British Champions Day at Ascot: Races, Winners and Betting Guide
The finale of the British Flat season, held at Ascot every October. Here are the races on the card, recent Champion Stakes winners, the history and how to bet on Champions Day.
The Champions Day card
The best horses of the season meet in one final day of championship racing.
Champion Stakes
- Champion Stakes (Group 1, 1m 1f 212y)
- 2025 prize fund: £1,417,500
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
- Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the mile championship
More championships
- Sprint Stakes
- Long Distance Cup
- Fillies & Mares Stakes
- Balmoral Handicap
Recent Champion Stakes winners
Ombudsman beat Calandagan, the 2025 winner, in the 2026 running.
| Year | Champion Stakes | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ombudsman | William Buick | John & Thady Gosden |
| 2025 | Calandagan | Mickael Barzalona | Francis-Henri Graffard |
| 2024 | Anmaat | Jim Crowley | Owen Burrows |
British Champions Day facts and history
Betting on Champions Day
Offers to look for
For big festivals, many bookmakers run race-day extras such as Best Odds Guaranteed (if the starting price is bigger than the price you took, you are paid at the bigger price) and extra each-way places on the big handicaps. Terms change for every race, so always read the terms in the app before you bet.
See our promotions guide for how each type of offer works.
Going to the races?
You can bet on course with the bookmakers in the ring and on the pool, or on your phone. Read our course guide for Wi-Fi, cash machines and how to get there, and our guide to betting at the racecourse.
Which app should you use for Champions Day?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store and Google Play ratings.
Champions Day FAQs
When is British Champions Day?
British Champions Day is held at Ascot on a Saturday in mid-to-late October. In 2026 it was on Saturday 17 October.
Who won the 2026 Champion Stakes?
Ombudsman, ridden by William Buick and trained by John and Thady Gosden. He beat the 2025 winner Calandagan.
Who sponsors British Champions Day?
In 2026 it was sponsored by Qatar Racing and called Qatar Racing British Champions Day.
What races are on British Champions Day?
The Champion Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Sprint Stakes, Long Distance Cup, Fillies & Mares Stakes and the Balmoral Handicap.
When did British Champions Day start?
British Champions Day was first held in 2011.
Sources: Wikipedia: British Champions Day · Wikipedia: Champion Stakes · Eventmasters: Champions Day 2026. Facts checked October 2026; dates and race details can change, so check with the racecourse before you go.
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