Khaadem Shocks the Odds: An Unlikely Triumph in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
Frankie Dettori received a warm ovation from racegoers as he made his final appearance at Royal Ascot. However, luck was not on his side in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, as the unexpected +7900 outsider, Khaadem, emerged as the victor.
Dettori rode Kinross, who failed to make an impact and had no chance of winning. Meanwhile, Jamie Spencer and Khaadem finished strongly, overtaking Sacred just before the finish line to claim the prestigious Group One prize.
Spencer shared, “I followed Frankie’s lead and let the frontrunners set the pace. It’s hard to put into words what the owners mean to me. Winning Group Ones is always challenging, but it’s an amazing day.”
He added, “I’m going on vacation with Frankie tomorrow. My friends warned me that he’ll be insufferable, but I guess it won’t be so bad now!”
In the opening race, Snellen narrowly held off the late surge of the racing bookmaker favourite, Pearls And Rubies, trained by Aidan O’Brien. It marked Gavin Cromwell’s second Royal Ascot victory as a Champion Hurdle-winning trainer. Snellen, ridden by Gary Carroll, made a well-timed move to secure the win.
Cromwell commented, “She has shown promise from the beginning and continues to progress. Her dam excelled in longer distances, so I believe she can go even further. We haven’t thought about the Classics yet; let’s enjoy today’s victory. This filly has great potential and a promising future.”
He added, “She’s entered in the Moyglare, which seems like the perfect race for her. I didn’t have a runner at Royal Ascot until two years ago, and I had promised myself not to attend until I did.”
Although O’Brien faced disappointment in the first race, Age Of Kings bounced back from a lackluster performance in the Irish 2,000 Guineas to win the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Dettori, who rode the favourite Covey, took an early lead but struggled when challenged, ultimately finishing outside the top positions. It marked a less successful outcome for the renowned jockey on this occasion.