People turned up to Royal Ascot hoping for a magical moment — maybe even a royal winner to kick things off.
But while the King and Queen’s runner didn’t deliver on the track, the real show-stopper came from an unexpected yet dazzling source.
The first day of this prestigious racing festival had its fair share of surprises, and none bigger than Field of Gold, whose commanding performance left racing fans breathless and talking long after the dust had settled.
Reaching High Falls Flat in Heavy Traffic
There was plenty of buzz around the King and Queen’s horse, Reaching High, who entered the Ascot Stakes as the hot favourite.
Unfortunately, the gelding’s run was hampered by a traffic jam on the track — the racing kind, not the motorway — and he never really recovered.
In the end, he was nowhere near the finish, as 20-1 outsider Ascending stormed to victory instead.
But even if Reaching High had lived up to the hype, it’s fair to say that the spotlight still would’ve shifted — and rightly so — to the main act of the day.
Field of Gold Steals the Show in St James’s Palace Stakes
When Field of Gold and jockey Colin Keane lined up for the St James’s Palace Stakes, the 45,000+ crowd had no idea they were about to witness something special.
But two furlongs from home, Keane gave the reins a nudge — and the grey colt exploded like he’d been shot out of a cannon.
“It’s instant,” Keane said with a grin. “When you ask him to go, he just does.
He’s right up there with the best I’ve ever ridden.”
Field of Gold, the 8-11 favourite, delivered with confidence, speed, and a final burst that made even seasoned racing fans gasp.
A Family Legacy That’s Only Growing Stronger
For those who love a good backstory, Field of Gold’s win was made even sweeter by his bloodline.
His father, Kingman, also triumphed in the very same race back in 2014.
But according to trainer John Gosden, Field of Gold may have just raised the bar.
“He might’ve even surpassed his dad,” Gosden reflected.
“That was something truly special. Kingman had brilliance, but this was electrifying.”
Gosden’s praise carries weight. He doesn’t throw out compliments for headlines — and given the strength of this field, including top-class rivals like Henri Matisse and Ruling Court, this win meant even more.
A Royal Performance for Juddmonte and a Lasting Tribute
For Prince Saud bin Khalid of Juddmonte, this victory was personal.
“It’s a great feeling to have a horse like this,” he said.
“And for him to be Kingman’s son, it makes it even more meaningful. This is my father’s legacy living on.”
Indeed, the Juddmonte green and pink silks continue to symbolise excellence on the track, and Field of Gold looks set to carry that torch for a long time to come.
Magic Moments All Around the Track
While Field of Gold’s win may have taken centre stage, there were other feel-good stories throughout the day.
Docklands delivered an early surprise in the Queen Anne Stakes, and later, American Affair lit up the King Charles III Stakes.
That win was particularly special for veteran trainer Jim Goldie, who celebrated his first-ever Royal Ascot victory.
The horse was expertly guided by Paul Mulrennan, the top Northern jockey who earned praise from none other than the King himself.
“This is just an amazing sport,” Mulrennan smiled. “Last time I had a winner here, I had jet black hair.
Jim’s a genius when it comes to understanding his horses.”
Royal Ascot Proves Again Why It’s One of a Kind
Day one had everything: Royal hopes, stunning upsets, emotional wins, and pure racing brilliance.
Field of Gold may not have been wearing royal colours, but his performance was majestic all the same.
For fans who came looking for an unforgettable moment, it’s safe to say they got more than they bargained for.f