Special exhibitions to grace British Champions Day

Sir Henry Cecil and Her Majesty The Queen after Frankel’s victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By QIPCO).  Image copyright of Racingfotos.com.

British Champions Day will not only feature the very best in British Flat racing for racegoers, but also some exciting and rare exhibitions for all to enjoy.

• 12:30 – Legendary Jockeys Autograph Signing (Near the Parade Ring)

Some of the greatest jockeys of recent years, including Joe Mercer, John Reid and Johnny Murtagh will sign autographs for a limited time. Tickets for the signing are available from 10:30am for the first 100 racegoers to register interest at the QIPCO British Champions Series Merchandise Trailer and the signing will take place at the East end of the Parade Ring.

• 12.45 – Preview of the day’s racing (Parade Ring)

Jeremy Kyle, owner and racing fan, hosts a panel of racing experts including C4’s Rishi Persad, Betfair’s Barry Orr and a few special guests, to preview the world’s best raceday. If you’re not certain where to put your money this afternoon, then this is essential watching.

• Iconic Sporting Trophies Exhibition (Grandstand)

The most comprehensive collection of iconic sporting trophies ever assembled will be on show, including: The Jules Rimet 1966 World Cup, The Ashes, The FA Cup, The Challenge Cup, The Isle of Man Seniors TT Trophy, The Sid Waddell Trophy (Darts World Championship), The World Snooker Championship Trophy, eight trophies from Frankel’s glittering career, The Ballon d’Or belonging to Michael Owen, The IBF Middleweight Title Belt, all four Champion Trainer/Jockey trophies from the Jumps and Flat and the 2013 QIPCO British Champion Stakes Trophy.

• Chris Levine’s “Frankel the Great” (Grandstand)

Chris Levine, the light artist famous for his iconic portraits of the Queen and Kate Moss, unveils a dramatic new portrait of Frankel, the World’s highest-rated racehorse. Chris, a pioneering light artist, has radically reworked the centuries-old tradition of equine portraiture epitomised by Stubbs, and created a revolutionary new image for the 21st century.

• Interactive Racing Zone (Old Paddock Lawns)

From Newmarket to Musselburgh, Great British Racing’s ‘Kids love the Races’ roadshow has been touring racecourses across the country growing interest, participation and engagement amongst young people in the sport – and it is here today for your family to enjoy on the Old Paddock Lawns.

Budding young jockeys can see how they measure up to some of the sport’s most famous faces, weigh in and try on some famous racing silks. There’s the opportunity to learn more about some of the sport’s most famous equine stars, including Frankel and Kauto Star in the ‘Racehorse Zone’, see what horses eat to keep them in tip-top condition and find out what happens on racedays in the ‘Let’s get Racing Zone’.

Also on the Old Paddock Lawns, British Champions Series in partnership with The Pony Club, has set up the Horseracing Certificate to give children a chance to learn more about racing.

• Pony Rides (Old Paddock Lawns)

For all those budding Frankie Dettori wannabes out there – you can go home saying you’ve ridden at Ascot Racecourse on QIPCO British Champions Day. OK, it wasn’t in a race…but nobody needs to know that!

• Meet the Racehorse  (Old Paddock Lawns)

British Champions Series favourite Knowhow is back – so if you want to actually get up close and personal with a thoroughbred, pay him a visit. If you want to guarantee a friendly reception, take him a Polo…

• British Champions Series Merchandise (Next to the Parade Ring)

Take home a memento of your day at the best day’s racing in the world – British Champions Series merchandise is available from the QBCS Merchandise Store at the west end of the Parade Ring.

To ensure you get the chance to see these fantastic displays, buy your tickets now to QIPCO British Champions Day tomorrow at Ascot Racecourse.