A quartet of big names feature among nine confirmations for the St James’s Palace Stakes. The Royal Ascot Group 1 looks set to be a show-stopping renewal. However, sad news emerged from Ballydoyle about the death of top miller The Lion In Winter.
St James’s Palace Stakes attracts stellar confirmations including Bow Echo
The main contenders for the St James’s Palace Stakes have all stood their ground. The 1m Group 1 is for three-year-olds only on the opening day of Royal Ascot. It is set to host the winners of the British, Irish and French 2000 Guineas, as well as the last-named race’s odds-on favourite, and one of the most exciting improvers for Godolphin. Newmarket Guineas hero Bow Echo is the ante-post favourite. Runner-up that day Gstaad has also been confirmed, as well as Rayif, Puerto Rico and Talk Of New York. (Sporting Life)
Despite the strength of his potential rivals, George Boughey has continued his confident reports on Bow Echo. He spoke to the Racing Post’s Newmarket correspondent, stating “his best days are ahead of him”. The son of Night Of Thunder is unbeaten in four career starts and wowed on the Rowley Mile last month. However, he is reported to have grown physically in recent weeks. He remains the strong favourite for the St James’s Palace Stakes with bookmakers. (Racing Post)
The Lion In Winter suffers fatal injury on gallops
Sad news emerged from Ballydoyle on Thursday morning with the death of The Lion In Winter. Aidan O’Brien’s charge was a highly promising juvenile, landing a hot edition of the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York. He defeated another ill-fated horse that day in subsequent 2000 Guineas hero Ruling Court. Despite going winless at three, The Lion In Winter was campaigned in top contests throughout 2025. He won on his return this season, but passed away on the gallops this week. O’Brien said that “on his day he was very talented.’’ (Mirror)
Wesley Ward renewed royal team headed by Outfielder
Wesley Ward is to return to Royal Ascot this year after missing the 2025 meeting. His team for 2026 will be headed by Outfielder among seven raiders in total. The three-year-old is set to contest the Commonwealth Cup for owners Amo Racing. He was last of 14 to Gstaad at the Breeders’ Cup over 1m, but has a much better record in sprint races. Ez Tin and Through The Years are also among his chances this season. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Goff’s London Sale arrives in time for British summer
Just before Royal Ascot 2026 gets underway, the Goffs London Sale will begin. Potentially the most attractive of horse racing auctions, the action takes place at Kensington Palace. The weather is set to turn for the better just in time for Goffs’ fortunes. Previous horses to go through the sale include two=time Group 3 winner Givemethebeatboys. (The Times)