Highly effective Glory pulled off the largest upset in British Group 1 historical past when he clinched the Qipco British Champions Dash at 200-1 earlier than Cicero’s Reward received.
Jason Watson celebrates on 100-1 winner at Ascot (Picture: Getty Pictures)
Britain’s richest raceday was rocked by two monumental shocks as winners romped dwelling at 200-1 and 100-1 on what was imagined to be a day celebrating racing’s elite. Highly effective Glory delivered probably the most gorgeous upset in British Group 1 historical past when he stormed to victory within the Qipco British Champions Dash at odds of 200-1.
Simply 90 minutes later, Cicero’s Reward left Ascot shocked for a second time after snatching the £1.1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The five-year-old gelding confronted what was thought-about the best assortment of milers within the sport, together with Subject Of Gold, Rosallion and a number of Group 1 champion filly Fallen Angel.
Subject Of Gold, the 13-8 favorite, and Rosallion had already fallen sufferer to one of many season’s most exceptional surprises after they had been crushed by Qirat, Subject Of Gold’s pacemaker, within the Sussex Stakes – one other 100-1 victor.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained Subject Of Gold by no means threatened, ending a disappointing fifth, with Rosallion in sixth and Fallen Angel again in tenth as Charlie Hills-trained 100-1 outsider Cicero’s Reward, ridden by Jason Watson, triumphed over The Lion In Winter.
ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin remarked: “We have had the largest priced winner in Group 1 historical past at 200-1. Why not have a 100-1 as properly.
“Everyone seems to be scratching their heads. Jason Watson wins a Group 1 for the primary time since 2019. Charlie Hills hasn’t had a winner right here on Champions Day since Muharrar in 2015. Strive explaining this one.”
Cicero’s Reward ridden by Jason Watson on their method to profitable the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 100-1 (Picture: PA)
Former champion apprentice Watson was visibly emotional following the race.
He stated: “I am very fortunate to maintain the journey on this horse so an enormous thanks to connections.
“I did not develop up on this business. It was actually tough for me after I was youthful. I have been attempting to construct over the previous few years to attempt to get again to the place I do know I’m able to. I hope I’ve proved I am pretty much as good as I was.”
Tennis information, scores and event outcomes plus chosen provides and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will embrace adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Hills has had a difficult 2025 following the passing of his legendary coach father Barry in June on the age of 88.
He expressed: “It is wonderful. I am satisfied for Jason and the house owners have been sensible. We had been at all times hoping for some rain. It has been a troublesome 12 months for us at dwelling and this horse has been very proficient, however a problem as he is not the soundest.”
Leave a Reply