St James's Palace Stakes

(British Champions Series) Group 1, Ascot 16:20 £650,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 7f 213y, Class 1

Tweet Tuesday 16th June 2026

1 Bow Echo 5/6F
2 Gstaad 2/1
3 Talk Of New York 11/2
6 ran Distances: shd, 1¾l, 4l
Time: 1m 38.48s (fast by 0.72s)

A MIGHTY fight!

Bow Echo has toughed it out to take the St James's Palace Stakes narrowly ahead of Gstaad in a serious Guineas rematch. pic.twitter.com/IQXmWz77cv

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 16, 2026

The eagerly anticipated rematch between Betfred 2,000 Guineas one-two Bow Echo and Gstaad lived up to expectations, with George Boughey’s unbeaten colt narrowly coming out on top after a gripping duel.

Having defeated Gstaad by almost three lengths at Newmarket, the 5-6 favourite was made to work much harder on this occasion as Ryan Moore enjoyed a smooth passage aboard his rival along the inside rail.

Bow Echo travelled strongly on the outside approaching the final two furlongs but was unable to shake off Gstaad once Billy Loughnane asked him to lengthen.

The pair pulled clear passing the furlong marker and engaged in a thrilling battle to the line, with Bow Echo showing tremendous determination to prevail by a short head. Talk Of New York ran with credit on his first start at the highest level, finishing almost two lengths back in third.

Boughey said: “I think that was the first time Bow Echo has really been in a battle. It got quite scrappy early on and he was almost a bit keen at one stage, but I think we’ll see an even better horse now he’s experienced that.

“Billy felt another horse came back into his lap and admitted he may have had to commit a little earlier than ideal. I’ve thought for a while that a mile is as far as this horse wants to go and I’d like to ride him with a little more patience in an evenly run race.

“It’s a dream to train horses like him and to do it with Billy makes it even more special. He’s an exceptional talent, both on and off the horse, and I’m delighted to provide him with an unbeaten Guineas winner who has now won at Royal Ascot.

“The plan is to head to the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. He’s taking his racing well and, all being well, that’s the next target.”

Loughnane said: “The first furlong was crucial. I got squeezed early and Bow Echo became a little lit up, so it was a case of getting him settled and back into his rhythm.

“Another horse came back into our lap which meant I had to move sooner than I would have liked, but his determination got him through.

“He has a fantastic turn of foot and huge ability. Gstaad probably enjoyed a more economical trip than we did, but my horse showed how tough he is when it mattered.

“There’s always pressure riding an unbeaten Guineas winner, but it’s the sort of pressure you want. I’m privileged to be associated with him and grateful to George and the owners for their faith.”

Aidan O’Brien said of Gstaad: “I’m delighted with him. Ryan gave him a great ride and although things were a bit rough early on and he ended up further back than ideal, he finished the race incredibly well.

“A furlong out you wouldn’t have expected him to get so close, but he was closing with every stride and the winning post just came a little too soon.

“We’ve always thought he would stay further than a mile if we ever wanted to step him up in trip.”

Charlie Appleby said of Talk Of New York: “I think we’ve got a very nice horse who will continue to improve. He was a little warm beforehand and found things happening quickly in the opening stages, but he just looked slightly inexperienced in amongst horses.

“We’re not too far behind the best of this generation.”

William Buick added: “It was a super run from Talk Of New York. I had a nice trip through the race and the front two are simply very good horses.”

St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1)
£650,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 7f 213y, Class 1
6 ran
Going: Good to Firm

running order

THE ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES
Past Results