French challenger Lazzat edged out Satono Reve, denying Japan its first Royal Ascot victory.
James Doyle secured the win aboard the 9-2 favorite, trained by Jerome Reynier. This victory, coupled with the earlier Chesham Stakes win by Humidity, marked a double celebration for Doyle and the winning owners, Wathnan Racing, who also owned the third-place finisher, Flora Of Bermuda.
Satono Reve, the race favorite, aimed to become the first Japanese-trained winner at Royal Ascot after twelve unsuccessful attempts, but fell just half a length short.
Following the race’s conclusion, Lazzat dislodged its jockey and briefly ran loose on the Ascot track before being safely apprehended.
Meanwhile, Rebel’s Romance secured victory in the Hardwicke Stakes, granting Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby his first Royal Ascot win since 2022. This marked the eighth Group One victory for the horse, ridden by William Buick.
“He was exactly the horse we needed. I’m thrilled to finally secure a win,” Appleby commented.
Appleby’s 6-4 favorite, Treanmor, previously finished fifth in the Chesham Stakes, with Rebel’s Romance marking his final Ascot runner of the week.
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The internationally renowned Rebel’s Romance added Royal Ascot to his impressive record, which includes significant wins in the United States, Dubai, and Hong Kong. At seven years old, he is one of the oldest winners of this race in over a century, boasting career earnings exceeding £10 million.
“We had one final chance, and what a partnership. He’s a dream horse – I feel truly fortunate,” Buick expressed, adding, “We have a great bond; he’s my best friend.”
The 6-4 favorite finished ahead of Al Riffa, with Ghostwriter, recently acquired by Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing for £2 million, securing third place.
Humidity, a fittingly named winner of the Chesham Stakes during a week of 30°C temperatures, provided a fourth Royal Ascot win for owners Wathnan Racing, ridden by James Doyle for trainer Andrew Balding.
A sibling of the 2022 victor Holloway Boy, Humidity was acquired by the Emir of Qatar’s Wathnan team after a winning Newbury debut.
More to follow.
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