Almeraq Claims Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in Dramatic Photo Finish
Almeraq secured his second victory of the season with a stunning nose triumph in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the final day of Royal Ascot. The four-year-old colt, sent off at 25-1, produced a remarkable late surge on the far side to deny a high-class international field over six furlongs.
Australia’s Joliestar and Japan’s Satono Reve were locked in battle entering the final furlong before Almeraq burst through to snatch victory in a blanket finish. Ryan Moore guided Satono Reve to second place for the second consecutive year, while the 15-8 favourite Joliestar settled for third.
The win completed a remarkable recovery for both horse and connections after a worrying fall at York last September left regular rider Jim Crowley requiring surgery on pelvic and leg fractures. Trainer William Haggas celebrated his fourth winner of the meeting, while jockey Tom Marquand collected his third Royal Ascot success aboard the colt.
“I’m not just saying this for effect, genuinely my first thought when I thought I’d won was for Jim,” Marquand said after the race. “This horse and him both took horror falls at the back end of last year. Jim’s fighting for his career – he should be aboard this horse. It’s his ride.”