With a masterful ride from James McDonald, Crimson Advocate returned to the Royal Ascot spotlight with another dazzling victory

The mare who shocked the field in 2024 was no surprise this time around, as Crimson Advocate captured the G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes with an impressive turn of foot, reaffirming her status as a major player in the mile division

Crimson Advocate starred for the second consecutive season at Royal Ascot / ROYAL ASCOT

Crimson Advocate lit up Royal Ascot once again, this time storming home to take the G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes over a mile, marking her second consecutive year in the winner’s circle at the prestigious meeting. The daughter of Nyquist, who stunned the field in last year’s G2 Queen Mary Stakes under the care of George Weaver, returned to the scene of her breakout victory—now trained by John and Thady Gosden and representing Wathnan Racing—and delivered a performance that left little doubt about her burgeoning class.

With a brilliant ride from Australian ace James McDonald, called up as Wathnan’s second rider for the week, Crimson Advocate was kept in hand at the back of the pack before unleashing a devastating turn of foot inside the final quarter. She sailed past the favored Cinderella’s Dream (Shamardal) to win by 1 3/4 lengths, with stablemate Fallen Angel(Too Darn Hot) running on strongly a neck back in third to complete a memorable 1-3 for the Qatari operation.

“We were confident she’d run well, but I didn’t expect her to mow down three high-class fillies like that,” admitted John Gosden. “When I saw Running Lion in front at the furlong pole, I thought we had it, but Crimson Advocate came flying. Massive credit goes to the team, especially Rob Havlin and Thady, for getting her to settle—she’s learned to relax, and that’s made all the difference.”

Originally under consideration for the G1 King Charles III Stakes over five furlongs, Crimson Advocate has adjusted beautifully to the British program, following a sharp win at Goodwood and a solid effort in the Snowdrop Stakes. Saturday’s success proved she’s more than capable at a mile, and her connections now have bigger targets in sight. “She’s got speed for five but is staying the mile with authority. We’ll have to look at a Group 1 next,” Gosden added.

McDonald, Australia’s former champion jockey, was effusive in his praise: “She was brilliant—settled, switched off, and gave me everything when I asked. The acceleration was electric. To get the call from Wathnan Racing was a huge honor. You don’t say no to Royal Ascot.”

Richard Brown of Wathnan Racing elaborated: “We brought James on a couple of weeks ago to complement James Doyle, who’s been exceptional for us. McDonald is world class, and having him as a second option is a luxury.”

On Fallen Angel, Brown added: “She ran a big race. The ground was a bit quick for her, but she finished off beautifully. Come autumn, with some cut in the ground, she’ll be dangerous—possibly even over 10 furlongs.”

As for Cinderella’s Dream, trainer Charlie Appleby remained upbeat: “William [Buick] thought he had it won, but the winner just came with a late rush. We’ll likely target the G1 Falmouth Stakes next, back on the straight course where she’s most comfortable.”

Running Lion, who set the pace before fading late, held on for fourth, earning praise from owner David Howden: “For a moment I thought we had it. She loves this stage. It was a great run.”