On the British racing scene, Royal Ascot is the king of the summer festivals. A glut of Group action and quality handicaps are present and correct at this fabulous fixture, as are an iconic mix of Royal processions, extravagant headwear, and an unmatched international flavour.
In recent years, few have exemplified the international element as enthusiastically or spectacularly as US handler Wesley Ward. However, whilst the 2025 meeting is sure to entertain us with an eclectic mix of big personalities, the affable American won’t be one of them.
Ward Stays at Home for the First Time Since 2012
Retiring as a jockey in 1989, Ward set up as a trainer just two years later. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that the California native announced himself to the British racing public. Not too many UK fans had heard of him before the Windsor Castle Stakes, but they certainly had after his charge, Strike The Tiger, caused a 33/1 shock.
After tasting Royal Ascot success, Ward returned to the meeting year after year – even the memorably difficult 2020 failed to quell his enthusiasm. Ahead of the 2025 edition, he had saddled 89 runners at Royal Ascot, winning 12 times and helping a further 15 runners to hit the placed positions.
An interview with Ward has become one of the guarantees of the coverage of the summer spectacular, but the TV crews must head elsewhere for their soundbites in 2025.
In announcing the news that a team, including rising star Outfielder, would not make the trip to Ascot, Ward stated:
“Everything didn’t come together this year, so unfortunately, we couldn’t make it. I don’t think we’ve missed attending Royal Ascot since we first started coming in 2009, and I don’t know who’s gutted more, me or my son Riley. We love Royal Ascot, but sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to.”
Given the class of performers he brings with him and his infectious personality, Ward will be a miss in 2025. However, given his love for the fixture, it would be no surprise to see him return in 2026.
Five US Stars Remain
Of course, the US challenge rarely begins and ends with Wesley Ward. With unparalleled prestige on offer, a win at the Royal Meeting features high on the wishlist of many a transatlantic trainer. In 2025, the following quintet will aim to haul one of the famous prizes back to the land of the Stars and Stripes.
Lennilu, Queen Mary Stakes
With no US runners on Day 1, the unbeaten Lennilu is the first to take to the track in the Day 2 opener. This rapid filly has blitzed her rivals in two US starts and may be the biggest threat to the well-fancied Zelaina from the Karl Burke operation.
Tough Critic, Windsor Castle Stakes
Sired by the speedy Caravaggio, who claimed the 2016 Coventry Stakes and 2017 Commonwealth Cup, Tough Critic is made of the right stuff for Royal Ascot success. Trainer George Weaver also knows what it takes to succeed, having saddled Crimson Advocate to claim the 2009 Queen Mary Stakes. Raced only once in the US, Tough Critic mastered the Wesley Ward-trained Longshoreman at Keeneland and could be a big player in the Day 2 finale.
Sandal’s Song, Norfolk Stakes
With the impressive Charles Darwin and Naval Light heading the market, the betting suggests we could be in for a classic Coolmore vs Godolphin clash in this Day 3 contest. Hoping to spoil the party for the big guns is the second George Weaver runner at the meeting. Sandal’s Song booked his ticket for this with victory in a “win and you’re in” event at Gulfstream Park. That success grabbed the attention of Wathnan Racing, who have since added the Mendelssohn colt to their burgeoning Royal Ascot team.
Bibi Dahl, Albany Stakes
Having witnessed Bibi Dahl chase Lennilu in vain at Gulfstream Park, Jorge Delgado has sensibly avoided the Biancone runner at Royal Ascot. Going in the recognisable Amo Racing silks and costing a hefty $1.35m at the sales, this once-raced daughter of American Pharoah is one of the more intriguing outsiders in the first race on Day 4.
Shisospicy, Commonwealth Cup
Shortly after Bibi Dahl’s lines up in the Albany Stakes, the only Group 1 runner for the US takes to the track. Kicking off with a spectacular 16-length dirt romp at Gulfstream, Shisospicy failed to build on that in two subsequent outings. However, the switch to turf appears to have worked the oracle. Two from two on turf, she posted a career-best win in the Grade 3 Mamzelle Stakes last time out. Jose D’Angelo hit the crossbar with his first Royal Ascot runner, Galbadon, who finished second in the 2024 Windsor Castle Stakes. The Venezuelan handler will have high hopes of going one better with this speedy three-year-old.
With Ward observing rather than leading the charge, the chances of a US win diminish. However, with the above quintet set to take their chance, American racing fans may yet have something to celebrate.