Aidan O’Brien will officially be crowned British Champion Trainer 2017 at QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday.
O’Brien has enjoyed a sensational 2017 winning four out of the five British Classics (Churchill – QIPCO 2000 Guineas; Winter – QIPCO 1000 Guineas; Wings of Eagles – Investec Derby and Capri in the William Hill St Leger); together with three winners at Royal Ascot and eleven races which comprise the 35 race QIPCO British Champions Series.
O’Brien is also tantalisingly poised to equal, and possibly exceed, the world record for the most number of Group / Grade 1 victories in a year. Bobby Frankel’s tally of 25 was set in 2003 and O'Brien is currently on 24 and fields a dazzling squad for Britain’s richest raceday that comprises dual Classic winner Churchill, crack sprinter Caravaggio, globetrotter Highland Reel and Order of St George.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF AIDAN O'BRIEN'S 24 GROUP ONE WINNERS IN 2017
The Trainers’ Championship is decided on prize money and runs from 1st January to 31st December but, at the request of the National Trainers’ Federation, the presentation will be made on QIPCO British Champions Day, along with the Stobart Champion Flat Jockey and Champion Owner.
Rupert Arnold, Chief Executive of the National Trainers’ Federation said: "In recognition of his exceptional performance in 2017 and as he challenges the boundaries at the highest level, the NTF felt it was fitting that Aidan O’Brien should be crowned Champion Flat Trainer on QIPCO British Champions Day, the finale to the European flat racing season.
"We congratulate him and all the team at Ballydoyle."
O’Brien has accrued £7,247,556 in prize money in Great Britain this year and is nearly £3 million ahead of the 2015 Champion Trainer, John Gosden who, as the last British winner of the title, will make the presentation to his peer after the QIPCO Champion Stakes at approximately 4.05pm.
Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series said: "Aidan O’Brien has once again been in blistering form this season, winning 11 of the 30 QIPCO British Champions Series races that have been run to date so we are delighted to be honouring his achievements and celebrating his successful defence of his title on QIPCO British Champions Day. Congratulations to him and all the team."
GODOLPHIN TO RETAIN CHAMPION OWNER TITLE
Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin will retain the Champion Owner title on QIPCO British Champions Day following a stunning year.
The team have amassed £5,241,602 in prize money during the Championship, and are over £2 million clear of their nearest rivals.
