Overview
- Warrant Holder, the King’s four-year-old, was overtaken on the inside and finished a close second to Opportunity in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes on Friday.
- Opportunity was ridden by New Zealand jockey James McDonald for trainer William Haggas and won by almost two lengths after a late inside run.
- Trainer John Gosden said Warrant Holder ran well from an unfavourable wide draw at stall 17 and that giving the winner 5lb harmed his chance.
- King Charles and Queen Camilla were visibly emotional in the Royal Box, at times shouting encouragement, and later went to greet Warrant Holder’s connections.
- The defeat means the royal family remain without an Ascot winner since Desert Hero’s 2023 success, underlining how small racing margins and race position can decide outcomes.