British Champions Day Racing from Ascot

Qipco British Champions day, a fabulous day of racing. It's about

more than that. The reason thousands have poured through the

gates, the reason you are tuned in today is because this is the climax,

not just of one horse race's career but also the breeding of horse

races. Frankel is arguably the best we've ever seen, unbeaten in 13

starts. The good news is that the course is dry and clear. He

definitely runs in the Champion Stakes which will be our final race

here on BBC One. The Sir Henry Cecil trained cult

Frankel has been named horse of the year. One of the best horses you've

ever seen. The best in a lifetime. This is the greatest racehorse I've

ever seen. Frankel is certainly box office. The best horse in world,

perhaps the greatest racehorse we have ever seen. We have the best

racehorse in the world on official ratingsment The highest rated horse

in the world. It's the big, big one for Frankel. They are racing. He

begins to stretch out. Gets an immediate response. Acceleration.

In front by ten lengths. He dismisses his rivals. The brilliant

unbeaten Frankel. The sensational. You will never see another like him.

And this is the coolest man on the course, Tom Queally. He'll take the

mount for the 14th time and he'll be in charge of guiding Frankel

over a mile and a quarter of the Champion Stakes. Richard Hughes has

had the year of his life, will be crowned champion jockey for the

first time in his career and won seven winners at Windsor last

Monday. Peslier is on board his horse today. William Buick is here

too. Sovereign Debt, it's not a big day unless Frankie is here. He

teams up again with Colour Vision, the horse he won the Gold Cup on.

Johnny Murtagh has a book of good rides as well, including Dancing

Rain. These are live shots from our helicopter as it makes its way here

towards Ascot. That magnificent grandstand. It looks superb! Here

it is, the crowds are enormous today. It's been sold out for a

couple of weeks and they have come because it's champions day, but

more than anything, they have come because of Frankel. So it's a huge

relief that the rain finally eased off. Any fears there might have

been in the Henry Cecil camp were allayed. This is why so many of the

youngsters are here, waving their Go Frankel little whatever they are

called? Pallets. This is why I have to be with you, you give me the

words that I miss sometimes. Good afternoon, all. Good afternoon.

What a day. Exciting? Great day in prospect. Champions galore we have

here today. Of course, we are going to have the Grand Final of the

great Frankel. Here is the question. Is it the Grand Final of Frankel?

Is this definitely his last race? Will he be retired after today or

not? That's a very good question, Clare. I don't think the people who

train him, own him know the answer to that. I think they are going to

wait to see what happens today and I think we might get a very good

announcement that this horse might be staying in training. Wow. That

would be the best news of all actually. The The thing is, Henry

Cecil, not the best feeling guy in the world, he's not well, it will

help him. He'll never get a horse as good as this again to come to

the races and see a horse like this run, so why retire him, you know.

When he gets retired, we know he's going to be money-making machine.

People in racing don't just have horses to make money, you know,

they have to enjoy them. The owner believes the public own this horse

now. He believes that. Let's have a word with Teddy who's with Rishi

now. He looks after if racing interests of the owner of Frankel.

Remarkably calm on a day when a lot of people are tense and nervous

about the appearance of Frankel. You appear to be in charge of your

emotions? I try to be. It's going to be a great day and we are really

looking forward to it. How much has the rain, the changing ground, the

soft ground here, been a concern for you in the build-up to this

meeting? When I was driving down last night and everyone was ringing

me saying the rain's coming and it was ghastly, I was getting a little

depressed. I walked the course this morning and it's certainly softer

in the ten to eight furlong areas, Swindley Bottom, and there are some

softer patches there, definitely. As you come round the straight,

it's good really. It's certainly soft ground, but it's certainly

within Frankel's capabilities I think.

In terms of its capabilities and his appreciation of soft ground,

there's a School of Thought that he may find or be better than the

other horses on soft ground anyway because he's down one on soft

ground. There's indications that he won't be inconvenienced by it?

did well at Newmarket on soft. Shane who rides him all the time

said he handled it as well as anything and was seeming to be very

pleased with him. We've got to be honeful. Can you believe the

interest in here today on Frankel - - hopeful. Everyone's here to see

him? People are walking around with bill boards and little souvenirs

supporting him today. Must be extremely proud of what you are

seeing? I think the job Henry's done, prince Khalid for him, it's

the third generation home-bred, it's a huge thing to come here with

a horse today like this, and it's great that everyone's turned up,

enjoyed him and appreciated him. Wish you all the luck today. Stay

calm. Thank you. Need it. Lord Grimthorpe made reference to

Swindley Bottom. There it is there. The lowest part of the racecourse

that,'s why it's always the slowest. You can see from the top of your

screen that, is downhill until the turn. That turn is the lowest part

of the racecourse and always the softest part of the track. We get a

good feel for the condition of the track. We have the first five races

makes it so exciting is that the horses have been running against

each other all season because the Champions' Series creates a series

of races over different distances. The first one we are going to see

sprinters, the stayers, the middle distance horses and some really

keen competition for you right throughout the day. We start with

the stayers. Let's check the runners and riders in the first

race today. This is the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup

can see people milling around for the first race. Frankel-mania has

taken over. If you want to back the great horse, he's a general 1-4

shot. That means if you put �4 on, you will win a pound. A fabulous

supporting cast. This Long Distance Cup that opens up today is brill

yapt. This is how they bet: -- Opinion Poll. Barzalona, not always

the easiest of rides here, but he's trying to gets him settled down

here. The crowd get a chance to have a good look at him. Oh, hello,

just dropping his rein there. ain't running away with him. Look

at the fantastic balance of the jockey. His body's hardly moved. He

didn't bump the saddle, his backside didn't hit on the saddle.

Lovely balance. That is why jockeys are so good, because they've got

terrific balance. Dan with his feet firmly on the ground, or indeed in

it, Mick Fitzgerald is at Swinley Bottom so we can have a look and

see how good the ground is. The ground officially is soft,

heavy in places on the round course and soft on the straight course. We

are here, the softest part. You can just see, if I dig my heel in, it

goes in quite easily. It's making a decent print. The big problem you

have for Frankel is, they've got to have two races over this track

before he runs on it and it might get a bit poached but it's not

desperate ground. The heavy patches are few and far between.

This could be the most progressive horse in the field, the youngest

one certainly. This is Aiken and he's four years old. This is his

first time over two miles. Yes, he likes a cut in the ground. It will

be a test of stamina, but he's a progressive cult. He's going to

like the conditions. Jimmy Fortune who rode him before has said that

he'll get the two mile, so they are not worried about the distance.

important day for John Gosden, the first of his runners today and he

could seal the Championship? �500,000 in front of Aidan O'Brien,

so if he has a very good day today, has a couple of winners, that would

seal the trainers' Championship up here today.

You can see Colour Vision there with Sovereign Debt. Won the Gold

Cup. Wasn't it a great race as well? It was, and most of the

horses that run here today they ran in the Gold Cup but the gold cup

was running a -- run in a different time of the year. Most horses here

today would prefer faster ground, but there are a couple who like it

soft. We can have a look at the Gold Cup because it's absolutely

key. Four of the runners involved in that. Opinion Poll finishes

second. Fame And Glory desperately disappointing and Saddler's Rock in

the race again today. All horses prefer the faster ground. The horse

that finishes second here in the white cap, with Barzalona on board,

now he would be the horse I would think will change positions with

the grey horse that Frankie is on, Opinion Poll. Which is probably why

he's favourite today? Yes, he's the one that people know will handle

the conditions much better. You heard Mick saying the ground is

heavy in places, but the ground is soft. The Gold Cup was run on

really fast ground. Let's remember how God Fame And Glory is. In the

Derby. He finished second last time. This season's not gone to plan for

him. What do you think's gone wrong? They brought him up to be

the main staying horse, but he's failed on a couple of occasions. On

those occasions, the ground was on the soft side, so he's got the same

conditions today that when he runs badly. So you would have to, you

know, say that he's got it all to do today to win this race in these

conditions. But, we know he has got the ability to do so. Let us have a

look and see what price Fame And Glory is with John.

the others running. This is Ile De This horse did the Chester Cup and

the number land Plate. -- the Northumberland Plate. He went to

the sales and was unsold. Oh, hello, that's Rite of Passage he is trying

to go into the stalls and he is not liking it. This fella has been

running the National Hunt, so hasn't had to go into the stalls

for many a time. A. You wouldn't expect an 8-year-old to be saying,

"I don't want to go into these stalls." Rite of Passage is a Gold

Cup winner, a fair old time ago, in 2010. Fame And Glory is a Gold Cup

winner. Colour Vision, a Gold Cup winner, and then the unproven, the

potential of Aiken. And Saddler's Rock. Saddler's Rock was favourite

for the Gold Cup. He doesn't like soft ground. He's a firm ground

horse as well. He ended up winning the Goodwood Cup. I believe he also

ran at Doncaster. He hasn't had the conditions that he would like. He's

a horse that likes top of the ground. This is a good price and

everybody has come to be a champion. It doesn't matter what the

conditions are. They are still running even though the conditions

don't suit them. Your fancy is? going Forpadydeplasterer Opinion,

but I'm frightened about Aiken, because he is a horse that's on the

up. William Buick, a busy day ahead. Four rides. He rides Nathaniel in

the Champion Stakes, and they're off for this QIPCO British

Champions Long Distance Cup. It is over two miles. In the early stages

on the inside one of the first away is Fame And Glory. Out there too is

Ile De Re on the outside. Just behind them the grey Electrolyser.

