Limestone (10-3) secured a narrow victory over Del Maro (12-1) in the Queen's Vase on the second day of Royal Ascot 2026. The three-year-old son of New Bay gave trainer Joseph O'Brien another major success in the Group Two contest over 1m6f.
A Historic Win for O'Brien
Joseph O'Brien previously won the Queen's Vase as a jockey in 2013 aboard Leading Light, who went on to win the St Leger and the Ascot Gold Cup. Limestone now has a chance to emulate that feat, with odds as low as 8-1 for the final Classic at Doncaster.
Race Summary
Under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Limestone stayed at the rear for much of the race as Ranga Tang set a fast pace, leading by six lengths at one point. However, Limestone finished strongly, edging out Charlie Appleby's Del Maro by a nose. Ranga Tang held on for third, with Point Of Law finishing fourth. Favourite Galiyan disappointed, coming sixth.
O'Brien has enjoyed a successful year, with wins at the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National Festival, and the Betfred Oaks. Limestone's victory marked his sixth Royal winner. O'Brien praised the horse's toughness and McMonagle's ride, saying, "The sky is the limit for him."
McMonagle added, "He is a relaxed horse and very tough when it comes to the grind. He's improving, so the sky is the limit."
Appleby, still seeking his first win of the week, acknowledged Del Maro's potential for the St Leger, saying, "You'll have to treat him as a potential Leger horse."
