Founded in 2011, the British Champions Series transformed the landscape of horse racing in the UK with its fresh take on traditional British classics, presenting a neoclassical interpretation of flat racing. While no entirely new races were introduced, the series organised 35 of the nation's premier Group 1 races into five distinct categories of seven events each, some of which were rebranded under the banner of the British Champions Series. The apex of the series is British Champions Day, a festival celebrating the champions of each category.
Despite its foundation on established racing traditions, the British Champions Series succeeded in revitalising interest in horse racing—a pastime cherished by many Britons since childhood. This revival was anticipated by its creators and is evidenced by a 7% increase in race attendance during its inaugural year. In 2011, viewership soared to 18 million, up from 13.6 million in 2010, and BBC Worldwide expanded its reach by selling broadcast rights to 75 countries. This trend of growing popularity continues to this day. The principal sponsor since the series' inception has been Qatar Investment & Projects Development Holding Company (QIPCO), based in Doha.
Format of the British Champions Series
The British Champions Series runs from late April or early May to mid-October, allowing race enthusiasts and bettors to curate their personal schedules to watch their favourite races live or trackside.
This revamped format has introduced much-needed organisation to the previously scattered calendar of English classic races. The division of the 35 races is categorised by distance: Sprint (1-1.2 km), Mile (1 mile), Middle Distance (1 mile plus 2 or 4 furlongs), Long Distance (over 2 miles), and Fillies & Mares (1 mile to 1 mile 4 furlongs).
Sprint Category
The sprint category kicks off with the King Charles III Stakes, held mid-June at Ascot. Dating back to 1860, this race has an interesting origin: it was originally intended to cover 2 miles, but due to inclement weather on opening day, the distance was unexpectedly halved. Renamed in 2023 to honour King Charles III's 75th birthday, it remains a prestigious event.
Another highlight is the Commonwealth Cup, which takes place in mid-July at Ascot over a distance of 1.2 km. Introduced in 2015 as a replacement for the discontinued Buckingham Palace Stakes, the Commonwealth Cup allowed geldings to compete until 2019 to boost its popularity.
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, established in 1868, is also held annually at Ascot in June, covering 1.2 km for horses aged four and older. Legendary jockey Lester Piggott claimed victory in this race ten times between 1958 and 1993.
The July Cup is among the oldest races in Britain, first run in 1876 in Newmarket over a distance of 1.2 km. Held in July, it draws thousands of spectators annually, and Piggott also won this race ten times.
Another notable event is the Nunthorpe Stakes, a Group 1 race founded in 1922. It takes place in August at York Racecourse, covering 1 km. Since 2011, the winner has received an invitation to the prestigious Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in North America.
The Haydock Sprint Cup, inaugurated in 1966, spans 1200 metres for horses aged three and older. Originally held in November, it was moved to September in 1979, and achieved Group 1 status in 1986.
Culminating the sprint category is the British Champions Sprint Stakes, created in 1946. This finale occurs annually in mid-October at Ascot, covering a distance of 1200 metres and serving as a key feature of the British Champions Day festival.
Mile
The Mile category kicked off in early May with the 2000 Guineas, the oldest British race (established in 1809) and a key component of the British Triple Crown, held at the Rowley Mile track in Newmarket. Following this is the Lockinge Stakes, a relatively recent Group 1 race (inaugurated in 1959), which takes place at Newbury Racecourse in mid-May.
The Lockinge Stakes is often followed by the Queen Anne Stakes (established in 1840), held at Ascot in mid-June, creating a notable pairing. The victors and finalists from the Lockinge Stakes aim for success in the Queen Anne Stakes. The last horse to achieve victories in both races within the same season was the unbeaten Frankel in 2012. The St James's Palace Stakes (established in 1834) also occurs at Ascot in mid-June on the opening day of Royal Ascot, featuring horses that were the winners or top finishers of the 2000 Guineas, Irish 2000 Guineas, and the French Poule d'Essai des Poulains.
At the end of July, the Sussex Stakes (established in 1841) takes place at Goodwood Racecourse. This race, which was sporadically held until 1878 with often only one horse running—resulting in what was termed an "easy win" since only first place received prize money—gradually became established as the pinnacle race at Goodwood.
The Sun Chariot Stakes (inaugurated in 1966) is scheduled for early October on the Rowley Mile track in Newmarket, named in honour of the legendary mare Sun Chariot, who won the Triple Crown in 1942. During the war years, all Triple Crown races were conducted at Newmarket, where this exceptional horse earned her reputation.
The Mile category culminates with the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (established in 1955), showcased at the British Champions Day festival.
Middle Distance
The Coronation Cup (established in 1902) and the Epsom Derby (dating back to 1780), serve as the opening two legs of the Middle Distance category and are both contested at Epsom Downs in early June over a distance of 2,420 metres. These races, alongside the Epsom Oaks, are part of the Derby festival, where many horses often compete in all three events.
