Windsor Castle Stakes

Listed, Ascot 18:10 £125,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1

Tweet Wednesday 17th June 2026

1 King Of Cloughan 33/1
2 Moonrise 66/1
3 Harlequin Sky 125/1
25 ran Distances: ½l, ½l, 2¼l
Time: 1m 13.34s (slow by 1.34s)

That boy Billy Loughnane again! King Of Cloughan wins the Windsor Castle Stakes! #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/j5KLDiDGqx

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 17, 2026

King Of Cloughan caused a surprise in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes, shedding his maiden tag at odds of 33-1 and providing Joseph O’Brien with a third winner of a memorable Royal Ascot week.

Racing among the group towards the stands’ side, Billy Loughnane guided the son of St Mark’s Basilica through a gap at the crucial stage before the colt quickened clear to record a convincing half-length success.

Moonrise, sent off at 66-1, finished second, with 125-1 outsider Harlequin Sky another half-length away in third.

King Of Cloughan was dropping back in trip after narrowly missing out in a seven-furlong maiden at Leopardstown behind Chesham Stakes contender Nola Soul, and the move proved an inspired one.

O’Brien said: “We felt bringing him back in distance was the right decision, although it was difficult to be confident given he’d been beaten in two maidens.

“We’ve always liked the horse and thought he had every chance at Leopardstown, but we came away a little disappointed. Looking back, I think the trip was against him and the winner could be a very smart colt.

“Billy gave him a lovely ride and I’m delighted for owner Michael Burke. Royal Ascot is such a special place that if you have a horse capable of running well, you have to take your chance, and today proved that.

“I’d imagine he’ll contest another good sprint in the coming weeks. I think six furlongs will suit him this season and hopefully he can develop into a horse for races like the Middle Park Stakes later in the year.

“We came here believing we had a strong team and they’ve justified that confidence. Seeing their good form translate into winners at this meeting is very satisfying.”

Loughnane said: “I wasn’t sure what was happening on the opposite side of the track, but I had a dream run through.

“He relaxed beautifully and travelled with plenty of ease. My main instruction was not to commit too soon, so I was delighted to be able to wait before producing him late.

“Having run over seven furlongs last time, the stiff six here held no fears for him.

“Joseph O’Brien is a genius and the way he prepares his horses makes my job very straightforward. To ride winners on both days I’ve been here doesn’t get much better, and I’m grateful for opportunities like this.”

Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
£125,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1
25 ran
Going: Good to Firm

Windsor Castle Stakes Winners