Harry Eustace Celebrates Double Group One Wins with Time For Sandals and Docklands at Royal Ascot in England

Sometimes, a single week can change everything — and for Harry Eustace, Royal Ascot 2025 has done just that.

Standing in disbelief, Eustace struggled to find the words after his three-year-old filly, Time For Sandals, clinched a huge victory in the Commonwealth Cup.

The joy was clear — a nod of the head, a quiet smile — the kind of moment you want to bottle up forever.

Back-to-Back Group One Wins for the Rookie Trainer

For many, winning one Group One race at Ascot would be a dream.

But Eustace, just four years into his training career, managed to do it twice in just four days.

Earlier in the week, Docklands stunned the crowd by taking the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes.

And now, Time For Sandals — considered an outsider at 25/1 — powered down the track like a seasoned favorite, sealing her place in the spotlight.

Though there was a tinge of disappointment for the connections of Arizona Blaze, the 28/1 runner-up, who wondered whether a different draw could have changed the result, it did nothing to dull the shine on Eustace’s triumph.

Racing in the Blood — And Now in the Record Books

Harry Eustace wasn’t just born into the sport — he was practically raised on a racecourse.

His father, James Eustace, made headlines back in 1998 when he won the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot.

His uncle David Oughton trained top horses in Hong Kong and scored a major win at York during Royal Ascot’s temporary relocation in 2005.

Even Harry’s brother, David, is now making waves as a trainer abroad.

But while lineage might open doors, it doesn’t win races.

Harry’s journey from studying chemistry at Edinburgh University to calling time on academics to follow his heart shows that passion and grit matter just as much as pedigree.

“We’ve Proved Ourselves This Week”

Speaking after his second Group One win, a still-bewildered but clearly elated Eustace said:
“People are always waiting to see if you can really do it — and we’ve proved it, twice.

This meeting is the biggest stage there is. To win here? It’s massive.”

He added that while he’s grateful for his upbringing in the sport, racing is never easy.

“This game is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to keep pushing.

But I promise you, we’re going to celebrate this — because you never know when the next one will come.”

Emotional Wins All Around

Eustace wasn’t the only one soaking in a career-defining moment.

Jockey Richard Kingscote, who partnered Time For Sandals, was glowing after the win.

And over in the Sandringham Stakes, Kieran Shoemark made a powerful comeback.

Riding 22/1 shot Never Let Go to victory, Shoemark’s success came just weeks after a difficult personal and professional patch, having lost a key riding job earlier this season.

“It’s been a rough six weeks,” Shoemark admitted. “But I’ve had chances that got me noticed.

Now it’s about staying there.”

Old Hands, New Glory

Veteran trainer Willie Mullins, a name synonymous with winning, was back in the Ascot winner’s circle as Ethical Diamond charged home in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.

Even after so many wins, his joy was obvious — as if it was the very first time.

Then came one of the most touching moments of the day.

Irish trainer Joseph Murphy, 70, watched in awe as Porta Fortuna won the Coronation Stakes at 33/1.

It was his first ever Group One success, and his emotional reaction reminded everyone what makes this sport so special.

“This is 50 years of work,” Murphy said, eyes glistening.

“Love, care, dedication — all of it, for our people and our owners. This is what heaven on earth looks like.”