Champions Day at Ascot: Frankel To The Rescue

Three-year-old superstar Frankel can rescue British Horse Racing from what has been a disastrous run-up to the inaugural Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot. A week which should have seen column inches filled with anticipation was instead left dominated by the reaction to new regulations for the use of the whip. The new rules stipulate that jockeys may only use the whip on their horse 7 times during a race, with a maximum of 5 strikes during the final furlong. Any jockey who falls foul faces stiff suspensions. Richard Hughes intensified an already rumbling debate when handing his riding license back to the BHA (British Horseracing Authority). It could not have been more ill-timed with the first ever British Champions Day taking place today, an event which was created to try and bring more fans to the sport rather than push people further away, which no doubt this week's negativity will have done. But in Frankel racing has a horse who can put on a display which will pick up British racing and shine a light on it that will overshadow anything that has gone on over the last 7 days. Rated 5lb superior to any other horse in the world, Frankel has been nothing short brilliant during a season which has seen him pick up over £800,000 in prize money for connections. The wins included the demolition of Canford Cliffs by 5 lengths, a horse who many thought would push Frankel all the way. At odds of just 2/5, however, it will be a watching brief only for all but the biggest hitting punters. If you are looking for value, Nathaniel at a best price of 7/1 leaps out of a predictably difficult card - with talent everywhere you look. There is over £3 million in prize money up for grabs across 6 races, so it should be no surprise that Ascot has attracted some of the best horses in the world. We've teamed up with Coral.co.uk to offer readers a £30 free bet on any of today's races. The free bet is easy to claim, simply sign-up via this link, place a bet of up to £30 on any horse and you will have your stake returned within 24 hours. You can bet any amount up to £30, so if you wish to bet only £10 you can do so and this will be the amount you are refunded. WhatCulture! Tips: 2.25 Deacon Blues 3.00 Banimpire 3.35 Frankel 4.10 Nathaniel