Dropping in behind them is Colour Vision. Two or three away is Aiken

in the early stages. Saddler's Rock takes up fifth on the inside,

followed by the white cap of Opinion and back towards the rear

Rite of Passage, and two lengths Askar Tau. Just under a circuit to

go. The leader on settling down is Ile De Re, the grey by a length-

and-a-half. On the outside is Fame And Glory. Last year's winner in

second. In third Electrolyser, who is racing on the outside of Colour

Vision in the early stages. Two lengths further back is Aiken, who

is on the outside of Saddler's Rock. They swing down towards the mile-

and-a-half gate. Well back is Opinion with a white cap, followed

by Rite of Passage. And two oar three away Askar Tau. The pace is

pricked in these conditions. It is Ile De Re, the grey, out in front.

The Chester Cup winner and Northumberland Plate winner leads

by a length to Fame And Glory. In behind them is Colour Vision, the

Gold Cup winner of this year, tucked away on the inside of

Electrolyser. Two lengths back Aiken is travelling on the outside

of Saddler's Rock. All the time they are running downhill towards

Swinley Bottom. They are followed by Opinion. In the yellow cap Rite

of Passage on the inside of Askar Tau. Still heading downhill and

passing the mile. It is Ile De Re in this QIPCO British Champions

Long Distance Cup. He shows the way from Fame And Glory on the used.

Tucked in behind them is Colour Vision. A half length is another

grey. That's Electrolyser two lengths further back is Aiken, who

is travelling on the outside of Saddler's Rock. Three away then is

Opinion, Rite of Passage and out the back Askar Tau. Still no change

in the order as they race out of Swinley Bottom, the softest part of

the track. They race uphill now and it is Ile De Re in front bay length

to Fame And Glory. Two away Colour Vision has had the perfect run

behind them on the pace. On his outside is Electrolyser. Two

lengths to Aiken. Going well for William Buick. Half a length on the

inside Saddler's Rock. Two lengths to Opinion back in the field be

followed by Rite of Passage and Askar Tau. All the time climbing up

towards home. Five furlongs out now. On the inside Ile De Re bay laugh

henge Fame And Glory. Two away on the inside is Colour Vision, being

niggled from Electrolyser Behind then Saddler's Rock. Aiken still

poised with about four lengths behind the leader. Further back

Opinion with Rite of Passage and Askar Tau. Racing around the home

bend now. Three furlongs left to go in the long distance Cup and Ile De

Re is being tackled by Fame And Glory. Fame And Glory has put his

nose in front. Electrolyser on the outside pulled out wide. Aiken is

putting in a claim. Down the outside is Saddler's Rock. Inside

Fame And Glory has kicked for home. A length-and-a-half clear. Aiken on

the outside with Electrolyser and now Opinion has launched down the

outside by Mickael Barzalona. They've got a furlong to go. Aiken

moves up grabs the lead from Fame And Glory. They are followed bias

as, Saddler's Rock and Opinion has been pulled up. It is Aiken in

front. Here's Rite of Passage. Rite of Passage bursting through and

Rite of Passage has got up to win from Aiken. Askar Tau out wide is

third followed by Electrolyser and then Fame And Glory, Saddler's Rock,

a gap to Ile De Re. Opinion almost pulled up, second last. And last is

Colour Vision. Rite of Passage, what a sensational

comeback. 510 days off the track and here he is. He comes back to

win here for Dermot and Pat Smullen. They hit the line, Rite of Passage,

the 2010 Gold Cup winner has pulled it out of the fire. He's beaten

Aiken. Then on the outside Askar Tau. A gap then to Electrolyser in

fourth. In fifth Fame And Glory couldn't go on. Sixth is Saddler's

Rock. And then a long, long gap. Back to the seventh. Let's wait.

There's Ile De Re. The other two are the two Godolphin runners -

Opinion and just walking over the line - literally - Colour Vision,

the Gold Cup winner, is last. Rite of Passage ridden by Pat Smullen.

What a training performance by Dermot to produce this horse, a

dual-purpose horse. He's a good jumper. In fact he was one of the

favourites for one of the novices at Cheltenham not la long back as

well. He ran a place there I believe.

He's won a Gold Cup here as well. 8-1 the winner, Rite of Passage,

has run 3: 35.98. That's the time for the two miles. He is the winner

of our first race on British Champions Day. This is the long

distance Cup. It could yet be a day of shocks. The old boy has done it!

The oldest horse in the race at eight years old. The last time we

saw him was May 2011. And here he comes. Rite of Passage through to

win the long distance Cup. Aiken lugs across, gets tired, leads on

Fame And Glory a bit. Pat Smullen keeps pushing Rite of Passage,

keeps asking him and the horse responds, Willie. The first thing

that comes out in the race, Fame And Glory should go back to a mile-

and-a-half. That seems to be his distance. He doesn't get the two

miles. Aiken thinks he's -- sorry, William Buick thinks he's got the

race won. Two years the horse hasn't run for. He is eight years

of age by Giants Causeway. An unbelievable training performance

to bring a horseback on nearly heavy ground after two years of not

being on the track. Fantastic. when he was so reluctant to go into

the stalls, and he goes and does that! Look at his face. He looks

like he's been riding at Cheltenham with all that mud. This horse has

been to Cheltenham. That sort of experience has helped him today

obviously, because that was a little bit not just a horse race.

It was gruelling time for them. They were very, very tired. Horses

at the furlong pole were starting to go sideways because they were

very tired indeed. But this guy, what a performance by the trainer.

And the trainer's son is heavily involved in the yard as well. He

ran at Cheltenham in 2009 in the Bumper, he finished third, and in

2010 the Supreme Novices. Although he is eight years old he hadn't had

that many races. Aiken has run brilliantly well hasn't he? He's

progressed. He is tired, goes on top of Fame And Glory there. The

third horse, Askar Tau. He is normally a horse that loves rock

hard ground. He has run a cracker! Hasn't he run well? He is bay the

great Galileo. He is by mon dieu actually. Oh, sorry! Starts off a

great Champions Day by winning the two-mile race here. The QIPCO

British Champions Long Distance Cup. FANFARE

APPLAUSE Rite of Passage, who won the Ascot

Gold Cup here on good to firm ground has shown his versatility by

winning on today's going, which is soft, heavy in places on the round

course. To give you some idea, they ran 11.85 seconds outside of the

record. 11.85. It is pretty slow, that's for sure. Carrying the

colours of Dr Ronan Lamb. Scenes of elation there in the winner's

enclosure. Dermot, there he is, just disappearing out of the right

of the screen. A man who has trained two Melbourne Cup winners.

Classics and great staying winners as well. This is a training

performance of which even he would be deeply proud. Aiken went there

to win but Rite of Passage was just far too good, a classy performance

was Aiken at 4-1 and third was Askar Tau at 33-1. What a training

performance that was. You've heard Clare and Willie

mention what a remarkable training performance that is from Dermot.

Not only a return after a 510-day absence. He is getting older. It is

hard to retain that ability. We are trying to grab a word with the

winning trainer. Dermot, congratulations. Loads of people

are singing your praises. One of the greats of all time. He is a

special horse and he deserved to come back. You must remember he set

a track record in the Gold Cup, but he's had ongoing tendon problems,

serious tendon problems, so it is a special day to bring him back.

there ever a moment when you thought he might be retired? Most

times I thought he would be retired. He's always had this great will to

win, this horse. It was a matter of me keeping him sound, trying to get

him fit. We've had such a wet year and a wet autumn. It was very

difficult. I would liked to have had him away to work to be grass

gallops but we didn't do it. I had a huge concern with the fitness.

The plan was to take our time with him and hunt early on and ride him

to come home. There's nobody better than Pat to do that. Here he is.

Pat, that was a remarkable performance from a horse who hadn't

run for a year-and-a-half. And the trainer as well. It is probably one

of the most impressive training performances I've ever seen. The

horse has had a lot of problems and the boss has worked extremely hard

to. Have him ready for this race is something. At what point did you

think you were going to win? It was always about fitness. As soon as we

went over Swinley Bottom, we met the rising ground. It was brave and

I took the chance to go down the inside and it came off for us.

training performance obviously outstanding. The horse, going back

to how tough you have to be, to come back after this time. It must

be something that you find remarkable. It is a rarity in

horses and this lad has it in abundance. He showed it in his win

in the Ascot Gold Cup to. Come back on totally different conditions,

99.9% of horses would have given up at the furlong pole but he fought

himself through to a gap. talking point is the ground on the

round course. It is very soft at Swinley Bottom, but it is not so

bad on the straight. It is testing conditions. A last question to you

Dermot. You have won the Melbourne Cup. Where does this performance

rank in your training career? one of those very satisfying days.

