British Champions Series – Which Races are Included and How Much is it Worth?
Across the UK, approximately 1,400 flat races are held every horse racing season. Flat racing typically runs from late March to early November and covers a variety of distances.
From two-year-olds making their debut to seasoned champions competing in the most prestigious events, it's easy to get lost in the sea of meetings and festivals happening up and down the country.
That is why, back in 2011, the British Horseracing Authority, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the industry, decided to create the British Champions Series.
The aim was to elevate the status and visibility of flat racing in the UK by creating a cohesive, high-profile series of races.
By bringing together the best horses, jockeys, and trainers, the series intended to showcase flat racing talent and attract new fans by offering a structured and exciting season-long competition, culminating in the grand finale on British Champions Day.
So, which races are included, and where do they take place?
Races Included
The British Champions Series is structured into five distinct categories, each representing a different type of race.
This division highlights the various skills and qualities of racehorses, providing a comprehensive showcase of the sport.
Within each category are seven races, totalling the 35 races included in the Series.
Not only does this mean the best horses will end up competing against each other on Champions Day, but it also means there are plenty of opportunities for those who love horse racing betting with so many high-profile races to choose from.
1. Sprint
Sprint races are the shortest in the series and are known for their speed and intensity.
Typically run between 5 and 6 furlongs, horses in this category are known for their quick acceleration and sustained high speeds over shorter distances.
- King Charles III Stakes – Ascot
- Commonwealth Cup – Ascot
- Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – Ascot
- July Cup – Newmarket
- Nunthorpe Stakes – York
- Haydock Sprint Cup – Haydock
- British Champions Sprint Stakes – Ascot
Of the seven races listed above, prize money starts at £350,000 for the Haydock Sprint Cup and works its way up to the most valuable race, the Jubilee Stakes at Ascot, which is worth a staggering £1 million.
The legendary Australian mare, Black Caviar, extended her unbeaten record to 22 races by winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2012.
Her victory at Royal Ascot was a highlight of her illustrious career.
2. Mile
In this category, each race is run over one mile, which strikes a balance between speed and stamina.
These races require horses to maintain a strong pace and have the endurance to finish strongly.
- 2,000 Guineas – Newmarket
- Lockinge Stakes – Newbury
- Queen Anne Stakes – Ascot
- St. James's Palace Stakes – Ascot
- Sussex Stakes – Goodwood
- Sun Chariot Stakes – Newmarket
- Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Ascot
Even though the Sussex Stakes is worth a hefty £1 million, it is narrowly edged out as the most valuable of the ‘Mile’ series races by the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, which is worth £1,140,000.
Of that, the winner earns £655,700, so there will be a lot on the line when the runners line up this October at Ascot, especially as they will be following in the footsteps of the great Frankel, who won this race in 2011 as part of his unbeaten career in which he won all 14 of his races.
3. Middle Distance
Middle-distance races test a horse's speed, stamina, and tactical ability.
Serving as a bridge between the sprint and longer distance categories, they are usually run over a distance of around 1¼ to 1½ miles (10-12 furlongs).
- Coronation Cup – Epsom
- Epsom Derby – Epsom
- Prince of Wales's Stakes – Ascot
- Eclipse Stakes – Sandown
- King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Ascot
- Juddmonte International Stakes – York
- Champion Stakes – Ascot
The Epsom Derby is the most valuable race in the British Champions Series ‘Middle Distance' category in terms of prize money.
This historic race, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in early June, is one of the most prestigious events on the horse racing calendar.
With five of the seven races worth over one million pounds in prize money, the 2024 Derby winner, City Of Troy, from trainer Aidan O’Brien, earned connections £882,407.60 of the £1,530,000 that was up for grabs.
4. Long Distance
Long-distance races, or staying races, are a true test of endurance as they are typically run over 1¾ miles or more (14 furlongs and up).
Horses in these races must have exceptional stamina and the ability to maintain a steady pace.
- Yorkshire Cup – York
- Ascot Gold Cup – Ascot
- Goodwood Cup – Goodwood
- Lonsdale Cup – York
- Doncaster Cup – Doncaster
- St. Leger Stakes – Doncaster
- British Champions Long Distance Cup – Ascot
In the ‘Long Distance' category of the British Champions Series, the most valuable race in terms of prize money is the St Leger Stakes, worth £730,000.
As it is only open to three-year-olds, no horse has ever won it twice, though the Ascot Gold Cup was won a record four times by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Yeats, who ran to victory in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
5. Fillies & Mares
This category is designed to showcase the best female horses in the sport.
These races can range from sprints to longer distances and highlight the strength and versatility of fillies and mares.
- 1,000 Guineas – Newmarket
- Epsom Oaks – Epsom
- Coronation Stakes – Ascot
- Falmouth Stakes – Newmarket
- Nassau Stakes – Goodwood
- Yorkshire Oaks – York
- British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes – Ascot
The Nassau Stakes offers the most prize money, with £600,000 in the pot.
The late Sir Henry Cecil was the most successful trainer in the race, winning eight times between 1975 and 2011.
British Champions Day
British Champions Day is held at Ascot Racecourse in mid-October. It features a series of high-stakes races, each corresponding to one of the five categories.
The winners of the various races during the season do not automatically qualify or face off directly in a knockout style.
Instead, horses accumulate points by finishing in the top positions in these races, which contribute to their overall standing in the series.
Leaderboards are maintained and updated after each race, and the horses with the highest points in each category are considered top contenders for the races on British Champions Day.
While high points do not automatically qualify a horse for British Champions Day, they often influence entry decisions and attract competition invitations.
