A spectacular, action-packed raceday is at hand!

The greatest living legend of them all in horseracing, Lester Piggott, will be signing autographs alongside Willie Carson, Pat Eddery, Joe Mercer, Kevin Darley, Johnny Murtagh and Hayley Turner on QIPCO British Champions Day.  Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

One could not ask for more in terms of the phenomenal line-up of equine stars set to descend on Ascot a week on Saturday (15 October) for the richest day in British racing, but there are a host of other activities taking place on the day designed to enhance the raceday experience for everyone on QIPCO British Champions Day.

For those who like the use of modern technology in sport, sectional timing will be making its reappearance in Britain to give racegoers such things as average speeds, acceleration graphs and sectional comparisons between different horses.

This will provide a fascinating insight into the miraculous burst of speed that the mighty Frankel, seeking to win his fourth QIPCO British Champions Series race of the year in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, possesses in his so far impregnable armoury of attributes. 

Behind the stands, there will be an autograph-signing session with legends like Lester Piggott and Willie Carson joining current greats like Johnny Murtagh and Hayley Turner, while thousands of pounds worth of items on display from Great British Brands – like a Mulberry handbag or tickets to the 2012 British Grand Prix at Silverstone – can be won by racegoers in text-to-win competitions during the afternoon.

With an interactive racing zone, a display of alternative horse power and free mini-makeovers and cups of Yorkshire Tea, Ascot will be brimming with activity throughout the afternoon!

“Best of British”

QIPCO British Champions Day, like the rest of the Series which has preceded it, is all about the “Best of British” Flat racing taking place on the track, but that “Best of British” theme is one which will be used to enhance other aspects of the raceday experience:

Household Cavalry – two Household Cavalry riders and horses in their full regalia will lead the runners out on to the course and accompany the victorious horse in each of the five championship races as it returns to the winner’s enclosure.

Legends Autograph Session – five former champion jockeys in Britain – Lester Piggott, Joe Mercer, Willie Carson, Pat Eddery and Kevin Darley – will join Britain’s best ever female jockey, Hayley Turner, who won two Group 1 races this season, and multiple Irish champion jockey, Johnny Murtagh, to sign autographs for racegoers at 12.45pm.

Alternative Horsepower – a display of “Best of British alternative horsepower” will be on site with Triumph motorcycles (including a bespoke Daytona 675 Sports bike in British Champions Series colours), vintage British motorcars courtesy of Goodwood and a display of JCB vehicles in Union Jack livery.

Great British Brands – thousands of pounds worth of items from great British brands will be on display, all of which racegoers will be able to win in “text-to-win” competitions during the afternoon. Just text the number of the horse you think will win the next race to 66644 and if that horse is victorious, you will go into an instant random draw to win a fantastic prize. Texts cost only the standard text messaging rate for your phone provider.

Interactive Racing Zone

Located on one of the lawns behind the Grandstand, close to the bandstand, this will feature an exciting line-up of activities that will both entertain and educate:

Meet the Racehorse – Monsignor, the former Cheltenham Festival winner who has attended most QIPCO British Champions Series racedays this year, will be waiting for racegoers to come and meet him and pat him during the afternoon.

Equicisors – two mechanical horses that can be used for jockey training will give racegoers the opportunity to get a feel for race-riding. Some of Britain’s top young jockeys, who will be riding in the day’s last race, will give a special demonstration at 2.45pm.

Championship Jockey on Nintendo Wii – having tried the equicisor, racegoers can get a feel for what riding in actual race is like with Nintendo Wii game and its fantastic special effects.

Commentary Karaoke – those who fancy themselves as a commentator can give it a go on the commentary karaoke and take away a recording of their effort afterwards!

Other Activities

Joey the War Horse – Joey, the equine star of the West End play, War Horse, will meet former jump racing star, Monsignor, in the parade ring before racing.

Felix Francis book signing – Felix Francis, son of legendary author Dick Francis, will sign copies of his new book “Gamble”, which continues his father’s remarkable legacy of racing thrillers.

Debenhams’ “Filthy Gorgeous” – racegoers can visit the Debenhams’ stand for a free mini make-over.

Free cuppa from Yorkshire Tea – free cups of tea will be dispensed from Yorkshire Tea’s “Little Urn” van.

The Big Draw – “The Big Draw” is happening up and down the country in October and younger racegoers could win £100 in Toys R Us vouchers if they draw something at the racecourse which catches the eye of the judges. Free crayons and drawing paper will be given out to any youngster who would like them.

To experience the magic of QIPCO British Champions Day and be part of one of the greatest racing occasions this country has ever seen, you can book tickets via Ascot now (Premier tickets have sold out, but Grandstand tickets are still available at the advance booking discount price of £23.40) by CLICKING HERE.