Brief
Aidan O’Brien drops Scandinavia from Qatar Champions Day line‑up
O’Brien reshuffles his Ascot entries, citing rain and next‑year plans for the Gold Cup.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Aidan O’Brien announced that his star colt Scandinavia will not contest the Long Distance Cup at Qatar Racing Champions Day on Saturday at Ascot, replacing him with Queenstown and Amelia Earhart.
O’Brien explained that Scandinavia came out of Arc weekend in good form but, with rain forecast and a view to preserving him for next year’s season, the trainer prefers to start his preparation early for the Ascot Gold Cup.
He added that Queenstown, third in the Cadran, and Amelia Earhart are both capable of winning the race. "We’re thinking of running two [in the Long Distance Cup]," O’Brien told the Independent.
Other entries were also altered. Gstaad will now contest the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile rather than the Champion Stakes, a move O’Brien said suits the horse’s proven mile ability at Ascot. Constitution River, meanwhile, will run in the 10‑furlong Champions Stakes after being supplemented into the QEII for £70,000.
O’Brien noted that Constitution River’s recent form over a mile and a quarter has been strong and that a prior illness at Leopardstown may have affected his earlier performance.
Key facts
- Scandinavia will not run in the Long Distance Cup at Qatar Champions Day. (independent.co.uk)
- Queenstown and Amelia Earhart are entered in place of Scandinavia. (independent.co.uk)
- Gstaad is switched to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile. (independent.co.uk)
- Constitution River will contest the Champions Stakes after a £70,000 supplement. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Aidan O’Brien reveals picks for Champions Day with shock omission”