When you are fortunate, everybody trainer, we only have a limited

number of good horses. Famous Name, and this horse. You have to get the

maximum out of them. You have to mind them and try to have them

right for the big days. This is one of the biggest tests I've faced.

I'm delighted he's come good on the day. We've got the horse, the

jockey and the answer. And the in the middle of the field, third

right at the back, fourth and fifth up at the front. That would tend to

suggest, Mick, that you wanted to be held up in this race. Nt Yes,

Pat smulen got stopped a couple of times. I spoke to a few of the

jockeys, even jockeys who ride horses that love soft ground,

they've all come back and said it's very soft ground.

Fame And Glory in second place. We'll have a look back at the

closing stages as they begin to turn into the home straight. Fame

And Glory hasn't won that badly at all. He's out in front in the pink

and green jacket. Here is the winner though, purple and yellow

coat. The best place to be for rim, is the rails? Yes, he's trying to

get up there. Jamie Spencer's gone on Fame And Glory and he's thinking,

I need a bit of luck here. He kept nudging away and luckily for him,

because the ground is that bit softer, they've come back to him a

bit and allowed him to get another one. You can see them coming

between the horses here, it's given him a bit of encouragement. Pat

smulen in no mood to be denied -- Smullen. They are all slows down,

so very soft ground on the round course today remember. A couple of

races, the straight sprint and the QEII Stakes over the straight mile.

Won't be as bad ont straight course. Happy scenes for all those who can

celebrate the success of Rite Of Passage. Nick Skelton there on the

left who won show jumping at the Olympics. Dr Ronan Lamb and his

wife, Anne. Good start to the day and Mick

skeltp, one of many gold medallists. -- Skelton. Sophie Christianson won

three Paralympics and we have a fantastic Olympic feel, a

celebration of all that was good about 2012. Tina Cook who was part

of the eventing team signing autographs and so many have come

together because they know this is a great day of sport and horse

sport. We have a few cross-country benches built here. That was saturn

and this is the lucky horseshoe. Fingers crossed all will be lucky

for Frankel. He could get beat. biggest test because of the ground

and because of the opposition as well. The French cult... A gelding?

Yes. I say that because that's why he couldn't race in the Ark. Yes,

he's a very serious horse. He possibly is one of the best horses

in the whole wide world because he's gone around the world and won

everywhere. Then you've got Nathaniel who missed the ark

detriumph, comes here, who obviously is one of the best horses

in training in England. Very good over a mile and a half. It will

feel like more than a mile and a quarter and could play into the

hands of Nathaniel. That race at 4.05. A fitting end to the season

and a fitting tribute to Frankel, we hope. The build-up to Champions

Day began with a special salute to racing's biggest champion. The

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment exercising their horses in Hyde

Park in a tribute organised by the Racing Post. Because Frankel is

such a phenomenal athlete and incredible inspiration, we just

couldn't turn this opportunity down. It's certainly never happened

before and I shouldn't think it will ever happen again so it's

extremely unique. On the track, James Fanshawe seeks to make it

back-to-back wins when he saddles Society Rock, fancied by his rider.

I think he's a horse you'll have to beat, regardless of ground. Dancing

Rain was impressive last year and she seeks to repeat her good form,

despite an 11-month absence from the track. She's as good as we can

possibly get her. We are petrified about the ground, but she's in good

form and she blew out on Wednesday and looked great to me. Richard

Hughes is fresh from winning seven races at Windsor on Monday. The

rider is looking forward to being officially crowned champion jockey.

Very proud. Tried hard and I got what I wanted eventually. Got up

behind Paul Hanagan. Character- building stuff that was! He was

Most Improved in the QEI ch. Aidan O'Brien is hot favourite over the

mile. Carlton House, in a last chance to provide the Monarch with

a Group U winner Jubilee winner, will be here. Second time out very

easily at Newbury on very soft ground, so I wouldn't see that as a

big bogey man -- Group I. In the Champion Stakes, John Gosden on the

verge of champion train Erhahon nours settles Nathaniel in his

final race before retirement. Cirrus Des Aigles also lines up.

With the French team believing they can upset Frankel's perfect record.

Yes, I want to beat Frankel because now it's raining in England. He

loves the ground like that. According to most professionals,

Peslier's view is optimistic, as they predictth win on the bounce

for the wonder horse that is Frankel. I hope he slaughters them.

The horse has infer disappointed throughout his career. He's a

certainty. A complete freak. We'll never see anything like him again.

I've been with him at least ten anyway. Keeps on beating by the

same distance. An amazing horse, looking forward to seeing him and I

hope nothing goes wrong and he shows his stuff.

Of course, Frankel-mania is gripping everybody. A couple of

interested race-goers. Keith, you have been racing over 45 years and

seen some good horses in your time? Yes, that's correct. Up until

Frankel turned up, I would have to say the best horse I'd ever seen

was Nijinski. Back in the days of Vincent O'Brien and Lester Pigott.

This horse is spectacularly different. How many times have you

seen him run then? 11. You have been to nearly all? Yes, except for

one when I was in hospital. Then I excused myself from an X-ray to go

and watch on the television, but yes, I've seen him and backed him

to win the 2000 Guineas at 12-1 which always endears a horse to

one's self-. Was he's a different class. The best you have ever seen?

I would say almost certainly, well definitely. Jane, you are seeing

Frankel for the third time? Yes, saw him here last year, fantastic

horse. Saw him at York ah horse -- saw him at York. Are you going to

see him? Hopefully. He'll win? Definitely. Thank you very much. A

couple of interested punters here today. Someone who seen Frankel run

a lot of times is Dave Yates who's joined me today. The SP of 1-4

would suggest it's a tough test for Frankel? If you followed the

betting, it would suggest it would be one to have tougherest tests. He

was 10-1 when he won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. He won the

Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. 4-1, 5-1 on, the betting suggests he's faces

a tougher task. If you use the market as your guide that,'s how

you would see it. If you look at say private racings, now I've been

looking at the Timeform ratings for this race and Frankel's races

earlier in the season. Timeform established in 1948, a brand leader

when it comes to assessing thoroughbred form. When Frankel won

the Queen Anne, he was rated ten pounds clear of acceleration. 10-1,

for the Sussex, he was 20 pounds clearer and now a stone. The

betting tells you it's one of his hardest tasks, the private racings

would tell you about one of -- it's one of the easiest. What about the

ground? If it was normal fast, summer ground, Frankel would be 10,

16, 20-1 on. We have had a saga towards the end of the week, will

he won't he run, Lord grimthorpe walked the track, kept everybody

informed and he's a runner. This is most extreme ground Frankel's raced

on, whether he's able to reproduce his best, I personally think hi

might get away with it, but I think he will. Will he win? I don't want

to be the Grinch that stole Christmas, but yes, I think that's

why we are all here. Standing here is a man who's had a tremendous

year in the saddle, William Buick. You are just five points behind

Joseph O'Brien. How much would it mean to you to win the title today?

Well, it's basically just means that you won the best race in the

country so it would mean a lot to me. That's what it's all about, to

be able to compete on the big stage. I'm fortunate enough to have a good

job and have great horses. Aiken, a big talking point today also about

the ground, what did you make of it looking ahead to Nathaniel running?

It's testing. You would expect that but it's not unsafe. It's safe.

It's not, you know, I suppose it could be worse if there was more

rain last night. They were fortunate they didn't get so much

overnight, but it's very testing. You saw the two-mile race. They

were bunched up near the line, so it's not going to be like a jump

race. It will be very competitive. How do you think Nathaniel will

shake-up today? He's the horse that's got closest to Frankel. That

seems an eternity ago? Yes, they've both achieved a lot since then.

Everybody knows about Frankel but Nathaniel has achieved a hell of a

lot. Just got touched off being a back-to-back winner. He's a

marvellous racehorse, has done very well and we are not here today to

finish second, we are here to win and I'm going to try my best, as

everybody is. He's in good form and everything's right on the day.

Touch wood we can give Frankel a good race.

Good luck. That's the bell going for the next race, the British

Sprint Cup... A great feel for the Qipco British

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

Champions Sprint Stakes over six backed the favourite. Willie, what

did you think of him in the paddock? Looks very good. He looks

in control of himself, not like a sprinter. He has given a bit of

trouble at the start when he ran against the Australian mare.

broke slowly out the stalls, didn't he? Missed the kick completely and

he was unlucky in that race. We don't want anything like that

happening to him today, but he looks in real tip-top condition.

The The trainer is worried about the timing of the year because he's

worried about horses lose form, but he looks magnificent. The way he

looks, I wouldn't have thought he'd lost his form. And he likes the

ground as well which helps? It's a bit firm.

We had an Irish winner in the first, could we have one in this? Slade

Power? Yes, he's been proven in the ground, so the ground, he will love

it. He's been winning, but he's been doing it so well and... I was

just going to say, Eddie Lyneham, remember his winner in 010, in the

none thurp? Yes, same colours. is totally proving... She looked

fantastic. She won the Abbay. Flying home at Longchamp a couple

of weeks ago. This might come a little bit quick but sprinters can

normally take races close together. She looked magnificent in the

paddock. This was over five furlongs. Today's race is over six.

