Prior to the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday, Khaadem’s odds were a hefty 80-1.
Despite being a major underdog at 80-1, Khaadem staged a dramatic upset in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the prestigious Royal Ascot.
With Jamie Spencer as the jockey, Khaadem secured the title as the highest-priced victor in the history of the race.
Khaadem narrowly bested Sacred (9-1), while Highfield Princess, the 11-4 favorite, took third place.
On his final day of racing at Royal Ascot, Frankie Dettori participated in five races but was unable to increase his 81-win record at the event.
Dettori, 52, who plans to retire after this season, shared, “It’s been an incredible journey spanning 35 years. I have relished every moment of it. I haven’t had a chance to fully process everything today due to my busy schedule. It was a bittersweet day, but I’ve had a fulfilling run.”
“As I walked into the weighing room today, I felt as young as 16 again. This place has brought me luck. Perhaps it’s for the best that I didn’t win my last race; the fanfare might have been too much,” Dettori mused.
Although Dettori couldn’t sign off with a win on Saturday, he did secure four victories during the week, most notably in the Gold Cup on Thursday.
Dettori, aboard Courage Mon Ami (15-2), clinched his ninth Gold Cup, further extending his impressive record with the Queen’s Vase on Wednesday and two more victories on Friday.
Dettori’s Royal Ascot career ends with 81 wins, making him the second most successful jockey in the history of the event, trailing only Lester Piggott who recorded 116 wins.
In the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, Khaadem, under Charlie Hills’ training, started strongly and powered past the field.
Highfield Princess led for most of the race, but Spencer stayed patient and, within the final furlong, guided Khaadem past the leaders for the win.
This victory marked the second significant win for Spencer, 43, this week, who also led Witch Hunter to a 50-1 victory on Thursday.
Meanwhile, at Ascot, PJ McDonald achieved his inaugural victory at the event, steering Pyledriver (7-2) to victory in the Hardwicke Stakes.
In the Chesham Stakes, Gary Carroll navigated Snellen (12-1) to a close win over favorite Pearls and Rubies (7-4), trained by Aidan O’Brien.
In the Jersey Stakes, Age of Kings (22-1) offered another surprise, giving O’Brien his fourth win of the week, despite Age of Kings not having raced for more than 300 days.
The final race of the day, the Golden Gates Stakes Handicap, was Dettori’s last at Royal Ascot, where Burdett Road (20-1) took the win, beating out co-favorites Lion of War and Local Dynasty (9-2).
The Royal Ascot 2023 concluded with the Queen Alexandra Stakes, where Dawn Rising (2-1), the day’s only favorite to win, was ridden to victory by top jockey of the week, Ryan Moore. This marked Moore’s 78th win at Royal Ascot.
The day ended on a somber note for Aidan O’Brien, with Canute suffering a fatal injury after breaking a hind leg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Royal Ascot
Who won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal Ascot?
Khaadem, a horse with odds at 80-1, clinched a surprise victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal Ascot.
How did Frankie Dettori perform at his last Royal Ascot?
Frankie Dettori, on his final appearance at Royal Ascot, participated in five races but did not add any wins to his existing tally of 81 victories. He plans to retire at the end of the season.
Who was the top jockey at the Royal Ascot 2023?
The top jockey of the week at the Royal Ascot 2023 was Ryan Moore, who rode Dawn Rising to victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes. This marked his 78th win at Royal Ascot.
Who had a surprise win in the Jersey Stakes?
In the Jersey Stakes, Age of Kings (22-1) pulled off a surprise result, providing trainer Aidan O’Brien his fourth win of the week.
More about Royal Ascot
- Royal Ascot Official Website
- Frankie Dettori’s Career Highlights
- Ryan Moore’s Career Achievements
- Khaadem’s Race History
- The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
3 comments
such an exciting royal ascot with surprises all around! khaadem pullin off a big win, derttori sayin goodbye, and moore showin why he’s the best jockey. love the thrill of horse racing!
wow khaadem at 80-1 what a surprize victor! frankie derttori is a legen, sad to see him go, he’s had such an amazin career at royal ascot. ryan moore top jokey, great job!
khaadem’s win was absoloutly shocking, 80-1 odds and they did it! derttori’s farewell wasn’t a big bang but he’s a true champ with 81 wins! congrats to ryan moore too, he’s rockin’ it at royal ascot!