Winning at British Champions Day is hard enough. Returning 12 months later to defend a title on the ultimate stage of European Flat racing requires extra ordinary class, consistency, and toughness.
As Ascot prepares for Saturday 17th October 2026, all eyes will be focused on three reigning heroes from 2025 who return to Berkshire aiming to pull off ‘back-to-back’ victories in their respective Ascot ITV Racing contests.
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14:40 – British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1)
The Queen of Ascot: KALPANA 🩷💚🤍
- Trainer: Andrew Balding
- Jockey: Colin Keane
- Defending Title: 2025 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes
Andrew Balding’s phenomenal mare Kalpana lit up Champions Day in 2025 with a dominant performance over 1m4f.
Rather than resting on her laurels, the Juddmonte superstar has gone on to elevate her status to whole new heights throughout 2026.
With further top-level triumphs like the Yorkshire Oaks added to her resume, Kalpana arrives back at Champions Day not just as the reigning heroine of this race, but as one of the undisputed stars of world racing.
Her combination of tactical speed, grinding stamina, and love for Ascot makes her a formidable force to beat in her title defence.
Like last year, Kalpana also heads here having run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Where she was only 3 3/4 lengths off the winner Daryz in 5th.
Kalpana is around 2/1 to win the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes for a second time.
📽️WATCH: Kalpana winning the 2025 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes
16:00 – Qatar Racing Champion Stakes (Group 1)
The World Champion Defending His Crown: CALANDAGAN ❤️💚
- Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
- Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
- Defending Title: 2025 Qatar Racing Champion Stakes
Crowned the Best Racehorse in the World for 2025, French gelding Calandagan put on a masterclass in last year’s Champion Stakes, storming clear over the 1m2f trip to capture the £1.3m showpiece for owner-breeder H.H. Aga Khan.
With fellow superstar Ombudsman back in second 12 months ago – who is also expected to be back for more in this race on Saturday.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s globe-trotting superstar-who rounded off his epic 2025 campaign with a landmark win in the Japan Cup-returns to Ascot to headline the afternoon once again.
Despite narrow defeats in brutal high-class battles this summer, Calandagan remains the ultimate standard-bearer over ten furlongs.
He possesses an explosive turn of foot when arriving late off a strong pace. And a second consecutive Champion Stakes victory would write his name deep into European racing folklore.
Calandagan heads off a 84 day break, when last seen running second to Kalpana in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes back in July.
He’s about 5/2 to win the Champion Stakes again.
📽️WATCH: Calandagan winning the 2025 Qatar Racing Champion Stakes
16:35 – Balmoral Handicap (Class 2)
The Handicap Specialist: CROWN OF OAKS 🤍💙
- Trainer: William Haggas
- Jockey: Tom Marquand
- Defending Title: 2025 Balmoral Handicap
Winning a 20-plus runner handicap on Champions Day requires luck, bravery, and absolute execution.
In 2025, Crown Of Oaks produced all three when slicing through a massive field under Tom Marquand to land the competitive £200,000 Balmoral Handicap.
Trained by master handler William Haggas for owners Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, the gelding proved he possessed the ideal profile for Ascot’s straight mile: quick-footed on easy ground and possessing a relentless finish.
Returning off higher mark in 2026, repeating the feat against another fiercely competitive field is a monumental task.
However, Crown Of Oaks has proven he thrives when the stakes and pressure are highest in the Ascot grand finale.
He’s not won a race since, but has only been on the track three times this year.
Crown Of Oaks will return on a 5lb higher mark than 2025 and is around 8/1 for the repeat win.
📽️WATCH: Crown Of Oaks winning the 2025 Balmoral Handicap
Crown Of Oaks makes all to win the Balmoral Handicap! 🥇@Champions_Day @Ascot | @TomMarquand @WilliamHaggas pic.twitter.com/0kVcUUk8Qi
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 18, 2025
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