Progressive stayer Limestone continued his impressive development with a determined success in the G2 Queen’s Vase, giving trainer Joseph O’Brien another major moment during the Royal Ascot meeting. The three-year-old showed his battling qualities when it mattered most, holding on by the smallest of margins after a thrilling finish.
Queen’s Vase results
Limestone secured victory in the G2 Queen’s Vase after a dramatic final run towards the line.
Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, Limestone was pushed along early in the straight before finding extra reserves late on. The son of New Bay produced a strong finish to deny the closing Del Maro by a nose, while front-runner Ranga Tang stayed on for third, a length behind the leading pair.
The win marked another step forward for Limestone, who arrived at the race following a Listed success at Navan. His latest triumph completed a four-race winning sequence, with previous victories coming at Listowel and Cork as he continued to build a reputation as a promising staying prospect.
Limestone’s victory in the Queen’s Vase highlighted both his stamina and toughness, qualities that have become increasingly noticeable with each appearance.
O’Brien praised the horse’s attitude after the narrow result, admitting he feared victory had slipped away in the closing stages.
“The horse is very tough and tenacious. It was a close finish, but I am delighted to come out on top,” O’Brien said. “Dylan gave him a fantastic ride. He got a great position and controlled the race, which was exactly what we wanted.”
The trainer believes Limestone still has plenty of improvement ahead and sees a bright future over longer distances.
“He has got better with every race and has an outstanding pedigree. He is a son of New Bay who has improved with every start, so we will see how far he can climb,” O’Brien added.
Browne McMonagle explained that the race unfolded as planned, with Limestone able to settle into a favourable position before using his stamina late in the contest.
“I was very happy going into the first turn. Limestone jumped well and I rode forward. He is a big galloper with a lovely cruising speed, and it worked out well when a couple took it off us,” the jockey said.
The rider felt the pace change tested Limestone briefly but was confident the horse would finish strongly.
“I knew he would come alive in the last furlong and hit the line well. He is a very tough horse and he is improving with every run.”
Del Maro’s trainer Charlie Appleby was encouraged by the runner-up effort and suggested the colt could develop into a leading staying performer.
“He is a nice staying type. His pedigree suggests he will stay, and we rode him to come home. You will have to treat him as a potential St Leger horse,” Appleby said.
Royal runner Point Of Law finished fourth, with John Gosden noting that the horse faced difficulties early in the race but showed promise for future engagements.
“He got knocked back early, but he showed a great attitude and stayed on well. He is a nice horse for the future,” Gosden said.
The result further strengthened Limestone’s position among the emerging staying horses of the season, with his consistency and determination becoming defining features of his progress.
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