They finished really well to catch up. There she is in the green

colours. The first two were having a battle royal. They changed places

three times, the second and third. They are having a battle royal and

got nipped on the post by this horse here, Wizz Kid, the French

filly. And last year she finished second in the race behind Deacon

Blue. There were only two French runners and she won it. Normally

Olivier Peslier rides this one but he is byy, so it is Gerald Mosse.

And Dunaden was beaten in Ascot at the King George wasn't he? Yes.

Let's join Rishi. He's alongside a gold medallist Paralympian. Another

gold medal-winning Olympician. Carl Hester. How are you? I'm very well

thank you. Having a great day. Still basking in the glory of

London? You think it is going to end when the Games finishes but it

is really only just the start. There's much more promotion to do,

many more people want hear about it and many more people want to have a

swing on the medal. That's what I've found. And today is a great

race day in its own right. I would love to hear your thoughts on

Frankel. Are you going to see him up close and personal today? What

are your impressions of what you've seen of him so far? For someone

like me, I'm one of the crowd. He to come today. I didn't want to

miss. This I wanted to see what he looked like in the real. I've only

ever seen him on television. That arrow-like speed is so, so amazing

to watch. I wanted to see it for myself in the real, because it is a

national treasure that I think everybody is so enthusiastic about.

I have never actually bet on a race. I know that might sound

unbelievable. I'm one of the tight ones at the back who says he might

but never does. We were talking this morning in our production

meeting what Frankel looks like as a racehorse, the fact he stays ten

furlongs and he is built like a sprinter. His backside is enormous.

The horses that you ride have enormous power. It's a huge

difference even when we talk about how big Frankel is. It is. I

probably own the best dressage horse this the world. When you talk

about Frankel's back end, where all the power comes from, and when you

look at my horse, you think, that horse has a backside like a cook!

He has an incredible movement. When I look at dressage you have to look

at the engine. The way the hind legs work creates this amazing

expression. Thank you Karl and have a bet on Frankel. I will. Thank you.

This is the view from the skies. Will it be interesting to see how

differently this rides. The straight course here was relaid a

few years ago. It is based on sand. It drains much better. After the

first they said it was very soft, some said soft to heavy. Jamie

Spencer said it was very bad. was on a horse that didn't get home.

Which does sometimes colour your opinion. Kite coo be a different

affair. This is Maarek, cantering down to

the start with Jamie Spencer on board. He won a listed race at

Newcastle. He love as good cut in the ground. This is a most

competitive race, Clare. The most competitive race of the whole day.

There's a lot of horses here. Six, seven, maybe eight horses you could

say could win this race. It is going to be very competitive.

among those six or seven you have Society Rock, Wizz Kid,

Restiadargent, who we had a bit of a flutter on. Then she got steamed

up in the paddock and we wished we hadn't. Maarek, Royal Rock maybe

has a chance. A lot of horses here have chances. But on paper we liked

the look of this filly. Black Caviar was very nearly beaten here

at Royal Ascot this summer. She was darn closed to winning, but she

finished third. She was only beaten within a length of Black Caviar.

They were making excuses for her that day, saing things didn't go

quite right. She is a filly that has to have things go right for her.

-- saying things didn't go quite right. This is Cirrus Des Aigles.

Some horses are autumn horses. He's been pretty busy so far this season.

As Willie says, it is a very open race. Cirrus Des Aigles could be

the surprise package. Would have to improve. Society Rock 7-2.

I cannot do the. That's alright, we forgive you. Medicean Man going

forward there with Pat Cosgrave on board. We have to watch Society

Rock to see how he leaves the stall. There is the French filly. She only

ran two weeks ago but she's all muscling. She runs quick. Society

Rock. That looks like him in the middle there. He will go in late.

He's having a hood put on. A sash across him. Second from the right

there. There he is getting a hood put on.

And there's Cirrus Des Aigles going past. Kieren Fallon will try to

make sure this time society jumps out of the stalls on the terms of

rest of the field. If he does that he's got a really good chance.

in charge of Society Rock. A really good chance, I must finish that

sentence, adding to the success of last year. Society Rock will go off

joint favourite with Wizz Kid. A very open race. Let's join Jim.

Queally, the first of his two rides before Frankel. He's on Imperial

Guest. They are set to go for the sprint. Shouts from the stalls, the

jockeys weren't ready, but now they are. Royal Rock eased in behind

this the early stages. Rest rest began well on the far side and

Jimmy Styles is there in the centre. Van Ellis on the far side. In

behind them is Wizz Kid, in company with Libranno. Further back is

Hawkeyethenoo. On the nearside we've got four runners there as

they race up the stands rail. It is The Cheka who is there on the

nearside, showing the way from Imperial Guest. Behind them is

Maarek, being pushed along and Medicean Man not that far away. Out

of the centre is Jimmy Styles who shows the way from Restiadargent.

Further back Van Ellis the far side. They are followed by the blue

jacket of Elusivity from Libranno and Wizz Kid. On the nearside The

Cheka showing out from Imperial Guest. They are followed by

Medicean Man and Maarek. They race past if two. On the nearside The

Cheka under pressure, grabbed by Imperial Guest and Maarek is

bursting through. In the centre Van Ellis, Restiadargent, and here's

Society Rock! Society Rock in the centre, but Maarek on the stands

rail has burst in front. It was Hawkeyethenoo and Society Rock, but

as they race towards the line Maarek has just got there there

from Hawkeyethenoo. It is tight for third. Cirrus Des Aigles flew home.

A photo with Society Rock. They are followed by Imperial Guest and

Slade Power. The Cheka, followed by Wizz Kid and Medicean Man and Lewis

lufplts further back Van Ellis, Restiadargent -- Elusivity, further

back Van Ellis and Restiadargent and Jimmy Styles with Royal Rock.

Another one for island. Two out of two. Number six Maarek, owned by a

syndicate, trained by David Nagel and ridden by Jamie Spencer, has

beaten Hawkeyethenoo. Tight for third. Cirrus Des Aigles in the

centre made just have got there. From on the nearside very tight

fourth there, Imperial Guest, and Society Rock. Top of the screen.

They are followed by The Cheka, who ran so well for so far. They are

followed by Wizz Kid. On the top of the screen, Slade Power crossing

the line, in company with Elusivity in the blue. Then Van Ellis, who

was just behind them. Third in the early stages. Medicean Man on the

nearside was one of four that came up that stands rail to behind the

others and then Restiadargent. Then Libranno. A gap Royal Rock in that

black cap, followed by Jimmy Styles, who was one of the early leaders.

That's the field. 15 of them you've seen there. The winner is number

six, Maarek, ridden by Jamie Spencer. Second is number two,

Hawkeyethenoo, Graham Lee. Third is number 9, that's Cirrus Des Aigles,

Shane Kelly. And fourth is number three, Imperial Guest, ridden by

Tom Queally. But Jamie Spencer reigns supreme in the sprint A pat

on the back for Jamie Spencer for getting to the rail. That makes a

difference. He is on a horse that loves soft ground. When a horse is

getting tired, it helps. Maarek has done well to outlast the others. It

is amazing how the race changed. Those up at the front faded. David

only has a small yard. This is very much the star of his yard.

excuse for him running last time was they didn't go fast enough for

him, but today they went really fast. As you were saying, Clare,

all the horses that were up front dropped away and the horses from

the back came forwards. That might have something to do with the

ground. But obviously they went fast enough for him today to give

him a leave. They got to the furlong-and-a-half. I think

possibly running on the rail is a slight help, as was the length, and

maybe the ground might have drained a little better there. In years

gone by you could always come up the stands rails for the faster

ground. That was before the new slipstream of another horse, and in

company with other horses. Restiadargent and Van Ellis, they

fade and through comes Society Rock, comes to challenge but maybe can't

finish it off on this ground, and Maarek has flown. Three or four

lengths clear there. Hawkeyethenoo finishes well. The Scottish horse,

Hawkeyethenoo. He ran a blind tore finish second. And Cirrus Des

Aigles. I said most of the crowd have arrived but Her Majesty the

Queen making her arrival. She will be presenting the trophy for the

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes... Unless she wins it herself! APPLAUSE

And Maarek still very much on his toes. The sprinter all get a little

bit geed up. His heart rate will be very high. This is the time when

horses can be a little dangerous and do things unexpectedly. Can I

ask you a question? As an extremely experienced jockey, watching what

you've seen for the first two races, if you were Tom Queally or any of

the jockeys in the later races, what are you thinking? Well,

obviously the first thing is it is very testing. The ground is very

tiring, so the thing is it is no good getting the race won at the

furlong pole. So delay your challenge? I'm saying reserve your

horse, keep saving, keep saving, keep saving, because you have to

get to the winning post. The winning post is where the money is,

not at the furlong pole. You have to save, save, and save, especially

this these conditions.. As a jockey do you make yourself count to ten?