In mid-June, the Prince of Wales's Stakes (established in 1862) took place at Ascot over a distance of 2,004 metres. This race ranks among the top ten worldwide according to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The Eclipse Stakes (established in 1886), run in early July at Sandown Park Racecourse over the same distance of 2,004 metres, is named after the legendary 18th-century racehorse Eclipse, known for his remarkable winning streak. The phrase "Eclipse first, the rest nowhere" originated from this horse, emphasising his dominance. This race has become one of the most esteemed British Group 1 events.
Later in July, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (established in 1951) was held at Ascot, followed by the Juddmonte International Stakes (introduced in 1972) at York in mid-August. Although these races are relatively new, they have gained significant global recognition. A top finish in either race solidifies a horse’s status among the world's elite runners, and post-career, they are often regarded as exceptional sires.
The Champion Stakes (established in 1877), covering a distance of 2,004 metres, serves as the concluding event of the Middle Distance category and is part of the British Champions Day festival at Ascot.
Long Distance
The Yorkshire Cup (first held in 1927) takes place in May at York Racecourse, covering a distance of 2,787 metres. This race represents the inaugural stage of the Long Distance British Champions Series, famously won by the remarkable stayer Stradivarius, who triumphed three times in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
The Ascot Gold Cup (established in 1807) occurs annually in mid-June over a distance of 4,014 metres. While some breeders prefer speedier horses over stayers, champions have demonstrated extraordinary speed and endurance over long distances. Legendary horses like Yeats, who won the Gold Cup four times, along with the illustrious Sagaro and Stradivarius, who each claimed victory three times, exemplify this.
In early August, the Goodwood Cup (established in 1813) was contested over 3,219 metres at Goodwood Racecourse, followed by the Lonsdale Cup (introduced in 1980) held late in August at York Racecourse over 3,270 metres. The illustrious Stradivarius won the Goodwood Cup four times from 2017 to 2020, and the Lonsdale Cup three times—in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
In mid-September, Doncaster hosted two prominent Long Distance races: the Doncaster Cup (established in 1766), covering 3,600 metres, and the St Leger Stakes (dating back to 1776), which spans 2,921 metres. The St Leger Stakes serves as the third leg of both the Triple Crown and the Fillies Triple Crown, while the Doncaster Cup rounds off the Stayers' Triple Crown alongside the Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup. Stradivarius, ridden by Frankie Dettori, achieved victory in the Doncaster Cup in both 2019 and 2021.
The British Champions Long Distance Cup, the culminating event of the Long Distance category, is staged on British Champions Day. Established in 1873 and originally known as the Jockey Club Cup held at Newmarket, the race was relocated to Ascot in 2011 and renamed. Stradivarius captured this title in 2018, while the French gelding Truchan won in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Fillies & Mares
The 1000 Guineas Stakes, established in 1814, requires no introduction. This prestigious fillies' race takes place annually in early May on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, following the 2000 Guineas Stakes. Covering a distance of one mile, it marks the inaugural leg of the Fillies Triple Crown.
Next in line is the Epsom Oaks, inaugurated in 1779, which runs over 2,420 metres in early June. This race serves as the second leg of the Fillies Triple Crown, and the last filly to achieve this honour was Oh So Sharp in 1985.
The third leg of the Fillies & Mares series is the Coronation Stakes, first held in 1840. This one-mile race for three-year-old fillies occurs at Ascot in mid-June, typically featuring fillies that have previously triumphed in the 1000 Guineas or the Irish 1000 Guineas. Additionally, the Falmouth Stakes, established in 1911, is a mid-July race for three-year-old fillies and colts over one mile on the July Course at Newmarket. Soviet Song is notable for winning this race twice, in 2004 and 2005.
The Nassau Stakes, which began in 1840, was held at Goodwood Racecourse in early August over a distance of 1,991 metres. The standout filly in this race's history is Midday, trained by Henry Cecil, who secured victories in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
The Yorkshire Oaks, first run in 1849, takes place in late August over 2,385 metres at York Racecourse. This race often features entrants that have previously contested the Epsom Oaks, with the Japanese-bred filly Snowfall winning both Oaks in 2021. Meanwhile, the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, which has taken place since 1946, runs over 2,406 metres on the final day of the British Champions Series as part of British Champions Day. Formerly known as the Princess Royal Stakes, it was originally held at Newmarket until it moved to Ascot and adopted its current name in 2011.
The British Champions Series showcases the pinnacle of British racing, uniting elite events, each steeped in rich history, to celebrate the heritage of the sport. This newly formatted series not only captivates audiences but also plays a vital role in enhancing and advancing the world of racing.