Bay Bridge ends Baaeed’s unbeaten streak in QIPCO Champion Stakes

Bay Bridge, Richard Kingscote and Sir Michael Stoute sprung an almighty shock as they claimed the QIPCO Champion Stakes, with the previously unbeaten Baaeed finishing fourth.

Last seen placing fifth in the Coral Eclipse, Bay Bridge out on top of an intense duel with Adayar, with My Prospero running on strongly to claim third late on.

Coming into the home straight all eyes were on Baaeed and Jim Crowley who tracked William Buick on Adayar. The pair made their bid for glory with a little over two and a half furlongs to go.

Despite moving into contention Baeed failed to accelerate in his customary style. All the while, Richard Kingscote and Bay Bridge enjoyed a smooth passage up the inside and lay down a strong challenge, eventually winning by half a length.

Speaking to ITV immediately after the racing Kingscote commented, “We came here knowing we had a nice horse but taking on one of the best around. You can’t be afraid of one horse and that’s why.

“It’s perfect to ride beautiful horses like this, they’ve always liked him back home and he looked like he had a big one in him and on that ground he showed he’s a really lovely animal.

“He was a bit fresh and ran with enthusiasm in the first three quarters but he was going so well on the turn and he responded by knuckling down really well when William came to us.”