Zavateri set for final racecourse appearance at Ascot for Qatar Racing British Champions Day

Zavateri is set to bring his racing career to a close at Ascot this autumn, with the Group One winner being prepared for one final appearance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qatar Racing British Champions Day.

Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has confirmed that her stable star is expected to retire to stud following the prestigious Ascot meeting on Saturday 17th October 2026, adding another major storyline to one of the biggest days of the British Flat racing season.

Zavateri will head to Ascot following an impressive victory in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood last weekend, where he demonstrated his quality on soft ground and provided the perfect platform for one final Group One challenge.

For racing fans heading to British Champions Day, it could now be the final opportunity to see one of the country’s leading performers in competitive action before his racing career comes to an end.

Zavateri heading to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Johnson Houghton confirmed Zavateri had returned home from Goodwood in excellent condition, with preparations now focused on the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

“He has come out of Goodwood really well and we are so happy with him. He is a star horse and he will go for the QEII now,” said Johnson Houghton.

The race is expected to be Zavateri’s final competitive appearance before he begins the next stage of his career as a stallion at Tally Ho Stud.

“Sadly that looks like it might be the full stop on his career, let alone his season. He is going to stand as a stallion and is off to Tally Ho next year, so sadly it looks that way.

“It is great for his owners and it is what it is. That was the deal that was struck and it will allow his owners to go back in.

“Overall you would have to be really happy with him. He has been a star.”

It means British Champions Day could provide a fitting conclusion to a career which has already included success at the highest level.

Group One winner returns to the biggest stage

Zavateri already has a Group One victory on his CV after winning the National Stakes at the Curragh during his two-year-old campaign.

His preparations for this season were disrupted by a setback in the spring, but his return to form at Goodwood demonstrated that he remains capable of competing at a high level heading into the closing weeks of the Flat season.

Johnson Houghton confirmed that the issue had been a minor fracture which has since fully healed.

“His setback in the spring was a tiny hairline fracture, but that’s all fixed and fine.”

His Celebration Mile victory also showed his ability to perform across different conditions. Zavateri handled the soft ground at Goodwood impressively having previously demonstrated his ability on quicker surfaces.

“He has proved he goes on soft ground and has won on good to firm and yielding, so he goes on anything,” said the Blewbury handler.

That versatility could prove particularly valuable at Ascot in October as he prepares for his final assignment.

One final mile for Zavateri at Ascot

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will see Zavateri remain over a mile for his final start, although his trainer believes the son of Without Parole is beginning to show signs that he could stay further.

“I think he wants a mile now and probably even a mile and two furlongs, but we won’t be going for that now.”

Instead, the focus will be entirely on Ascot, where Zavateri will attempt to end his career by adding another Group One success to his record.

His appearance will be one of several reasons for racing supporters to turn their attention towards Qatar Racing British Champions Day, with the meeting once again bringing the British Flat racing season towards a spectacular conclusion.

Qatar Racing British Champions Day returns to Ascot

Qatar Racing British Champions Day takes place at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 17th October 2026, bringing together leading horses, jockeys and trainers for a major afternoon of top-class racing.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes forms part of an exciting day at Ascot, and Zavateri’s expected farewell now provides another compelling storyline for racegoers to follow.

Whether visiting with clients and colleagues or enjoying the occasion with friends and family, British Champions Day offers the opportunity to experience elite racing at one of Britain’s most famous racecourses.

Eventmasters offers a choice of five VIP hospitality packages for Qatar Racing British Champions Day, allowing guests to combine the action on the track with premium dining, excellent viewing locations and first-class hospitality throughout the afternoon.

British Champions Day hospitality at Ascot

Guests can choose between the Grandstand Box, The Pavilion, On 5 Restaurant, Furlong Club and Silks, with each providing a different way to enjoy British Champions Day.

For those looking for a private setting, the Grandstand Box is situated on Level Two of the Grandstand and provides superb views of the racing. The Pavilion offers hospitality from the Queen Anne Enclosure, while the glass-fronted On 5 Restaurant provides impressive racecourse views from the fifth floor of the Grandstand alongside access to a viewing balcony and rooftop terrace.

The Furlong Club can be found towards the east end of the Grandstand and includes excellent views towards the winning post from its extensive terrace. Silks, meanwhile, offers an intimate restaurant setting overlooking the home straight and winning post.

Packages include a variety of premium hospitality benefits, with offerings across the range including dining, drinks, official racecards, enclosure admission and parking.

With Zavateri potentially making his final ever racecourse appearance alongside a card featuring some of the season’s leading performers, Qatar Racing British Champions Day promises to provide an unforgettable conclusion to the Flat racing season.

Book your Qatar Racing British Champions Day hospitality with Eventmasters and experience the action at Ascot in VIP style on Saturday 17th October 2026.

Qatar Racing British Champions Day FAQs

When is Qatar Racing British Champions Day 2026?

Qatar Racing British Champions Day takes place at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 17th October 2026.

Is Zavateri racing at British Champions Day?

Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has confirmed that Zavateri is being prepared for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on British Champions Day.

Will British Champions Day be Zavateri’s final race?

It is expected to be his final racecourse appearance. Zavateri is due to retire from racing before beginning a stallion career at Tally Ho Stud next year.

Has Zavateri won a Group One race?

Yes. Zavateri won the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh during his two-year-old campaign.

What British Champions Day hospitality packages are available with Eventmasters?

Eventmasters offers five VIP options for Qatar Racing British Champions Day: the Grandstand Box, The Pavilion, On 5 Restaurant, Furlong Club and Silks.

What is included with British Champions Day hospitality?

Inclusions vary depending on the package selected, but options across the Eventmasters range include premium dining, drinks, official racecards, admission to the relevant enclosure and parking. Guests should check the individual package details when booking.

How can I book Qatar Racing British Champions Day hospitality?

British Champions Day hospitality can be booked through Eventmasters, with a range of packages available depending on the type of race-day experience and group requirements.