Norfolk Stakes
Group 2, Ascot 14:30 £175,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 5f, Class 1
Tweet Saturday 20th June 2026

The Norfolk Stakes has long been one of Royal Ascot’s purest examinations of juvenile speed. Run over the minimum five furlongs, the Group 2 contest demands professionalism, natural pace and the ability to cope with the unique atmosphere of the royal meeting, often identifying two-year-olds destined for much bigger prizes later in the season.

Historically, the race has been fertile ground for future Group 1 performers, with precocious youngsters using victory at Ascot as a springboard to success later in the campaign. It is a contest where experience can be an asset, but exceptional talent frequently proves the decisive factor.

Heading the ante-post betting is Carry The Flag, who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting juveniles seen in the early weeks of the season. Installed as favourite on the strength of his impressive performances, he brings the profile of a colt blessed with both speed and the professionalism required to thrive under Royal Ascot conditions.

His chief market rival is Orthodox, another youngster who has generated considerable enthusiasm through his early displays. The Norfolk Stakes often rewards horses capable of travelling strongly before producing another surge in the closing stages, and his style of racing suggests Ascot’s stiff five furlongs could suit him well.

Also prominent in the betting is Flight Signal, whose rapid progression has earned him a place among the leading fancies. Lightly raced juveniles can improve dramatically from one outing to the next, making him an especially intriguing contender should he continue on his current upward trajectory.

Where Love Lives earned himself a ticket to Royal Ascot after showing admirable determination to land the National Stakes at Sandown and maintain his unbeaten record.

Where Love Lives (Cotai Glory) remains unbeaten, gamely landing the Listed @StarSports_Bet National Stakes for @kevinryanracing @Sandownpark pic.twitter.com/c5q2zkiVAO

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 28, 2026

Kevin Ryan’s exciting two-year-old followed up a winning debut at Thirsk with Listed success in Esher, digging deep in the closing stages of a fiercely competitive contest to prevail by half a length on just his second career start.

The son of Cotai Glory was forced to overcome a number of obstacles during the race, making the performance all the more impressive in the eyes of connections, who believe he can be marked up significantly on the bare result.

Assistant trainer Adam Ryan said: “Personally, I think you can mark him up for that run.

“Everything went wrong and he still managed dig deep and do what he did.”

Even before his Sandown success, the Ryan team had viewed the colt as a potential Royal Ascot contender following the manner of his debut victory at Thirsk, and his latest performance has only strengthened those ambitions.

The Norfolk Stakes is now expected to be his next target as he prepares to take on some of Europe’s leading juvenile sprinters at the royal meeting.

Ryan added: “But (going to) Ascot, it kind of writes itself.

“He looked like an Ascot horse when he won at Thirsk and we’ve always liked him.

“It’s a big step up and the National Stakes is a great trial for two-year-olds – I don’t like to use the word trial because they are two-year-olds – but basically it’s the case of if you win there or run well, Ascot has got to be the next stop.

“He will get an entry in the Norfolk and we will go from there.”

With two victories from two starts, including a Listed success achieved through grit as much as ability, Where Love Lives heads towards Royal Ascot as one of the more intriguing contenders in the juvenile sprint division and a colt whose best days may still lie ahead.

Norfolk Stakes
£175,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 5f, Class 1
21 runners
Going: Good to Firm

running order

Norfolk Stakes Winners