Sat, 20th Jun, 2026  Almeraq This horse and him both took horror falls at the back end of last year, Jim’s fighting for his career, he should be aboard this horse, it’s his (ride). For Jim, this is as hard as it gets, missing Group Ones. It’s great to have him here and hopefully he can find a bit of pleasure seeing this lad get up off the ground and win a big one. It was a great race, I was so busy watching both of them (his runners) because Lake Forest was coming from the back and I thought Almeraq was gone as he was off the bridle halfway. He obviously stayed on very well. I’m very sorry for the Japanese horse, it’d have been lovely to have had a Japanese winner. It’s terrific that they come across the world to race here and support our biggest meeting, I’m delighted to beat them but long may it continue. He had a fall at York last year where poor Jim got injured along with another jockey (Trevor Whelan), he took a long time to come back and it’s been gently gently this spring. He won nicely at Salisbury, but this was a complete jump in class and he’s coped with it nicely. I would think the (July Cup) would be the natural step, for sure. May I say how thrilled I am for Shadwell, I’ve been involved with them for some time. It’s very difficult here, it’s hard for everyone who is trying to compete.

Fri, 19th Jun, 2026  Opportunity I did see the royal colours and I’ve deep respect and admiration for them. I was just glad to get a winner at Royal Ascot, that’s the main thing and I’m enjoying every minute of it. I go home Sunday, but I want to be back next year. This time last year he behaved appallingly here, he was too free, he was a mess and he ran awfully. I said it on Wednesday, a patient trainer needs patient owners. We put him away, gelded him and he’s come back a different horse. He’s a bit soft, he needs nourishment, not punishment. He received the most magnificent ride, the horse was relaxed, breathing properly, and then the rest is history — it’s great.