British Champions Day at Ascot is the big horse racing fixture at the weekend, with the Berkshire track hosting a seven-race card that consists of FIVE Group One contests and a NEW Two-Year-Old Conditions race.
So, to get prepared for one of the biggest days on the horse racing calendar, we’ve got all the Champions Day Ascot details – from race names, times and running order, the current weather and how you can watch the action on TV.
British Champions Day Ascot 2025: Star-Studded Line-Up Heading To Berkshire Track
All eyes will be on Ascot racecourse on Saturday 18th October as they’ll be staging their 2025 British Champions Day fixture that will feature the Qipco Champion Stakes and the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.
Where all the pre-meeting hype will surround the big Champion Stakes clash between flat racing heavyweights Ombudsman and Delacroix – more on that below.
However, the afternoon gets going with new Two-Year-old Conditions race at 12:55pm – with a £250k prize purse that will give racing fans a chance to see some of the stars of the future.
Every race of Champions Day will also be shown on the ITV Racing schedule with the action running from 12:55pm till 4:40pm.
Champions Day Ascot 2025, Date, Race Times and Running Order
- 12:55 – Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo+) 2m ITV
- 1:30 – Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes (GBB Race) Cl2 (2yo) 6f ITV
- 2:05 – Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo+) 6f ITV
- 2:45 – Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m4f ITV
- 3:25 – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qipco) (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m ITV
- 4:05 – Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m2f ITV
- 4:40 – Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored by Qipco) Cl2 (3yo+) 1m ITV
Champion Stakes: Ombudsman and Delacroix Set For Blockbuster Clash
With FIVE Group One races on the 2025 Champions Day schedule there is a lot to get excited about.
However, the Champion Stakes at 4:05pm is the race everyone is talking about with the third clash of the season between Ombudsman and Delacroix.
It’s currently one-a-piece in their head-to-head record, with Delacroix landing the Coral Eclipse at Sandown in July (watch below).
But Ombudsman gained his revenge in the Juddmonte International at York in August.
In what was a messy race that pacemaker Birr Castle and 150/1 shot almost stole from the front (see below).
Oh, and many will say it’s actually not just a two-horse race. With this year’s King George winner Calandagan also entered to run (watch below).
Calandagan, who was also runner-up 12 months ago, be trying to give the Aga Khan colours a record-extending seventh win in the race.
Whereas Ombudsman’s trainer John Gosden is hunting a third success and surprisingly Aidan O’Brien only his second.
It’s all set up to be a must-see unmissable contest for all horse racing fans – get the popcorn ready🍿.
Champions Day Ascot Weather Forecast 2025
See below the projected Ascot races weather forecast for Champions Day 2025 – with the build-up to race day (Saturday 18th October) looking clear.
With many predicting a dry day for the one-day fixture. And some are suggesting we could see the quickest Champions Day ground for some time.
The current Ascot going is described at ‘GOOD’ and ‘GOOD to SOFT’ in placed on the Round Course.
Note: Weather correct Mon 13th Oct but subject to change
Ascot Going Report For Champions Day 2025
- Round Course – Good-to-Soft (Going Stick, 6.8)
- Straight Course – Good (Going Stick, 8.0)
How To Watch Champions Day Ascot 2025
You can watch all six Champions Day Ascot races on ITV Racing. With the coverage starting at 12:30pm and running to 5:10pm.
Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will be on the main presenting duties. Analysis will come from Jason Weaver, Adele Mulrennan and Ruby Walsh.
Away from ITV Racing, you can also watch Champions Day at Ascot on Sky Sports Racing (AtTheRaces) on channel 415 (Sky) or 418 (Virgin).
Failing that you can join up with the best horse racing betting sites in the UK, as most will have live streaming options to watch the races on after you’ve placed a bet.
