2026 Sun Chariot Stakes Result and Replay - Blue Bolt propels Balding into Championship lead

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Sat 03 Oct 2026 13:48

Jon Vine 1 hour ago

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Full result of the 2026 Sun Chariot Stakes
Blue Bolt won this Group One at Newmarket on Saturday
Watch a replay of the Sun Chariot Stakes finish here on our website

Colin Keane riding Blue Bolt (pink cap) win The Duke Of Cambridge Stakes on day two during Royal Ascot 2026. (Getty)

The 2026 Sun Chariot Stakes seemed like a foregone conclusion before the off, as Blue Bolt dominated the betting.

Andrew Balding's filly put herself in contention to win the Cartier Horse Of The Year award after collecting her third Group One in a row on Irish Champions Weekend. Blue Bolt added the Matron Stakes to her sensational CV with the minimum of fuss, and bookies were taking no chances, cutting Colin Keane's mount into 1/4 before the off.

City Of Memphis suffered her first defeat of the season in the Matron, and Paddy Twomey's raider had two lengths to find with the favourite from their clash at Leopardstown. St Leger heroine Saffie Osborne partnered Calendar Girl, who was backed into third favouritism on the morning of the contest.

Shane Foley rode Evolutionist for Karl Burke, with Jane Chapple-Hyam represented by Kon Tiki. Sir Mark Prescott ran Moon Target, with Ralph Beckett's Secret Of Life completing the seven-strong field.

2026 Sun Chariot Stakes Result

Position	Name	SP
1st	Blue Bolt	1/4
2nd	Evolutionist	25/1
3rd	City Of Memphis	15/2

As soon as the stalls opened, Moon Target veered straight to her left, and David Probert made the running along the inside rail. Secret Of Life kept the leader honest in the early stages. Blue Bolt, meanwhile, tracked over to the leaders from stall two and sat third through the first couple of furlongs.

The early pace was pretty swift, and Shane Foley had to roust Evolutionist along to keep up with the gallop. Kon Tiki travelled keenly behind Blue Bolt, with City Of Memphis and Calendar Girl sitting in midfield.

Colin Keane seemed keen to keep Blue Bolt off the rail and out of trouble. Probert committed aboard Moon Target at the three-furlong pole and opened up a three-length lead. Keane, however, never looked flustered, and the favourite hit the front going into the dip.

Moon Target began to fall away as Blue Bolt took command of the contest. Evolutionist caught the eye as she made good progress from the rear. City Of Memphis quickened up nicely too, but they were merely fighting for the minor places. Blue Bolt still had plenty left in the tank as she crossed the line a convincing winner.

Andrew Balding looked delighted, despite the facile nature of his mare's victory. That success helped Balding to the top of the Champion Trainer standings, leaving Aidan O'Brien with just a couple of weeks to bridge the gap.