Cicero’s Gift captured the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 90 minutes after Powerful Glory won the Qipco British Champions Sprint on day of upsets
16:09, 18 Oct 2025
Britain’s richest raceday witnessed two major shocks when there were winners at 200-1 and 100-1 on a day meant to crown champions. Powerful Glory pulled off the biggest upset in British Group 1 history when he clinched the Qipco British Champions Sprint at 200-1.
Then just 90 minutes later Cicero’s Gift silenced Ascot a second time when he captured the £1.1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The five-year-old gelding was taking on the supposed cream of the miling division, headed by Field Of Gold, Rosallion and the multiple Group 1 winning filly Fallen Angel.
Field Of Gold, the 13-8 favourite, and Rosallion had been victims of one of the season’s other surprises when beaten by Qirat, Field Of Gold’s pacemaker, in the Sussex Stakes, who was another 100-1 winner.
The John & Thady Gosden-trained Field Of Gold was a never dangerous fifth, Rosallion sixth and Fallen Angel tenth as the Charlie Hills-trained 100-1 chance Cicero’s Gift, under Jason Watson, defeated The Lion In Winter.
ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin said: “We’ve had the biggest priced winner in Group 1 history at 200-1. Why not have a 100-1 as well.
“Everyone is scratching their heads. Jason Watson wins a Group 1 for the first time since 2019. Charlie Hills hasn’t had a winner here on Champions Day since Muharrar in 2015. Try explaining this one.”
Former champion apprentice Watson was in tears afterwards. He said: “I’m very lucky to keep the ride on this horse so a massive thank you to connections.
“I didn’t grow up in this industry. It was really difficult for me when I was younger. I’ve been trying to build over the last few years to try to get back to the position I know I am capable of. I hope I’ve proved I’m as good as I used to be.”
Hills has experienced a difficult 2025 following the death of his legendary trainer father Barry in June aged 88.
He said: “It’s amazing. I’m chuffed for Jason and the owners have been brilliant. We were always hoping for some rain. It’s been a tough year for us at home and this horse has been very talented, but a challenge as he’s not the soundest.”