Powerful Glory produced one of the biggest shocks in British racing history after storming to victory at 200-1 odds in the Champions Sprint Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot.
Ridden by Jamie Spencer and trained by Richard Fahey, the long-shot outsider surged past 2-1 favourite Lazzat to claim an unforgettable win on Britain’s richest race day.
Historic 200-1 Win for Powerful Glory
Powerful Glory’s stunning victory makes him the longest-priced winner of a British Group One race, surpassing Qirat’s 150-1 triumph in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood just three months ago.
Spencer produced a perfectly timed late burst to guide his mount to victory, with 66-1 shot Quinault finishing third in a thrilling 19-runner contest.
“I am lost for words,” said Spencer after the race. “Powerful Glory is a good horse and travelled beautifully. I thought I might just place — and then suddenly, I realised I had a real chance.”
Trainer Richard Fahey Delighted With Career-Defining Win
Trainer Richard Fahey was equally astonished but proud of his horse’s performance:
“I’m not saying I thought he’d win, but I knew he’d give his best. When I saw 200-1, I nearly had a bet — and I don’t bet! We’ve seen the real Powerful Glory today.”
The colt, owned by Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum, had been well-beaten in both previous starts this season but showed his true potential at Ascot. Last year, he won both of his races, including the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes.
The victory earned his connections nearly £320,000 on a day boasting £4.35 million in total prize money.
More Shocks on British Champions Day
The drama didn’t stop there — Cicero’s Gift also pulled off a major surprise, winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 100-1 odds for trainer Charlie Hills and jockey Jason Watson.
It marked Watson’s first Group One win since 2019, as he rode Cicero’s Gift to victory ahead of The Lion In Winter and Alakazi.
A Day for the Underdogs
British Champions Day 2025 will be remembered as the year of the underdog — a showcase of racing unpredictability where two triple-figure outsiders stole the headlines at Ascot.
