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Queen Anne Stakes Opens 2025 Royal Ascot with Thrilling Victory
Royal Ascot 2025 opened in emphatic style as Docklands, trained by Harry Eustace and ridden by Mark Zahra, stormed from the rear to land the Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) in a dramatic photo finish. The five-year-old gelding edged out favourite Rosallion by a neck, sealing a first top-level win for both jockey and trainer in the opening act of the prestigious five-day meeting.
For those following expert betting insights, Docklands’ ability to finish strongly and handle pressure had been flagged as a factor to watch in the lead-up to the meeting.
Race Summary
- Race: Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)
- Date: 17 June 2025
- Winner: Docklands
- Jockey: Mark Zahra
- Trainer: Harry Eustace
- Distance: 1 mile (straight)
- Time: 1:41.39
- Going: Good to Firm
- Field: 10 runners
- Runner-up: Rosallion (beaten by a neck)
- Third: Cairo
- Favourite: Rosallion (5/2)
A Commanding Late Surge Under Pressure
Deployed from the rear, Docklands navigated a clear path down the centre in the final furlong. Zahra lost his whip with approximately 200 metres to go but maintained composure, riding hand-and-heel to drive the gelding forward.
“Everyone kept scaring me about the whip rules, I thought it was easier just to throw it away at the 200 [metres]!” – Mark Zahra, post-race interview
Despite this, Docklands powered ahead to record a winning time of 1:41.39 on Good to Firm ground, securing not only Zahra’s debut ride at Ascot but also his first Group 1 victory — a moment that delighted punters who used top online betting sites offering competitive odds on the race.
Milestone Group 1: Triumph for Trainer Eustace
For Newmarket-based trainer Harry Eustace, this marked his inaugural success in a Group 1 race. Eustace praised Docklands’ resilience and affinity for Ascot:
“He has the most unbelievable mind and constitution. He loves being a racehorse… he was the most exposed horse, but he loves the track, which is a big plus.” – Harry Eustace, post-race comments
This performance underlines the gelding’s maturity and readiness for elite competition.
Rosallion and Cairo Round Out the Podium
The Richard Hannon-trained favourite, Rosallion, commanded the field with two furlongs remaining but was unable to resist Docklands’ late push. Cairo, from the Aidan O’Brien stable, finished third, approximately one and three-quarters lengths behind.
Queen Anne Stakes: Tradition and Prestige Maintained
Since being assigned the status of Ascot’s opening race in 2014, the Queen Anne Stakes has consistently attracted Europe’s best milers. Named after the monarch who founded Ascot Racecourse in 1711, the race has seen champions such as Frankel, Palace Pier, and Lord Glitters grace its roll call. With this performance, Docklands claims his place among these elite winners.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of Ascot Awaits
Following such a compelling opener, Royal Ascot 2025 continues to promise elite action. Upcoming highlights include the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on Wednesday and the prestigious Gold Cup on Thursday. If Docklands’ display is anything to go by, the remainder of the meeting is poised to deliver further drama.
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