5 magic moments from this year’s Series

Magic Mongan: Laura Mongan becomes the first female trainer to land a British Classic pic:racingfotos.com

FIVE MAGIC MOMENTS IN THIS YEAR’S QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES

1. History made in the St Leger

Laura Mongan was shaking in almost disbelief after Harbour Law had won the world’s oldest Classic in dramatic fashion – in the process making her the first female trainer to land the race. It was the Epsom-based trainer’s first runner in a  Group One race. Before it, she had secured £207,997 in win prize money on the Flat since 2005. First prize here was £396,970.  “I think I screamed a lot,” she said.

2. Filly becomes a big noise

The syndicate-owned Quiet Reflection was a relatively cheap buy, just 44,000 guineas, and was steered to glory by former jump jockey Dougie Costello, having his first winner on the Flat at  Ascot – let alone at the royal meeting. It was also a first Royal Ascot success for trainer Karl Burke.

3. Derby joy for Irish veteran

The 67-year-old Dermot Weld has won most of the big races around the world but success in the Derby had eluded him. His chances of breaking his duck seemed remote when Harzand ripped off a shoe en route to the races but the colt overcame that late injury scare to win under Pat Smullen, who was also landing the iconic contest for the first time.

4. Oh Baby! Incredible 24-hour treble

Adam Kirby became a Dad for the first time on the morning of Royal Ascot and then, in the afternoon, won the King’s Stand Stakes aboard Profitable for trainer Clive Cox. The following  day Kirby and Cox combined to strike again with My Dream Boat – the outsider of the field in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

5. Almanzor casts spell on Champion Stakes

Having been rated as the best horse in Europe after slaying the field in the Irish equivalent, Almanzor confirmed his trainer’s decision to choose the QIPCO Champion Stakes over the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as the right one, sitting patiently until delivered by Christophe Soumillon to beat Found, who had won the Arc just 13 days earlier.