Love all heart and class in Prince of Wales’s Stakes
O’Brien filly comes out on top in epic battle with Audarya.
Love had to battle hard for a triumphant return in what proved to be an epic renewal of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. Aidan O’Brien’s dual Classic heroine was back on a racecourse for the first time in 300 days, since completing a clean sweep of three 2020 victories when she added the Yorkshire Oaks to her 1000 Guineas and Oaks successes. In the absence of Lord North, who would have been her market rival but was pulled out of his attempt to defend his crown here because of fast ground, 11-10 favourite Love made all – but had a fight on her hands all the way up the straight as James Fanshawe’s Breeders’ Cup winner Audarya launched a persistent challenge. But Love would not be denied and was on top at the line by three-quarters of a length from Audarya, who was also having her first run since last year, with O’Brien’s second-string Armory third. Ryan Moore had the winner settled in front, with Audarya and My Oberon pulling hard behind, and Love’s relaxed demeanour – on the fast ground which suits her so well – helped her keep enough in hand when she needed it in the final two furlongs.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
‘It’s over!’ Skelton fears title hopes have gone this term
‘The reality of beating Willie is, it’s not reality, I’m afraid.’
-
Next stop the Derby for Trial winner Bellum Justum
Balding: ‘He has ticked a lot of boxes, so we don’t see the point in running him again.’
-
United FA Cup collapse inspired Mullins to stay focused
‘You can’t count your chickens. You just have to go through and keep playing.’
-
Battling Bowen vows to keep pushing title rival Cobden
Welsh rider proud to declare: ‘Whether I win or lose, I haven’t given it up.’
-
Tributes pour in for Olivier Peslier following final rides
‘He is a gentleman and has been a great ambassador for France and for all jockeys.’
-
Peslier grateful for public support on farewell appearance
‘It’s very exciting to see all the people; for me, it is gratitude to everybody for coming.’
-
Nicholls understands reasoning behind Frost’s French move
‘It just strikes me she does ride well and she doesn’t get that many opportunities.’
-
Desert Hero drops back in trip for seasonal reappearance
William Haggas: ‘It’s a nice, stiff track and it’s a good starting place for him.’
-
Macduff team expect Classic Trial test to suit
Colt moves up to 10 furlongs with Derby aspirations on the line at Sandown.
-
‘Talented’ Nostrum makes Mile return at Sandown
Connections hoping to see ‘true’ colt after a difficult 2023 campaign.