Fabulous result for Qatar Racing as Simple Verse wins

Winner last month of the Ladbrokes St Leger, the filly added today's Gr.1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies' and Mares' Stakes, wearing down leader Journey (pictured on left) to win going away by three-quarters of a length. The result was one of joy for Sheikh Fahad and his brothers, who own the Ralph Beckett-trained winner - they sponsor the meeting through QIPCO, and have been staunch supporters of the concept since the meeting was founded five years ago.

After leading Simple Verse and jockey Andrea Atzeni into the winner's enclosure, Sheikh Fahad said: "This feels like the best day's racing ever, and this race means a lot to us. Having a winner on Champions' Day is wonderful, and we've waited five years.

"We felt this could be the best day's racing, and already today we've seen the champion sprinter and the best filly out there, and that is proof. With support from owners and trainers it has been made what it is today."

Simple Verse was demoted after the Ladbrokes St Leger, then reinstated on appeal, but it meant her owner could not collect the trophy.

He said: "Doncaster was Doncaster, and it makes this all the sweeter. She will stay in training and will be in all the top mile and a half races. She might even be a King George filly. I would love to see her in that but I will have to sit down with Ralph and make a plan.

"This is a real family affair for me and it is great to collect the trophy from my mother and to be here with all my brothers."

Beckett said: "We hoped to sit in behind and it panned out as we hoped. I couldn't be happier. I'm not sure Ascot suits because the straight is too short for her, but once she gets in a scrap . . . and Andrea was clever and brought her wide to avoid the leader.

"You can hardly believe this filly's progress. After Salisbury in June I thought Oisin [Murphy] gave her a great ride to beat Polarisation [by a short head], but the time men kept telling me she ran a great time that day and she just kept getting better. She did a great piece of work on Monday and at this time of year you are worried you've left the race on the gallops, but she's won and I'm thrilled for Sheikh Fahad. I'm also thrilled for the team at home, who have done a wonderful job."

Simple Verse is clear as they pass the line

Wanda wins 8 to Follow competition - late surge by Julie

London school teacher Wanda Marshall has won Qatar Racing's 8 to Follow competition, which was completed this afternoon at QIPCO British Champions Day.

Marshall was vulnerable to a late strike, and while Elm Park failed to win and add points to her score, near rivals also drew blanks.

One late surge came from Julie May, who had Simple Verse in her stable, and leapt up to fourth, landing £1,000. Julie is a former foaling manager at Tweenhills Farm and Stud.

Wanda takes the top prize of £10,000, while Harriet Coulson edges second place from Jesse Rae Farragher although they finished on the same number of points. Harriet's string won more races, so she takes £5,000, with Jesse Rae gaining £2,500.

Harriet also had a stable in fifth spot, but since contestants can only win one prize the final place - worth £500 - goes to George Coombs.

All profits from Qatar Racing's 8 to Follow competition go to the charity Racing Welfare.