Royal Ascot 2025 concluded its fifth day with a memorable mix of triumph and chaos, as French-trained Lazzat secured a hard-fought victory before unseating his jockey and galloping loose down the course. It was a moment that summed up the drama and unpredictability that has come to define the prestigious meeting.
French Flair Denies Japanese Breakthrough
Ridden by James Doyle and trained by Jerome Reynier, Lazzat held off a late challenge from favourite Satono Reve, denying Japan its first ever win at Royal Ascot after twelve previous attempts. Despite being a 9-2 chance, Lazzat ran with authority, crossing the line half a length ahead of his Japanese rival.
The celebration was short-lived on the track. As Doyle rose in the irons after the winning post, Lazzat veered and unshipped his jockey before galloping free around the Ascot turf. Fortunately, the horse was caught without incident.
Trainer Jerome Reynier was full of praise for Doyle’s execution, noting that the jockey “listened exactly to what we said to him.” The trainer was more critical earlier in the week of fellow rider Flavien Prat’s effort on Facteur Cheval, describing it as “perhaps the worst ride given to one of my horses” after the gelding faded to sixth in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
“James knew he was never going to get beaten,” Reynier added. “He's a funny character, that is why he is Lazzat and he is our champion.”
Double Delight for Wathnan Racing
The win was part of a successful day for Wathnan Racing, who also celebrated a victory with Humidity in the Chesham Stakes. Flora Of Bermuda, also in their colours, finished third behind Lazzat, capping a strong showing by the Qatari-owned operation.
Humidity, a 4-1 shot trained by Andrew Balding and again ridden by Doyle, is a brother to 2022 winner Holloway Boy and was purchased by Wathnan Racing after a promising debut at Newbury.
Rebel’s Romance Caps Stellar Career
There was further success for trainer Charlie Appleby as Rebel’s Romance claimed the Hardwicke Stakes, giving the Godolphin handler his first Royal Ascot win since 2022. Ridden by William Buick, the seven-year-old now boasts victories in the United States, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Britain.
“He’s a dream horse. I’m blessed,” said Buick. “We gel together – he’s my best friend.” The win marked the gelding’s 18th career success and pushed his earnings past £10 million.
Notable Results from Final Day
- Quai De Bethune gave Oisin Murphy his fifth win of the week with a well-timed run in the Golden Gates Stakes, securing a double for trainer Andrew Balding.
- Get It, a 28-1 outsider trained by George Baker, narrowly edged favourite More Thunder in a thrilling Wokingham Handicap finish.
- Noble Champion caused a stir in the Jersey Stakes, winning at 25-1 under Kieran Shoemark for trainer Ed Walker.
Leading Jockeys and Trainers
Ryan Moore emerged as the week’s leading jockey with seven wins, including success on Sober in the Queen Alexandra Stakes. The Willie Mullins-trained stayer is now likely to be aimed at the Melbourne Cup in November.
In the training ranks, John and Thady Gosden led the standings with five wins, narrowly beating Aidan O’Brien, who placed second on multiple occasions.
Attendance and Atmosphere
Royal Ascot 2025 drew a total of 286,541 spectators over the five days — an increase of 13,000 from the previous year — reflecting the event's enduring prestige and popularity. With high-quality racing, international competition, and unforgettable moments such as Lazzat’s unexpected solo gallop, this year’s meeting will be remembered for both its excellence and its eccentricities.
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