Do you say, "I want to go now but I'll wait?" It is one of the

hardest things I had to do. I used to say to myself, "Must wait, must

wait" but a little fella inside your head makes your arms start

bumping before you should. Your brain is saying no, but a little

fella is saying "go for it, because you can get there" but sometimes

you can go to too soon. These conditions are saying keep saving,

because you have to get to the winning post. On the other hand, if

you get yourself in a situation where you get well clear when the

ground is soft like this, they are not going to catch you. You can

give weight away but you can't give course is a lot better, a lot

quicker, if you like, if that's the correct term, than the round course,

it's still pretty slow, as you can see. Nearly five seconds outside

the record. Jamie Spencer racing here last year. Successful on Fame

And Glory. Second year at this meeting and he's won the sprint on

Maarek, a really good consistent talking about Rite Of Passage and

what a tough and courageous performance that was for a horse

out for such a long time. This horse has been busy this year?

he's been very consistent all season and, you know, he's worked

everything out perfectly. Do you think it mattered about the

course? We wouldn't have gone there if Neil hadn't gone there. He's a

good horse. He handles softer conditions well. The Cheka was

always going to give me a good lead. At the Curragh he pulled up with

100 yards out. A bit further, he would have won more comprehensively.

The winning trainer, David. What convinced you after getting beaten

last week that you were going to come to Champions Day today?

Curragh didn't really work out right. We were beaten by a very

good filly. Ours just lost her way. Soft ground, he loves soft ground.

Why not? He's in good form all season. Absolutely. How easy has it

been to keep him in such good form after such a tough campaign? Well,

he does a lot of swimming. Miles are on the clock, kept him fresh

all year. Feelings on the winning the Qipco? Let you know when it

sinks in! Let us have a look at the start of this sprint race which has

is here now. Cirrus Des Aigles just had a very anxious moment. He got

out on reasonable terms for him and he said he ran a very good race and

just got left on his own a bit. Jamie Spencer strong on his own.

The one with the white cap was the eventual winner, three from the

right. He's held up in the last of the four at the race stand side.

Cirrus Des Aigles and Haukeyethenoo held up here. Those that have been

out in front in this contest have used up a lot of energy. It's been

difficult for them. The closing stages here. There is the winner,

Cirrus Des Aigles coming through and Lindsey Ann Hawker there. --

Haukeyethenoo there. I had a word with Graham Lee, he was delighted

and very proud of his horse. He tried to follow Keiron's horse

through. Society Rock has a great record here. Five out, she was left

with loads of space. Very different to Longchamp. Under the stand side

rail where the winner comes from and again, the ground is a massive

factor here today. Some of these will be running next year. Some of

them, you can rule out their performance today because they

absolutely hated these conditions. Going back to the stables now,

there's our winner, Maarek, and we have had two Irish-trained winners

so far on British Champions Day. Could be the first four.? Exactly.

Coming up, we like Sapphire, Was and Aidan O'Brien. The Irish are

going to have a very good day here. At the moment they've won two.

have had a few horses not cope with the conditions. Are you surprised?

The sprint there, the form and sprint there, I thought it was very

competitive and there was at least eight horses that could have won.

That's exactly how it's turned out. The ground is definitely making a

difference. Huge success there, the trophy

presentation there. In the early hours of this morning, there was a

win in Australia for this team. Thanks to him, we have this great

Champions Day because he's the sponsor of Qipco. He's clapping the

winners and it's thanks to him that we've got this fantastic day here.

Talking of Champions Day, the man we know will be champion jockey

because he's so far in front he can't be caught in Richard Hughes

and let's celebrate with him now. Monday afternoon at Windsor, seven

winners from eight rides. Did you think two or three maybe?

Definitely thought two or three. A good race. You never believe you

will do anything like that. It's a lucky track for you? Two-year-old

there is ever ry Monday. We seem to win the first race on Monday nights.

One of them, Ryan very kindly gave up his ride in the very last race,

is that right? Yes, probably after the fifth race so when I got beat

on the sixth race, I still knew I had three favourites left. It was a

fantastic afternoon. We are at the track where your little Italian

mate managed to do it as well. You managed to do it at Windsor. You

did a flying dismount. We'll have a look at number eight. The big white

face there did well. Did you take a bit of encouragement to do the

flying dismount? I was asked to do it. I'm not made to do them with my

legs, but I was happy to be in one piece after that. Were you always

going to? No, they kept going on about it. It's a long way down,

even for a tall guy like you. Not bad. Pretty pathetic. Frankie call

youd from Canada, didn't he? Yes, he said he was proud of me. That

was lovely that he called. Fabulous thing to do. Ground today, you have

just ridden in Libranno in the race. How is the ground going to be for

the next one? She won on soft ground, the ground is soft, but it

should be in the middle of October, so no complaints there. The horse

that everybody's watching this afternoon is Frankel. You were the

only person to ride his mother, a filly called Kind and you did win

on very heavy ground on her one day, didn't you? I went up to Hamilton

one Sunday and there was water lying in the dip on the racecourse

and we didn't know whether the race was going to go ahead. It was her

most impressive performance. Frankel is anything like his mum,

you don't think he'll have any problem with these conditions?

have to build a brick wall. You are a long way clear fortune jockey?

How many years have you been waiting to be champion jockey?

when I was 15, to be honest, so a long time. Congratulations and very

well done on Monday afternoon. Thank you. Thrilled for Richard

Hughes. An extraordinary 12 months it's been. This time last year, he

handed his licence in because he was cross with the bans he got over

fact he started with a ban on something that happened in India.

He missed the whole of MASH and lots of April. He wasn't allowed to

ride because of something he did in India which was controversial

because something with the rule that you mustn't do which it is

different to the rules here. were champion jockey five times.

Yes. Stkpw how important is it, how pleased are you for Richard Hughes

to be able to say, I'm champion jockey, and for you, was that the

thing that you are proudest of in your career? Yes, because it's day

in day out. You're superior to the jockeys in the weighing room

because you proved yourself to be a hard worker. That's what it's all

about. Day in day out, consistently doing the job and getting it done.

It's a mighty thing to be a chaun jockey in this country. -- a

champion jockey. They are up early in the morning

and travelling as well, 400 miles a day. It's expensive with the petrol

now. Yes, jockeys can be out-of- pocket. You have to be riding two

and three horses every day to make it pay, so it's very difficult for

jockey who is're only getting one ride and then, of course, you don't

get many winners, so you are not getting much percentage coming in.

It's a tough life! Hughesy should be proud of himself! Yes. This man,

swg spent all those years driving all around the country to win the

competitions, you turn your hands to television. Keep going. What a

joy it's been to work alongside him. We have had 14 years together, you

have done 15 and 16 years together and we'll just take this

opportunity to remind you of what makes Willie Carson so special.

I hope you are ready at home. You are the Kingers of the trainers.

You are the prince. No, no. Red mark here. That's when she hit me.

I did not hit you. You compared me to a big strong colt. You are a big

like that "Yes"! To me. How lovely. Willie never misses an opportunity!

Who was he kissing? I fell into that one. I could smack Willie

"Everyone needs a Willie". you're mine. Shall we go outside.

I'm your little Willie. Let's go out quickly, quickly, quickly.

that... It's going to be very hard to beat

that, to be honest. I was asked who was the funniest man I ever met the

other day and I said you. You are funny in lots of ways. Completely

unpredictable, a joy to work with, always laughing and making sure

it's entertainment. That's what the people want, they like it. Actually,

I believe, when people talk to me, they like me taking the mick out of

you! Brilliant. I'm so pleased. It's not easy, either, I can ashur

you. The reason people have come here today so not so much to say

goodbye to you, it's because of this horse. You have the chance to

put your face into the gap there to pretend you are riding Frankel. You

due off. A field of just six. Frankel is the odds-on favourite.

And there is the man. I was asking you early what you would think if

you had been watching the first two races, from your experience, Willie,

Tom has done a brilliant job on Frankel. If you could have a

whisper in his ear, what would you say right now? I would say, be cool.

Don't let the occasion get to you. Just go out there and do the same

thing, be as cool as you've always done. It's just another race.

That's how he's got to take it. He looks lovely and cool. Give us a

wave. Well done. Thank you. Just keep cool and don't worry. You're

sitting on a phenomenon and you are just going to let him go through

the motions and everybody's going to be happy at the end of it. It

won't be his fault if the horse gets beaten. Will it be the ground.

That's the only worry. What's he woishing about? Nothing. -- what's

he worrying about? Nothing. The Tom has to prepare for life

after Frankel. There'll be another horse like that. We think he's the

best we've ever seen. I compared everything with my horses, because

they were the best horses I ever rode. And of course you get such a

thrill out of riding those horses. Everybody out in the streets talk

about. Still people come up to me and talk about those horses, with

affection. What Tom Queally is going to get in the next 30 years

is affection from the public coming up to him and saying, "What was it

really like to ride a horse like that." He can replay it to them.

He's the Moon getting all the pleasure out of Frankel, because

he's the man that is in the driving seat. He's the man that's getting

the biggest pleasure of any jockey that there's ever been. He is the

man that's rode the fastest, the pravest, the strongest horse -- the

bravest, the strongest horse that, in my opinion, there's ever been.

