On Ascot’s most anticipated day in the racing calendar, Qatar Racing, the subsidiary of QIPCO, has taken over the title sponsorship of British Champions Day for the next three years. The £4.4m event, held annually on 17 October, marks the end of the Flat racing season and crowns the Champion Jockey.
Sheikh Fahad emphasized that this shift does not signal a step back from the family’s long-term support for British racing. 'This reflects the continued commitment of my brothers to British racing,' he said. QIPCO has held the title sponsorship since the event's start in 2011. Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, chairman of QIPCO, remains a key figure, with his support described as 'longstanding' by Nick Smith, co-chair of British Champions Series Ltd.
The transition comes as the racecourse prepares for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on 21 September. Among the horses confirmed for the Champions Day are last year’s winner Calandagan, recent King George victor Kalpana, and top contender Constitution River. The Qatar Racing Champion Stakes, the highlight of the day, draws some of the finest runners in the sport.