The G1 Qipco Champion S., the showpiece event of Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot Oct. 15, will this year be staged on a newly configured inner course designed with the re-positioning of the running rails. The decision has been made to ensure the best possible ground, and will also see the start moved back about 80 yards, creating a longer run into the first turn of the 10-furlong event and thus potentially reducing the significance of the draw.
Nick Smith, director of racing and communications at Ascot, said, “Supported by the BHA, we believe that it is in the best interests of fairness and clarity to make this decision now. Changing the course at the five-day stage or at declarations runs the risk of upsetting connections, and indeed punters, by actively deciding to favour certain parties over others. Making the decision now means that everyone knows that the surface will, in all likelihood, be a degree quicker than might ordinarily be the case. They can plan accordingly from the start–the initial entry fee payment stage.”
“Of course making a late call on which course will be used without any guarantee of what the weather might do, even at 48 hours, is not palatable–we had 30mm of rain in the 24 hours before last year's King George,” Smith added. “We are confident that this decision not only offers connections greater clarity, but is in the best interest of the race itself.”
Leading trainer John Gosden weighed in on the decision, saying, “Having spoken to the Ascot course management, if the day is to continue to attract the best horses and following confirmation that the covers project is unachievable, this seems like a viable solution. It will be interesting to see how the course itself rides and I will definitely be taking some horses to Ascot to see how they handle it, nearer the time. I have previously stated my views on the draw bias that the Champion S. is currently affected by on the Outer Flat Course, and the switch to the Inner Flat Course could help reduce it, which is positive.”
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