The curtain falls on the 2025 Flat season with a spectacular finale at Ascot as three of the world’s top-rated racehorses clash in the £1.4m Champion Stakes. The mile-and-a-quarter contest brings together speed, stamina, and intense rivalry, promising one of the most captivating two minutes in racing this year.
The spotlight falls on Ombudsman, Delacroix, and Calandagan — the “big three” who dominate both the betting markets and the headlines. The race is not just a battle for prestige but also for breeding supremacy, with both Ombudsman and Delacroix expected to retire to stud after the season. A win could significantly influence their future value and reputation in the stallion ranks.
Adding spice to the drama, a war of words has simmered between rival trainers John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien. O’Brien, responsible for Delacroix, playfully accused Gosden of being prone to “whinge a little” after races, in response to earlier comments about facing multiple runners from the same stable. Though said in jest, the remark reignited the fierce Godolphin-Coolmore rivalry that has defined elite flat racing for decades.
Godolphin’s decision to include a pacemaker, Deilv’s Advocate, for Ombudsman could prove decisive. The tactic is aimed at ensuring a strong pace and avoiding traffic issues that might hinder the favourite’s powerful late run. Ombudsman, lightly raced and still improving, holds a narrow edge over Delacroix, who narrowly beat him in the Eclipse Stakes earlier this season.
Calandagan, meanwhile, adds a fascinating twist. The French-trained gelding cannot pursue a stud career but has already captured major titles including the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. A victory at Ascot would cap a historic season for his trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who recently celebrated success in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Behind the trio, dark horses such as Economics, Almeric, and Almaqam offer tempting each-way value for punters seeking an upset. In a season filled with longshot triumphs, a surprise cannot be ruled out.
With international pride, personal rivalries, and legacy on the line, the Champion Stakes promises a thrilling showdown — a fitting conclusion to the racing year where reputations, riches, and rivalries collide on the hallowed turf of Ascot.
