Ralph Beckett looking forward to next year with Simple Verse

Ralph Beckett reports Classic heroine Simple Verse to be in rude health the morning after bringing her campaign to a glorious end at Ascot on Saturday.

Connections have been through almost every emotion in the last five weeks, with the three-year-old initially demoted after passing the post in front in the St Leger before getting the victory back on appeal.

There was no controversy in the British Champions Fillies And Mares Stakes, however, as Simple Verse stamped her authority on the Group One prize and ran out a decisive winner.

Beckett admits the success was particularly sweet and is excited to see what she can achieve next year.

He said: "It was a great day and we're obviously very pleased.

"She's come out of the race well. That will probably be it for the year and we'll regroup next season.

"We haven't discussed any plans, but there'll be plenty of sport to be had with her, all being well."

Simple Verse was one of two runners on Champions Day for the Kimpton Down-based handler, with Air Pilot running creditably to finish fifth in the Qipco Champion Stakes.

He, too, is now set to enjoy a winter break.

"I was delighted with how he ran. I doubt he'll run again this year, but we can be looking forward to having a pop with him again next season," said Beckett.

"Hopefully there'll be a decent prize or two to be won with him."