The King and Queen enjoyed a change of fortune on the opening
day of Royal Ascot after their homebred colt Lorca’s Waltz secured
victory more than 220 miles away at Beverley.
Just hours after royal hopes were dashed at Ascot when the
heavily-backed Reaching High finished last in the Ascot Stakes,
Lorca’s Waltz provided a welcome boost by landing the Connexin
Ultrafast Maiden Stakes in East Yorkshire.
Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Harry Davies, the
three-year-old gelding battled bravely to prevail by a nose from
Race To The Edge in the seven-and-a-half-furlong contest.
Lorca’s Waltz, who was bred by King Charles III and runs in the
ownership of The King and Queen, was making only the second start
of his career. After racing prominently, he was switched left two
furlongs from home before making headway and getting up in the
closing stages to secure victory.
The success came on a day of contrasting emotions for the Royal
Family’s racing operation.
At Royal Ascot, Reaching High started favourite for the Ascot
Stakes following strong support in the betting market. Trained by
Willie Mullins and ridden by Ryan Moore, the gelding was expected
to challenge for top honours but faded rapidly in the closing
stages and crossed the line last of the 20 runners.
The result denied The King and Queen what would have been their
first Royal Ascot winner since Desert Hero’s memorable success in
the King George V Stakes in 2023.
However, the victory of Lorca’s Waltz ensured there was still
cause for celebration within the royal colours on a day when
attention was focused firmly on Ascot.
For Haggas, one of Britain’s leading trainers, the success
represented another notable winner for the royal owners, while
Lorca’s Waltz could now be set for a step up in class after getting
off the mark at the second attempt.
The King and Queen have continued to build upon the late Queen
Elizabeth II’s racing legacy, maintaining a strong presence in
British racing through a carefully managed string of horses
carrying the famous royal colours.