Ombudsman was a brilliant winner of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, surging clear to comfortably defeat his rivals. Earlier on the Royal Ascot day 2 card, Aidan O’Brien reached 99 winners at the meeting courtesy of Victorious.
Here is the racing news round-up as Royal Ascot reaches its midway point.
Royal Ascot: Unstoppable Ombudsman the class act
A hugely exciting Prince Of Wales’s Stakes was turned into a procession by the favourite. Ombudsman defended his title in fine style, arriving from the back of the field halfway up the home straight before devastatingly kicking clear. The race was billed as a duel between Ombudsman and Daryz, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero. However, Ombudsman’s turn-of-foot at the 1m2f trip was too irresistible. Minnie Hauk ended up reversing Longchamp form with Daryz in finishing second. (BBC)
One element of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes under the microscope was team tactics. Said tactics were employed during the St James’s Palace Stakes on Tuesday and pacemakers were again on show on Wednesday. Both John & Thady Gosden and Aidan O’Brien utilised “hares” to set a fierce tempo. Devil’s Advocate and Mississippi River both faded a long way before the conclusion. Christophe Soumillon was banned for eight days after tactical riding on Tuesday. (Racing Post)
O’Briens enjoy Royal Ascot riches
There was good news for O’Brien to start the day two card though. Victorious moved him within one of a century of winners at the royal meeting. Her Queen Mary Stakes success was secured in blazing fashion, with the one-eyed filly storming home late to run powerfully through the line. It was a first success for the far side of the track on the straight course. O’Brien also has the favourite for the Gold Cup, Scandinavia, to potentially bring up the 100. (At The Races)
Joseph O’Brien one-upped his father on the day. He achieved a double courtesy of Limestone and King Of Cloughan. The former was a battling winner of the Queen’s Vase in the second race on the card. Dylan Browne McMonagle guided him to success. However, it was Billy Loughnane who was in the saddle aboard the latter, who delivered a 33/1 shock in the Windsor Castle Stakes. The finale was a race of upsets, with 33/1, 66/1 and 125/1 shots filling the frame. (Irish Independent)
Equine flu reported in vaccinated racehorse
A case of equine flu has been reported in a vaccinated racehorse in Shropshire. The BHA was informed of the case, which came to light on 12 June after the Goffs Arkle Sale. Those who purchased horses at the sale have been strongly encouraged to ensure their horses are fully vaccinated against the disease. The yard in which the diseased horse was based sent out a runner at Uttoxeter 24 hours later. However, it is unclear whether any other horses have been infected. (BHA)