He is the best. It is unbelievable and we are in for a big treat this

afternoon. To just see this horse gallon ground that possibly he

doesn't like, and -- gallop on ground that possibly he doesn't

like and still win. Cirrus Des Aigles is regarded as the best

horse in the whole wide world without Frankel. He's got a big

test on his hands. Let's hope that Tom Queally keeps cool and gets the

job done. If that hasn't got you excited about the Champion Stakes

later, nothing well. Coming up next is the QIPCO British Champions

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

Two wins to Ireland. They've got British Champions Fillies' And

Mares' Stakes is from Ireland, Sapphire.

Dermot Weld looking for a quick Your favourite is Sapphire, 9-4.

This is Sapphire cantering down to the start. Pat Smullen and Dermot

Weld have already won the first, with Rite of Passage. You would

think that Sapphire would have a decent chance of winning this QIPCO

British Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes. You like her don't

you? Yes. She's not a strong filly. You would nearly call her on the

weak side looking at her there. She's not a heavy animal. She love

this is ground. On the last three occasions she's been in it, she's

been beat... In the Pretty Polly race. He pipped her up high at the

Curragh and beat her. She is obviously the one to baects because

she handles the ground. -- she is obviously the one to beat.

Let's talk to Tom Queally. Tom, what is it like to have the best

seat in the house? I wouldn't swap it for any other seat. For you as a

jockey this must be dream stuff really. A dream come true. It is

amazing to be part of it all. A tremendous privilege to be the man

on his back. Everyone is here to see him and who they like it or not

they are going to have to look at me too. I think you have grown into

the role as his jockey. I know him so well. You know yourself, you get

to know their traits, theirins and outs, their strengths and

weaknesses -- their ins and outs, their strengths and weaknesses.

What about the ground? I saw you walking it? I've had a look at it.

We would prefer it to be quicker but it is what it is. I don't think

it will be a major concern. We'll see what happens. The best of luck.

Thank you Mick. Tom Queally looking forward to the challenge ahead.

This filly, Great Heavens. Really stepped up to the mark. Nathaniel

was meant to run in the Arc. He had a problem, was running a

temperature, so they pulled him out of the Arc. They supplemented this

filly. That's quite a big thing to ask a three-year-old filly to do.

She ran brilliantly. For a stride or two looked like she might be in

the first three. That was a very tough race for a filly in the Arc

de Triomphe. Although three-year- old fillys have sometimes won the

Arc. You wouldn't have thought it was the right thing to be doing. It

is not very long since the Arc. days. Yes, so travelling to France

and running on soft ground there, coming here on soft ground. It's a

big ask but she's a very good filly. And here is another very good filly.

Dancing Rain. Hasn't run for a whole. She had chips removed. Won

the Oaks last year. Top class. Very consistent until they found these

problems at the end of the season. Two chips were taken out, which

were causing the muscle spasms she was having. It has taken a long

time to get her back on the track. I would have assumed Johnny Murtagh

would have had the choice of Dancing Rain or Vow. He's chosen

the older filly, probably because she's proven... They would have to

think this is the better filly. she likes soft ground. She hasn't

run for a year. William Haggas is trying to bring this filly back

from injury, without a prep race, to win this group 2. Can he do a

Dermot Weld, who has come back from two years off with an injury? It

would be nice if he could do the same as Dermot Weld. This is last

year's Oaks winner, Was. A very nice filly, Galileo again.

Everybody was thinking she was lucky in the Epsom Oaks. Maybe she

was. She's been beaten by horse who is have run in the Oaks since.

Shirocco Star ran second at Longchamp last. She is the toughest

filly in this race. She's had lots of racing. I would really love her

to win a big one. Just because she is so consistent. Was on inside.

Wow wow on the inside, finishing -- Vow on the inside, finishing fourth.

Johnny is going to be the last one in, on Dancing Rain. Going forward.

Johnny won on this filly last year. Can they do it again they are

racing in this QIPCO British Champions Fillies' And Mares'

Stakes. The first to begin in the centre was headed by Dancing Rain

on the outside. Just in behind them Great Heavens and followed by La

Pomm D'Amour. There's very bright pink sleeves and cap, on the inside.

They race downhill all the time. Two or three lengths is Sapphire,

on the outside of Shirocco Star. Semeyyel is further back. Vow third

from Testosterone. Last is Johannes. All the time running down -- last

is Jehannedarc. They are getting away from that inside rail. Dancing

Rain is the leader. Two to three horses off the rail. Was in second.

Tucked behind them is La Pomm D'Amour. A length away is Sapphire,

followed by Semeyyel, followed further back by Vow and Jehannedarc.

Racing out of Swinley Bottom. Dancing Rain, last year's winner

for Johnny Murtagh shows the way from the Oaks winner Was. A length

away La Pomm D'Amour, on the inside of Great Heavens. A length-and-a-

half Shirocco Star and Sapphire in the red cap. Looming large on the

outside for Pat Smullen. Two or three away is Vow, followed by

Testosterone and Jehanbux. All the time -- Testosterone and

Jehannedarc. The leader is Dancing Rain by a half length to was was.

Shirocco Star getting closer behind them. Great Heavens. On the outside

is La Pomm D'Amour followed by Sapphire. It is Dancing Rain still

the one to catch. Now a length-and- a-half, Was on the outside. Shen

Shirocco Star. Great Heavens on the outside. La Pomm D'Amour behind

them. Sapphire held up by a run. Followed by Semeyyel. Two furlongs

left to go. Dancing Rain on the far side trying to hold on, being

grabbed by Shirocco Star, who gets her nose in fronts. Now Sapphire is

out of the pack and starting to run home strongly. Then clear then of

Was and Great Heavens. Sapphire on the outside puts her neck in front.

Shirocco Star is has Sapphire is starting to draw away. A double for

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen. Sapphire wins from Shirocco Star

and Dancing Rain. Behind them Great Heavens, followed then by Semeyyel.

Further back in the field is Testosterone, Jehannedarc, Was, Vow

and la lamb. Three out of three for Ireland on British Champions Day.

The visitors. They are really making a mark. Sapphire, what a

talented filly. She's won it easily from Shirocco Star. Second in the

Oaks. Second in the Irish Oaks and now second in the QIPCO British

Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes. Dancing Rain, so brave

today. Tried to leave lead all the way. On the nearside Testosterone

has come from last. Semeyyel on the far side. Was didn't run on at all.

Jehanbux in the black and red colours. Vow is further back. Got

very tired. These conditions really testing. Sapphire has been very

highly thought of. She completes a double for Dermot Weld and Pat

Smullen, who was successful with Rite of Passage. The one, two,

three and four: first Sapphire. Second, Shirocco Star. Third,

Dancing Rain, and fourth Great Heavens, ridden by William Buick.

I'm fairly sure that's Dermot Weld's further winner from five run

ers in Great Britain this year. He really is the master of the

selected target. Selected target? He's the master. Selected targets

around the world. Exactly. He's conquered America, Australia,

England, France. Where else? He's been mosts. He is pretty wise isn't

he? He's a very good trainer. He's a trained vet you know. He started

off a vet. He's been very Smullen's fitted into the job well.

Well done, Pat. You've had a very, very good day so far. I don't think

you have got anything left, no, you haven't. That's it. Finished. Had a

very good day. Talk us through the race. Dancing Rain liked to make

the running? She did it. Johnny was trying to wait in front and Keiron

was waiting with Shirocco Star? Ryan Moore wasn't letting Smullen

to go slower. There's Shirocco Star. I feel so sorry for this top

genuine filly. She runs so many brave races. She's run at top

league all the time, Group Is, Group 2 and she keeps finding one.

Sapphire who has been running on soft ground the last four times,

this filly just loves sound ground and she's used to it. Shirocco Star

has been running on firm ground, soft ground and good ground and

still runs genuine every time. There you have this improving filly

and she just got beat at the Curragh by John Gosden's filly.

The crowd are being give fn a chance to see all the winners. --

given a chance. It feels more like a jumps day because of the weather

as well? Yes, no cold wind whistling. The soft ground and also

the race goers that have come appreciating the horses and the

efforts they've made? They've come to see one horse basically, but

they are seeing a lot of other champion s as well. Here is one

coming into the winning enclosure now with Pat Smullen getting in

here and giving Aidan O'Brien a bit of something. Here we are. The

trumpet parade or what do you want to call it The fan far. This's the

word! The fan tear coming and playing for the Qipco champion

fillies and mares stakes. -- fanfare.

A really big crowd here, 32,000 sell out for Ascot today.

Distances, two and a quarter length, two and three quarter lengths and

the time 237.32 is actually about 10.5 seconds outside the record.

You could see Johnny Murtagh trying to get away from the inside rail as

they ran down to Swinley Bottom, the softest part of the course. Not

surprising to see that tactic. They are getting through it slowly. It's

supposed to be British Champions day. We have had three Irish

champions sofar. This filly's a real gem. She's got real class and

talent. And she's won it extremely well. Here she is. Pat Smullen

again. Really big day for him. Big prize money here this afternoon.

