Five magic moments in this year’s QIPCO British Champions Series

Mongan celebrates making history in the St Leger. Picture: Racingfotos.com

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 Almanzor confirms his status
QIPCO British Champions Day drew a fantastic cast but the undoubted top of the bill was Almanzor. The brilliant French colt did not fluff his lines, either, travelling strongly throughout and quickening up smartly to beat Found, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, for the second time in succession. Best horse in the world? Probably.

3 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.

4 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.

5 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.