Bradsell survives steward’s enquiry to land King’s Stand Stakes

Lambourn trainer Archie Watson went from ecstasy to agony and then back again as Bradsell survived a stewards’ enquiry to win at Royal Ascot for second successive year.

Bradsell, who won the 2022 running of the Coventry Stakes, showed blistering speed to land the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes under Hungerford jockey Hollie Doyle.

The three-year-old took command of the five furlong contest but the lightly raced colt hung to his left in the closing stages, hampering the challenge of eventual runner-up Highfield Princess.

However, the winning margin of a length meant the stewards declared that the result should stand, meaning Watson avoided a repeat of the 2021 Commonwealth Cup, when Dragon Symbol was denied victory in the stewards’ room.

“I am delighted,” Watson said.

“When Dragon Symbol had the race taken away, it was terrible, and I didn’t want to do too much celebrating, but I am just delighted for everyone.

“I know we’re seen as a big yard, but for a yard like us to be winning a Group 1 here is the best thing on the planet.

“There was dread when that bing-bong happened, but it’s amazing and I’m so pleased for everyone involved.”

Watson was denied a double on the day when 20/1 shot Army Ethos finished a neck behind River Tiber in a thrilling renewal of the Coventry Stakes.