Lazzat Makes History for France, Seals Wathnan’s Royal Ascot Domination

Captured the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and Ended a French Drought Dating Back to Before World War II; Doyle and Reynier Shine Bright

James Doyle and Lazzat Bring Royal Ascot to a Thrilling Close / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKSHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- The 2025 renewal of the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes will go down as one for the ages. Lazzat not only broke a decades-long drought for France in the prestigious sprint—becoming the first Gallic winner of the race in the modern era and the first since before World War II—but also delivered a fifth victory of the week for Wathnan Racing, sealing their emphatic domination of Royal Ascot.

In a thrilling 1200-meter straight shootout, the son of Territories, now trained by Jerome Reynier, held off the late surge of Japanese favorite Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa) by half a length under a determined ride from James Doyle. Three lengths back, Flora Of Bermuda (Dark Angel), also racing in Wathnan's colors, completed the trifecta after racing freely early on.

“Lazzat had already proven his quality winning the Maurice de Gheest (G1) at three,” Reynier said. “We took him to Australia and Hong Kong, and I was honestly worried that the travel might have caught up with him. But he showed he’s a true champion.”

Reynier added: “We tried stretching him out to a mile, but he’s a natural sprinter. Now that he’s thriving again, we’ll keep him around six or six and a half furlongs. The July Cup might come a bit quick, so maybe we’ll look to defend his Deauville title or aim for the Sprint Cup and Champions Day. He handles all ground and has a huge heart.”

Doyle, riding Lazzat for the first time, was full of praise: “I can’t take all the credit—Jerome gave me all the right info, and Antonio Orani, who rode him previously, did a fantastic job getting him here. When I felt Satono Reve looming, I knew Lazzat wouldn’t give in. He pinned his ears back and fought like a true warrior. He’s as genuine as they come.”

For Wathnan Racing, racing advisor Richard Brown summed up the significance: “It’s been an incredible week, and this is the cherry on top. What a race. Lazzat got into a ferocious battle with the Japanese horse, and they pulled clear of the field. He’s a phenomenal colt and we’re so grateful to have him. This is the product of major investment and hard work by a brilliant team.”

Brazilian ace João Moreira, who partnered Satono Reve, was gracious in defeat: “We were confident, and my horse delivered, but we ran into a better one today. I thought I had him for a moment, but Lazzat found another gear. I have no complaints—my horse gave it everything.”

As for Flora Of Bermuda, Brown added: “She ran a cracking race. Maybe she did a bit too much early—I’ll need to watch the replay—but she’s always there or thereabouts. Her day will come.”