Stewards' reports

1:20pm QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2) Silvestre de Sousa, the rider of MORANDO (FR), placed fourth, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching 1 1/2 furlongs out. An enquiry was held to consider interference turning into the home straight when SEARCH FOR A SONG (IRE), placed second, ridden by Oisin Murphy, interfered with SPANISH MISSION (USA), unplaced, ridden William Buick. Murphy was cautioned for careless riding as he switched left when insufficiently clear causing Buick to take a slight check. Following the race, John Gosden reported that STRADIVARIUS (IRE), unplaced, was unsuited by the going, which was officially described as Soft, Heavy in places, on this occasion and would prefer a faster surface. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of STRADIVARIUS (IRE), during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities. Charlie Fellowes reported that DUBIOUS AFFAIR (IRE), unplaced, was unsuited by the going, which was officially described as Soft, Heavy in places, on this occasion and would prefer a faster surface.

1:55pm QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) Permission was given for OXTED to wear a hood in the Parade Ring. Tom Eaves, the rider of BRANDO, placed second, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip without time to respond shortly before the winning line.

2:30pm QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) Permission was given for DAME MALLIOT and FRANKLY DARLING to wear a red hood to post, for CABALETTA to go early to post wearing a red hood, for GOLD WAND (IRE) to be mounted on the chute and wear a red hood to post and for MEHDAAYIH to be led early to post wearing a red hood. An enquiry was held into why MEHDAAYIH, ridden by Frankie Dettori, trained by John Gosden, was led to the start without Dettori being mounted. Dettori and Gosden were interviewed. The Stewards, having heard their explanations, reminded them of their obligation that horses should be ridden to the start where possible and when being led for the rider to remain with their mount. The performance of ANTONIA DE VEGA (IRE), which finished unplaced, was considered. Harry Bentley reported that the filly was never travelling. Ralph Beckett could offer no explanation for ANTONIA DE VEGA (IRE)'s performance.

3:05pm Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) (Sponsored by QIPCO) VERACIOUS wore ear plugs which were removed at the start and was given permission to wear a hood in the Parade Ring. Permission was also given for CENTURY DREAM (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring and for LORD GLITTERS (FR) to go early to post. PALACE PIER arrived at the start with a small amount of blood in its mouth. Having been examined by the Veterinary Surgeon at the start, the colt was deemed fit to race. Following the race, Oisin Murphy reported that SIR BUSKER (IRE), placed fourth, hung badly left-handed and the Veterinary Officer reported that PALACE PIER, placed third, had lost its left fore shoe.

3:40pm QIPCO Champion Stakes (Group 1) Permission was given for EXTRA ELUSIVE to wear a red hood to post.

4:15pmn The Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored by Qipco) Permission was given for GRAIGNES (FR) to go early to post.

Following the race, James Doyle reported that KING OTTOKAR (FR), placed sixth, was denied a clear run approaching the final furlong.

William Buick reported that BLUE MIST, unplaced, stopped quickly, the representative of Roger Charlton reported that the gelding had a possible wind issue and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of BLUE MIST failed to reveal any abnormalities. 

About QIPCO British Champions Series and Day:

This year marks the 10th year of both QIPCO British Champions Day and QIPCO British Champions Series. The Series showcases 35 of the UK's finest Flat races which are run at all of the UK's most iconic Flat festivals, from the Derby and St Leger, to Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot, presenting unparalleled, quality racing across 10 of the country's finest racecourses.

It showcases world-class sporting action across five different categories - Sprint, Mile, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Fillies & Mares. The Series culminates in QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot racecourse on Saturday 17th October, the most valuable raceday in the UK with £2.5 million in prize money on offer.

The day also boasts an unprecedented UK card comprising four Group 1 contests; a Group 2 and competitive mile handicap.

Race schedule:

● 1.20pm - The QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2)

● 1.55pm - The QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1)

● 2.30pm - The QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1)

● 3.05pm - The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO (Group 1)

● 3.40pm - The QIPCO Champion Stakes (Group 1)

● 4.15pm - The Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored by QIPCO)