Sir Mark Prescott achieved his first Royal Ascot victory since 1996 with Pledgeofallegiance winning the Ascot Stakes. The horse, who was bought for 450,000 guineas as a yearling, held on by half a length in the race. Jockey Luke Morris was able to take up an early position behind Boher Road, ultimately striking home a long way out.
Prescott, who also previously won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Alpinista in 2022, expressed his satisfaction with the win, mentioning the high expectations placed on the horse due to his price tag. He had been concerned about the draw, with Pledgeofallegiance being drawn one, but Morris rode the race well, making sure to keep pushing and get the horse in the desired position.
Israr secured victory in the Listed Wolferton Stakes for John and Thady Gosden with Jim Crowley in the saddle. The horse, dropping in class after a strong performance at Chester, won impressively by three and a quarter lengths.
The Copper Horse Handicap closed out the day with Willie Mullins winning for the second time with Belloccio. Formerly trained by David Menuisier, the grey made a successful return to flat racing after a win over hurdles at Punchestown last month. He was guided to victory by jockey William Buick, narrowly beating out Lmay for the win.