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That was Champions Day 2024

The rain held off for the most part although the overnight precipitation did nothing to help the track.

KYPRIOS winning the British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot in England.
KYPRIOS winning the British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot in England. Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

While listed as Soft after the second race it was Soft, Heavy in parts and Ryan Moore when asked how the track was after the first sad "heavy".

However in the Long Distance Cup Kyprios was not be deterred and showed what an excellent stayer he is.  He just bowls along and nothing seems to trouble him and therefore is well able to produce a finishing kick.  Sweet William was persistent and took the second ahead of Trawlerman.  The Euphrates put in a good run but the trip was too far for him.  He'll stay in the little black book.

The Spring Stakes had 20 runners so the view that anything could happen was underscored by the results.  The win went to Kind of Blue 10/1 by a head from Swingalong 17/2 and Flora of Bermuda a neck away third. Beauvatier was in that tight bunch at the finish but only fourth however in Europe that would pay as there were 20 starters.

The F&M as expected went to Kalpana and we were delighted to see our tips Wingspan 12/1 run second and Tiffany 13/2 run third.

The Queen Elizabeth II also was no great surprise as the in-form Charyn took the honours.  Our lovely Facteur Cheval was second and Tamfana third.

And then to sober everyone up a 40/1 shot won the Champion Stakes – Anmaat, ridden by Jim Crowley and trained by Owen Burrowes for Shadwell.  Calandagan did all the right things except win and ran second and Royal Rhyme was another roughie that ran third on 25/1 for Burke-Lees.  Favourite Economics was found to have bled from the nose after the race.


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