Hall of Fame Class of 2023

The QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame has inducted more equine and human champions of British Flat Racing than any other year.

In the illustrious realm of British Flat Horse Racing, the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame stands as a testament to excellency and endurance in the industry. As we delve into the Hall of Fame Class of 2023, we find ourselves in the midst of a remarkable celebration, honouring the exceptional contributions of both equine and human icons. This year’s inductees are nothing short of legends: Sea The Stars, Stradivarius, Pebbles, Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah, and Steve Cauthen.

The Equine Stars

Sea The Stars: A Cosmic Force

In the pantheon of equine greatness, Sea The Stars reigns supreme. His list of victories reads like a chronicle of dominance, from the 2000 Guineas to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The rippling effect of his achievements continues to shape the British Flat Horse Racing landscape, making his induction into the Hall of Fame a fitting accolade.

Stradivarius: The Supreme Stayer

Stradivarius, with his string of triumphs in prestigious races like the Gold Cup at Ascot, has woven a melody of victory that resonates throughout the racing world. Fellow Hall of Famer Frankie Dettori, partnered the flashy chestnut to 15 victories, including 5 at Group 1 level. His tenacity and stamina have left an indelible mark, earning him a well-deserved place among the racing elite in the Hall of Fame.

Pebbles: Breaking Barriers

Pebbles, the first filly to grace the Hall of Fame, shattered norms with her extraordinary feats. Pebbles will always be remembered for being the first British-trained winner at the Breeders’ Cup in 1985, when she landed the Turf at Aqueduct in a record time. Her commanding victory in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket will long be remembered, plus a breath-taking annihilation of a star-studded field in the Champion Stakes back on the Rowley Mile three weeks before she took America by storm.

The Human Stars

Sir Michael Stoute: A Maestro of the Turf

Sir Michael Stoute, a maestro of the turf, has sculpted a legacy as a trainer that transcends time. With an illustrious career marked by numerous classic victories, his influence on British Flat Horse Racing is immeasurable. Stoute’s massive haul includes six Derby winners, including a pair who rewrote the record books. The breath-taking Shergar won by a record margin of ten lengths in 1981, while Workforce clocked a record time, that still stands, in 2010.

Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah: Owner and Breeder Extraordinaire

Prince Khalid bin Abdullah was an owner-breeder quite like no other, with his numerous cherished champions including perhaps the greatest thoroughbred of them all in Frankel. Through his breeding operation, Juddmonte, he has left a legacy that will continue to enrich the sport for ever more – just the second to be recognised within the Special Contributor category, following Queen Elizabeth II. 

Steve Cauthen: An international sensation

Steve Cauthen‘s journey from Kentucky to the pinnacle of horse racing is a story of skill, determination, and triumph. His victories in iconic races like the Epsom Derby and the Kentucky Derby resonate through the ages, making his induction into the Hall of Fame a celebration of a jockey whose influence endures.

As we recognise the Hall of Fame Class of 2023, the echoes of their triumphs are heard far and wide. Sea The Stars, Stradivarius, Pebbles, Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah, and Steve Cauthen have each etched their names into the fabric of British Flat Horse Racing. As we look ahead, the anticipation of the next chapter in this racing saga is palpable; knowing that the spirit of these legends will continue to gallop alongside future champions, inspiring the pursuit of greatness on the turf.