£1m QEII boiling up to be race of the season

Dawn Approach and Toronado are all set for another head to head in their final ‘Decider’ on QIPCO British Champions Day.  Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

The Toronado vs Dawn Approach rematch looks very much on the cards in Europe’s richest mile race, the £1m Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO (Group 1).

A positive bulletin about Toronado has been made by Richard Hannon Jnr as the scratchings are announced for the five Group races on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 19 October.

Dawn Approach leads 2-1 after his QIPCO 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes victories, but Toronado has the most recent triumph to his name after landing the QIPCO Sussex Stakes.

With the likes of Maxios, Farhh, Sky Lantern, Olympic Glory, Soft Falling Rain, Declaration Of War, Magician, Gordon Lord Byron and Elusive Kate amongst the 26 remaining engaged, it could become one of the most eagerly-awaited mile races for many years.

Richard Hannon Jr said: "No firm plans have been made yet but there is every chance that we will be represented in both races.

"Toronado has had a small procedure done on his palate and the way that he is progressing now there is an excellent chance that he will make it back for Champions Day. He is back working well and the QE2 is the more likely race for him.

"Olympic Glory did not turn very well when he finished second in the Prix du Moulin in France so the straight mile of the QE2 ought to suit him.

"Montiridge ran the race of his life in the Joel Stakes, he’s a very good horse. The QE2 is a possibility for him, but he has targets in Dubai in March and other options beforehand.” 

Tickets are continuing to sell strongly with a Premier sell-out now close. Premier tickets are priced at £55 and Grandstand admission is £30.

You can book via the Ascot website or call 0844 346 3000. Under 18’s accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge. 

The full list of entries for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes:

Burwaaz, Caspar Netscher, Declaration of War, Farhh, Gordon Lord Byron, Gregorian, Maxios, Most Improved, Soft Falling Rain, Cristoforo Colombo, Darwin, Dawn Approach, Elusive Kate, Fort Knox, Gale Force Ten, Kingsbarns, Leitir Mor, Magician, Montiridge, Mshawish, Olympic Glory, Peace At Last, Style Vendome, Toronado, Kenhope and Sky Lantern.