A - ZRunners Horse Racing Fixtures and Results

Ratings Update: Ombudsman confirms himself the best in Europe

Timeform ratings reaction following Champions Day at Ascot.

This was the first Champions Day at Ascot to be run on ground Timeform described as ‘good’ which was in line with the official description. Conditions weren’t quite as quick as twelve months ago, therefore, but certainly better than could normally be expected for the time of year given that good to soft or soft ground has prevailed for the meeting most years since it moved to Ascot in 2011. After some huge shocks last year, with one exception the Group 1 results went much more to form this time, two short-priced favourites obliging, and few horses on the day improved their rating to any great degree.

The surprise came in the Long Distance Cup, run as a Group 1 for the second time, and while the first two from the Gold Cup, Trawlerman (retired) and Scandinavia (finished for the season) were missing, the betting was headed by St Leger winner Highwayman (120 from 121p) bidding to become the first three-year-old to be successful. However, his rapid progress came to an end as he could finish only third, though he looks sure to be fully effective at two miles another day and it’s still likely he’ll make a significant impact in the top staying races next year.

Victory went instead to Andrew Balding’s 33/1-shot Mount Atlas (117 from 114), twice successful in handicap company at Ascot previously and winner of the Silver Cup at York earlier this season. He took advantage of some of the more fancied runners not being at their best to beat the Prix du Cadran third Queenstown (ran up to best of 116) by three quarters of a length, though a Group 1 penalty will make life tougher for him next season.