Royal Ascot 2026 began with a stunning upset as Ten Bob Tony, trained by Ed Walker and ridden by Kieran Shoemark, won the Group 1 £800,000 Queen Anne Stakes at odds of 50-1. The victory equalled the longest-priced winner of the race since Garrick in 1950.
Race Recap
The 9-4 favourite Notable Speech, representing Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, failed to end his losing streak at Ascot, finishing sixth. Opera Ballo, also trained by Appleby, led early under Billy Loughnane but was overtaken by Ten Bob Tony, who beat More Thunder by half a length. Opera Ballo placed third.
Jockey's Reaction
Shoemark said: “He travelled superbly. I didn’t think we were going over-quick. We wanted to ride him to run well. He’s clearly in a great vein of form, and came here off the back of his victory at Epsom two weeks ago. I am somewhat surprised but really delighted.”
Just over a year ago, Shoemark was dropped from a high-profile role with John and Thady Gosden after finishing second on Field Of Gold in the 2,000 Guineas. He has since formed a successful partnership with Walker, winning a Group 1 race on Almaqam last month.
Trainer's Perspective
Charlie Appleby lamented Notable Speech's performance: “For whatever reason, he just doesn’t turn up here.”
Shoemark added: “I’m riding for a great stable in Kingsdown Stables, Ed Walker and his team. They do a superb job and prep these horses amazingly. There’s a lot of good ones there. We thought he wanted easy ground but it’s genuine good to firm.”
