The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is an annual Grade I Thoroughbred horse racing collection. It offers over $30 million in prize money. Known for the richest two days in equestrian racing. The 2023 Breeders’ Cup event will take place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on November 3 and 4.

With the Breeders’ Cup 2 weeks away, European equestrian lovers were captivated by the excitement of British Champions Day at Ascot. Two rising stars took the highlight, Big Rock’s overall performance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) and King of Steel, a powerful grey colt who made a top-notch comeback to capture victory within the Champion Stakes (G1), leaving spectators in awe.

The unconventional equestrian journey to Ascot glory

King of Steel embarked on his racing journey as a 3-year-old in October. His debut at Nottingham, an 8 1/2-furlong maiden race, resulted in victory by 4 3/4 lengths. However, his early promise was dampened as he struggled on heavy ground during the Futurity Trophy Stakes (G1), where he finished seventh out of eight.

Remarkably, King of Steel remained out of the public eye for over seven months before making his comeback in a highly unexpected fashion. He nearly secured victory in this 12-furlong classic, leading from two furlongs out, only to be overtaken by Auguste Rodin in the final furlong, finishing just a half-length behind.

King of Steel solidified his class three weeks later at Royal Ascot, triumphing in the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) by 3 1/2 lengths. He faced stiff competition in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and was relegated to third place by the top older horses Hukum and Westover. His only other outing saw him struggle over 10 furlongs, finishing fourth to Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1).

These contrasting performances reveal the unpredictable nature of thoroughbred racing. Big Rock and King of Steel are both promising stars, each with a unique journey to success.

Pedigree: Big Rock and King of Steel

Beyond their on-track achievements, Big Rock and King of Steel boast contrasting pedigrees. Big Rock hails from the final crop of the late Rock of Gibraltar, a son of the influential Danehill, retired under the Coolmore banner. In contrast, King of Steel’s lineage leads back to Wootton Bassett, a stallion known for his cost-effective beginnings at Haras d’Etreham in France. Wootton Bassett, a champion 2-year-old, achieved fame by winning the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) (G1) as a juvenile. Despite limited opportunities with his early crops, Wootton Bassett’s offspring included European champion Almanzor and other notable stakes winners like Audarya. Subsequent generations have seen the emergence of talents like Wooded, Zelie, Incarville, Al Riffa, and the rising 2-year-old star, Bucanero Fuerte.

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King of Steel’s pedigree extends back through a line of successful runners, tracing its roots to mares like Miss Crissy, Seracina, and Sailor Moon. This lineage boasts a history of black-type scorers and group winners, highlighting the importance of breeding in producing exceptional racehorses. Intriguingly, King of Steel’s pedigree incorporates lineage from Secretariat and Nijinsky II, further enriching the historical tapestry of his racing lineage.

As the Breeders’ Cup draws near, racing enthusiasts eagerly await the performances of these rising stars on the international stage. Big Rock and King of Steel have not only made their mark on British Champions Day but also added a new chapter to the rich history of European horse racing.

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