Champions Day at Ascot produced one of the most remarkable afternoons in British racing history, with two massive outsiders claiming Group One victories in sensational fashion. Powerful Glory’s stunning 200-1 triumph in the Champions Sprint set a new benchmark as the longest-priced winner in elite British racing, surpassing Qirat’s 150-1 shock in the Sussex Stakes earlier this season. If that was not enough, Cicero’s Gift followed up with a 100-1 success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, leaving punters and pundits alike in disbelief.
The atmosphere at Ascot was electric as favourite Lazzat surged ahead in the final furlong, seemingly bound for victory. Yet Jamie Spencer’s perfectly judged ride on Powerful Glory saw the longshot swoop late to snatch victory by a neck. For the crowd, the initial silence of astonishment was soon replaced by the hum of disbelief as bettors checked their racecards to confirm what they had just witnessed.
Trainer Richard Fahey revealed the win was part of a carefully crafted plan, despite the colt’s poor early-season form. Powerful Glory had struggled in previous starts, finishing near the rear in his two races this year, but Fahey remained confident the colt’s potential would resurface. Spencer, recalling his 80-1 win aboard Khaadem in 2023, admitted even he was surprised. “You never expect to win after finishing last in a five-runner race,” he said. “But once we got into stride, I knew we had a chance.”
Bookmakers confirmed that a few lucky punters had backed the improbable winner, with one £50 each-way bet returning £12,000. The unexpected result set the tone for an unforgettable day, soon mirrored by Cicero’s Gift’s dramatic victory in the QEII. Trainer Charlie Hills, who endured a difficult year following the loss of his father, described the success as deeply emotional, calling it “a moment the whole family will cherish.”
The day concluded with Calandagan’s authoritative win in the Champion Stakes, completing an extraordinary season for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. Having already secured the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe earlier this month, Graffard celebrated another landmark as Calandagan joined Brigadier Gerard in winning both the King George and Champion Stakes in the same year. It was a fitting finale to a Champions Day that will be remembered for its drama, emotion, and two of the biggest shocks in racing history.
