QIPCO extends British Champions Day sponsorship
QIPCO has extended its sponsorship of British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse through to 2028.
The agreement continues a partnership that has been in place since the event’s launch in 2011. British Champions Day is held annually at Ascot in October and is the richest raceday in Britain, featuring multiple Group 1 races within a single fixture.
The extension secures QIPCO’s involvement in one of the UK’s leading horseracing events, which forms part of the domestic racing calendar and attracts international runners and audiences. The meeting remains the only single raceday in Britain to stage five Group 1 races.
In 2025, British Champions Day expanded to a seven-race card for the first time, including the introduction of the British Champions Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes. The event recorded attendance of more than 31,000 spectators at Ascot.
The 2026 edition of British Champions Day is scheduled to take place on 17 October, with a total prize fund of £4.35 million. The fixture continues to form part of wider efforts to maintain the profile of UK horseracing amid competition from international racing events and changing broadcast and attendance trends.
The extended agreement provides continuity for the meeting as British racing continues to focus on commercial partnerships and event development to support long-term sustainability.
Nick Smith, Co-Chair of British Champions Series Ltd, which owns British Champions Day, and Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said, “We are thrilled that QIPCO has chosen to renew its sponsorship of Britain’s richest raceday. As an industry-owned raceday, on behalf of all shareholders, we wish to extend our thanks to QIPCO for their generosity and continued support.
“Last year’s renewal epitomised exactly why the day was created, an end of season celebration with world class action and crowds of over 30,000 with many young people in attendance. We look forward to continuing to work with QIPCO over the next two years, particularly to continue to grow Club 26, the young person’s racing club for 18-26-year-olds, to engage future generations in the sport.”
Sophie Able, Co-Chair of British Champions Series Ltd and Newmarket Racecourses and International Director at The Jockey Club, the majority shareholder of QIPCO British Champions Day, said, “QIPCO British Champions Day has become one of the defining occasions in the British racing calendar and QIPCO’s continued commitment has been instrumental in establishing the fixture across the UK and internationally.
“As shareholders in British Champions Series Ltd, we are delighted to see this partnership continue through to 2028. QIPCO’s sustained support reflects our shared ambition to showcase the best of our sport, attracting new audiences through Club 26 and helping to build for the future.”
