French gunning for QIPCO British Champions Day glory!

Dalkala basks in the glory after winning last Sunday’s Prix de l’Opera. To the right of the horse are her jockey, Christophe Soumillon, her trainer, Alain de Royer-Dupre, and her owner, the Aga Khan. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com. 

Last year the Irish dominated on QIPCO British Champions Day winning the first four races courtesy of Rite Of Passage, Maarek, Sapphire and Excelebration before Frankel stamped his mark for Britain in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

This year get ready for a strong French assault in the shape of Dalkala and Cirrus des Aigles.

Dalkala, who won last Sunday’s Prix de l’Opéra (Group 1) on Arc Day at Longchamp, is now set to run in the £500,000 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) at Ascot a week tomorrow.

The Alain de Royer-Dupré-trained filly just got up under an inspired ride by Christophe Soumillon in the 10-furlong Opéra.

She has won over an extended mile and a half when taking last year’s Prix du Royallieu, so her trainer has no worries on that score.

"It is very probable that Dalkala will run in the Fillies and Mares at Ascot,” said de Royer-Dupré.

“She has recovered very well from the Opéra and she might have even needed the race.

“The distance is no problem as she has already won the Prix de Royallieu."

Amongst her rivals will be Talent, who won the Investec Oaks and ran second in the Ladbrokes St Leger for trainer Ralph Beckett.

Meanwhile Corine Barande-Barbe has an upbeat bulletin about Cirrus des Aigles as he attempts to regain his QIPCO Champion Stakes crown.

"Cirrus des Aigles came out of the Dollar in great shape and he will be at a peak on October 19,” she said.

“I have never doubted that he would return to his best form. I never wanted to push him as he needed time and his ground.”

Tickets are available in the Premier Enclosure (£55) and Grandstand (£30), with children under 18 admitted free if accompanied by an adult. To book visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0844 346 3000.