Highlights from Day One of Royal Ascot
We look at some of the shock wins and losses from the opening day of Royal Ascot 2024
As we prepare for day 2 of Ascot, let's take a look at the highlights from the opening day.
Billy Loughnane's Stunning 80-1 Victory
Teenage jockey Billy Loughnane made headlines with a sensational 80-1 victory aboard Rashabar in the Coventry Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The 18-year-old secured his first win at this prestigious meeting by a nose, edging out Electrolyte. Reflecting on his triumph, Loughnane expressed, "This is the best feeling in the world. Growing up watching races like this, it has always been a dream of mine to win one."
Royal Presence
King Charles III and Queen Camilla graced the opening day with their presence, adding to the regal atmosphere and grandeur of the event. The Royals have four horses racing at Ascot this year and will be looking to build on their already successful racing season. Their attendance is also expected on Day 2 of Royal Ascot 2024.
Remarkable Group One Winners
Day one of Ascot 2024 also witnessed outstanding performances in the Group One races. Rosallion, Asfoora, and Charyn emerged as top-level winners, showcasing their exceptional talents on the grand stage.
- Rosallion: Following his victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, Rosallion clinched the St James's Palace Stakes for trainer Richard Hannon. With a late surge under jockey Sean Levey, the 5-2 chance denied the Aidan O'Brien-trained Henry Longfellow, while French Guineas winner Metropolitan finished third. Levey, expressing his confidence in Rosallion, said, "I've always had great belief in the horse and hoped that when people say your name, they remember the horse along with it."
- Asfoora: In the King Charles III Stakes, Asfoora, ridden by Oisin Murphy for Australian trainer Henry Dwyer, triumphed at 5-1. This victory marked the sixth time a horse from Australia won this five-furlong sprint.
- Charyn: The opening Queen Anne Stakes saw Charyn, trained by Roger Varian, dominate as the 100-30 favorite. Jockey Silvestre de Sousa, back in Britain after a stint abroad, secured another major victory following his recent success in the 1,000 Guineas with Elmalka.
Thrilling Trifecta and Notable Performances
The Tote Trifecta of the Coventry Stakes paid an impressive £122,667, with the runner-up priced at 40-1 and third-placed Columnist at 50-1. This payout added to the excitement and unpredictability of the day's races.
Noteworthy Wins and Royal Attendance
- Pledgeofallegiance's Victory: Trainer Sir Mark Prescott celebrated his first success at Royal Ascot in 28 years with Pledgeofallegiance, ridden by Luke Morris. The 20-1 shot won the Ascot Stakes, marking Prescott's first win at the meeting since 1996.
- Israr's Triumph: The favorite, Israr, claimed the Wolferton Stakes for jockey Jim Crowley and trainers John and Thady Gosden, showcasing their formidable partnership.
- Copper Horse Handicap: In the Copper Horse Handicap, William Buick rode 4-1 shot Belloccio to victory for trainer Willie Mullins, while the Gosdens settled for second with Lmay.