Leading stars stand ground in £1.3m QIPCO Champion Stakes

Declaration of War en route to landing the Juddmonte International at York – Can he follow up in the feature race on QIPCO British Champions Day? Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

A mouth-watering renewal of the £1.3m QIPCO Champion Stakes looks on the cards as 24 horses remain engaged in Europe’s richest mile and a quarter race, including Declaration of War, Farhh, Sky Lantern, Maxios, Al Kazeem and The Fugue. 

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

"Sky Lantern has come out of the Sun Chariot really well and has the option of running in both races (QEII and Champions Stakes), we need to talk it over with her owner.

Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos Family, said about Maxios, the impressive winner of the Group 1 Prix du Moulin last month, said: "He has been in very good form since the Moulin.

"He has been left in both the QE2 and the Champion Stakes to keep our options open – we will decide nearer the time.

"The Moulin was a great result for Maxios and a reward for the patience that has been vested in him. 

"Main Sequence is also a possible for the Champion Stakes.”

Cirrus des Aigles, winner in 2011 and runner-up to Frankel last year, remains engaged in the QIPCO Champion Stakes after his return to form at Maisons-Laffitte last time out, while other Group 1 winners to have stood their ground include Al Kazeem, Camelot, Magician, Ruler Of The World and The Fugue. 

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 QIPCO Champion Stakes:

Al Kazeem, Camelot, Cirrus des Aigles, Declaration of War, Farhh, Hunter’s Light, Main Sequence, Mandour, Maxios, Mukhadram, Parish Hall, Planteur, The Fugue, Hillstar, Kingsbarns, Magician, Manndawi, Maputo, Morandi, Ruler of The World, Toronado, Trading Leather, Triple Threat and Sky Lantern.