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.
