CIRRUS Des Aigles is set to return to the scene of his most famous victory for Saturday’s QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.

The Corine Barande-Barbe trained gelding raced at four consecutive Champions Days, winning the inaugural Ascot-running of the QIPCO Champion Stakes in 2011.

To mark this close association with Britain’s richest raceday, the now retired nine-year-old will lead a parade of champions in the opening ceremony to this year’s season finale.

Corine Barande-Barbe, who trained the horse to 22 victories before retiring him earlier this year said: “Cirrus Des Aigles and I are very happy to return to Ascot where we both have many wonderful memories.

“Winning in 2011 was an amazing experience and he was runner up twice, going so close to beating Frankel in 2012.

“Cirrus is enjoying himself in his retirement but I am sure that he will be excited to be back at Ascot and will probably want to try to run in the Champion Stakes again, given half the chance.”

The second stage entries for Champions Day confirmed some of this season’s most exciting horses are still on target for Britain’s richest raceday including milers Galileo Gold and Ribchester, who renew their rivalry, plus star fillies Minding, Quiet Reflection and Mecca’s Angel.

Almanzor takes on last year’s feature race winner, Fascinating Rock, in the £1.3million QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Rod Street, Chief Executive of British Champions Series said: “As the finale to the flat racing season and with four Group 1s on the card, the day has always been about the top class thoroughbreds.”

The opening ceremony will take place at 12.20pm, ahead of the first race, the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup at 1.25pm and will include a parade of medal-winning GB athletes from the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Prior to the ceremony, retired racehorse, Summon Up Theblood, who secured a top 20 finish for Brazil with rider Carlos Parro in the individual eventing competition at the Rio Olympics, will be also be on show.

Parro and Summon Up Theblood will demonstrate the success of organisations such as the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre – this year’s official charity of QIPCO British Champions Day – in ensuring new careers and lifestyles for retired thoroughbreds.

The QIPCO British Champions Day, which offers a record £4.2million of prize money, is close to a sell-out. Under 18s go free and 2,500 students will attend for free. Go to www.britishchampionsseries.com.