Causeway continued his remarkable rise with a fifth consecutive victory after surviving a determined challenge from Ancient Egypt in the King Edward VII Stakes. The three-year-old showed plenty of courage and staying power over the 12-furlong distance, edging ahead in the closing stages to secure a narrow success at Royal Ascot.
King Edward VII Stakes result
Causeway delivered a King Edward VII Stakes victory in a hard-fought contest that went right down to the final strides.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Causeway travelled prominently throughout the race before being asked for his effort in the straight. Ancient Egypt emerged as a serious challenger, and the pair battled all the way to the line, with Causeway prevailing by only a neck.
The leading duo pulled clear of the field, finishing 10 lengths ahead of Water To Wine, who stayed on well to claim third place.
The win extended Causeway’s unbeaten run to five races, following previous successes in a maiden event, handicap, Listed race and Group 3 company. His progression through the season has marked him as one of the more exciting three-year-olds to follow.
O’Brien explained that Causeway’s development has come with every step up in distance. The trainer noted that the colt had moved from a mile to a mile and a quarter before taking on the mile-and-a-half challenge, adding that his relaxed nature can sometimes make it difficult to judge his full ability.
“He is very lazy, so it is hard to know what is in there,” O’Brien said, praising Moore’s handling of the colt and his ability to get the best out of him.
Moore was equally impressed with Causeway’s attitude, saying the colt kept responding whenever he was asked for more. The jockey added that there could still be improvement to come as the horse continues to mature.
Ancient Egypt’s effort earned plenty of respect after the colt finished runner-up following a quick return from the Derby. Trainer Charlie Johnston said he felt proud of the performance, especially considering the demanding circumstances surrounding the race.
Johnston admitted there were concerns about running again so soon, but the signs at home suggested Ancient Egypt was ready to compete. The colt stayed on strongly and showed that he belonged at this level.
Water To Wine’s trainer John Gosden also saw positives in his third-place finish, suggesting the horse would benefit from easier conditions in the future. Gosden described him as an immature but talented prospect still learning his craft.
The King Edward VII Stakes once again highlighted the strength of this generation, with Causeway’s continued improvement providing another chapter in an already impressive campaign.
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