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Reports18 June 2025

James McDonald strikes for Wathnan Racing as Crimson Advocate pounces late in Duke of Cambridge

Crimson Advocate: another winner for Wathnan
Crimson Advocate: another winner for WathnanCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Crimson Advocate swooped late to land the Duke of Cambridge Stakes for James McDonald and Wathnan Racing.

The filly, who won the Queen Mary for previous trainer George Weaver in 2023, showcased an impressive turn of foot to gain back-to-back wins in the race for John and Thady Gosden, who struck with Running Lion last year.

Hot favourite Cinderella's Dream had to settle for second and was beaten by a length and three-quarters. Sent off at 5-4, the Godolphin filly was forced to switch to the outside as they turned for home and looked to threaten approaching the two-furlong pole.

However, James McDonald's mount proved too quick, surging past the rest of the field.

Wathnan’s first-choice jockey, James Doyle, finished third on the Karl Burke-trained Fallen Angel, who travelled well before being outpaced in the final furlong.


What the winning racing manager said

Richard Brown: "James gave him a great ride and delighted to have rewarded him with a winner, the filly was impressive there and quickened nicely. There's a lot of people here and lot of work goes into it. It's a very hard place to have winners so we're very lucky.

"John and Thady have done a tremendous job. They've got a phenomenal team back there at Clarehaven. To come back two years later and win this is nothing short of extraordinary."

What the winning jockey said

James McDonald: "I’m absolutely delighted. She gave me an absolutely beautiful ride. I’m very honoured to be wearing the Wathnan silks. 

"It’s so special riding at Royal Ascot, I can’t really put it into words. I just can’t thank enough people for the opportunities to be here on the big stage. Even when you don’t have a chance and you’re riding here, it's such a huge thrill."


Read more . . .

'He's a pretty good horse' - One Royal Ascot runner, one Royal Ascot winner as gritty Carmers sees Paddy Twomey's red-hot form continue 

Gstaad form franked as stablemate True Love justifies favouritism in Queen Mary 


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