'He's an absolute legend' - Ed Bethell has Regional primed as he bids to go one better on opening day of Royal Ascot

Regional (right): wins the 5f handicap at York

Regional (right) aims to go one better in the King Charles III StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The rags-to-riches tale of Group 1 winner Regional could have another chapter, with Ed Bethell priming his stable star for redemption in the King Charles III Stakes.

The seven-year-old was bought for just 3,500gns in 2021 but has amassed more than £700,000 in earnings through a sprinting career, which has included delivering Bethell his first Group 1 victory in the 2023 Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Regional has proved his worth time and again at the top level, with several brave efforts in defeat, including when a length second to Asfoora at Royal Ascot last year, and Bethell is confident he has his flagbearer on track to go one better.

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Catherine MacraeReporter

Published on 10 June 2025inRoyal Ascot

Last updated 13:00, 10 June 2025

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