Let's check the full result on race three, the Qipco British Champions

three races, three winners. Dermot Weld is having a fantastic day. I

spoke to him last week about what runners he might have and he

mentioned that Sapphire would be his intended runner for this race.

I thought Princess handicap highway would be but she ran in Canada.

Dermot, congratulations, I talked about the candidates for this race.

Princess highway went to Canada. So when did you make the plan for

Sapphire to run here? It was either going to be wp Princess handicap

Highway or this filly and with the weather forecast, it looked like

being dry ground in Canada and a good cut in the ground here and

this filly appreciates a nice ease in the ground. Hence we decided on

here. She ran a fantastic race last time out. Over a mile and a half, a

remarkable record? Unbeaten I think on a mile and a half. We considered

running her in the Irish Z ledger and wasn't happy with her up to the

race -- the rish St Leger. Today? Ascot's always been lucky for me.

We have been fortunate to have 17 Group races here. A word with your

jockey. Pat, it seemed to go well for you, a good gallop upfront and

she loves the trip? Very confident of a big run from this filly but

it's always nice to ride a winner because you can be extra confident

on one. I sat there, went a good pace and had to get her to settle

but she travelled extremely well and I was happy for Keiron to kick

first and do him late. She's she's a very good filly on this ground

and the temptation was to run her in the Irish Leger but she wasn't

quite herself and again the trainer showed great patience and produced

her in tip-top shape. Is the ground getting any worse? It's going to

get worse no, question, but maybe later in the day they might go

further off the inside rail to avoid what's been chewed up there.

No getting way from the fact that it's testing ground. That's why

this filly comes into her own. She's won three time this is year

on deep ground, so that'll tell you. What a great day it's been. Well

done. A special day. Well done. I hope it will be a special day for

Henry Cecil. Very pleased to see him here at the races. There was a

big dinner at Windsor Castle last night for people involved in Qipco.

His wife was there. But Henry going through chemo as he has to do

generally and, by his own admission, not feeling 100%, but here because

Frankel, his star horse, is making what may or may not be his final

appearance on a racecourse. That is an interesting question as well.

Will they decide and could Khalid Abdullah announce today that

Frankel will stay in training as a five-year-old? That would be

seasonisational. There is a strong argument that they don't reach

their peak until they are five. very true. It's the norm to send

champions like Frankel off to stud because they can earn so much more

money than they can racing. But there is a big but here. Henry

Cescle, as we could see there, -- Cecil, as we could see there, if he

says to Prince Khalid, I would love to train this horse next year,

he'll go. Whatever he says goes? Yes. Wouldn't you if you were Henry

say that? They are both getting hold, prince Khalid and Henry. They

are never going to have a horse like this ever again, so why not

enjoy him on the racecourse. That's what we all do. Then there's Prince

Khalid who's said, he's not my horse any more, he's the public's

horse, so maybe that'll just influence a little bit to keep him

in training. But we know that the horse could go off to stud and make

fortunes, but Prince Khalid, I believe he's a billionaire, does he

need the money? Would he rather have the pleasure of seeing his

horse run? I would think there is a big chance he might stay in

training. When your horse is a gelding, rather than a colt, there

is no decision to make because you can't send them to stud. One of the

horses that has the ability to win this last year is a gelding that's

not allowed to run in the Arc de Triomphe. It's one of the

peculiaritys of that. And a gelding can't run in the gold Cup as well

unless they've changed that. That can't be right - I don't think

that's true. Well... I don't think that's true because Rite Of Passage

is a gelding and he won it a few years ago. Geldings can't run in

the Ark for definite. Olivier Peslier there closes down a

Japanese horse. Peslier won the Ark for the fourth time. Look at him

celebrating in this extraordinary race.

The horse in front there, Japanese horse, he started to stop. He'd

been at the front too long. The post script to that was that

Peslier won the race and of course, you've got the other one put his

hand out to say well done, but as he put his hand out, his horse took

off. There was still petrol in the tank! That horse seems

straightforward and he's the absolute pride of his trainers' eye.

Mick Fitzgerald went to a beautiful training centre to find out more.

We are here in picturesque home of this horse.

relationship with him He's my best friend. What is she like? She is

great, takes care of all the horses. He's been there for a long time.

home, he's a friend and a cheeky friend. No, no. Here we are

preparing him. What is it like for a relatively small stable taking on

the might of Sir Henry Cecil, Khalid Abdullah? I said once, it's

just like having a flying post, he puts his wings out like that, we go

to Ascot and Dubai. This horse is not bred to be a superstar like

Frankel? Sometimes you need just one horse for it to be the champion,

Des Aigles? Yes, because now it's raining in England and he loves the

ground like that, he knows the track and why not, you know. He's a

champion, so then it's like the day of the champion in Ascot. Yes,, he

can swim. Can Frankel? I don't know. Maybe on the night he will. If we

beat Frankel, I wouldn't be so surprised as I think he's a

tremendous horse. The thing is, the only way to know is to run them

together. You are not scared? Eye yes, well no, we shouldn't be

scared, if you are scared, you don't do.

As you can see, on occasions, they are quite gentle giants, but they

are very, very big and they can, as he showed there, have a mind of his

own. We'll have a look at his most recent race at Longchamp, Ark

weekend. He's about to take up the running, they use the long straight

there, very bad ground like today and he absolutely pulverises the

horses? To be honest, it looks like a piece of work for this horse.

Looks like these other horses are mugs and they are not. This horse

showed a liking for this surface. Looked in good health and they'll

be delighted when they see everything else struggling today.

He really can quicken on the sort of ground we've got today, so he is

a real problem for Frankel today isn't he? Absolutely. The fact he

revels in conditions swings things very much in his favour. Cirrus Des

Aigles, the great horse from France, trained by Corin Barbe, there.

We'll look back at him playing up at home again the other day. This

must be the pocket Corin keeps the polos in, because he wants to get

in She was keen to keep it shut, but unfortunately, for Corin, he

major dangerers. This is two years ago to the start of two equine

superstars - Frankel and Nathaniel. It is amazing they turned out to be

such good horses. This is their first visit to the racecourse.

Languishing at the back is Colour Vision, who ran today. It shows the

length and depth.Logical did we though that Frankel would go on to

do what he's done, and the same with Nathaniel. And Nathaniel stay

as lot further than this mile and a quarter. He won't be scared to take

on, if the Frankel team want a slow gallop, his young rider won't be

scared to take him on will he? That's for sure. Another

interesting thing about looking at that maiden at Newmarket was how

soft the ground was that day. It will give you some koft that he

will be able to handle the -- give you some comfort that he will be

able to handle the soft conditions today. And next is the Queen

Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO. Her Majesty the Queen is

making her way to the paddock. She has a runner in the race. Perhaps

the Duke of York will have the do the duties of presenting the trophy

if this horse, Carlton House, is successful. Teen Queen can't

present a trophy to herself. That would be quite funny. Carlton House

needs to bounce back. He's got masses of ability and one would

hope he runs extremely well. Up next is the Queen Elizabeth II

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 61 seconds

mile on a straight course. betting market with Dave Yeates.

Excelebration himself is an exceptionally good race hours isn't

he. Put it into context how good he is. Excelebration was beaten on his

debut in Nottingham in May a couple of years ago. Since then he's

unbeaten except when he has raced against Frankel.

He was beaten into second place by Frankel in this race 12 months ago,

at the Lockinge in May, and when Frankel thumped everyone in the

Royal Ascot. If that mating between Galileo and the mare hasn't taken

place... It puts into context what a good horse Excelebration is.

Ground-wise it is alright for him do you think? It seems it is soft

but not particularly extreme. Fingers crossed. It would be very

surprising I think if conditions were too soft for Frankel. I think

he will be fine this afternoon. if he wins it will be 4-0 to

Ireland. Her Majesty the Queen has now been

joined by Ryan Moore. John Warren who advises Her Majesty on

bloodstock. And Michael stout smiling and laughing away and

hopefully convincing everyone that Carlton House would be well suited

to the mile here. We know he stays that far. He was third in the Derby

as a three-year-old. Now four years old, he's bigger and stronger. This

could be his big day. Were he successful today it would be the

Queen's first Group 1 winner in this country since her Silver

Jubilee year in 1977. This is a hot race. Plenty of competition. Over

here we could the Coolmore teamened and here is one of the co-owners of

the horse, Excelebration, his record is so connistent and would

be even better if he hadn't come up against Frankel. There is no

Frankel in the race today. I would expect Aidan O'Brien is excited

about this race. Absolutely. He hasn't run in a while but I'm

looking forward to it. How excited are you at watching Frankel later?

He's the most incredible horse that any of us have seen. We hope it all

goes well for him. We wish you well in this race.

William Buick here rides Elusive Kate, the only filly in the race.

It is an exciting thing for John Gosden to suggest to the owners

that they do. All well? Yes, good thanks. I've never seen the place

so filled up. It is humming, all in anticipation of this race but

particularly the next. People are getting into their position so they

can see Frankel when he comes into the paddock for the next race. When

the Queen came in, she was applauded. I suspect Frankel will

be applauded as soon as he comes into the paddock. The jockeys are

making their way to get a leg-up. It feels excited and buzzy. I'm

sure the horses are feeling that excitement as well.

