18 Oct 2017

Aidan O’Brien to be crowned Champion Trainer at Ascot

Aidan O'Brien

Aidan O’Brien will officially be crowned British Champion Trainer 2017 at QIPCO British Champions Day this Saturday.

O’Brien has enjoyed a sensational 2017 winning four out of the five British Classics (ChurchillQIPCO 2000 Guineas; WinterQIPCO 1000 Guineas; Wings of EaglesInvestec Derby and Capri in the William Hill St Leger); together with three winners at Royal Ascot and eleven races which comprise the 35 race QIPCO British Champions Series.

O’Brien is also tantalisingly poised to equal, and possibly exceed, the World Record for the most number of Group / Grade 1 victories[1] in a year on QIPCO British Champions Day when he bids to eclipse Bobby Frankel’s tally of 25 which was set in 2003. Currently on 24 winners at the highest level for the year, O’Brien is fielding a dazzling squad for Britain’s richest raceday that comprises dual Classic winner Churchill, crack sprinter Caravaggio, globetrotter Highland Reel and Order of St George.

The Trainers’ Championship is decided on prize money and runs from 1st January to 31st December but, at the request of the National Trainers’ Federation, the presentation will be made on QIPCO British Champions Day, along with the Stobart Champion Flat Jockey and Champion Owner.

 

O’Brien has accrued £7,247,556 in prize money in Great Britain this year and is nearly £3 million ahead of the 2015 Champion Trainer, John Gosden who, as the last British winner of the title, will make the presentation to his peer after the QIPCO Champion Stakes at approximately 4.05pm.