The Royal Ascot Festival in England, a premier event in the European and global horse racing calendar, is in full swing. On the second day of this prestigious occasion, eyes will be on Emirati horses as they aim to clinch the title of the highly anticipated «Prince of Wales» Stakes. This event features a remarkable lineup, including notable entrants such as Godolphin’s «Ombudsman», Shadwell’s «Anmaat», trained by Owen Burrows, and «Royal Champion», representing Sheikh Mohammed bin Obaid Al Maktoum under the guidance of K. R. Brooke.
Exciting Races Ahead
Among the key events on this day is the «Prince of Wales» Stakes, a Group 1 race covering a distance of 2000 meters. This thrilling contest showcases some of the top-rated horses from the UAE, making it one of the festival’s highlights. Expectations will be high as these elite competitors look to secure victory in front of a discerning audience.
Additional Competitions
The day’s schedule also includes the «Queen’s Vase», a Group 2 race over 2800 meters. Godolphin’s «Devil’s Advocate», under the watchful eye of trainers John and Thady Gosden, will vie for the title. The competition features other strong contenders such as «Spring Well», representing His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and «Rahib» from Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, trained by Roger Varian. Additionally, «Al Wasl Storm» from the Green Team will also be making an appearance in this esteemed race.
Star Performers and Highlights
As the festival unfolds, the «Duke of Cambridge» Stakes over a mile, also classified as Group 2, presents another chance to see exceptional fillies and mares in action. Among them is Godolphin’s «Cinderella’s Dream», trained by Charlie Appleby, who is keen on maintaining her impressive form following her victory in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes at the Newmarket Guineas Festival. Additionally, the talented mare «The Queen», under Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s banner and trained by Roger Varian, will be aiming for a strong performance.
Opening Day Highlights
The excitement from the opening day of the Royal Ascot Festival sets the stage for what’s to come. Noteworthy results included a victory for «Field of Gold» in the Group 1 «St. James’s Palace Stakes» at a mile, with jockey Colin Keane at the reins. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, last year’s Irish 2000 Guineas champion continued to shine with a winning time of 1:38.41 minutes. The festival began on a high note with «Docklands» claiming victory in the opening race, the «Queen Anne Stakes», completing the 1600-meter distance in 1:41.39 minutes.
There’s no doubt that the «Prince of Wales» Stakes will attract significant attention once again today, with the UAE horses ready to make their mark in the storied history of this gathering.