Willie, you were remarking about the number of people watching.

Quite a few of them have shouting for you as well. You can see all

the way round the paddock, there's hardly any empty spaces. Right the

way round the whole of the paddock, even at the royal meeting we don't

get that amount of people. Hiya, you OK? Jamie alright? He's fine,

he's happy, Mr Spencer. We were looking at the main contenders for

the QE2. Excelebration looks marvellous. A true professional. He

is walking around here nice. He looks in very good order. The one

animal that looks very hot is the filly. Elusive Kate. Number eight.

She is sweating up and the sweat is dripping off your underside. This

is quite usual, because fillys grow their coats quicker then the autumn

comes. In the colder weather, the winds get colder. A filly will

sweat more than a colt. Because her coat doesn't look long, they didn't

clip her, but obviously it is thicker than a colt's coat, so she

is going to be walking around. As they get excited, she's is going to

South West. It is not a big negative but it might be a little

one. She is a danger to Excelebration. The other two,

Carlton House, and Cityscape. Carlton House, we are finally going

to see him without a rug in a second. Your thoughts seeing him

now Willie? Meek el has just taken the rug off, thank you. He is just

starting to jig-jog slightly, but we've seen him in a worse state

than this in the past. He looks possibly cooler... And we were

talking about you riding his mum, Talented, in 1993. In Newmarket.

The Sun Chariot Stakes. Her mother. And she went to Sheikh Mohammed.

Sheikh Mohammed made this horse a present to Her Majesty the Queen.

The horse just behind Charlie Tokyo is Cityscape, the chestnut.

flashy colour. A lot of white comes from his stallion, Selkirk. He

looks in very good owner. He is in the colours of... Frankel. Exactly.

So can Frankel's colours have a double? I don't think. So I think

the first four races here today are going to go Irish. So you think

Excelebration is going to win? think Excelebration is the one they

all have to beat. I would indeed. He would have won 11 races if...

Ten out of 11 races if Frankel hadn't been this the race. He's

finished second to Frankel five times. It's a tough ask being up

against Frankel. But he hasn't got any Frankel in this race. Good luck

to Excelebration, without Frankel. Thinks the first of two Group 1

race which is will bring to a close our coverage on BBC One. They are

parading in front of the Grandstand, which adds to the test. Carlton

House leads in the colours of Her Majesty the Queen, with Ryan Moore

on board. He is able at 7-1. Sir Michael Stoute has won this

race three times. Last time in 1989. Playing up a little is Cityscape.

James Doyle sitting tight. Such an exciting new find, James Doyle, in

terms of the jockeys' ranks. He won a Group 1 race this Dubai at the

start of the year. Here is our favourite, 6-1 on, Excelebration.

And this is a horse that when Frankel is not around he tend to

win. Another one playing up slightly is Indomito. The cameraman

had better watch out there. Tom Queally. This is his last ride.

There's Side Glance, a 20-1 shot. Has been running consistently

without managing to get his head in front of late, but he will do well.

Jimmy Fortune on board. In the colours of the Qatari family who

sponsor this day. Our champion- jockey elect, Richard Hughes.

Sovereign Debt, Jamie Spencer riding for Michael bell. A 25-1

shot. He likes Ascot actually. He's won his first two starts here. And

as we go right back we will find Elusive Kate and William Buick. The

filly was a little bit warm in the paddock before-hand but looks

relaxed now. They head to the start of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Sponsored by QIPCO. It is the climax of the mile series of

British Champions Day. And there is the start, way down there. The

stalls, Willie, on the rail. Yes. Usually they put the stalls in the

middle, but they've elected to put the stalls on the stand side, which

I think is the best place for them, especially in a small field where

all the horses will have the rail to keep them straight and help

jockeys and hopefully it will sort of get a true run race. You got

Side Glance there. The only runner on the day for QIPCO, the sponsors.

Hopefully that will give them a big run. How is Andrew Balding's horse

going to run? He's won the best turned out.

Excelebration looking lovely. beautiful horse this. A deep girth.

He's such a professional horse. I feel a little bit sorry for him

to be second to Frankel all those times. Luckily they are half an

hour apart today. In the pre-Parade Ring Mick Fitzgerald is there. A

big crowd already awaiting Frankel. It is unbelievable Clare. Normally

when you've got a Group 1 about to start, it is deserted, everybody is

trying to get a vantage point, but all eyes are focused there, as

everybody wants a look at Frankel. I asked people why are they here,

is it purely to see Frankel? Hello? Hello. Are you here to see Frankel?

Exactly. A good position for a good photograph. Do you want to be able

to tell your grand kids, "I saw Frankel?" I suppose so. I'm not

looking that far ahead! There's a Group 1 about to start. Are you not

bothered about that? Are you worried just about Frankel? Today

was really about seeing Frankel. I would loved to have seen Carlton

House and the rest, it is really People want to stay there and see

the runners for the Champion Stakes. All these people around the paddock,

there is a fantastic race out front, but they are staying in the paddock

so they don't lose their spot to see the great Frankel. Talk me

through Cityscape. He looks like Selkirk. Yes. Selkirk was a goofy

horse and Cityscape does this thing with his tongue as well and swings

his head around to see the other horses. So you think he's blind

then? No, he's fun. I'm not saying he's blind. The guy sitting on top

of this horse, James Doyle, has a lot to thank this horse for,

because this is the horse that propelled him into this job riding

for Roger Charlton. This will be his favourite horse in life because

it's the horse that basically made James. Of course, he has, you know,

sort of blossomed ever since he won that big race in Dubai on this

horse. Those are the colours of King Abdullah. They've been

successful in this race, he's won it with known fact with observatory

and Frankel last year? Yes. I won this race... Loads of time, like

seven times or something. I think you have got that wrong, Claire.

How many times? Eight! And second twice. I apologise, I was wrong.

This is my last show, I can say the Hughes believes in him, doesn't he?

Yes, and his style of riding is not always the best way of riding,

given other horses rope, you know. Because on this straight course, it

won't be as bad as on the round course. There's Her Majesty the

Queen's horse, he is not getting as upset as he normally does, he's a

lot cooler today. Possibly he'll run a better race. He's let us down

in the past, will he do the same again today? We don't know.

hasn't let you down. Well, he has. There's ma'am sitting there. Sorry,

one more thing I meant to say about Most Improved. He won the St

James's Palace here over the same course and distance in June? Yes,

and this is the horse they backed for a lot of money to win the 2000

Guineas on his home reputation. Cityscape goes forward.

Excelebration, the odds on favourite will be the last one.

tingling, Claire, tingling. Control yourself! Carlton House very

restless. Off in and running. Elusive Kate. Cityscape.

Excelebration. Settling on the near side with the purple cap in behind

Elusive Kate as they pass the seven, they are followed by Side Glance

and further back, Carlton House has some cover today.

Followed by Most Improved. Indomito. Out the back, Sovereign Debt.

Elusive Kate the leader by a length and a half to second. Side Glance.

Excelebration with the run of the race. Cityscape. Further back, it's

Most Improved on the far side as they pass the five. Followed by

Carlton House. Red sleeves in the centre, followed by Sovereign Debt

and Indomito. The leader is Elusive Kate. Kate Kate a Kate on the near

side rail from Side Glance and Side Glance -- Cityscape.

Indomito. Further back Sovereign Debt. Just over two furlongs to go

and it's Elusive Kate on the near side. Cityscape. Carlton House is

weaving his way through. Excelebration there now. Very

easily on the far side. Cityscape. Excelebration. Now he says go and

Excelebration coming away. He's gone, three, four lengths in front.

It's his day today. Excelebration! A brilliant winner of the QEII.

Second Cityscape, third Elusive Kate. Followed further back by

Carlton House and Side Glance. Followed by Sovereign Debt and

Indomito and Most Improved is last. Without Frankel, this horse would

be enjoying a collection. If connections would also be enjoying

a collection of Group Is. He's had to come up against Frankel five

times I think it is and he's been beaten by the wonder horse. Look

what he does d us to the opposition today. He's beaten Cityscape very

easily and then another five or six lengths to Elusive Kate. Followed

by Carlton House. Then Sovereign Debt on the near side. Followed by

Side Glance in the maroon. A gap then and Indomito. Then a long gap

to the one still coming. There is Joseph O'Brien. And the horse he's

come up against so many times, here he is, Frankel. Look at the crowd

around. Don't forget, we've just seen a Group I race, but these

people stayed around the pre-parade ring so they could get a position

to see this horse, Frankel. Such is the drawing power of this

magnificent horse. He has an unbeaten record, 13 from 13. He

puts it on the line in the next hour for Qipco Champion Stakes.

Excelebration will be glad he's seen the back of Frankel today. An

opportunity to show us what he could do. 142.33. Now, let us have

back in front of the very big crowd. 32,000 sell out here for Qipco

champions day. 5.17 seconds outside the record which was held by