Ruby Walsh: Horse racing was built on patience but modern approach means foundations are crumbling

Racing’s obsession with quick returns and commercial breeding has pushed the sport to breaking point. The slow, steady foundation that once defined it is being eroded by the rush for profit.

Ombudsman, Delacroix, and Calandagan will line up with eight others for the Champion Stakes at Ascot. I expect best horse will get to show his true colours. For me, that is Ombudsman. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

I haven’t always been excited about British Champions Day and have knocked the venture on more occasions than I have praised it, but the dry autumnal weather and the unfolding nature of the 2025 flat season mean Ascot has a day to fit its title. OK, Trawlerman should have a stroll in the opener, and the two-year-old race up second is an unnecessary addition to the card, but neither of those is the fault of the competitors; it's an issue of the industry, which we will get to later.

From there on, it's a belting afternoon.