period when several horses in his stable were reportedly below their best.

Constitution River will therefore have another opportunity to demonstrate his ability over ten furlongs, having already enjoyed considerable success at the distance earlier this season.

Gstaad Remains at a Mile for Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

There has also been a change of plans for Gstaad, who was being considered for his first attempt over a mile and a quarter in Saturday’s Champion Stakes.

Instead, the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner will remain at a mile for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, where he will be partnered by Ryan Moore.

O’Brien explained that stepping Gstaad up in distance against established older horses would represent a particularly demanding challenge.

The decision allows the three-year-old to return to a distance at which he has already demonstrated his Group 1 credentials, while his previous victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot provides further encouragement.

Gstaad will be joined in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes by stablemate Hawk Mountain, who will be ridden by Colin Keane.

Among their rivals are Talk Of New York, who impressed in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket, and French Group 1 winner Rayif, ensuring another competitive contest over Ascot’s straight mile.

Scandinavia Ruled Out of Long Distance Cup

Perhaps the most significant omission from O’Brien’s British Champions Day team is Scandinavia, who will not contest the Group 1 British Champions Long Distance Cup.

The Ascot Gold Cup winner had been considered a leading contender for Saturday’s two-mile contest, particularly after Jan Brueghel was ruled out through injury.

However, connections have decided to bring Scandinavia’s campaign to an end following his recent appearance in the Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp, where he finished runner-up to Caballo De Mar.

O’Brien confirmed that the decision had been made with next season in mind, allowing Scandinavia additional time to prepare for a return to Royal Ascot in 2027.

In his absence, Ballydoyle will be represented by Queenstown and Amelia Earhart in the Long Distance Cup.

The field also includes Caballo De Mar and St Leger winner Highwayman, who will be looking to add further Group 1 success to his record.

O’Brien and Balding Continue Battle for Trainers’ Title

Saturday’s meeting could have a major influence on the destination of this year’s British Flat trainers’ title, with O’Brien and Balding separated by a relatively narrow margin heading into the final stages of the campaign.

O’Brien is seeking a ninth British trainers’ title, while Balding is attempting to secure the honour for the first time following an outstanding season.

The Irish trainer has several leading contenders across the Champions Day card, including Minnie Hauk in the Fillies & Mares Stakes, where she faces Balding’s Kalpana.

With £4.35 million in prize money available across seven races, the results at Ascot could prove decisive in one of the closest contests for the title in recent years.

For O’Brien, the decision to keep Constitution River and Gstaad at their established distances represents an important adjustment ahead of a meeting where every major victory could carry considerable significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Scandinavia not running at British Champions Day 2026?

Aidan O’Brien has confirmed that Scandinavia will not run in the British Champions Long Distance Cup, with connections deciding to end his season and begin preparations for the 2027 Ascot Gold Cup.

Which race will Constitution River run in at Champions Day?

Constitution River will contest the Group 1 Champion Stakes over a mile and a quarter at Ascot on Saturday 17th October 2026, despite previously being supplemented for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Who will ride Gstaad at Ascot?

Ryan Moore will partner Gstaad in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, which takes place over a mile.

When is British Champions Day 2026?

British Champions Day takes place at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 17th October 2026. The seven-race card begins at 12:55pm, with the Champion Stakes scheduled for 4:00pm.