Adrestia made a notable impression on the Royal Ascot stage as she claimed top honours in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes, providing a significant breakthrough for the father-son training duo of Simon and Ed Crisford. The Havana Grey filly, carrying the silks of KHK Racing, produced a strong surge down the centre of the track to land the win in confident fashion.
Following a promising third-place finish at Windsor less than two weeks prior, Adrestia stepped up sharply, displaying class and determination in a crowded 24-runner field. Guided expertly by jockey Oisin Murphy, she found her rhythm early and responded gamely when asked for an effort, passing the post a length clear of Hammer The Hammer, with Redorange finishing third. Zayer came in fourth, while favourite Realign could only manage ninth.
For the Crisfords, this triumph was their first together as co-trainers at Royal Ascot. Simon Crisford had previously tasted success at the meeting on two occasions individually, most notably with A’Ali in the 2019 Norfolk Stakes. The latest win, however, held a special resonance as it marked a new chapter for their team and reflected a shared ambition fulfilled on racing’s grandest stage.
Confidence in Adrestia had been quietly building within the yard, with Simon Crisford indicating pre-race optimism based on her recent form and favourable handicap mark. That belief was justified in style, as she delivered on her potential when it mattered most. Ed Crisford acknowledged the early concerns about the draw but praised Murphy’s tactics in navigating the race and bringing out the best in the filly.
Oisin Murphy, celebrating his 19th Royal Ascot win, reflected positively on the filly’s progression. He noted that Adrestia had shaped well in her seasonal return at Windsor and that today’s race setup played to her strengths. Positioned behind a good pace, she travelled with ease before asserting her superiority in the final stages.
This win was also a proud moment for KHK Racing and their advisor Chris Wall, who highlighted the careful planning and late seasonal start Adrestia had undergone. Although the ownership’s principal, Sheikh Khalid, could not attend due to circumstances in the Middle East, the team dedicated the win to his ongoing support and passion for success at Royal Ascot.
Runner-up Hammer The Hammer lost nothing in defeat, with his connections noting the ground may not have suited him perfectly, suggesting he could thrive under slightly softer conditions. Still, it was a commendable effort in a hotly contested field.
With two winners from just four runners this week, KHK Racing can reflect on a highly successful Royal Ascot campaign. Adrestia, meanwhile, has firmly announced herself as a filly to follow, with black-type aspirations now back in view for the rest of the season.
