Charyn aims for Ascot glory on British swansong

Trainer Roger Varian is preparing his superstar grey Charyn for his final outing in Britain.

The four-year-old colt goes into British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday as favourite to land the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes after a stellar season.

Trained at Varian Stable in Newmarket, he has already won four races this year, including the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"He is supremely talented, blessed with an amazing attitude and has a huge will to win," said Varian.

"Horses are no different to human athletes. He's cool under pressure and he has the mentality to win. He is everything you want in a racehorse."

Victory for Charyn would likely confirm his status as Europe's leading miler before he is retired for stallion duties at the end of the season.

"He has been a great horse for us; a real flag bearer for the yard," said Varian.

"In terms of a lasting legacy, people often remember a horse's last race. So it is important he finishes on a high."

Previous winners of the race include unbeaten wonder horse Frankel in 2011, billed as the equine Usain Bolt.

As well as four wins, Charyn also boasts two-second place finishes this year, taking his career earnings beyond £1.5m.

However, this figure is likely to be dwarfed by his potential value at stud, which, for top racehorses, runs into the tens of millions.

"His value as a stallion very much depends on his success," said Varian.

"He has built his value through the course of his career, in particular this year. He has taken us on a great journey, winning some of the biggest races and hopefully, he's not done yet."

Joe Scally, 60, has ridden out on Charyn for two years, which often means an early start at first light.

However, he said it was not a burden for him - far from it.

"He is an amazing horse, so getting up for him is very worthwhile," said Scally.

"He makes the day so easy. Special horses have good lungs, a heart that perseveres and a character to win. He has all three in abundance.

"On a day when he wants to show you what he's got, it is like you are flying. And when he wins, it is so emotional for me and the whole team at the yard."

Scally said that under the guidance of Classic-winning Varian, the team had been managing Charyn's workload since his last outing in France last month.

"He has had some rest, we have built him up slowly, so he will be in peak condition," he said.

"We love all our horses but we will miss him madly, especially when he retires."

Charyn's final outing in Britain will be on Britain's richest race day, which offers more than £4m in total prize money.

"It is exciting. It is such a big event: the finale of the flat season here," said Varian.

"We have had a few winners on British Champions Day over the years. I think the race will suit him."

Run on the straight Ascot mile, the race is on the the same course and distance that Charyn won over back in June.

"There are an awful lot of people involved with Charyn behind the scenes," said Varian.

"When you have got one of the top horses in the stable contesting some of the biggest races, it gives everyone a lift.

"We all like to win. This is a Championship event. We know the track and he goes in with a great chance."

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