Royal Ascot 2025 delivered its usual dose of world-class racing, electric atmospheres, and unforgettable moments.
From seasoned stars bouncing back to form to emerging talents stamping their authority, the week provided plenty of future clues and talking points. Below, we highlight four of the most memorable performances that lit up this year’s Royal Meeting.
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Field Of Gold – St James’s Palace Stakes
It was a top-class performance from the John and Thady Gosden team as Field Of Gold soared to victory in the St James’s Palace Stakes. This colt had shown promise in both Guineas runs earlier in the season, and at Ascot, he confirmed he’s right up there with the best of his generation.
Colin Keane, now firmly established as the go-to rider for Juddmonte, gave him an inch-perfect ride. Sitting quietly as the field turned for home, Keane timed his move to perfection—edging right, slicing through the pack, and asking his mount to go. The response was electric. Field Of Gold quickened smartly, pulled clear, and galloped strongly through the line.
It’s been a busy campaign for him so far, so a short break wouldn’t be a shock. He’s currently the 10/11 favourite for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood but also holds an entry in the Eclipse at Sandown (6/4), giving connections plenty of options. Wherever he goes next, this Royal Ascot performance marks him out as a serious player for the rest of the season.
Ombudsman – Prince of Wales’s Stakes
The Gosden juggernaut rolled on with Ombudsman producing a striking performance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Despite losing his unbeaten record to Almaqam in the Brigadier Gerard, he returned to top form at Ascot, cementing his place among the elite middle-distance horses in training.
Still relatively lightly raced, Ombudsman looks like a horse on an upward curve. He’d shown versatility before, but this effort underlined that he thrives on quick ground. If he comes out of this race well, the Eclipse (7/4) could be next—an ideal stage for a horse going from strength to strength.
Rebel’s Romance – Hardwicke Stakes
Rebel’s Romance silenced the doubters and stormed into the Royal Ascot spotlight with a commanding win in the Hardwicke Stakes. Overcoming a wide draw, he travelled powerfully and surged clear in the final stages to win with real authority.
This victory was especially sweet for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin, snapping a frustrating 37-run winless streak at the Royal Meeting that stretched back to 2022. It was a reminder of both the horse’s enduring quality and the stable’s resilience.
Now third on the all-time list of British prize money earners, Rebel’s Romance has just one more milestone left: a domestic Group 1 win. He’s 10/1 for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and on this evidence, he’s a serious contender.
Lazzat – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
One of the most thrilling finishes of the week came in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, where Lazzat showcased heart and class in equal measure. The Wathnan Racing colours were carried to victory in style, with James Doyle guiding the French-trained colt to a memorable success.
Lazzat showed high cruising speed and real tenacity, especially when the Japanese challenger Satono Reve loomed up late. But the response was immediate—he dug deep, found more, and crossed the line in front. That effort looks even stronger considering Satono Reve has smart form behind Hong Kong’s rising sprint star Ka Ying Rising.
