Joseph O’Brien fielded seven of the 20 runners in the Ascot Stakes, and two of them came home the best. Kizlyar got the better of stablemate Defiantly, as Joey Sheridan gained his first Royal Ascot winner.
The HOS Syndicate have seen their colours in the winners enclosure in many a coveted contest of late. Ethical Diamond won the Duke of Edinburgh, the Ebor Handicap and the Breeders’ Cup Turf last season. Absurde also won the Ebor in 2023, prior to landing the County Hurdle Handicap in 2024.
However, Kizlyar’s victory was the most poignant yet. Syndicate owner, Margaret Heffernan, spoke to ITV Racing after the success, via the Racing Post, stating: “Today is special because I lost my husband 12 weeks ago.
“This was his week and the idea of a syndicate for the grandchildren was really his. He believed in it and believed in Joseph so much.
“He would have been absolutely thrilled. We had two winners at Ascot last year and this year is obviously very special. We have more grandchildren than ever. I said to Joseph that he would be so delighted for him as well.
“I have two sets of grandchildren, older and younger. The older ones, some of them have never come racing, but it’s brought them all together. Even though they are at different stages of their lives and in different places around the world. They’re all here today.
“It means everything” – Sheridan
Joey Sheridan’s last winner in Britain came on Extensio at the 2024 Ebor Festival. Sheridan is commonly known for his association with Princess Zoe, who he won the 2020 Prix Du Cadran on. He’s become a prominent figure in the Joseph O’Brien yard of late, and was ecstatic after the race.
“I didn’t know it but my right arm got caught up with James,” Sheridan said. “I thought he would definitely come back at me, but I know this lad would stick his neck out. When I got my arm back, I just put it down and he was so genuine.
“It means everything. I only started riding for Joseph last year and that’s what’s kept me in Ireland. I can’t thank him enough for what he’s given me. To pay him back is brilliant.”
Joey Sheridan is booked on Ruler’s Control for Joseph O’Brien in the Windsor Castle this afternoon. The son of Territories was a narrow winner at the Curragh on debut at their opening meeting in March.