A Champions Day Review

The Grandstand bathed in glorious sunshine before racing.

After a week of catastrophe, headlined by the quite ludicrous decision to bring in the new whip regulations in the week leading up to the biggest day of the flat racing calendar, British Champions Day was a thorough success. The big name horses were out in force, there were big performances, terrific racing and the weather was mighty fine too.

Frankel was the undoubted star attraction, and it was his performance in the QEII that would determine the success of the occasion. As he has done so often before, he lived up to his billing with another excellent display, coming home 4 lengths clear of the gallant Excelebration and the French filly Immortal Verse. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect was his relaxed demeanour through both the preliminaries and the race. He was a little keen through the early stages, with the sedate pace not to his liking but there was nothing of the impetuous tear-away that we have seen before. He finished the race strongly, and had there been another furlong to run would have run out an even more convincing winner. Though i did not see it myself i understand that Tom Queally once more had a little trouble pulling him up! According to his trainer Sir Henry Cecil "he will get a mile and a quarter next year on his head". On this evidence it is hard to disagree. 

His following is growing all the while and he was clapped into and out of the paddock before the race. His greeting when returning to the winner's enclosure far outweighed that afforded to any other horse. The steps around the paddock were packed so tightly that it was as if we had been teleported to Cheltenham to welcome in the winner of the Gold Cup. The reception was worthy of that occasion too. The video below shows my view of the event. I must apologise for the poor quality and the slightly over the top 'welcome' from Matt Chapman!

The Champion Stakes was officially the main event, but, whilst the line-up was of the highest calibre, the race took an inevitable back-seat as Frankel stole the show. Cirrus Des Aigles was an excellent winner from the brave and ever so consistent So You Think. The mares Snow Fairy and Midday filled 3rd and 4th with King George winner Nathaniel back in 5th. The starting line-up featured no fewer than 7 individual Group 1 winners who had between them won 24 individual Group 1 races. Those are phenomenal statistics and merely back up the argument that this was one of the strongest races ever run on these shores. Cirrus Des Aigles, as a gelding, seems sure to stay in training next year and it has also been suggested that So You Think might attempt to enhance his reputation further with another year on the racetrack. They will provide worthy opposition to the mighty Frankel when he steps up to 10f. 

Deacon Blues was a comfortable winner of the Sprint confirming himself as a Group 1 winner in waiting. He is sure to be a threat to all next season, especially since the Champion Sprinter elect from this season, Dream Ahead, is headed to stud. The one hard luck story was Moonlight Cloud who never had a chance to show what she is made of. She is far better than the bare result would suggest. However, it is hard to suggest with any confidence that she would have beaten the winner, such was the authority of his performance. 

Dancing Rain proved that her Oaks success in June was no fluke when running out a ready winner of the Fillies and Mares race. She is reported to be off to Japan to take on Snow Fairy. She will no doubt prove a worthy challenger and looks a filly of abundant potential. She once more benefited from a ride of great quality from the excellent Johnny Murtagh but on this occasion there can be no doubt that the best horse won.

Fame And Glory returned to something like his best form when winning the Long Distance Cup from his old rival Opinion Poll. The form still looks a mighty long way from his 129 rated performances in behind the legendary Sea The Stars. I am still unconvinced that he is actually suited by these extended tests of stamina, but his class allows him to win regardless. It was suggested on Racing UK that his sectional times would entitle him to a crack at some major prizes over shorter and i would adhere to that view. On the evidence i have seen i think Yeats' 4 Gold Cups record is not under threat. In a strongly run 2m4f i can see a few sticking it out better than Fame And Glory. He is still a horse of high quality and to me it seems a shame he is forced to run at a distance which, to my eye at least, looks not to be his optimum.

The day was a great success but it is important that it does not bask in the glory. The event was blessed with unseasonably warm weather, with not a single cloud in the sky, and perfect racing ground, when much softer might have been anticipated. Nevertheless, whilst there are important issues to address the overall impact of the day was overwhelmingly positive. The crowd was large and enthusiastic and this years renewal provides a strong foundation on which to build for the future.