Chris Waller, the trainer, was responding to media requests after Joliestar’s narrow defeat in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) when he was informed that His Majesty, King Charles III, desired his presence.
As Almeraq’s trainer, jockey, and owner received their trophies for the sprinter’s unexpected victory, Waller, his wife Stephanie, and their children Tyler and Nikita, were introduced to the King and Queen. Even in defeat, Waller was a figure of interest.
Joliestar had come extremely close to a memorable Royal Ascot win, yet Waller presented himself with the composure of a winner.
“My only fear was to make sure she brought her Australian form to Royal Ascot – and she really did, she stood up today,” Waller remarked.
“We didn’t win today but she ran very bravely. Huge accolades to the winner, it was a tough finish and she came off third best.
“But a top three finish is better than a pass mark, it is a fantastic result.”
It was English trainer William Haggas who once again thwarted Australian ambitions, as his stable’s second choice, Almeraq, a 25/1 outsider according to leading Aussie betting sites, overtook Joliestar in the final strides.
Joliestar, the Chris Waller-trained mare and 15/8 favourite, took the lead around the 400m mark and held off challengers until Almeraq, under the guidance of “Aussie” Tom Marquand, mounted a late run to secure victory by a nose.
The finish was entirely international, with the top four finishers separated by less than half a length. Japan’s Satono Reve (5/2) narrowly captured second place, Joliestar was a short head behind in third, and France’s Stolen Kiss (33/1) was another head back in fourth.
Overpass, the Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter, who had performed creditably for third in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, was unable to replicate that performance on Saturday. After leading until approximately 400 metres out, he faded to finish 13th, beaten by more than six lengths.
Waller and jockey James McDonald came close to another famous Royal Ascot triumph, but Joliestar’s narrow defeat means no mare has won the Jubilee Stakes this century, with the exception of Australia’s iconic Black Caviar in 2012.
“I think she has gained more admirers in defeat,” Waller added.
“Honestly, it is a huge relief to come all this way and have her perform at her best.
“She fought out a great finish which was typical of the week. We have seen some great finishes and unfortunately that was one of them and we have just missed out.
“The cover that we expected during the race didn’t quite eventuate and left us a little bit exposed.
“But James has done a fantastic job, he got her to bounce, got her to travel, got her to quicken.
“The winner has come off our backs but she was very brave. We did ourselves proud, we almost got it.”
McDonald, who has been widely praised by the British media for his exceptional riding at Royal Ascot this week, offered no excuses for the mare’s defeat.
“Joliestar ran superbly, I am so proud of her,” McDonald stated. “I do not really think anything could have gone better as it really unfolded well for us.”
Cambridge Stud’s Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, who own Joliestar, were processing their mare’s narrow loss when they were also invited to meet the King and Queen.
“She has tried her best and just wasn’t quite good enough on the day,” Sir Brendan Lindsay commented.
“I came here full of hope and we have left here pretty happy. James said she slipped going down the hill and that might have been the difference because on the line she was as strong as anything.
“We would have liked to have won but we can’t be disappointed with her third.
“She tried her best and I know everyone in New Zealand and Australia are just as proud of her as we are.
“We just had a life’s experience, Jo and I just met the King and Queen. That was a real treat, a real honour. Life is not too bad.”
Haggas has achieved considerable success at Royal Ascot this week, securing four victories, with Almeraq’s Group 1 triumph being his most notable achievement.
The esteemed English trainer once again served as a spoiler, a role he has frequently adopted in Sydney in recent years.
Haggas prepared Addeybb to defeat Verry Elleegant in consecutive Queen Elizabeth Stakes races in 2020 and 2021. Two years later, Haggas returned with Dubai Honour to win the Queen Elizabeth, ending Anamoe’s winning streak.
Verry Elleegant was the reigning Australian Horse of the Year when beaten by Addeybb in 2021, and Anamoe secured the coveted title after his loss to Dubai Honour.
Lake Forest, a name familiar to Australian racing followers, achieved an upset victory in the Golden Eagle two years ago. He finished a close fifth to stablemate Almeraq in the Jubilee Stakes.
Haggas informed Racing And Sports that Almeraq is unlikely to be a target for the $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 17.
“I doubt that would be a target for this horse. You never say never but there are some good sprints here at home we can look at,” Haggas said of Almeraq.
Haggas revealed that Almeraq’s racing career has been marked by a severe fall the sprinter sustained in a race at York last year, resulting in jockey Jim Crowley sustaining serious injuries.
Almeraq only resumed racing with a narrow victory in the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury last month, but he displayed dominant form at Royal Ascot.
“As you know, Almeraq had a fall at York last year and poor Jim [Crowley] got injured,” Haggas recounted.
“Almeraq was pretty shook up after York. It is quite hard to fall in a race like that at speed, and for a young horse going at speed it was difficult, but we gave him a lot of time. Now, it is onwards and upwards.”
In the background, Waller continued his media interviews. His consistent message was that Joliestar had been brave, he was proud of her effort, and the Royal Ascot experience was highly memorable.
Waller was then invited to Royal Ascot’s distinguished winner’s room for a celebratory drink. Despite the defeat, Waller was a highly sought-after figure.
Given the thrilling nature of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the racing odds for future Group 1 contests will be closely watched by many.
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