So another year, another Royal Ascot in the books, and as summer finally arrived on cue in Berkshire, the 2024 Royal Meet delivered and how.
Once again throwing up big price winners and some expected and unexpected runners defending their crown, what did we learn from the past seven days?
Lets rewind the clock…
Blockbuster ‘Arc shaping up
Two of the biggest winners of the Royal meet saw Kyprios and Auguste Rodin both return to glory.
Regaining the Ascot Gold Cup and winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes respectively, both could now form a stunning line-up in this year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Currently, 73 runners are pencilled in for the Autumn showpiece, but punters may get quite the showdown.
As it stands, Kyprios, Auguste Rodin, City of Troy, Tower of London, White Birch, Continuous and Luxembourg are set to lock horns.
That would be quite some morsel to chew on.
Though it may be three months and more away, well after the Olympic circus has left town, Paris could be in for another 2024 hallmark diary date.
Illinois eyeing Irish double
Elsewhere, Ryan Moore may not have enjoyed the most sterling of Royal Ascots – Kyprios was one of only six wins – but Illinois was a huge fillip.
Winning the Queen’s Vase by almost two lengths, the 3yo’s 7/4f tag lived up to the billing.
Big things were expected from the son of Galileo, but winless since a Curragh debut at the end of last term, lingering doubts remained.
𝑨 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔
Illinois takes the Queen’s Vase to give Ryan Moore his 80th Royal Ascot win#ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/79ZsAME1sz
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 19, 2024
However, lapping up the fast ground to hold off Highbury and the somewhat unfortunate Birdman, Illinois has taken a big career step.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien is now likely to focus at home, with the potential for an Irish double.
With the Irish Derby to come this weekend back at the Curragh, there may be a trip to Goodwood sandwiched in, followed by the Irish St. Leger as the big carrot in September.
A horse who clearly has no qualms over any ground, Illinois could be set for a dominant run.
Khaadem relishing underdog tag
As 80/1 Rashabar in tow with Billy ‘The Kid’ Loughnane stole the show at Royal Ascot, just perhaps, it was Khaadem who took most headlines.
Once again an unfancied runner in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the 8yo gelding lined up to defend the crown and after another patented late surge, overhauled the game ever-consistent Swingalong to win for the second year on the trot.
Khaadem may have only carried a fourth of his 80s SP from last year, but this was no less a surprise result.
Ascot is clearly home from home away from his Shadwell Stable, but might trainer Charlie Hills now look to Goodwood for another Glorious trip?
Already with a Qatar Stakes and Stewards’ Cup to his name since 2019, the gelding is indeed two trips unbeaten at the West Sussex course.
Before that however, the July Stakes on home Suffolk turf next month is penned in and with a fifth and fourth record in that race for two previous efforts, his price there will be intriguing.
To date, he has only one victory on the July course – his second career race back in August 2018. In any event, the rest of Khaadem’s summer looks to be eventful.
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