Lazzat Dashes to Victory as Japan’s Royal Ascot Wait Continues

French-trained colt Lazzat denied Japan a historic first Royal Ascot win, surging ahead of favourite Satono Reve in a thrilling finish. Ridden confidently by James Doyle, the 9-2 shot held on to win by half a length and handed trainer Jerome Reynier and owners Wathnan Racing a second win of the day.

Satono Reve, making Japan’s 13th attempt at breaking their Royal Ascot duck, looked strong but couldn’t match Lazzat’s final burst. The victory was followed by drama as Lazzat unseated Doyle shortly after the finish and galloped loose before being caught safely.

Reynier praised Doyle’s execution, contrasting it with a previous ride by Flavien Prat, whom he criticised for a disappointing run with Facteur Cheval earlier in the week. “James knew he had it won. He followed the instructions perfectly,” Reynier said. “Lazzat is a bit of a character, but he’s our star.”

Rebel’s Romance and Humidity Shine on Royal Ascot’s Final Day

Elsewhere, Rebel’s Romance handed trainer Charlie Appleby a much-needed win in the Hardwicke Stakes—his first Royal Ascot success since 2022. The seven-year-old, ridden by William Buick, added a remarkable eighth Group One victory to his global résumé, which already boasts triumphs in Dubai, the U.S., and Hong Kong. Buick described the horse as “a dream partner” after they beat Al Riffa comfortably.

In the Chesham Stakes, aptly named two-year-old Humidity, trained by Andrew Balding and also ridden by Doyle, delivered again for Wathnan Racing, bringing up a double for both trainer and owner.

Meanwhile, Oisin Murphy claimed his fifth win of the meeting aboard Quai De Bethune in the Golden Gates Stakes, boosting his tally behind top jockey Ryan Moore, who secured his seventh win with Sober in the Queen Alexandra Stakes.

Attendance Up, Records Fall

Royal Ascot 2025 wrapped up with John and Thady Gosden emerging as top trainers with five wins, narrowly edging out Aidan O’Brien on runner-up placings. The five-day meet saw 286,541 spectators attend, a notable increase of 13,000 from last year.