Sober delivered a commanding performance to seal victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes, bringing Royal Ascot 2025 to a spectacular close and adding yet another prestigious success to Willie Mullins’ name. The talented stayer demonstrated his class by powering clear of the field, proving why he has long been regarded as a horse with immense potential in the staying ranks.
Previously tested at the highest level in France under Andre Fabre, Sober had already shown glimpses of his quality. But at Royal Ascot, he confirmed that potential with a performance that not only justified his favourite’s status but also hinted at even bigger targets ahead. He crossed the line comfortably ahead of Samui and Wild Waves, underlining his superiority on the day.
The win also provided a memorable moment for OTI Racing, the Australian syndicate who have made a significant mark this week. To claim victories at both the start and conclusion of Royal Ascot—with Docklands winning the Queen Anne Stakes earlier and now Sober conquering the finale—is no small feat and reflects the strength of their international ambitions.
Terry Henderson, representing OTI Racing, expressed his delight at this achievement and hinted that Sober could soon be bound for Australia, with the iconic Melbourne Cup firmly on the radar. Henderson’s pursuit of Sober has been a long one, having initially attempted to buy the horse two years ago. Though unsuccessful then, patience eventually paid off, leading to a fruitful partnership with Willie Mullins.
For Mullins, this success marks his twelfth Royal Ascot winner, further cementing his reputation for nurturing elite stayers. He acknowledged how much Sober had exceeded expectations, showing significant improvement and establishing himself as a major contender for top staying races on the global stage.
Ryan Moore, who partnered Sober to victory, secured his seventh win of the week and an impressive 92nd Royal Ascot victory in total. He described the performance as straightforward, noting that Sober proved a class above his rivals and lived up to his Group race credentials.
Samui, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Colin Keane, produced a strong effort to finish second, just days after placing third in the Copper Horse Stakes. Despite stepping up significantly in trip, he handled the distance well but found Sober too strong on the day.
Wild Waves completed the top three, but it was clear that Sober was operating on a different level. With nine runners lining up for this historic contest, the final result left no doubt about the emerging star power of the winner.
As the 2025 Royal Ascot meeting concluded, Sober’s emphatic display provided a fitting finale and raised excitement about his potential tilt at Australia’s most coveted staying prize—the Melbourne Cup.
