History
The climax to the seven-race QIPCO British Champions Series Fillies and Mares category is run over 1½ miles (2,400 metres) and is open to all fillies and mares aged three years and older (female thoroughbreds are known as fillies up to the age of four and mares from five onwards).
Whilst fillies and mares can contest all five category finales on QIPCO British Champions Day, having their own category gives them the chance to shine against their own sex without having to take on the best of their male counterparts.
Dancing Rain, who had won the Investec Oaks at Epsom and the German equivalent during the summer, rounded off her European campaign for the 2011 season in the style of a true champion when making all the running to win the inaugural contest in impressive fashion.
In 2012, the race went to Ireland in the shape of the Dermot Weld-trained Sapphire while in 2013 the race was captured by James Fanshawe‘s charge, Seal Of Approval. The race stayed in Britain in 2013 with Madame Chiang won for David Simcock and Jim Crowley.
But, Champions Day in 2015 provided connections with the perfect celebration of the season with their St Leger heroine Simple Verse, as she won convincingly.
Journey, runner-up in 2015, went one better in style in 2016 but was unable to keep her crown 12 months later.
Hydrangea took the spoils in 2017 before her stablemate, Magical followed up in 2018 making it back-to-back wins for Aidan O’Brien.
2019 saw the colours of Anthony Oppenheimer return to the winner’s enclosure for the third year running as Star Catcher ran out a ready winner in this race.
Previous winners
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Prize money |
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