The King and Queen could be on course for a first St Leger victory since Queen Elizabeth II’s famous triumph with Dunfermline after Point Of Law enhanced his Classic credentials with an impressive success at Newmarket.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt, owned by Their Majesties, landed the Group Three Bahrain Trophy on the opening day of the July Festival, immediately strengthening hopes that he could end the Royal Family’s long wait for victory in the oldest of Britain’s five Classics.
Following the victory, bookmakers cut Point Of Law to 12-1 for the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster in September.
The three-year-old was bouncing back from a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, producing a much-improved display to defeat Galiyan by half a length.
Jockey James Doyle believes the colt has all the attributes needed for Doncaster.
“It’s great to ride a winner in the royal silks, especially as they are very important people in our sport,” he told the Racing Post.
“Things didn’t go to plan at Royal Ascot with Point Of Law but he’s done little wrong in his career so far.
“I thought he would win when I kicked as he stays very well. He would have no problem with the St Leger trip.”
Trainer John Gosden also suggested the Classic is firmly under consideration.
“It’s never easy coming here after Royal Ascot, but he’s done that well,” he said.
“He had to circle the whole field at Ascot, but had a better trip here. He could be a Leger horse but he likes summer ground, so we’ll know more later on.”
The victory has revived hopes that the Royal Family could finally end a wait stretching back almost half a century.
The late Queen Elizabeth II remains the last monarch to win the St Leger, triumphing with Dunfermline in 1977 during her Silver Jubilee year.
King Charles came close to ending that drought in 2023 when Desert Hero, inherited from his late mother, finished a gallant third after arriving at Doncaster on the back of victories at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.
Although Desert Hero failed to overhaul the front two, his placing gave the King and Queen encouragement that another Classic success was within reach.
Point Of Law now appears to offer Their Majesties another genuine opportunity.
The colt also received an immediate form boost after Hatteen, who finished behind him in a maiden at Newbury earlier this season, went on to win the St Leger Trial at Doncaster less than an hour after the Bahrain Trophy.
Should Point Of Law line up at Doncaster in September, he will bid to become the first horse carrying the Royal colours to win the St Leger since Dunfermline etched her name into racing history 48 years ago.
