Oisin Murphy finally added a Royal Ascot winner to his résumé when he rode Giavellotto to a short‑head triumph in the Hardwicke Stakes on 12 June 2024, a victory he credited to a quick word of encouragement from His Majesty King Charles.
What happened at the Hardwicke Stakes?
Giavellotto, a 9‑to‑1 outsider trained by Marco Botti, slipped past favourite Kalpana in a photo‑finish that left the crowd buzzing. The Hong Kong‑bred colt, fresh from a third‑place run behind Calandagan in Dubai, tracked Kalpana through the straight before launching a decisive surge inside the final furlong. Murphy, perched on the inside rail, timed his move perfectly, crossing the line a neck ahead of the 9‑to‑4 favourite.
How did Murphy and the team set up the race?
Botti explained that Giavellotto thrives on firm ground and a strong pace, both of which materialised at Ascot’s July Course. He told Murphy to “follow Kalpana, she will take me to the furlong marker,” a plan the jockey executed without hesitation. Murphy later recalled a brief chat with King Charles before the first race, where the monarch urged him to stay the course despite a winless week.
Why does this win matter for Oisin Murphy?
The victory marks Murphy’s first winner of the 2024 Royal Ascot meeting, ending a run of 20 previous wins at the festival without a top‑level triumph. It also boosts his confidence ahead of a potential Hong Kong campaign, a target Botti hinted at after the race. For a jockey who has amassed numerous Group 1 victories, breaking the Ascot duck adds a missing jewel to an already glittering record.
What reactions followed the finish?
Trainer Marco Botti praised both horse and rider, calling Murphy “brilliant” and “always gives his best.” Owner Marco Botti added that Giavellotto’s optimum distance is a mile and a half, and the Hardwicke’s 1 ½‑mile test suited him perfectly. Andrew Balding, whose mare Kalpana finished second, admitted pride in his runner despite the narrow loss, noting the soft ground would have favored his horse.
What’s next for Murphy and Giavellotto?
Botti hinted at a freshening spell before targeting a return to Hong Kong, where Giavellotto already boasts a Group One win. Murphy, meanwhile, will likely aim for more Ascot success later in the meeting, hoping the momentum from the Hardwicke can carry him to additional victories before the festival concludes.
How did the race unfold for the other contenders?
French challenger Goliath, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, entered the contest but lost a stirrup in the final furlong, hampering his run. Soumillon described the mishap, saying his iron slipped as he tried to adjust his footing. Goliath ultimately finished third, providing a respectable effort for trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
The Hardwicke Stakes will be remembered as the day Oisin Murphy finally turned his Royal Ascot fortunes around, delivering a win that felt as personal as it was professional.