2026 Prince of Wales's Stakes Results - Ombudsman smashes Daryz to retain Ascot crown
Bow Echo triumphed in the 2026 St James's Palace Stakes, following up his previous success in the 2000 Guineas. The race featured a rematch with Gstaad, who finished a close second after a troubled start. Talk Of New York delivered a strong third-place effort, while Power Blue and Puerto Rico faded after setting the early pace. Bow Echo, trained by George Boughey, underscored his elite status by completing an impressive Newmarket-Royal Ascot double. The key takeaway is Bow Echo’s sustained dominance among three-year-old colts this season.
- Ombudsman wins the Prince Of Wales's Stakes on June 17th
- William Buick's mount runs out an emphatic winner of Minnie Hauk and Daryz
- Read a recap of the race and watch a replay of the finish here
The Prince Of Wales's Stakes was the headline act on day two of Royal Ascot, and two of the world's highest-rated horses clashed for a second time.
Ombudsman powered to a tremendous victory in this race 12 months ago, and was backed into firm favouritism ahead of his return to Royal Ascot. Daryz was well beaten behind Ombudsman in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, but Francis Graffard's star has since reached a rating of 127 following victories in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and two further Group One races this season.
Almaqam made the breakthrough at the highest level when landing the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time out. Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk represented Aidan O'Brien, despite an underwhelming run in that Group One at the Curragh.
Last year's third, See The Fire, returned for a second crack at the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Dancing Gemini ran for Rossa Ryan and Roger Teal. Two pacemakers completed the line-up, with Devil's Advocate and Mississippi River available at triple-figure prices.
2026 Prince of Wales's Stakes Result
| Position | Name | SP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Ombudsman | 11/10f |
| 2nd | Minnie Hauk | 15/2 |
| 3rd | Daryz | 2/1 |
Connections of both Ombudsman and Minnie Hauk emphasised beforehand that they wanted a strongly run race. It was no surprise, therefore, when Mississippi River went straight to the front. Devil's Advocate took a while to get rolling, but soon settled in second alongside Minnie Hauk.
Daryz sat in the second rank, alongside Almaqam. Ombudsman tucked in from his wider draw under William Buick. See The Fire was held up from stall one, and sat last alongside Dancing Gemini.
Ryan Moore soon let Minnie Hauk drop back into the chasing pack, as the pacemakers got to work. Entering the bend, Mississippi River and Devil's Advocate led by a good ten lengths, and still held a commanding advantage entering the home straight.
Minnie Hauk set off in pursuit, as Daryz and Ombudsman both swung wide to challenge. The pacemakers were headed two furlongs from home, and it was Ombudsman who hit top gear first.
William Buick's mount soon strode four lengths clear of Daryz and Minnie Hauk, who maintained vain pursuit. Buick punched the air as Ombudsman crossed the line, becoming just the fourth horse to win back-to-back renewals of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.
Minnie Hauk won the battle for second with Daryz, who simply couldn't match Ombudsman's pace on fast ground. Almaqam kept on gamely to finish fourth on ground which probably didn't suit Ed Walker's star.
2026 Prince of Wales's Stakes Replay
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