Hollie Doyle and Bradsell tasted Royal Ascot success once more after surviving a dramatic stewards’ enquiry to keep the King’s Stand Stakes.
Bradsell landed the six-furlong Coventry Stakes last term, yet had shown plenty of speed in his recent work and his trainer was able to persuade connections to supplement him for the five-furlong dash.
Doyle, gaining her fourth Royal Ascot success, was positive from the stalls aboard the three-year-old and had Highfield Princess for company throughout, in a race few ever really got into.
But it was not all plain sailing for Doyle and Watson, who had to survive a stewards’ enquiry as Bradsell – sent off a 14/1 chance – drifted left in the final furlong and intimidated 7/4 favourite Highfield Princess and jockey Jason Hart.
After an agonising deliberation by the stewards, it was a sweet success for Watson, who had to endure Dragon Symbol losing the 2021 Commonwealth Cup after an enquiry.
Bradsell and Hollie Doyle get to the line first in the King’s Stand ahead of Highfield Princess
Doyle’s mount had three-quarters of a length to spare at the line, with 50/1 shot Annaf running a huge race to be third for Mick Appleby.
The victory makes Doyle the first female rider to win a Group One at the Royal meeting and makes her the winning-most female jockey at the meeting.
Bradsell and Highfield Princess come together in the closing stages of the King’s Stand Stakes
Watson told Sky Sports Racing: “I’m just delighted. For a yard like us to win a Group One here is huge.
“It’s pure dread when the ‘bing bong’ [stewards’ enquiry] happens, especially having just been chinned in the Coventry.
“He can go and be a stallion now when the time comes. I’m so proud of him.”
