The 10th anniversary of the British Champions Day would take place in October at Ascot and it has been announced that there would be reductions in the prize money this year. The reduction is worth 40%, meaning the prize money this year would be £2.5million compared to £4.2million from last year.

The prize money would be split among the 6 races taking place that day. For example, last year, the prize for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes was £1.1million but it would be cut this year to £650,000. This reduction would affect all races.

Speaking on the development, chief executive of the race, Rod Street blamed the reduction on the issues concerning the income. He said, “we are pleased to be able to stage a card worth £2.5m despite our income streams being so negatively affected and the enormous challenges facing the sport currently.” Races resumed in Britain back in June without spectators. This has affected how the prize money of the races. Street also thanked Qipco, the main sponsor for the faces, for their commitment to the event.

Despite the reduction, the prize money still exceeds the minimum amount set by the British Horseracing Authority, which pegged it at £150,000 for Group One races like those that would take place on the British Champions Day. It still retains its position as the British richest race day.

Organisers have announced that September 1 is the last day of entry for the races that would take place that day.  One horse which we expect to see that day King Of Change, the winner of last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The horse trainer, Richard Hannon, has said that the horse is in form and would be available that day, even though the horse has not been entered in any race since its victory last year.

 
 
Written by: Leon Osamor