Goldikova Beats Paco Boy at Ascot

Photo: Eric Patterson / Eclipse Sportswire

SUPERSTAR mare Goldikova put in another trademark performance to land a thrilling opener to Royal Ascot on Tuesday, quickening away from her rivals and then holding off the late challenge of Paco Boy by a neck.

In a Group 1 curtain-raiser that lived up to great expectations, the two-time Breeders' Cup Mile winner, sent off the 11-8 favourite, sat behind a good pace set by Calming Influence and third favourite of the 'big three', Rip Van Winkle, kicking for home under Olivier Peslier with about two furlongs to travel.

The pair stretched away to lead by around two lengths, but Lockinge Stakes winner and secondfavourite Paco Boy emerged from the chasers under Richard Hughes and mounted a sustained and steely attempt to reel in the winner, failing only by a neck.

Read More

Division rankings: No debate in this Eclipse race
Last week, I mentioned that as many as seven Eclipse races still have debate swirling around them. I...
Head to Head: Turf queens clash in the Jockey Club Oaks
The Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks Invitational Stakes was inaugurated in 2019 as part of a new racing...
1997 Belmont winner Touch Gold is euthanized at age 31
Touch Gold , winner of the 1997 Belmont Stakes, was euthanized at the age of 31 because of...
With the Angels looks to go 6-for-6 at Aqueduct on Sunday
With the Angels , a 3-year-old filly trained by Linda Rice, will try to go 6-for-6 with her...
Freshman sires: Yaupon remains on top as rivals add wins
Yaupon continues to dominate the 2025 freshman sire standings with 32 wins from 128 starts, maintaining a robust...