Royal Ascot witnessed another dramatic Group One finish on Saturday as Almeraq produced a remarkable performance to deny a high-class international field in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, giving trainer William Haggas and jockey Tom Marquand one of the most memorable victories of the meeting.
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes Result.
Few could have predicted the outcome as the 25/1 outsider, making only his second start since a serious fall at York last season, dug deep in the closing strides to prevail in a four-way battle that had spectators transfixed right to the line.
The six-furlong Group One contest developed into a fiercely competitive affair. Australian challenger Joliestar looked set to claim the prize when edging ahead entering the final furlong, but the race remained wide open as Japan’s Satono Reve, France’s Stolen Kiss and Almeraq all launched determined late challenges.
In a breathtaking finish, all four runners converged on the winning post almost together. Almeraq found just enough in the final strides to defeat Satono Reve by a nod, while Joliestar was beaten a short neck in third. Stolen Kiss was only a head further away in fourth, underlining the exceptional quality and closeness of the contest.
The victory represented a remarkable chapter in Almeraq’s story. A homebred colt, he suffered a heavy fall in a Listed race at York last year, an incident that also resulted in a serious injury to jockey Jim Crowley. Connections resisted the temptation to rush him back, instead allowing him the time needed to recover both physically and mentally.
That patience was rewarded in spectacular fashion.
Haggas praised the horse’s resilience and development, explaining that the four-year-old had been brought along carefully throughout the spring following the York incident. While his recent Listed success at Salisbury offered encouragement, this represented a vastly different challenge against proven international Group One performers.
The Newmarket trainer described Almeraq as a horse the stable had always held in high regard, noting that his relatively light racing career suggests there could be further improvement to come. Haggas also expressed his delight at securing a major Royal Ascot success for the owner-breeders after years of shared success.
He admitted there had been concerns about the quicker ground beforehand but felt the colt had answered every question, producing a career-best display on racing’s biggest stage.
For Marquand, the triumph carried an added emotional dimension. The jockey immediately reflected on Crowley, who partnered Almeraq before the York accident and had played a significant role in the horse’s early development.
Marquand said his first thought after crossing the line was for Crowley, believing the rider deserved immense credit for the work he had done with the horse before circumstances forced a change. He also praised the Somerville Lodge team for once again guiding a talented horse back from a significant setback.
The rider acknowledged that Almeraq was not entirely comfortable when surrounded by rivals during the race but showed admirable determination to work his way through a crowded field before producing his challenge. According to Marquand, the experience gained from his Salisbury victory may have helped rebuild the confidence that had been tested by last year’s fall.
Crowley, watching from the sidelines, admitted the result brought mixed emotions. While delighted for everyone connected with the horse, he acknowledged wishing he could have been aboard for the Group One success.
He reiterated the belief long held within the team that Almeraq possessed top-level ability and praised Haggas and the stable staff for their patience in bringing the colt back to peak condition after such a serious incident.
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 2026 Result also showcased the strength of international sprinting. Australia’s Joliestar lost little in defeat after a brave performance under James McDonald. Trainer Chris Waller expressed satisfaction with the mare’s effort, believing she had fully reproduced her Australian form and earned plenty of admirers despite narrowly missing out.
McDonald echoed those sentiments, describing the mare’s run as outstanding and suggesting little could have unfolded more favourably during the race itself.
French challenger Stolen Kiss also emerged with considerable credit. Co-owner Pauline Chehboub felt the performance confirmed the four-year-old’s Group One credentials and predicted that major success at the highest level would come in the near future.
Yet the afternoon belonged to Almeraq. From a horse recovering from a traumatic fall to a Group One winner at Royal Ascot, his journey culminated in one of the most compelling stories of the meeting and a Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes 2026 Result that will be remembered for both its drama and emotion.
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