Qatar Racing Champions Day at Ascot: Confirmed Runners and Riders for Saturday’s Five Group 1 Races

The stage is set for another meeting between Calandagan and Ombudsman after both horses were confirmed among the six runners for Saturday’s £1.3 million Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot Racecourse.

Taking place on Saturday 17th October, the Group 1 contest will be one of the highlights of British Champions Day 2026, with the first three finishers from last year’s race all returning for another shot at one of Flat racing’s biggest prizes.

Defending champion Calandagan will face Ombudsman and Almaqam once again, although the presence of several other leading contenders promises to make this year’s renewal particularly competitive.

Calandagan Returns to Defend His Champion Stakes Crown

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Calandagan enjoyed an outstanding 2025 campaign, which included his victory over Ombudsman and Almaqam in the Champion Stakes.

The French-trained star returns to Ascot looking to defend his crown, although he will need to respond to defeat in his most recent appearance, when beaten by Kalpana in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at the same venue in July.

Ombudsman also arrives seeking to bounce back from disappointment. The John and Thady Gosden-trained runner has already enjoyed significant success this season, winning the Dubai Turf, Brigadier Gerard Stakes and Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

However, he could only finish fourth in the Juddmonte International at York in August, leaving connections hoping for a return to winning form on Saturday.

Almaqam completes the trio returning from last year’s podium. Ed Walker’s runner has since claimed the Tattersalls Gold Cup and came within a head of winning the Juddmonte International, demonstrating that he remains capable of competing against some of Europe’s leading middle-distance horses.

Constitution River and Bay City Roller Add Further Quality

The Champion Stakes field also includes Constitution River, who has been confirmed for the ten-furlong contest despite being supplemented for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes earlier this week.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt has already won the French Derby and Coral-Eclipse this season and finished ahead of Ombudsman in the Juddmonte International at York.

Constitution River will receive a four-pound weight allowance from his older rivals, adding another dimension to what is already a competitive field.

Meanwhile, Bay City Roller returns to action just 13 days after finishing second behind Daryz in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Trained by George Scott, the Coronation Cup winner has enjoyed an impressive campaign, although he will be stepping back to a mile and a quarter as he attempts to claim another major Group 1 victory.

Devil’s Advocate completes the six-runner field.

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Attracts Strong International Field

While the Champion Stakes provides a rematch between several established rivals, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes also features an intriguing field of 11 runners.

Charlie Appleby’s Talk Of New York is among the leading contenders following his victory in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last month.

French challenger Rayif also features after winning the French 2,000 Guineas and Prix Jacques le Marois earlier this season, while Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Gstaad will represent Aidan O’Brien.

Docklands, who will be ridden by Billy Loughnane, joins Dancing Gemini, Ten Bob Tony and several other experienced performers in the Group 1 contest over a mile.

Elsewhere on the card, Kalpana has been declared for the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, adding further quality to a meeting featuring five Group 1 races.

British Champions Day Set for Major Flat Racing Finale

Saturday’s meeting will also have implications for the British Flat trainers’ championship, with Andrew Balding and Aidan O’Brien involved in a closely contested battle for the title.

With £4.35 million in prize money available across the seven-race programme, British Champions Day remains Britain’s richest raceday and provides an opportunity for some of the season’s leading horses to finish their campaigns with major victories.

Attention will centre on the Champion Stakes at 4pm, where Calandagan will attempt to repeat his victory from twelve months ago against familiar rivals and several new challengers.

With the final declarations now confirmed, Ascot is preparing for another significant afternoon in the British Flat racing calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is British Champions Day 2026?

British Champions Day 2026 takes place on Saturday 17th October at Ascot Racecourse. The seven-race programme begins at 12:55pm, with the final race scheduled for 4:35pm.

Which horses are running in the 2026 Champion Stakes?

The six confirmed runners are Calandagan, Ombudsman, Almaqam, Constitution River, Bay City Roller and Devil’s Advocate. The race is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday.

Who won the Champion Stakes in 2025?

Calandagan won the 2025 Champion Stakes for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, finishing ahead of Ombudsman in second and Almaqam in third. All three horses will return for the 2026 renewal.

How much prize money is available at British Champions Day?

A total of £4.35 million in prize money is available across the seven races at British Champions Day 2026, including £1.3 million for the Champion Stakes.