Wathnan Racing, James Doyle, and Karl Burke have secured a win in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. The victory was claimed by Leovanni, the daughter of Kodi Bear, who was a 22/1 underdog in the five-furlong Group Two race. Leovanni maintained a prominent position throughout the race, running down the center of the track and pulling ahead in the final stretch to win by a length and three-quarters. Mighty Eriu finished in second place, closely followed by Maw Lam ridden by Hollie Doyle, with both horses starting at 50/1 odds. Miss Lamai, also trained by Burke, secured the fourth spot.
Kassaya, the 7/2 favorite, failed to make an impact in the stands’ side group. James Doyle, the jockey for Leovanni, shared the credit for the win, acknowledging the hard work put in by the team behind the scenes, particularly Richard Brown, the racing adviser to Wathnan.
Reflecting on the race, Doyle expressed his satisfaction with Leovanni’s performance, highlighting her potential as a smart filly. He emphasized the challenges of making choices in horse racing, referring to his experience in the Coventry Stakes where his chosen horse finished poorly. However, he expressed confidence in Leovanni’s abilities, drawing comparisons to his previous victory in the race with Rizeena in 2013. Doyle praised Leovanni’s raw speed, ability to relax, temperament, and adaptability to different ground conditions, indicating a promising future for the filly.
The victory in the Queen Mary Stakes marks a significant achievement for Wathnan Racing, James Doyle, and Karl Burke, showcasing their expertise in training and racing. The unexpected success of Leovanni at 22/1 odds adds an element of surprise and excitement to the Royal Ascot event, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of horse racing.
As the racing season continues, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate upcoming events and races, looking forward to witnessing more thrilling performances and unexpected outcomes on the track. The Queen Mary Stakes victory serves as a reminder of the passion, dedication, and talent involved in horse racing, capturing the essence of the sport and its enduring appeal to a global audience.