Ascot Conditions Raise Optimism for Facteur Cheval’s QEII Bid

Connections are hopeful for a strong performance from Facteur Cheval in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, especially with the anticipated challenging weather in Berkshire.

The soft ground is expected to benefit Jerome Reynier’s talented miler as he aims to improve upon his runner-up finish to Big Rock in the 2023 Qipco British Champions Day event. Earlier this year, Facteur Cheval established himself as a top contender by winning the Dubai Turf.

The five-year-old Ribchester gelding has already made trips to the UK for the Queen Anne Stakes and the Sussex Stakes this season. Plans for the Breeders’ Cup Classic were ultimately shelved, but connections are feeling optimistic about his upcoming race.

Barry Irwin, CEO of Team Valor International, which co-owns the horse with Gary Barber, expressed: “We are excited about the race, and we hope the rain will come through, as we believe it will suit us better than the favourite (Charyn).”

“We trust that the rain will allow Facteur Cheval to perform at his best. I’ve spoken with the clerk of the course, who indicated that heavy ground could be a possibility on Saturday, and I’m committed to attending the race,” he added.

Irwin elaborated, “While the Dubai victory was impressive, we’ve learned that Facteur Cheval struggles on good to firm surfaces; he simply lacks the required turn of foot. What he thrives on is softer ground or ideally a longer distance.”

Although plans for the Breeders’ Cup have been postponed, testing Facteur Cheval’s abilities on dirt remains a priority for 2025. Valuable opportunities in the Middle East are under consideration for early next year.

“Next year, our goal is to try him on dirt,” Irwin mentioned. “We had aimed to do this at the Breeders’ Cup, but the timing wasn’t right. We intend to give him at least one dirt trial this winter, which could be in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, or both.”