Royal Ascot 2024

After the Duke of Cambridge Stakes Group 2, with David Howden.

The biggest week in the British Racing calendar.

I was relieved and delighted to ride four winners including two Group 1s, a Group 2 and the Royal Hunt Cup.

It’s very difficult to bring a horse from Australia to race at Royal Ascot. Asfoora was perfectly prepared by Henry Dwyer and the staff at Amy Murphy’s stable. She was excellent on the day and hopefully, she’s a filly I can build a good partnership with throughout this summer in the big sprint races.

Running Lion, a daughter of Roaring Lion, got her much-deserved Group race success in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes. David Howden has been very patient with me after two defeats this year. She was tremendous with a strong display from the front in her victory.

The day concluded with Wild Tiger winning for Saeed Bin Suror and Godolphin. Saeed gave me my first Royal Ascot winner on Benbatl in the Hampton Court Stakes in 2017. It was fantastic to ride another big race victory for him. Wild Tiger is a progressive horse.

I drew a blank on Thursday and Friday. But it was brilliant that Khaadem could win back-to-back Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Trained by Charlie Hills, the 8-year-old was primed for the occasion and never looked like getting beat from two furlongs out.

The season continues with big races nearly every weekend. I’m doing my best to stay healthy and ride as well as I can.