ASCOT (United Kingdom) — Almeraq broke Japanese racing hearts as Satono Reve was runner-up for the second successive year in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in a thrilling climax to the final day of Royal Ascot.
Satono Reve went down by a nose to 25/1 outsider Almeraq, who has made a remarkable comeback after a terrible fall at York last September.
Indeed, Almeraq’s usual jockey Jim Crowley is still out of action as a result of the fall, but was present to see him put his name up in lights at the historic meeting.
Tom Marquand benefitted from Crowley’s misfortune but his first thoughts were for him.
“I am not just saying this for show, my first thought was for Jim,” said Marquand according to AFP.
“He and the winner had a horror fall, but it is he who should be aboard this horse, it’s his horse.
“It is as hard as it gets for a jockey seeing horses you normally ride win Group Ones.”
Crowley took missing out with good grace. “That is very kind of Tom,” said Crowley.
“It is great to see the horse win, obviously he (Almeraq) hit the ground same as me.
“It is a great training performance to get him back.”
